I haven't slept the past couple days. I run off a copious amount of caffeine, whatever food Bree forces me to eat that day, and the adrenaline of performing in front of thousands.
I had a job to do, fans counting on me. In light of everything that's going on in the word, relationship troubles should be insignificant in comparison, right?
I planned a tour unlike any that has been done before. Visually I went all out, creating a beautiful set design. Got myself a killer wardrobe. Selling merchandise I'm proud of. Hired a camera crew who will be recording at each venue for my tour documentary. And I've arranged for every show to end with a musical guest- friends in the industry- to share the stage with me. Everything planned out perfectly months ago.
This is suppose to be one of the best times of my life. I wish I could enjoy it all, but at least my fans are able to.
The Canada shows went well. One night I was singing 'How You Remind Me' with Nickleback and the other I got to sing 'My Heart Will Go On' with the Céline Dion. Damn love songs. In New York, Jay-Z joined me for our 9/11 tribute. It was incredibly emotional being there, but I'm glad I was able to bring even just an ounce of joy to them. Together we performed our song 'Heartbreaker', as well as 'Izzo'.
The next morning I got a call from Murphy- Sarah had the baby. He's a bit early, but nonetheless a healthy baby boy named Theodore- Teddy for short. So I immediately got on the next flight back to Michigan to meet my Godson.
I brought flowers and balloons for Sarah, a baseball hat that says #1 DAD I found in the airport for Murphy, and food for the new parents to eat while I hold their newborn. He's so perfect and tiny, blonde and a button nose. I fill a whole film roll of his adorable face to print out for them and to get me through till the next time I see him. Sarah shares with me the details of the birth which was a bit...traumatizing to hear. But I'm glad both Mom and baby are doing okay. And while I was so happy for my friends and their new addition, I couldn't help feeling deeply saddened once again.
I leave the new family, giving hugs and kisses till next time, and get into my rental car to go back to the airport. I have a flight to Philadelphia to catch. A concert to perform tomorrow.
And yet...
Parked in an empty lot of a closed Kroger's, I sit in thought for a long time till finally I take my phone out, my fingers dialing the number I know by heart. By the time my mind catches up to what I'm doing, I'm already three rings into calling Marshall's home phone. I remove my cell from my ear, my finger hovering over the end button- why am I calling him? Because I miss his voice, I miss him, that's why.
I bring the phone back to my ear, but the call has gone to voicemail.
Last chance to hang up. I can make up one of those butt dial excuses if he ever asks. Though I doubt he will. But when I hear the beep, I start talking.
"Hey...it's me." I take a long pause before continuing, "I uhm...I'm in Michigan. Murph and Sarah had their baby- Teddy his names Teddy- you now like the bear. Cute, right? I got to see him and hold him, he's so little and definitely looks more like Sarah. Which is probably a good thing." I pause again, "God, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm telling you all this except...you're the only person I want to talk to right now and....Marshall...I need you to know that I-"
There's a click and suddenly I hear, "Katie?"
It takes me a moment to respond, shocked to actually hear his voice saying my name again, "Hi."
"You're back?"
"I am." I tell him, "Could we...could we talk? Can I see you?...Please?"
I hold my breath, waiting for the rejection.
YOU ARE READING
Ain't Nobody Like You
RomanceIt's 1998 and Katherine Arden, an internationally known singer, grows close to new up and coming rap artist, Eminem. The story describes their relationship from 1998 to present day.