Josh woke up next morning, spooning his wife tightly. His hand was resting at her belly. Suddenly he felt their baby kicking against his palm. He raised his upper body a little bit and smiled all over his face as the baby kicked again.
„I bet you’re hungry.“ He whispered.
„I’m always hungry.“ Eve murmured, waking up slowly.
Josh kissed her cheek softly.
„I meant Jake. He just kicked against my palm.“
Eve turned onto her back slowly and smiled.
„Good morning, husband.“
„Good morning, wife.“
„We need to shower urgently.“ She giggled.
„Why?“
„There was whipped cream everywhere…“
„I remember… but I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss a spot… and you’ve been very thoroughly as well…“
Eve laughed.
„I was hungry… for you and the cream.“
Josh smiled and kissed her lips.
„There’s one thing we need to clarify.“ He said, changing the subject.
„What is it?“
„How we gonna spend the next days…“
„You mean, Lucy didn’t plan our honeymoon? Shame on her.“ Eve joked.
„She didn’t plan anything specific. But Eric’s jet is waiting at the airfield in Santa Barbara, being ready to bring us everywhere you want us to go.“
Eve smiled all over her face and caressed his cheek.
„This sounds amazing, honey. But all I need is you, me and a bed.“
„Does it mean you just wanna stay here?“
Eve nodded.
„This place is beautiful. I wouldn’t mind enjoying this suite a little longer.“
„I love that plan.“
„I’m thinking…“ [007]
„About what?“ [M]
„How to call you now…“ [007]
„Well… calling me C would be very confusing…“ [M]
„Can you just keep your last name to help me out of that unbearable struggle?“ [007]
Eve laughed out loud.
„I'll ask my husband, if he’s okay with that. Surely he will understand the circumstances.“ [M]
„Thank you.“ [007]
Eve realized in the same moment, what it meant giving up on her last name. It was the only thing which still connected her with Tom. She imagined his deep disappointment about changing her name for another man. But still this was what she wanted. It was time to let the past go for good.
Few weeks later.
„Good morning, Sir. What can I do for you?“ Clara asked friendly.
„I came to see the boss.“ Justin replied.
Clara had no idea who she was talking to and kept things professional.
„Which boss, Sir?“
„The tiny one.“ Justin replied.
„Do you have an appointment?“
Justin smirked. He realized things with Clara wouldn’t be that easy as they were with Sarah back in those days.
„I don’t.“
„If you wish, I can check with her assistant, if she’s available for you.“
„Yes, please do so.“
Clara grabbed the handset.“
„What’s your name and concern, Sir?“
„My name is Bond. And the concern is confidential.“
Sarah entered Eve’s office. She was alone, as Mateo already went for lunch with a new client.
„I don’t know, if someone tries shitting you, but Mr. Bond is at the front desk with a confidential concern.“
Eve chuckled.
„Please go and tell him Ms. Moneypenny is busy…“
Sarah didn’t ask further questions and went to the front desk. Then she saw Justin leaning against the counter.
„You again.“ She said, trying to stay cool in his presence.
Justin gave her a charming smile.
„Is she ready for lunch?“
„She says she’s busy.“
„Maybe she is. But she’s also hungry.“
Sarah smiled and gestured him to follow her into the open office. Clara watched the scene, not understanding what this was about.
„Did you try to get rid of me?“ Justin complained, standing in Eve’s door step.
„You don’t have an appointment.“ She replied, with her eyes on her screen.
„Do I need an appointment to see my bestie?“
Eve looked at him surprised.
„Since when we’re besties?“
„Since you married my bestie.“
„Oh, I didn’t know that.“
„Come on. Move your butt, M. I’m starving.“
Eve and Justin were sitting in his favorite diner. After ordering burgers and fries, he looked at her with a big grin in his face. Eve gave him a skeptical look.
„Okay, spill. You didn’t pick me up for lunch without any reason, right?“
„It’s released.“
Eve’s eyes and mouth gone open wide.
„No way!!! Just like that???“
„We just did it without any prior announcement. Social media is freaking out.“
„Oh my god, Justin!!! This is amazing!!!“
Eve stood up, went around their table and fell enthusiastically around his neck. Justin hugged her back, smiling happily.
„I’m so excited it finally happened! This are amazing news! People will love it!“ She cheered, after releasing him. She returned to her seat slowly.
„Ya, let’s wait and see.“
„It’s a masterpiece! I have no single doubt this album will be a giant success!“
„You’re cute, fangirl.“ He teased, enjoying her genuine excitement.
She smiled all over her face, feeling incredibly happy for him.
„Did Josh know what you’ve planned?“
„Ehm no… actually I didn’t talk to anyone about that plan… you’re the first…“
Eve stared at him surprised.
„Me…? Why me?“
„Dunno… maybe because I knew you would freak out the most.“ He tried to explain.
„Freaking out is a huge understatement. I’m absolutely out of mind, that you finally found your motivation back. I’m abnormally proud of you, not just as your fangirl, but also as your friend.“
„Thank you, M. Your support means a lot to me.“
„You have no idea how flattered I am to hear that.“
After having lunch together and processing the amazing news, Justin and Eve left the restaurant and went back to his car. They needed to make a short walk, as he didn’t find a parking lot in front of the diner.
Out of a sudden a black SUV stopped right next to them with squeaking tires. A paparazzo jumped outside and immediately started shooting pictures. Even if Justin was used to those scenarios, he got surprised by the unexpected situation. Eve was completely overwhelmed, not knowing how to behave. Justin protectively put his arm around her shoulders.
„Hey man, this is JC’s chick, right? Why you’re hanging out? Are you banging her?“ The paparazzo provoked him, while running backwards in front of them.
„Get the fuck out of our way.“ Justin hissed.
He knew being rude was the wrong way dealing with paps, but he was deeply upset about that fact, that he brought Eve into this situation.“
„Is she pregnant with your kid?“ The paparazzo continued asking.
„I said, get out of our way!“ Justin repeated.
„Come on, JT. You know how it works. If you don’t give me something, they will invent the story. It’s up to you.“
„Justin…“ Eve said concerned.
„He glanced at her, feeling terribly sorry.“
„Don’t say anything. I’ll fix this, I promise.“ He whispered in her ear.“
The paparazzo shot further photos.
„This was nice, JT… so close and intimidate, the both of you. You just made my day, dude.“
Finally they reached Justin’s Jeep. He opened the door for Eve and helped her getting inside quickly. Then he hurried to the other side. The paparazzo was still making shots.
„This will have consequences.“ Justin threatened him.
„Ya, a fat check from the L.A. Sun.“ The man replied boldly.
Justin entered his car, started the engine and left the parking lot. Eve was breathing heavy.
„I’m so sorry, M. That diner was always my save place. I have no idea how he found us.“ Justin apologized, having a terribly bad conscience.
„Justin…“
„First thing I do is calling my team, as soon as I brought you back.“
„Justin!“
„I promise, there will be no further shitstorm against you. Please don’t worry about it."
„JUSTIN!“
„What?“
„My water broke!“
