PIRATES, CHOCOLAT AND ROCK 'N' ROLL

The next morning, Elyse awoke early with a clear head and surprisingly no trace of a hangover. She was determined to do the work and not entertain any non-working thoughts of Jack or Roux. She was a professional and she was going to behave like one. No more alcohol either. She would be on the straight and narrow. She chose clothing to reflect the new attitude. She wore a tailored, navy blue suit and wore her hair up and her glasses. She would begin her interviews today. She thought it would be best to get Jack’s Interview over with and that way she could let him know that there would be no more unprofessional behavior between them. She was strong and focused she could do this. She looked in the mirror before leaving the hotel. “You can do this!” she looked sternly at herself and walked confidently out the door.



To save money, the band traveled by bus to shows that were fairly close to each other. This would be a bus day for the band. They were to be on the road for six hours. That would be long enough for Elyse to conduct at least one interview and to begin writing the article.



Elyse was the second person aboard the bus. Will, of course had been first.



“Good Morning, Elyse." Will was all business again. No hint of anything else was detectable.



“Good Morning, Will. Listen, I would like to apologize for my behavior last night. That was not normal for me, and I am sorry.” Elyse tried to read his eyes, but could not.



Suddenly, warmth came over Will’s face. “Elyse, I don’t blame you. I know how persuasive Jack can be. It seems that he is irresistible when it comes to women.”



“Well, not to me anymore.” Elyse put on her best stern face.



“I wouldn't be so sure, when Jack wants something, he usually gets it.” Will’s expression turned serious. “You need to be careful…he can be quite the heartbreaker unless you go into it with your eyes open and your heart closed.”



“You sound like you don’t believe me.” Elyse was feeling a bit insulted.



“I believe you…but I am a realist. Based on what I’ve seen and what I know, I have no doubt that you and Jack will end up “involved” at some point. I was concerned at first because I was afraid that the article would suffer if things between you and Jack went badly. Now, I realize that no matter what happens, you will do an excellent job and portray the band in the best possible light. And by the way, I don’t think you would, but you do not have authorization to write about Jack’s legal difficulties."



Elyse couldn’t believe he was talking that way to her. Who the hell did he think he was, assuming that she would not be able to resist Jack? “May I ask what happened?” It was worth a try anyway.



Taking a deep breath, Will’s expression turned cold. “I will tell you, but if I hear anything on the street or see anything written anywhere about this, I will sue you and everyone else at Rolling Stone and you will never work again.”



Elyse angrily turned around and walked to the back of the bus. She didn’t have to take that shit from him. She would find out by some other means. She settled into her seat and began to get organized.



Roux and Gonzo were next on the bus. Jack was always last. Roux couldn’t wait to see Elyse, he was hoping they could talk some more.



“Good Morning, Elyse. I hope you slept well.” Roux smiled at her.



Elyse did not look up from her notes “Good Morning Roux, I did sleep well. Thank you.”



Disappointed, he found a seat not too far from where she was. He told himself that she was working and she must be very involved. Hopefully later he would be able to talk to her.



Jack staggered on to the bus just before it was scheduled to leave. He found the first seat available and crashed, going back to sleep.



Disappointed that Jack didn’t speak, but unwilling to admit it; Elyse began writing her interview questions for him. She would see if she could do the interview when they stopped for lunch. Elyse kept steadily at work even though periodically she could feel Roux’s stare. She felt a twinge of guilt about brushing him off, but right now she needed to focus and be strong. Any deviation would most likely result in her resolve being compromised.



It was almost time for lunch. Elyse went to wake Jack. She really wanted to get this one behind her.



“Jack, wake up, its lunch time, you have an interview to do." She pushed his shoulder gently, ignoring the electricity that shot through her hand as she touched him.



“What?” Jack slowly opened his eyes. Elyse’s face gradually came into focus. “Well, Hello luv…’ave a seat.”



“No, Thank you. I need for you to come with me into the restaurant so we can do your interview.”



“So…you’re all business today, eh Elyse?” Jack had noted her change in tone.



“Yes Jack, today, tomorrow and always,” Elyse’s tone was flat and serious. “I’ll be waiting inside the restaurant for you.”



Jack wondered what in the world had gotten into Elyse. “Damn, we’re going to have to get her out of that mode.” He knew if anyone could do this, it was him.



Roux had listened carefully to the conversation between Jack and Elyse. He now thought he understood what she was doing. He felt a little let down, but he told himself to be patient. He had a feeling this was going to be a long, tough road.



Elyse walked quickly and alone from the bus to the restaurant. They were out in the middle of nowhere, so it was unlikely that they would be bothered. She walked in to the restaurant and chose the largest booth she could find. She would do her best to avoid physical contact with him.



Jack came in and took his seat. “Ok luv, let’s get this blasted thing over with and may I say you are in a delightful mood this morning and looking quite beautiful too. I like that “administrative look” he winked at her, smiling. Makes me want to take that hair down and rip..”



“Jack, please refrain from making those comments about me. I am doing my job and I would appreciate it very much if you would just cooperate and let me get it done!” It was so much harder than she thought it would be. God, why does the man have to be so charming and drop-dead sexy? She shook her head and sternly reminded herself to focus.





Elyse prided herself on asking the right people the right questions in order to allow the person being interviewed to reveal valuable information. However, Elyse found Jack quite perplexing to interview. On the one hand, Jack delighted in talking about himself and Black Pearl, but on the other hand, he was extremely difficult to follow. His words would meander and wind around and jump back and forth and those hands! He was constantly talking with his hands, which was particularly distracting to Elyse because she was trying in vain to avoid the memory of feeling those hands upon her body. She felt her breathing slow and deepen as the scene replayed in her mind. She then watched those full luscious lips as they spoke words that she was no longer hearing. In her mind those lips were on hers and those hands were taking her to deepest orgasmic bliss.



Jack stopped talking when he realized Elyse was no longer listening. “Hello! Elyse, where’s your head, woman?”



“I apologize Jack. I was distracted, please continue.” Elyse was annoyed with herself.



“Well now, Elyse, since we seem to have arrived at a stopping point, I have a question for you." Jack asked with a hint of mischief.



“And what would that be?” Elyse furrowed her brow. She was still annoyed.



“I want to know your deepest, darkest sexual fantasy." Jack’s sinister grin was now on display.



“Why on earth would you want to know that?" Elyse laughed in spite of herself.



Jack’s expression turned serious. “Because, darling, how can I fulfill it if I don’t know what it is?”



“No…I’m not playing your little game, Jack”. She quickly and firmly spoke. Jack pouted until he noticed a smile on Elyse's face.



“Wait a minute. Just how curious are you about my fantasy?”



Jack eased his hand on her arm and his ebony eyes were quite serious, burning into hers. “Well, if you must know, my curiosity has almost reached the point of obsession, luv. The thoughts in me head were driving me quite mad last night as I attempted to imagine what your fantasies might be."



Elyse smiled smugly at Jack as she sat up and moved her face close to his from across the table. She was so close to him that their lips were nearly touching.



"Curiosity is a powerful thing isn't it, Jack? You long for knowledge because with knowledge you think you'll have power over me."



"Aye, No truer words, luv." Jack attempted to move in for a kiss only to have Elyse slip quickly out of reach.



Elyse sat up straight and tall and took on a posture of negotiation.



“I have a proposal for you, Jack Sparrow. I will tell you my deepest, most secret, sexual fantasies…not that it will do you any good, mind you, if you will tell me what last night was all about. You have my word that it will never leave this table. I'm simply curious.” Elyse sat back and folded her arms, looking quite pleased with herself.



“A shrewd one you are, Elyse Newton. No wonder they hired you!” Jack smiled. He knew he was another step closer to his goal. “We have an accord!” he extended his hand to her. Hesitantly, she shook it quickly…still more electricity between them.



“You have to go first.” Elyse gave him her full attention now.



“Oh All right…It seems that one of my conquests was less than honest with me about her age. Misrepresented herself, she did. The young lady in question looked like a college student. She told me she was twenty-three and while I admit that is still a little on the young side even for me…”



“How old was she Jack?” Elyse demanded



Jack hesitated, not wanting to say.. “16, but her 17th birthday was coming up the next week!”



Elyse rolled her eyes “Like that matters.”



“Well, it matters to me,” Jack looked a little sad. “Anyway, the little twit went on myspace and told all her friends about us. Her father found out and was not pleased to say the least. To make matters worse, I left a bit of incriminating evidence behind. If they chose to prosecute, it would be very bad news, luv.”



Elyse almost felt sorry for him. “Jack….really that was pretty stupid, don’t you think? What are you going to do?”



“It was incredibly stupid of me…I suppose I’ll have to ask for I.D. from now on…What am I going to do? The lawyers are working it all out. There’s to be a clause of silence in the contract. I’ve just financed her education. She can go to Harvard Law and still have money left over.” Jack looked wistful.



“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Elyse took his hand without a thought.



“It’s only money, luv…no worries here.” Again his eyes were sparkling at her.