It Could Happen to You

I don't get star struck, generally speaking. I've seen and met many celebrities. Dated celebrities. (I am not bragging, trust me.) Celebrity means very little to me. It means I can google them, sight unseen, and get a little background information. (Especially handy when you're set up with said celebrity.) But the point I'm trying to make is, it takes quite a bit to get me worked up over a person based on their status alone, celebrity or not. There are exceptions, however. A couple of choice musicians, a hand full of writers (who are mostly dead,) and Alan Rickman. Any of those people enter the same room and I would surely lose my cool and revert to some moronic teenage girl with stars in her eyes. I try not to make this fact generally known; because I find it quite embarrassing, but close friends know of my tastes and even still wouldn't hesitate to exploit it if given the chance.

That chance was coming sooner than I expected.

Tuesday started out a day like any other. I woke up ridiculously early (in my opinion anyhow,) got ready for work in record time, and managed to make it work without being late. I wouldn't say my job is boring but it's not for everyone. It's an office position in a high rise building in down town LA. I have my own office. I'm content with it, I suppose. I've lived all over the place but I call Los Angeles home. Lots of people have nasty things to say about it but usually only actors or musicians who see their names and pictures printed in the rag mags or those who feel that "Hollywood" fucked them in the ass, career wise. I'm neither of those. Just a quiet native who tries to mind her own business, make a little money, and have fun whenever possible.

Lunch was going to be a treat today. Michael was taking me out. Even if it was only so he didn't have to eat alone, I didn't mind. Free lunch is free lunch. Michael and I have worked together for two years. He's a nice guy who manages to make me smile at least once a day. He makes working a little better.

The place we were eating, it turns out, was pretty much a fruit stand but I don't care. The Grove is a pretty cool place to shop. An outdoor mall that's pretty much on the borderline of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It isn't uncommon to see the famous or wealthy milling around. But they have some pretty decent eateries at the Farmer's Market. I got there early and was browsing a couture jewelry shop. Trying on thing I would probably never have the money to purchase. Mid-clasp my phone began to ring and I gave the sales associate a smile as I reached for my phone. The petite blond replaced the jeweled ladybug pendant hanging from a silver chain in the display case as I turned to answer.

Michael announced his arrival and mentioned that we would have company at lunch, his cousin and a couple of the cousin's associates. It's not that I mind, but strangers tend to make me a little uncomfortable, especially when I'm looking forward to gobbling down lunch without an audience. I wasn't all that worried and in the worst case scenario I could always order something to go.

As I approached the particular area where Michael and his party were waiting I noticed that I was outnumbered, four to one. Michael was easy to spot. He's got dark hair and a blindingly, unnaturally, white LA smile. Despite his short stature he tends to stick out in a crowd. Crisp white business suit, medium toned Spanish skin, and unreal blue eyes. He isn't bad looking, but certainly not my type. (For one, I prefer a man who is at least an inch or two taller than me. And he was a bit pretty for my taste. I prefer my men a little dirty and a little worn. Natural is probably a better way to describe it.) There was another dark haired man that looked to be older than Michael but had similar features; I pegged him as the cousin. The other two men had their backs to me. Both were tall. The one sitting opposite the cousin was dressed in a simple cotton t-shirt and khakis. He had shoulder length brown hair, parted in the middle, but that was all I could really see of him. The other man was well build. His frame was large but not heavy. His hair was a medium blond mixed with gray, short and slightly disheveled, a few strands in the back hung over his collar. The seat next to him was empty.

Michael stood and greeted me with a hug before pulling my chair out. He didn't normally do this so I assumed he was showing off. As I moved to sit I nearly froze in my tracks. I didn't I managed to ensure my ass made contact with the metal chair but when I recognized the face to my right I lost my breath. Before I could do anything to stop it I felt my face flush. I had to do something now! I stood quickly, bumping the table. Grateful no one had drinks perched on it, it only rattled a couple of cell phones. "I'm sorry," I said quickly. I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back." Michael jumped up, the ass, and grabbed me by the arm gently. "Wait, first let me introduce you." Gently he turned me towards the men and I tried to smile and pretend everything was fine. Michael was loving this. "This, he said as he gestured, "Is my cousin, Geno." I smiled kindly and reached for his hand. Geno turned my palm gently and kissed it. I blushed, as if anyone could tell through the blush I was already sporting. He was handsome in a Julio Iglasias sort of way. "These are his associates, Edward. He's a composer." I nodded and said, "Oh," extending my hand and getting a bright smile with the handshake. "And this is Alan. He's an actor." Yeah! No shit! I was thinking. I tried not to grin stupidly as I extended my hand and nodded.

How could this be happening? And on a lunch break no less. Who says Tuesdays aren't exciting? Jesus. The excitement was almost too much. If you had told me the day before that this would be happening, I would have laughed in your face and asked to share the apparently potent narcotic you'd been hording. But here it was. Me standing there in my black cuffed slacks and my v-neck black shirt, having lunch with a co-worker, and three men I'd never met before. One of which being a odd crush of mine. What? Was this really happening? The tingling sensation I got when I was becoming flustered was buzzing at full force now.

I made eye contact with him for a moment, carefully timing it. Too long and I'd be staring. Too brief and I'd be avoiding eye contact, there for making me obvious. His eyes really were the color of tea. Not quite green, not quite brown. Not really hazel, just a warm honey color with a green undertone. The lines around his eyes were prominent when he smiled, but they only added to the charm of the rest of his beautiful face. And that nose that so many of his fans tend to pine over? It’s even more attractive in person. I knew it was ridiculous and I was behaving like so many of those people I'm embarrassed for. The one's who put people one pedestals. But the man was a lovely creature. If he worked in my office building, no doubt I'd pine over him just the same. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and said, "Hello," before releasing my fingers. I nearly snatched my hand away but thought better of it. I was incredibly proud of how well my body was coping considering the bullshit freak out my mind was currently taking part in.

I smiled and turned to Michael, giving him my best death glare before saying, "I'll be right back. You can start without me." Someone said, "Nonsense." But I couldn't tell you who. I was headed straight for the bathrooms. My only regret was leaving my purse beside my chair. If I'd taken it with me I could probably flee. I rushed straight into the bathroom and sat down on the stall holding my head in my hands and listening to the sound of my pulse thumping in my ears. My initial thought was "ohmygodthiscan'tbehappening" quickly followed by, "oh god, I hope they didn't notice me being weird," and that was followed by, "oh great, now they think I was printing to the bathroom because I had to pee so bad. What if this is the time in my life I ever see that man and he remembers me as the girl at lunch who was in a great hurry to pee?" Ridiculousness! I knew I was being completely irrational but there was no... rationalizing it. I was having a classic freak out.

I stood and took a deep breath. Who cares, right? He's only a person. He just happens to be an attractive person. An attractive person I'm attracted to. And an attractive person I'm supposed to sit next to and eat food with. I can do this. I've eaten with attractive people before.

Ok, now I wasn't making any sense.

I washed my hands and checked my face and hair. At least my hair looked good today. I was thankful for that. Now I just had to get back to the table before Michael opened his big stupid mouth and said anything. -And in the event he did, I think I may well burst into flame.

I calmed myself with some breathing and rationalizing and made my way back to the table, suddenly feeling guilty when I found everyone sitting there not eating. I put on a smile and said, mostly to Geno, "You guys really could have started without me." "Nonsense," came the word again, from my right side, where Alan was sitting. "It would be rude." I blushed despite myself, "I'm not hungry anyway. I think I'll just have some ice cream." Alan's eyebrows arched in a way that made me want to do something incredibly lame, like sigh. "They have ice cream here? Where?" I grinned widely, feeling a little less nervous and pointed over his shoulder. "They have the best strawberry I've ever tasted, aside from homemade." Geno announced, "Well, I'm getting Mexican. What about you?" Edward nodded and everyone looked at Michael, "Greek food." This was the beauty of the farmers market. There were a million different places to not only by fresh food but eat any kind of food you liked. Alan turned to me and smiled, "I will have ice cream."

I laughed, despite myself, and got up, he stood as well and I lead the way. I kept staring at the board of flavors, knowing what I wanted but to afraid to open my mouth and let out a giggle. Alan squinted and looked at the attendant as he approached. "I'm having strawberry and a scoop of chocolate." He looked at me I opened my mouth once, closing it quickly and finally said, "I'll have the same. He smiled kindly and I got the feeling he knew something was up. I felt like an idiot but at the same time I was pretty happy and feeling more relaxed. I was ordering ice cream with Alan Rickman. On my lunch break. I just hoped he didn't see my Harry Potter key chain. I'd be done for.

As we walked back table, the first ones back, and he pulled out my chair for me. I figured it was a British thing. I smiled thanks and sat down. The nervous feeling had morphed into a euphoric, this can’t possibly be happening, but it is, so I better enjoy it, sort of feeling. And there was ice cream. Ice cream had never been part of the fantasy before but it was certainly a nice addition. I didn’t know what to say to him. Should I ask him anything? Silence was safe. So I started eating my ice cream slowly, savoring it. There was silence for a few moments, he was eating too. I’d spotted Michael now standing with Geno and Edward still waiting for their food. Michael was talking to Geno and Geno turned towards me, smiling and then saying something to Michael. I couldn’t make out the conversation but so help me god, if he was talking about me I was going to kill him. The rich voice I had come to recognize broke through my thoughts. “This is good.” I grinned. “Yup. You can’t go wrong with ice cream.” “I’ve tasted better,” he added. I frowned. “Good for you.” Sure it was an immature thing to say but I was a little offended. He looked at me seriously and said, “I didn’t mean any offense.” I stared at my ice cream and continued eating and said unconvincingly, “None taken.” No, no offense. You just basically insulted my taste. Why would I be offended?

Luckily before that awkwardness could envelope me anymore than it already had the other men had returned to the table. They all began eating and chatting amongst themselves, engaging Alan and asking him about shit I knew nothing about. My ice cream was now half finished and I decided this would be a good time to make my departure. I stood and thanked Michael for my lunch, which as it turned out wasn’t actually free at all, and politely said, “It was nice meeting everyone but I’ve got to go.” Michael started making a fuss, “Oh come on, you can’t leave yet. You know we aren’t expected back for an hour and a half. I thought you liked shopping here? We could take a stroll to settle our food.” Edward nodded in agreement and Geno was looking at me sort of pleadingly. I tried not to look at Alan. He went from being an attractive celebrity to a dick about five minutes ago. I was half grateful for it, and half disappointed, maybe more in myself than anything. “I shopped before you got here. It’s ok. I have some errands I need to take care of. I’ll see you back at the office.” I grabbed my purse and smiled. Alan stood up too and I finally looked at him. “Now, I think I may have offended you and I apologize. I really didn’t mean anything by it. I sometimes forget myself when I speak. If that’s why you’re leaving, please don’t.” I flushed with embarrassment. He was quite convincing but now Michael was watching with amusement and curiosity. “What did you say to her?” I silenced him before Alan could answer. “It was nothing, don’t worry about it.” I turned to Alan, “It’s all right. I’m just… embarrassed and…” He was smiling brightly now and before I had the chance to even register what he was going to do he lent forward and kissed me cheek. Geno made a hooting noise and I thought I might die of the fiery hot adrenaline that shot through me. I turned to glare at him with a disgusted but amused look on my face. “Is it like a rule or something that men be pigs?”

I returned to my seat but didn’t really know what to do. I was done eating. A fullness had overcome me the moment I became uncomfortable. “I’m done eating, so I’m going to start shopping, you can catch up with me, all right?” Michael nodded, “I know where you go,” and smiled. Geno stood and shook my hand again, “It was nice meeting you…” “Savannah,” I finished for him.

I smiled at Alan and Edward before walking off. I didn’t really feel like staying but a part of me was hoping I’d at least get some good retail therapy working. I’d barely made it to Banana Republic when I felt a hand tap my shoulder. I turned around to see Alan standing there. He smiled at me, one of many he’d given me in the past thirty or so minutes. He had a little smudge of chocolate on his bottom lip and it made me grin. “You’re going to shop with us?” I said, before he had the chance to remind me about my childish behavior. He cocked his head, squinting before putting on sunglasses. “Yes, if that’s all right.” I nodded. “I don’t mind, I just won’t recommend anything.” It was one of those comments I can’t seem to help making yet always wish I could take back. Unfortunately, the mouth isn’t as forgiving as the keyboard, no backspace. He forced a grin but nodded defeatedly.

I don’t particularly care for Banana Republic but there was a very stand out front with scarves and skirts so I started picking through them, and much to my surprise, so did Alan. He picked up a pink beaded scarf and was looking it over when he caught my gaze. I raised an eyebrow. “Nieces,” he explained. I nodded and handed the merchant a purple sun dress. It looked a size or two too big but that was perfect. I could add a belt or something. Alan pulled up beside me, handing his pink scarf to the merchant as well. “Very pretty but the red one would look better on you.” I looked at him and smirked, “And how would you know?” He pulled out his wallet and handed a couple of bills to the merchant, who was ringing both our things up. “I happen to have a superior sense of fashion. Lilac is a fine color, red would just look better.” I stared at him for a moment before snatching the purple dress out of the merchant’s hand and handing him the red one, all the while glaring at Alan. “Anything else?” I said. Alan nodded, accepting his change and the bag with both our garments. “Yes. You’ll need a belt.”

I would have argued, but he was right. And he had just bought me a forty dollar dress.

By the time we’d visited the third store he demanded I show him the belt. I was now wearing the dress, as I had been since the first store, and no belts were working. I didn’t feel like showing him the belts because the belts were making my waist look thicker than it was. “Fine,” I said, coming out of the dressing room. He looked at it and squinted in confusion, “What’s wrong with that one? It goes well.” I ran my hand over it and shook my head. “I don’t like it…” I wasn’t going to draw attention to my puffy midsection. “But it looks good. So buy it anyway.” I folded my arms. “I’m not spending money on something I won’t wear and went back into the dressing room to get my purse before removing the belt in the hall and taking it back to it’s place. “Fine.” He said, picking up the belt as I set it down and taking it to the counter. I moved beside him, “It’ll look pretty on you.” “Ha-ha.”

I looked down at my watch as we exited the store. “Thank you for keeping me company, and dressing me, but I have to get back to work soon.”

He nodded, “It was my pleasure.” He paused for a moment, “Although I would have loved to pick out some shoes for you.”

I grinned and looked down, feeling fully relaxed now. “Maybe another time.”

His gave a tight grin and said, “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

“When should I pick you up?” He asked.
“You have a car?”

He smirked, “I rented one.”

I nodded, I think I was flirting and being flirted with. “I don’t know when do you want to?”

“We could have breakfast.”

I smiled and almost laughed, “OK then. Let me give you my number.”

I dug clumsily through my purse but he handed me his phone, “Just dial it in and I’ll save it.” So I did.

He leaned in and kissed my cheek, “Until tomorrow then, Savannah.”

“Yeah, until tomorrow.”

I turned and began walking toward my car, grinning like a fool. I wanted to turn around. I knew that was silly but I wanted to see if he was still looking at me or walking away. I faught the urge for a moment and turned my head. He was still where I left him, watching me. He smiled and waved. I turned around and laughed.

I was going to play hooky tomorrow so I could go shoe shopping with Alan Rickman.

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