Like All Good Fairytales (1/7)

[amfiguree]

master post | prologue | i | ii | iii | iv | v | epilogue

prologue: once upon a time


"You know I'm not going to go easy on you, right?" is the first thing I say, when I'm introduced to my interview subject.

"I hope not," he quips, and laughs. We're in his hotel room (which is surprisingly pristine), and he's lounging in the chair across from me, clad in gray slacks and a dressy pink shirt. We make small talk as the photographer sets up the lights, and when I prompt him about the clothing choice, he laughs again and tells me real men don't shy away from a little color.

It seems like a good time to introduce myself, and when he says, "I always thought I'd end up marrying a Natalie," I start to understand how he has every reporter he's ever met wrapped around his finger. Already, I hope I don't look as impressed as I feel.

It's hard to believe the mellow guy folded in the armchair across me is an international rock and roll sensation. But that's David Cook for you through and through. Charming. Enigmatic. Candid. Smart.

Gay.

And, though he isn't revealing any names just yet, taken.

"It's definitely serious," he says, with a grin, when prodded (repeatedly) about the gossip. "We're just, uh, we're in a good place right now, you know? I don't want to jinx it."

My curiosity is piqued, as any good journalist's would be. He's been tight-lipped about his current romance ever since he let slip that he was dating in his interview with People Magazine last year.

I ask how long he's been with his partner, and David raises an eyebrow. "There are steps to every relationship, and I don't think we're quite there yet," he says, slyly, and I laugh.

One thing's clear: whatever the outcome, it's going to be an interesting afternoon.