*PART THREE* OF THE SPOILED ROTTEN ROMANS STORY
Claudia leans closer towards Cole. He doesn't notice, still laughing at the fan reaction posts on X (formerly Twitter) that he just read. Claudia licks her lips, only realizing what she is doing halfway through. "I hope he didn't just see that" despite him looking right at her. He starts to say something but suddenly feels his hairs stand up. Claudia is putting her hand softly onto his hand. Cole doesn't say anything, merely looks down at the hand over his. He stops thinking about X, about the show, about the music. He slowly glances back up at Claudia. She was staring at his face this whole time. They lock eyes. Cole's eyes widen. Claudia instinctively rubs her thumb back and forth on Cole's hand. Cole's heart starts beating faster, not knowing that Claudia's heart has been beating fast this whole time. Cole can't think. He.... without making a decision, rubs his thumb back on her hand a few times. He grips her hand a little tighter. Cole just now realizes he is not merely being touched, he is actually holding hands with Claudia, his bandmate, his confidant, his friend, his drummer. His mind is racing. Claudia knows how neurotic Cole can be in situations like this.
"Why don't you have a girlfriend" Claudia asks as she suddenly breaks the silence. "I... I.... what?" Cole says. "Why don't you have a girlfriend" Claudia repeats, her voice slightly cracking. "I've been focused on the music, I... I just mean I haven't found the right one" Claudia interrupts, "I've never dated anyone as long as I have known you" She tightens her grip of his hand. "C.. Cole.... I've been in love with you ever since I first met you in real life.... ever since you played that song for me... I love you...."
Cole stares deeply back into her eyes. "I love you too. I always have. That's why I never dated anyone else"
~~~~Stay tuned for part four~~~~!!!!
