Love You Moore Page 13

  “It’s fine son, no harm done. I understand your motives and I appreciate it, but this is a gift her mother and I have waited a lifetime to give to her.” He reached to pat his wife’s hand.

  “I respect your wishes, but please if there is anything I can do, financially or not, please do not hesitate to ask. Since we are talking finances of sort," Jimmy started sheepishly, not knowing how to broach the subject, “I can promise you that Abby will never want for anything. She will be fully taken care of. Everything I own Abby can have. I am not going to ask for a prenup.”

  “Ok hold up.” Abby interrupted holding her hands up. “You are not going to have me sign a prenup? Are you crazy? I think you should rethink that idea.”

  “No I have thought long and hard about it. If I do something to make you want to leave then you deserve whatever you can get.”

  “Jimmy, be reasonable.” Abby pleaded “It may be me that makes you want to leave, please talk to your lawyer and get something in writing.”

  Abby looked at her parents nervously. They reciprocated her concerns and shot Abby the same look she shot to them. What if her past came up and Jimmy wanted to get out of the marriage and didn’t want to, in fear of losing most of what he had earned before he even knew her? Abby knew if he ever wanted to leave for that reason, she wouldn’t ask for anything but airfare home. Jimmy refused to discuss the topic any longer and excused himself to make some phone calls. Her parents didn’t agree with his decision but told Abby not to pressure him on it, Jimmy would come to a reasonable solution on his own. Fighting about money was the easiest way to ruin a relationship even when the fight is for a good cause. Jimmy came back into the room and announced he needed to get back to LA to resolve some issues he had with the record label. Abby knew he wouldn’t be able to stay long once they were home from Mississippi but was still sad none the less.

  “See,” he told her as he was getting ready to board the plane, “this is why we need to get married as soon as we can. There are too many good-byes. And too many good-bye tears.” he added wiping one away from her cheek.

  They had one last passionate kiss and he was gone. He had talked about coming back for her high school graduation but again, had to check was he was scheduled for. Abby had told him that she needed to focus on finals and graduation before she could make wedding plans. He assured her, he would get Karma on what he could arrange in the meantime, his invitation list, groomsmen etc. Abby still had reservations it could all be pulled off in a short period of time but kept it to herself, she didn’t want to sound negative all the time. She did, however, vent to Holly, who also told her it was going to be no problem getting it all done.

  Finals weren’t bad, she was able to get though most of them without incident. As graduation was fast approaching, Abby couldn’t help but be morose. Most of her friends we planning on going away to college, joining the military or going out into the work force. She was sure she was the only senior planning a wedding and moving to LA, away from everything they knew. She did imagine some were jealous of her but in a way, she was also jealous of them. She made it though the days of marching practice, keeping in step with the Pomp and Circumstance. Jimmy had told her during one of their nightly conversations that he would not be able to make it to her graduation. He was extremely apologetic and promised to make it up to her. She told him that he had obligations long before he met her and she didn’t expect him to have to break them.

  “That’s why I love you, you are so understanding and forgiving, I don’t deserve you.” Jimmy said to her somberly.

  “Don’t say that, it’s me that is undeserving of you” she said grimly.

  “Abby” he said so sharply it made her jump. “Don’t ever think you are less than you are. I would move mountains to be with you. If it weren’t for this commitment affecting someone else’s career I would be there in a heartbeat.

  He had told her he was collaborating with a friend in the business to get his new album finished by the deadline that was fast approaching and really losing a day to travel unfortunately wasn’t an option. She tried to convince him that missing her graduation was not as tragic as he was making it out to be. He didn’t need to make up anything to her. She admired him for helping a friend when they needed it most. He had said to her once, that he had been helped when he needed it and paying it forward was the best way to show his appreciation. Besides it made him friends that way too.

  The night of graduation was here. Abby and Holly spent the day at the beach relaxing before the big event. The temperature for mid June in Maine could reach as high as 80 degrees, which made a day hanging at the beach Heavenly. They got ready together at Abby’s house. Both sets of parents were there. They took the girls out to dinner before the ceremony. Once they got to the school and into the gym where graduation would take place, the parents took their seats and Abby and Holly went into the girl’s locker room to line up for the march. Abby could hear a commotion outside the locker room, “Oh my gosh do you know who that is” “what is he doing here” “can I get an autograph?” were some of the audible comments.

  “She’s in here towards the back of the line.” Abby heard someone say, curious now who was out here and who were they looking for. At once she knew who was there and who they were looking for. A man approached Abby holding a bouquet of apricot roses.

  “Hello, you must be Abby.” the good looking man said handing Abby the roses.

  “I am.” Abby barely replied reaching out for the flowers.

  “Jimmy says he is sorry he couldn’t make it but asked that I come to bring you these and this.” he handed Abby a long black velvet box.

  “You’re from that Idol show, ..” Abby stuttered

  “I am.” The man smiled.

  Abby opened the box and stared at the diamond tennis bracelet. Holly, finally noticing what was going on after coming back from the bathroom. Her high pitched scream brought in the teachers hanging outside the door directing students where to go. Abby was sure it wasn’t the bracelet that got that reaction.

  “On that note,” he said rubbing his ear, “I will leave you to your commencement, congratulations Abby.” He bent to give Abby a kiss on the cheek and walked out the door.

  “You lucky Bitch.” Holly kidded her.

  The music started, the two girls hustled to get the bracelet on and adjusted their caps and gowns. In step with the music, they walked out of the locker room and marched to the stage to receive their diplomas.

  Graduation went as expected, long speeches a hot gymnasium and a lot of crying. Abby was glad it was over, she would miss seeing her friends everyday but would not miss the homework and tests. Also as expected, Jimmy apologized over and over for missing her graduation.

  “Jimmy, please you need to stop feeling bad about not going, you sent a semi-celebrity and a gorgeous bracelet, really it’s fine.” Abby tried to reassure him for about the 100th time.

  Jimmy had said that by the end of June he would have everything in order to be able to come to Maine and stay at the Samoset to prepare for the wedding. Her parents agreed to let her stay there with him. They thought it would be better to focus on the wedding and not be around when more letters from Roy showed up and they did once a week with the same message. Abby thought of going to talk to Roy but her parents advised against it. If Roy found out Abby was marrying someone rich and famous, it could send Roy into a revenge induced fit. So Abby left it alone.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 16

  As promised, he showed up and brought an entourage to help plan and execute the wedding of Abby’s dreams. There was Karma, Jimmy’s assistance who Abby felt was probably not the most thrilled to be there. Steve the pilot was always on hand to take Jimmy anywhere he needed to go. Dave the bands manager was on hand to set up or confirm a gig that Jimmy had already been obligated too. Elizabeth, the girl from the night of her birthday, who turned out to be Jimmy stylist, was also in attendance and three or four more people that were there taking orders and w
riting things down. “For a guy that is humble enough to open his own car door seemed to have a lot of people around taking care of him” Abby thought to herself. One guy that couldn’t help but stand out was named Zane. He was about 6’4” and had to have been tipping the scale at least 300 pounds, all muscle. He was Jimmy’s bodyguard and from now on, Abby’s as well. Abby was confused as to why such measures would need to be taken on her behalf. Jimmy explained to her that now that he was more of a public figure, she would be as well. There were a lot of crazy people in the world and he wasn’t going to take any chances with her safety. As Abby walked through the reserved section of the hotel, she felt safe but also out of sorts. Did she belong in a world where bodyguards and stylists were necessary? Jimmy had had her room set up adjoined to his. He had promised her parents the living arrangements would appear respectful. Abby had agreed to separate rooms, she didn’t want to embarrass her parents or appear as a tramp either. Her room wasn’t just a room it was a section of rooms. A shared living space with couches and chairs, a TV, desk and small eating area that over looked the ocean. The sleeping area was just as large, it had a king size bed, armoire that enclosed a TV, two night stands and two arm chairs. It also had sliding doors that took her out to her own balcony

  “These two rooms are almost as big as my whole downstairs at home.” She told Jimmy. “Really I don’t need all this space.”

  “I want to make sure you are comfortable, there will be lots of people coming and going, I need to ensure you are happy and not feeling overwhelmed.” Jimmy tried to convince her.

  Overwhelmed was an understatement, she again kept her thoughts to herself. Jimmy had been correct, there was more people coming in and out than she had expected. Services that she anticipated having to go to, came to her. Florists, catering, linen, stationary, attire, all was at her disposal. When Abby sat down with Karma to go over details like invitation lists, color schemes, cake styles, seating arrangements, taste testing and wine selection Abby, feeling totally overwhelmed told her,

  “I really think I need to wait for Jimmy to do this with me, I don’t know for sure what kind of wine he likes and which of his friends or family members can or cannot sit together. What if he is allergic to something I chose?”

  “I already have all of that information.” Karma smugly informed her. “I just need to know your details.”

  “I would still like to talk to Jimmy first if you don’t mind.” Abby got up from the sitting area and went to Jimmy’s room.

  He was sitting at his desk, talking on the phone and typing on his computer. He was sending lyrics he had written the night before to a person at the label to get music composed while also talking to Dave who was out somewhere organizing a personal appearance.

  “Jimmy I need to talk to you.” Abby said urgently trying to get him off the phone.

  “One second Babe.” Jimmy said holding up a finger. “No Dave that won’t work, sorry I have another call coming in, call me back later. Hi yeah it’s me, did you get the lyrics?”

  Feeling as alone as she had in a long time, Abby got up from the chair and left the room. She walked out in to the living room and was confronted by Karma who was demanding they sit down right this minute and get things done. Abby held up her hand to stop her rambling and walked out in to the hall. Breathing deeply Abby walked out of the hotel and out into the gardens that faced out over the ocean. She found a bench and sat down.

  “I’m not sure I can do this,” Abby thought to herself after awhile. “Will this be how my life is like, going through assistants to get to know my own husband? Will I have to set up an appointment to spend time with him? When I get married it will be to one person not a whole battalion.” Abby slipped the engagement ring off of her finger, she felt a familiar hand on her cheek.

  “I have been looking for you.” Jimmy said

  “I’ve been right here.” She told him.

  “No, I mean I have been looking for you my whole life.” He wiped a tear from her eye and knelt in front of her. “Everything that I want in this life is right here on this bench. I’m an idiot, I thought if I stayed out of the way and let you handle everything then that would make you happiest. From what I have observed the LA women to be like is let them do what they want to do and just show up when they tell you too, I was wrong to think you would want it that way too. I swear to be involved with every decision from now on. Now please may I?” he placed the ring back on her finger and kissed the back of her hand. “Don’t ever take this off again, promise.”

  “I promise.” She whispered through the tears. She wiped them away and smiled.

  Jimmy kissed her softly on the lips and hugged her tight

  “I love you.” He said

  “I love you too.” They both stood up and walked back into the hotel.

  “Let’s go eat some cake.” Jimmy said excitedly.

  After living at the hotel for six weeks, the wedding date was fast approaching and there was still so much left to do. Holly would come by the hotel as often as she could, amidst all the preparations she was still a vital part of Abby’s life.

  “When you are not here, life just gets chaotic.” Abby confided in her. “I am going to miss you when you go off to school.”

  “I know and you’re moving to LA. I am so happy for you but really, it’s gonna suck.” Holly pouted.

  “Well…” Abby stated, “You could always transfer to UCLA or whatever other college they have out there.”

  “That would be a possibility after first semester. I have to prove the grades to get everything transferred. But four months isn’t so bad” Holly assured her.

  “It’s a lifetime.” Abby shrugged.

  “You will be so busy getting into the LA lifestyle you will hardly miss me”

  “Not true, I already miss you and I haven’t even left yet.

  “Well how was the food tasting, I bet it was delish.” Holly and Abby’s mom had been with her when they picked out the color schemes, invitations, flowers, bridesmaids dresses and her wedding gown but the tasting Abby wanted just her and Jimmy to be there. It was their day and she wanted them to pick the foods they liked.

  “It was so good, you are going to love it.” Abby said excitedly, “but I am not telling you anything, that is going to be a surprise.”

  “Brat.” Holly giggled.

  When Abby stood up from the couch she got very dizzy and lightheaded. The last thing she heard was Holly screaming for Jimmy. When Abby came to, she was lying on the couch surrounded by people, Jimmy sitting next to her. Holly was laying a cold cloth on her head.

  “What happened?” Abby asked wearily

  “You fainted and scared me half to death I might add.” Holly informed her.

  “I should call the doctor.” Jimmy stated.

  “No, no, no, I am fine no doctors. I just got up from the couch too fast that’s all.”

  “When the last time you ate, maybe your sugar was low.” Someone from the back interjected.

  “No I just ate all that food at the tasting, I’m fine.”

  “Is that the last time you ate?” Jimmy asked staring at her. “Abigail, that was three days ago. You haven’t eaten in three days. I order room service, see you with water and assume you have eaten. Oh my God Abby.” Jimmy stood up and went to the phone.

  “Hello, is this room service? Yes this is Jimmy Riley in room 248, I would like to place a standing order. I want a tray of food brought to this room every day every two hours, yes a breakfast tray, then a light snack, lunch, another light snack and then dinner. I will be down to select the foods but I want this started today.”

  “Jimmy it isn’t necessary to….” He held his hand up to stop her.

  “Yes thank you that will be fine for now. Thank you.” He hung up the phone.

  “You will eat something every time a tray is brought up here. You need to take care of yourself Abby. You can’t go two or three days without eating.” He hugged her. “Don’t scare me like that. This whole thing i
s getting out of hand, you aren’t eating and no one is making sure you are being taken care of, including me, but that stops right now. Holly, I would like to pay you to stay here and be Abby’s assistant, make sure she is eating and resting. Take care of anything she throws your way? Can you handle that?”

  “I absolutely can.” Holly squealed. “This is going to be awesome. Abby what do you think?”

  “I love the idea, although I can be a tyrant, do you think you are up for attending to my every beck and call” she teased.

  “I think I can handle you Missy” Holly teased back “I have to go call my parents.”

  Abby turned to Jimmy, “Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me, this is so I can be comfortable that you are ok. Especially since the boys and I are going out of town to Vegas for my Bachelor party, I know that you will be taken care of.”

  “Right but while you are away having your fun I will be here with the girls having mine.” Abby winked.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to have it in Vegas with us guys?” Jimmy asked knowing Abby had chosen to stay at the hotel, invite her girlfriends and have a girl’s night in.

  “I am not a Vegas girl, since we are too young to get into the bar, we are going to have room service bring all the comfort foods to us, burgers, pizza, fries and ice cream. We are going to hang out in our jammies and watch movies.” Abby informed him.

  “Well you party animal, try not to make a ruckus and get us all thrown out of here.”

  “I cannot make any promises.” Abby chided.

  “It’s all set, my parents are aware I will be staying here. I just have to go home to pack a few essentials and I’ll be back.” Holly kissed Abby on the cheek and grabbed her purse. She stopped to speak to Jimmy. “Thank you, this really means a lot.”

  “Thank you, you are the only one that I know, that will put her first.” Jimmy gave Holly a hug. She gave him a thumbs up and left the room.