⋆•°.🤍*࿐LOVE IS BLIND!⋆౨ৎ˚⟡🫧🕯️˖ ࣪

UNION SQUARE CAFE
new york, new york
april 1990, 2pm

annie leaned back in her chair, sipping her coffee and enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face. it was a lovely day, and she felt lighter than she had in months.

across from her sat her best friend, summer, her eyes scanning the menu in front of her. "i can't stay for long, i have an audition." summer informed her friend. "but tell me that thing you couldn't tell me over the phone!"

annie smiled at her friend, amused by her enthusiasm. "you're not even gonna order something first?" she asked.

summer rolled her eyes playfully. "come on, annie, you know i can't focus on food when tea's being spilled. now out with it!"

annie laughed at her friend's impatience and leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "okay, you have to promise not to tell anyone, though." she said, glancing around the others seated outside and those walking by to make sure no one was listening in.

summer's face lit up with curiosity. "i promise, cross my heart, hope to die, et cetera." she said, making an exaggerated crossing motion over her chest.

annie chuckled again, knowing that her friend would definitely keep her word. "ok, well, dugan and i ended things." she began. "and then john and i started things up again, privately."

summer's eyes widened in surprise. "holy crap, seriously?" she exclaimed, nearly spilling her coffee in her excitement. "what about him and cecily?"

annie rolled her eyes at the mention of the other woman. "they ended things too. i guess he just wasn't feeling it with her." she responded.

summer made a disapproving noise, clearly not a fan of that answer. "you and i both know it's because she wasn't you."

annie blushed at her friend's words, knowing that they were true. "yeah, well... he said he still loves me. that he never stopped."

"and you never stopped loving him, huh?" summer asked.

annie nodded, her heart fluttering at the admission. "no, i never did. i tried, but i couldn't. he's like a drug, you know?"

summer laughed softly, nodding in understanding. "i get it. love can be like that. it's a drug that you can't quit, no matter how hard you try." she paused, "and my lips are sealed."

annie smiled gratefully at her friend, appreciating her discretion. "thanks, summer. i knew i could count on you."

summer reached across the table and squeezed her hand, her gaze sincere. "that's what best friends are for, right?" she said before glancing at annie's watch. "shoot, i've gotta go.."

annie looked at the watch on her wrist, not realizing how much time had passed. "right, right. don't wanna be late for that audition."

summer stood up, grabbing her bag quickly. "i'll call you later. wanna grab drinks tonight?"

annie nodded, standing up as well. "yeah, i'll be free. drinks tonight sounds good."

summer hugged annie tightly before rushing off, leaving annie to her thoughts and the loud city.

annie sat back down, sipping her coffee and taking in the lively ambiance around her. her phone rang, breaking the peace. she pulled it out of her bag, looking at the screen and seeing john's name. her heart skipped a beat as she answered.

"hello?" she spoke into the phone.

"hey, annie." came his smooth voice over the line, sending tingles down her spine."i like the shirt you're wearing today." he said, his voice low and soft.

annie looked down at her shirt, surprised that he even noticed her outfit. "thanks." she replied, blushing slightly. "wait, how do you know what i'm wearing?"

john chuckled softly, "because i can see you from where i'm sitting." he said.

annie's eyes widened in surprise as she looked across the street, spotting his driver's car parked a few yards away. "you're here?"

"yeah, i've been watching you for a few minutes, actually." he admitted, his voice taking on a hint of huskiness.

annie felt her heart rate quicken a little, touched by his words. "why didn't you come over?"

"and risk the paparazzi getting photos of us together? i think i'm okay." he reasoned.

"alright, that's fair." she conceded before continuing. "i kinda miss you right now, though."

there was a pause before john replied. "you know, you could always come join me in the car." he suggested, "you can bring your coffee."

annied looked around, checking for anyone who might be watching them, but she didn't see anyone. "i could, couldn't i?" she muttered.

"yes, you can. i'm headed to an event but you can ride with us there and then take the car wherever your heart desires." he said in a teasing tone.

annied considered his words, realizing that it was a perfect opportunity to spend more time together. she glanced around once again, ensuring that no one was paying attention to her.

she let out a soft sigh, "okay. i'll be right there." she reluctantly left her seat and began walking toward the car.

she approached the car and the door opened for her. she got in, feeling the cool leather under her fingertips. the car smelled of john's cologne and expensive leather.

she buckled herself in, turning to see john sitting in the seat beside her, dressed in a dark suit, looking both dashing and deadly.

he was watching her intently, his gaze burning into her own. he looked devastatingly handsome in his suit, the dark fabric hugging his toned body in all the right places.

"you look beautiful." he murmured, his voice gruff.

annie took a moment to appreciate his words, butterflies fluttering in her stomach from the compliment. "thank you." she said softly.

she couldn't help but notice how striking he looked in his suit, and it took her back to the days of him being suited up for special events in the past.

"so, what's the event you're going to anyway?" she asked him.

john's hand absentmindedly moved to rest on her thigh, his touch burning through the fabric of her jeans. "an awards ceremony for a charity organization." he replied, his gaze roaming over her features.

as the car began to move, the cars honking nearby filling their ears, john glanced at his watch before looking back at annie.

"so yeah, it's an awards ceremony for a charity organization. but we only have a short drive there, it's just up the street." he explained, his hand continuing to rest lightly on her thigh.

annie's heart fluttered, his touch igniting a familiar fire within her. she leaned in closer, playfully raising an eyebrow.

"we could talk about why you were stalking me... or..." she trailed off, her eyes flickering between his lips and his eyes. "or we could....?"

they continued making out, their hands roaming and lips exploring each other's bodies as the car moved through the city. the sounds of car horns and traffic fade into the background, replaced by the sounds of their soft moans and gasps.

as the car came to a stop in front of the event, john reluctantly pulled away and fixed his suit. "i have a speech to give." he murmured, his gaze lingering on annie's disheveled appearance.

annie nodded, catching her breath. she quickly smoothed out her clothes and ran a hand through her hair, fixing her appearance as best she could. "okay, go give your speech." she said, her gaze locked onto his.

john gave her a soft smile before opening the door and stepping out of the car. the moment he did, a barrage of flashes immediately lighting up the area as the paparazzi swarm. the window tint thankfully prevented annie from being seen, but she could still hear the shouts of the photographers and reporters through the closed car door.

she watched through the tinted window as he straightened his tie and schooled his expression, transforming from the man who had just been passionately kissing her to the poised public figure that he had to be for the event.

as john disappeared into the crowd, annie sat back against the leather seat, her thoughts and feelings swirling in her mind. the driver's voice broke through her reverie.

"where should i take you?" he asked, his eyes meeting her gaze through the rearview mirror.

annie greeted him with a friendly expression as she got ready to tell him her home address.

housekeeping notes !

this chapter was so fun! we delve deeper into the secret love between annie and john. from telling summer to  the rushed drive to john's event exemplify the challenges facing a public figure navigating a covert relationship.