* Chapter 3 *
After a few hours, Mariah tired of the party outside and decided to take a break from the noise and people. She had never really enjoyed boisterous gatherings instead relishing the smaller more intimate ones. Based upon Kevin’s lifestyle, she knew that she would be forced to make the adjustment. Mariah only hoped that they could counterbalance the parties with a fair amount of one-on-one dates and quiet evenings at home. In every way, compromise was becoming key in dating Kevin Richardson when his alter ego Kevin Backstreet was such a huge part of his life.
In thinking and wandering at the same time, Mariah almost subconsciously found herself heading in the direction of Kevin’s music room. Once there, she sat down at the piano and began to play.
Music had always been her comforter. It allowed her to both think and escape the present situation. This time was no different.
Unknown to her, however, Howie had witnessed her disappearance and, in his usual chivalrous manner, followed to make certain she was feeling alright. He now stood in the doorframe to the music room reveling in the sound of the original melodies she played with her delicate touch. After listening for 20 minutes, he allowed his presence to be known.
“You play so beautifully,” Howie complimented.
Mariah had lost count of the number of times she’d blushed that evening. “Thank you.”
“Those were originals?” She nodded in response. “Kevin told me that you write music. I was in the room in Amsterdam when he opened the wav file you sent.” He sat beside her on the glossy black bench. “Do you have lyrics written or are they only instrumentals?”
“Some have lyrics, others don’t.”
“Could you sing one for me?”
Mariah thought for a moment before answering with a shrug of her shoulders. “Why not?” Her fingers gently tapped the ivory keys for several measures then her clear soprano voice began:
Ours was a meeting of fate and destiny
I never knew a love like yours
A love of mind, body and soul
A love that transcends space and time
A love touched by heaven…
Howie was amazed at her ability. Almost immediately an idea formed in his mind. “Mariah,” he said when she finished. “I’d like to record that song. I’m working with my sister Pollyanna to put together a demo to shop around. I think you’re song suits her style. Would you let us use it?”
“I don’t know, Howie.”
“You and I could both work on the arrangement.”
“I don’t have a lot of time…”
“We could do it in a weekend. It’ll be hard, but doable.”
“It’s just…well, could you let me think about it?”
“Sure. Give me a call as soon as you can and we can figure out the logistics.” Howie kissed her cheek before leaving the room.
“This is such a great opportunity, but this song…” Mariah thought aloud. “I don’t know if I’m ready to expose my emotions like that.”
“There you are.” Kevin’s unmistakable drawl drew her from her inner battle. “Howie said that you were here.” He sat beside her facing the opposite direction so he could look in her eyes.
“Hi, Kev. Guess I just needed a break from all the noise in the backyard.”
“Is that all, Ri? You look troubled.”
‘Damn, how does he know me so well already?’ she wondered. “Just thinking.”
“About what?’ Kevin asked taking her hand and gently rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.
“Shouldn’t we be entertaining our guests?” Mariah made a move to leave. This time Kevin brought her down on his lap. “Uh-uh, A.J.’s taken on the job as emcee and d.j. We’ve got time to discuss this. Now, what’s up?”
Mariah inhaled deeply. “Howie heard me playing the piano and wants me to give one of my songs to his sister to record.”
“That’s great.”
She shook her head. “It’s been a dream of mine to have one of my songs recorded, but I’d resigned myself that it wouldn’t happen. Now that the opportunity is here, I’m not so sure I want it.”
“Why not? I’ve heard your stuff. You’re a very talented writer. The music is so beautiful and the lyrics so heartfelt.”
“See that’s the problem. There is a lot of me, of my life in those songs. I’m not so sure I want my emotions exposed so the whole world can critique them.”
“In general, that’s a risk all songwriters, poets and writers take.”
Mariah shook her head again. “You don’t understand. I know that. I guess, it’s just that this particular song is so much of me and my life right now.” She paused. “Let me play it and maybe you’ll understand.”
As Kevin listened to the lyrics, he felt his heart clench. ‘Oh my God,’ he though. ‘It’s us. The song is about us.’
Mariah finished playing and gazed at Kevin expectantly. He tried, with much difficulty, to swallow the lump in the his throat before speaking. Unable to form a sentence in his mind, let alone try to vocalize it, he lowered his mouth to hers and gave her a soul-bearing, sensual kiss.
“How do you that?” he asked in an almost inaudible whisper.
“It’s all in the inspiration.”
Chapter 4
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