The week went by quickly. The weather had been so hot, that Mariah
spent most of her time at the beach. Either by herself or the guys, or just her
and Brian. Now, she was sitting on her from steps enjoying the sun. She
lathered on sunscreen, not wanting to burn. She could feel the sun tanning her
already and she had only been out there for 10 minutes. She sat and began to
daydream when she heard a voice calling her back.
"Hello? Earth to Mariah. Anyone home?"
Mariah looked out of one corner of her eye. When she saw who it
was she said, "Sorry, no one's home, take a message."
"Hey! That's not nice!"
Mariah smiled. "I'm sorry! Come here, let me give you a
hug!" When he did she asked, "There feel better?"
He put on a face. "I guess so," he said pouting.
"Brian, you're such a joker." He just grinned like an
idiot.
"So, what brings you here today?"
"Well," he said, his expression grew serious. "I have
to talk to you about something."
"What is it?" she said, her smile faded quickly.
"What's wrong?"
"Well, nothing's wrong," he began. "It's just that,
I have to go back on tour. Soon. Very soon."
Mariah looked at him. "How soon is very soon?" she
asked.
He hesitated a bit, then said, "Day after tomorrow."
Mariah looked away from him and sighed. Brian took her face in one
hand and turned it so she was facing him. "I'm sorry," he apologized.
"That's okay," she answered, sighing again. "It was
bound to happen sometime. I can't do anything about it." She gave him a
small smile.
He grinned. "You're the best you know?"
"I know," she answered, grinning herself. "I'm the
greatest!" she joked.
Brian smiled and said, "What if I asked you to come with
me?"
Mariah looked shocked at first then said, "Well, I don't
know. The thing is, I was figuring when you left, I'd go up and visit my mom,
since I haven't seen her in a while."
"Well, that's okay. You can always join us in the middle of
the tour. It's no big deal. Besides, you haven't seen us sing live yet."
"Yes I have," she answered him. She thought back to her
birthday. "I have too seen you live, I think you guys are very
talented."
Brian smiled, also thinking back to her birthday. "Thank you,
but I mean on stage. Please come? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?" He
gave her a puppy dog look. He knew she always fell for it.
"Oh, not that look again!" she cried. "Alright,
alright!" she said giving in. "I'll come."
"Great!" he picked her up and spun her around.
"I'll call you every night at your mother's to see when you want to
come!"
"Gee, don't be a pest now!" she said rolling her eyes.
"Well, I want to hear you voice too!" he said, kissing
her softly on the lips.
"Well, since you put it that way..." she said smiling,
and then she kissed him.
Brian groaned in pain and put her down.
"What's wrong?" asked Mariah concerned. "Why are
you always in pain lately?"
Brian, bent over, said, "Ya' know, Fatima works us too hard.
Don't worry, I'll be fine." He held his chest for minute, then got up and
smiled. "See, told ya'. I'm just tired. Come on, let's go inside and have
some ice cream. I'm hot."
Mariah looked uncertainly at him for a second then said,
"Alright, but I want you to go see a doctor."
"Yes, mom!" joked Brian.
"I'm serious Bri!"
"Alright, alright, I will, don't worry. You'll see, I'm just
fine." He gave a peck on the cheek and led her into the house.