Don't You Remember

by Lana Davison

  Johnny finished and rolled over on his side taking Eliza in his arms.

  “I hope you enjoyed that?” she said sincerely.

  “I did, but did you?”

  “It was great,” she smiled.

  “Was it?” He sounded surprised.

  “Making love to you is always wonderful, don’t sound so surprised,” she confirmed.

  For Johnny making love to Eliza wasn’t wonderful. Sure it was good, even good enough, but not wonderful or sensational. Perhaps he would never experience sensational again.

  He stroked her back with his finger tips. As they relaxed he remembered the party. “Lize, Michael’s got his birthday party on 9 March. It’s at that nightclub, Amber. Are you free?”

  “I don’t think I am,” she said, rolling over to her bedside table where she had placed her filo-fax. She flicked over to 9 March “Johnny, I’m in Barbados for three days on a shoot.”

  “Never mind. I’m perfectly capable of going on my own. Michael’s wife asked me to perform one song, so I’ll get the guys together and organize something special.”

  “What a great gift for Michael and all his guests. Imagine a private party in a night club and the lead act is an international band called Johnny Cromwell and The Fuel Injectors,” she said, writing the name in mid air and flashing her fingers to highlight the name as if it was a neon sign.

  “Yeah right,” he laughed.

  “It’s true,” she said, playfully slapping his upper arm.

  There was silence for a while as they lay there with their own thoughts.

  “Lize, if I was going to ask you to marry me, and I’m not saying I am.” But that was exactly what he was thinking and she knew it. “If I was going to ask you and if I was going to present you with a ring. What kind of ring would you want?”

  She grinned like a Cheshire cat and responded quickly. “A single princess cut diamond.”

  “That was easy.”

  “I know what I like.”

  “You certainly do.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Eliza left for Barbados and Johnny took the opportunity to plan his proposal. First he needed a ring. He called his assistant, Sandra, who worked remotely a couple of days a week and also at the Hunter Management office for another two.

  “Sandra, hi. It’s Johnny. Listen, can you get in touch with a handful of good jewellers in New York and ask them to provide you with samples of a princess cut diamond. The diamond needs to be excellent clarity and at least one carat. Tell them it’s for a high profile person with a view to buy. I don’t want you discussing this conversation with anyone. You are the only person I have told so there is no way it should get into the hands of the media.”

  “Yes, Johnny, got it. You can trust me,” she replied.

  “Ask them to deliver the ring samples directly to you and you can them present them to me. I only need to look at half a dozen different rings at the most.”

  “OK I’ve got it,” she said, jotting it down on her pad of paper. “I’ll be in touch shortly.”

  “Thanks Sandy. You’re a star.”

  “No, Johnny, you’re the star,” she said jokingly.

  Sandra dealt with all of Johnny’s needs and organized everything from Johnny’s grocery shopping through to his clothes being laundered. She dealt with Johnny’s cleaner and his driver; dealing with any domestic issues, but there were rarely any.

  When Johnny was at home, he wanted down-time and to spend it writing music, reading, working out, or going for a ride or run in Central Park. Occasionally he would experiment and cook something new. While on tour Johnny was surrounded with people constantly, and at home he needed some space. The best part about being on his own was that it gave him time to write music. That was why Eliza still kept her own place a couple of blocks from Johnny. When Johnny took time out to write music Eliza would often go to her apartment and leave him to it. But that arrangement would change once they got married. He would have to buy a much bigger apartment, which wasn’t a problem in the slightest. Johnny’s current apartment suited all his needs for now, but after marriage he would need to have a room completely dedicated to write and rehearse music. It would be his music room with piano, guitars, microphones, amps, etc. He could get used to living with Eliza permanently, as long as he had the freedom and space to write.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  The date: March 9

  Johnny got up and went for an early morning run followed by a workout in the gym at home. He felt firm and fit, ready to take on the world.

  He downed a large bottle of water and heard the phone ring. “Hello.”

  “Johnny. It’s Sandra I’ve got four rings that fit your brief. Can I bring them over to you?”

  “Yes, please do, but use the security car. I’ll send it over to you now.”

  “All right. I’ll be with you within the hour.”

  “See you soon.”

  Johnny wiped his brow with a small towel and decided to end his workout. He could do more but didn’t have to. Johnny looked at his watch and planned his day. He would take a shower, view rings and decide on one, get Sandra to prepare equipment for the band’s performance at the party tonight, late lunch, rehearse song for tonight at home, write some new material if time allowed, make something for dinner – what? He would think about that later. Attire for this evening? Wear stage clothes, leather trousers with vest or shirt unbuttoned.

  Sandra arrived with her bigger-than-life smile always happy to please. She had a pretty cool job, with all her friends being envious that she was the assistant to Johnny Cromwell.

  Sandra entered Johnny’s apartment wearing a long colorful 70’s style wrap skirt, a cotton t.shirt and a leather biker jacket. She dressed unconventionally believing it matched her job title and was in keeping with the somewhat alternative nature accustomed to the music industry. Sandra made her way to the living room, putting four small velvet boxes on the table.

  “These are for you to look at,” she said, motioning for Johnny to open them and take a look.

  Johnny took a deep breath realizing he was about to buy an engagement ring for Eliza. He opened each box up and took a look turning each one round to get a 360 degree view of the diamond. He was no expert, he just had to determine whether he liked the ring or not.

  “Which one do you like?“ he asked Sandra.

  “I like these two,” she said, pointing to the middle two boxes

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know, I suppose the diamond looks more sparkly or something.”

  “Mmm,” he said, “I see what you mean. They’re also the biggest.”

  “Yes, well, they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. So if I choose the ones with the most sparkle and the biggest, it just means that I like the best.”

  “Yes, I bet you do,” he said, shoving her shoulder playfully.

  “So which one?”

  “Which one is the most expensive out of these two?“ he asked, referring to the two middle boxes in question.

  “This one, but not by much.”

  “That’s settled then. I’ll get this one; the most expensive, biggest and shiniest. What could possibly go wrong?” He smiled making Sandra melt for a moment.

  “OK, this one it is,” she announced, collecting up all the other rings. “I’ll take these back and use the credit card you gave me to purchase this ring,” Sandra concluded.

  “Great, Sandra. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re very welcome.”

  “Listen, regarding the party tonight; are all the preparations underway? Have you organized for the equipment to be delivered to Amber?”

  “Are you kidding me?“ she said, pointing to herself. “Look who you are talking to, Miss Organized. Have I ever let you down?”

  “Nope, you most certainly haven’t.”

  “So there’s your answer, all under control.”

  “You’re a star.”

  “Um haven’t we established you’re the star.”


  “So I am. But you’re my star helper.”

  “That I am.” She nodded and stood up to leave, taking her big long bohemian skirt with her as she left.

  *****

  I left work early so I could get ready for the party. I showered and washed my hair leaving myself plenty of time for the finishing touches without being rushed. The phone rang and I went to my bedside table and picked it up.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello, Jen. Are you getting yourself ready for the party?”

  “Yep, getting myself sorted as we speak.”

  “So have you thought any more about my proposal?”

  “Yes.” I smiled into the phone. “I’ve actually sent my CV to some international recruitment agencies and I’m waiting to hear from them.”

  “Would it be too presumptuous of me to believe that you are siding slightly more to moving than to staying?”

  “I’m not making any promises, but I will make up my mind very soon.”

  “You know you could always write a book.”

  “I know, but I haven’t got a story I want to write about.”

  “Well, listen, I’ll be working later than usual but I’ve got my clothes for the party. I’ll shower at work and get a car to come and collect you.”

  “Sounds like a good plan.”

  “Can you be ready for Eight this evening?”

  “I’ll be ready,” I said, looking down at the towel wrapped around my body. “I’ve just had a shower and I’m doing the final touches.”

  “OK, sweet. I’ll see you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you too,” I said, meaning every word of it.

  I hung up the phone and walked back to the bathroom taking my towel off and putting on my underwear. The black dress I had been saving for a special occasion was coming out to play tonight and I knew I would instantly feel pretty special in it. I climbed into the fitted dress, fixing it to my curves. The spaghetti straps and the large gapping back area of the dress meant I could not wear a traditional bra but I did not need to worry about that as there was a push up insertion fitted into the dress giving my bust a natural lift. I turned my body around so my back was facing my full length wardrobe mirror to make sure the crisscross straps lined up perfectly and caught a glimpse of my behind. I smiled at myself realizing it wasn’t half bad.

  The one great thing about getting older is that I’ve started to realize I’m not as horrible, gawky and gangly as I used to think I was. Funny, how hindsight works sometimes.

  I continued to get ready, blow-drying my long brown hair then applying make up, carefully giving myself a perfect smoky eye. When I had finished I took myself back to my full length mirror twirling around a couple of times, first to the right and then to the left. I touched the material on my dress and cupped my hands over my breast area to make sure my boobs where inserted correctly. I showed a slight cleavage, just enough, still leaving something for the imagination. Next I packed a small handbag with my essentials, money, bankcard, keys, lip gloss and small hair comb, just in case. I checked my watch and decided to put my strappy sandals on, locked up and made my way down the stairs, carefully, making sure not to twist my ankle in my heels.

  The car Sean had arranged was already there, so I climbed in. “Hi, I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

  There was silence…

  “Sean? Is everything OK?” Still no answer. “Sean?” I said, shaking him as he stared into my eyes.

  “I’m more than fine,” he remarked, snapping himself out of his trance. “I’m bowled over by you. You look stunning. That dress is so sexy, you look sensational in it. When did you get it? Why haven’t I seen it? I know what I could do with you in that?”

  I laughed. “Thank you and I’ve never worn it before.”

  “Well, you should wear it more often.”

  “Thanks,” I shyly smiled.

  “Well, there’s one thing for sure. I’m going to have the most beautiful girl on my arm tonight.”

  “So how long has it been since you’ve seen your cousin?” I asked, changing the subject.

  “About five years. We’ve always got on; life just gets in the way.”

  “Yes, I know what you mean.”

  “Still, it will be nice to see him after all these years, especially with you on my arm.”

  “Happy to help.”

  We arrived at Amber at 8.30pm with the party officially starting at 9pm. Everyone was told be there before 9pm, so that the birthday boy could make his entrance to a screaming cheer of “surprise!”

  Sean got out of the car and came around to my door opening it up to let me out.

  We entered Amber through thickset metal double doors and followed the staircase downstairs. The sign on the door read: Private Party, Invites Only. I pushed the door open and walked through. The place was packed with people. I held Sean’s hand as he led me to the bar.

  He lent over and whispered “Did you see everyone looking at you?”

  “No,” I said confused. “Why? Is there something wrong?”

  “No, not at all. You are getting the once over because, like I told you, you look beautiful.”

  Sean looked for the bar staff and indicated for them to come over to us. “Two gin and tonics,” he said to the barmaid.

  Sean looked around for any familiar faces.

  “Do you know anyone here?”

  “I’m looking for my brothers,” Sean replied, still scanning the dark room.

  I looked around and noticed a stage with equipment on it but didn’t think twice about the hired band.

  Sean saw one of his two brothers, waved and nodded to him to come over.

  I sipped on my gin and tonic realizing the big entrance would take place any minute. I told Sean I was going to the bathroom so that I could make sure I was back in time. As I walked to the bathroom I did feel a few eyes on me, but I didn’t look up at anyone to verify this, instead choosing to think I was being paranoid.

  *****

  Johnny had arrived and waited back stage, if that’s what you called the back of a stage at a nightclub. He playfully ran his fingers through his hair and fixed his leather shirt and trousers he decided to wear, in keeping with his image. As soon as everyone shouted ‘surprise!’ the band would enter and play one of Michael’s favorite tunes called, ‘If You Were Mine’.

  Dave, the guitarist in the band entered back stage after collecting some drinks at the bar. “I just saw the most stunning woman I have ever seen.”

  “Really? Are you going to ask her out?”

  “No. Unfortunately I think she’s here with somebody.”

  “Shame.”

  “Oh, Johnny. When I say stunning, I mean sensational and stunning.”

  “Yeah, yeah, right. I get the picture. Love at first sight but what that means is lust at first sight. You think she’s hot.”

  “Very,” he said, waving a pretend fan. “Pop your head out there and tell me what you think, she’s standing at the bar with some guy wearing a blue shirt and black trousers or jeans, I can’t remember. I remember her, though, she was wearing a fitted black dress which covered every perfect curve on her magnificent body.”

  Johnny pulled the curtain back slightly to look, but couldn’t see the woman in question. “Can’t see her.”

  Dave came over and moved Johnny back while he took a peek. “Oh, she’s not there, she must have moved or something. Hang on, the guy she’s with is still there, but I can’t see her, perhaps she’s talking to somebody. Anyway, keep an eye out, you will definitely notice her.”

  “I’ll do that.” Johnny laughed casually at Dave’s love-sick puppy act.

  “SURPRISE!” came the collective roar of the room.

  “Damn it,” I mumbled looking in the bathroom mirror, I applied a fresh touch of lip gloss. I’d only missed the big surprise. I looked at my watch and realized the birthday boy was five minutes early. I quickly put the lid back on my lip gloss and dashed back to the club room as fast as I could.


  “One, two, three, four,” came the sound of the band. The drummer clicked his sticks together and smashed them down hard on the drums, followed by the guitar and electric piano. I ran back to Sean’s side and positioned myself so I could get a good view of the band.

  It all happened so quickly. I recognized the sound of the music and then Johnny came onto the stage. My heart pounded like it did the first time I kissed him. I felt light, almost faint and told myself to get it together. He started singing, with his undeniable signature voice and looked around the room as if to make every single person in the room feel important and privileged to be his presence. His eyes stopped on me. This was the moment I had been waiting ten years for! I grabbed hold of the side of the bar as heat rushed through my body. I looked away, feeling peculiar, unable to explain the strangeness of the situation. What was happening?

  “He’s staring at you,” Sean said, leaning over to meet my ear.

  “Mmm,” was all I could come out with. I was truly lost for words.

  “He is really staring now,” Sean continued.

  Sean was right. Johnny’s eyes were fixed on me like he had just seen a ghost. The intensity of his gaze made several others look over in my direction as if they, too, were wondering what Johnny was looking at.

  “This is one of your favorite bands, right?” Sean stated.

  “Mmm,” was all I could muster. I still couldn’t talk. What was I to do? What would happen next? I didn’t know how to proceed; what to think. The girl that left my apartment feeling not half bad was all of a sudden feeling worse for wear.

  The song ended, Johnny thanked the audience and walked back stage. Where was he going? He had seen me, I was sure of it. Everyone was sure of it. I held the bar with two hands now, instead of one. Sean put his arms around me. “Are you all right?” he asked.