A/N: So sorry this took so long. While I've been writing (a lot) my internet has been acting up. I hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think in the reviews.
Chapter Two
Breathing in a familiar perfume, I sighed contently as morning light peaked into my room between the blinds. Mariah's heart is much slower now. Did I sleep on her the entire night? She's so comfortable. Ugh. I have to pee but I don't want to move. If I get up, then last night may end. She's forgiven me. Hopefully, one day, we could be a couple. Untangling myself from Mariah's arms, I quietly snuck to the bathroom.
Walking back, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked in the morning's light. So peaceful. I could easily get used to waking up in her arms. Climbing back into bed, I wrapped an arm around the shorter woman's hips and nuzzled her neck.
"You're thinking so loudly I can almost hear you." A groggy grin tugged at Mariah's lips. "Good morning."
How did she get sexier? I didn't realize it was possible. "Morning…"
Rolling to face me, the sleepy woman let her eyes adjust to the light. "What's got you tongue tied?"
"You." My voice trailed off as tender green eyes took me in. Biting my lip, I debated bringing last night's conversation up before an adequate amount of coffee. "I was serious…about what I asked last night."
"I know." Cupping my face, Mariah stroked my cheek with her thumb. "I was too. We both lied, a lot. I felt betrayed by not only one of my best friends but by the woman I love."
Breath hitched in my throat at her words. "Do you still love me?"
A soft smile made its way to Mariah's face. "I do, yeah. I think I always will."
A single tear ran across my nose to drop onto the pillow we shared. "You were right. Noah isn't the only one who could treat me well."
Leaning forward, soft lips pressed against my forehead. "What's done is done."
"Mari-"
"Sshh." Placing her thumb over my lips, Mariah silenced me. "Don't apologize. You've done enough of that. Besides, if we keep living in the past, there's no way forward."
"Right." Glancing behind me, I swallowed a groan. 7:15 already? I don't want to get up. I don't want her to leave either. "What time do you have to be at work?"
"Nine. As much as I hate it, I'll have to go soon so I can shower and get ready." I tried to stiffen a laugh but failed. "What?"
"Okay Miss. I have to have fresh hair every day. You could be a normal person and pull your hair back so you can skip the shower."
Knowing exactly what I was up to, Mariah chuckled. "You just want me to stay and have coffee."
I couldn't help but grin. "Guilty. I miss the early morning coffee we had when I lived with you." Stroking the warm skin just under Mariah's shirt caused a sharp intake of breath. "Sorry."
"No, you're not." Smirking playfully, the redhead yawned. "Let's make coffee. If I leave by 8:15, I should make it on time."
Entering the small kitchen, I started coffee while Mariah freshened up. Realizing I only had one mug, I washed another glass. I really need to get some dishware. At least enough for two people. That familiar doubt that anyone, especially Mariah, would want to be with me started creeping in. Bracing myself on the counter, I bowed my head trying to fight back tears.
"Stop." Mariah's voice was stern but caring. My head shot up feeling a soothing hand rubbing my back. "I know what you're thinking and you need to stop."
"You always did know what I was really thinking." Clearing my throat, I turned to lean against the sink. "Is that why it hurt so much when I said I wanted to be with Noah? You knew who I really wanted."
"Yes. You continued to lie to yourself because it was easier. With your past, I don't blame you. He was safe. I'm not. You know I'd treat you well but we'd be criticized everywhere we went. An interracial couple is one thing but a lesbian couple is entirely different. I got so much hate mail when Devon and I were together." My jaw clenched at the thought of anyone being rude to Mariah. Seeing my reaction, a wholesome laugh bubbled up her throat. "I can handle it. And really, I don't care."
Pouring us each a cup of coffee, I sighed. "That's one reason why I respect you so much. You don't care what strangers think. You don't let that hold you back."
"It's hard but doable." Sitting at the small table, we enjoyed our coffee in peace. "Do you need me to bring anything by during lunch or after work? The least I can do is nurse you back to health."
"I think I'll be fine for lunch. I have some soup in the cupboard. As for dinner, I can't think that far ahead. I've got plenty of Nyquil so I'll probably take a dose of that and go back to bed."
"I'll check-in after work." Finishing another cup of coffee, Mariah went on her way. "Get some sleep. That's the only way you'll get better."
"Thanks."
xxx
Hours later, I was woken by a loud knock. "Hold on!" Tying my robe, I opened the door with a full intention of blasting whoever dared wake me. "What do you-Kevin?" What is he doing here? And how did he find my apartment?
"Hello, Tessa. We need to talk."
"You know I'm sick, right? I'd rather not get you and Bella sick too."
"I'll be fine."
"Alright." Turning to the side, I allowed the man entrance. Closing the door, I followed him towards the table. "What's this about? And how did you know my apartment number?"
"It's easy to find people with their first and last name. I already knew where you lived because of Mariah." Taking a seat, he pushed out the other chair with his foot. "Which is why I'm here. We need to talk about her." Sitting, I waited. "She's my best friend. I don't like to see her hurt. Especially when it's by someone she really cares about. Mariah doesn't show it often but she's pretty sensitive. She cares with her entire heart so when she's hurt by someone, it cuts pretty deep."
"I'm sure she's told you I'm trying to do better by her."
"She has. That's why I told her to leave the party last night. I could tell she wanted to be somewhere else. Somewhere with you." Warmth filled my chest hearing Kevin's words. "So, did you two have a good Valentine's Day?"
The sudden change in Kevin confused me. "We had a great night. Drank wine, danced, and talked." Narrowing my eyes, I studied the man sitting across from me. "Why the sudden change?"
"I said what I came to say. Don't hurt Mariah again. I'm not going to pull a Victor and threaten you." His cheesy grin grew at my dumbfounded expression. "It's clear that you love her. And I just want her to be happy."
"That's all I want for her too. Does she know you're here?"
"Nope." Glancing at his phone, Kevin grinned. "Hello, there. How's my love-struck bestie doing?" Putting the call on speaker, I tried not to laugh.
"Whaaa…me? Noooo. What are you doing? I need to fill you in."
Leaning back in the chair, Kevin smirked. "Oh, I know how last night went. I am currently sitting across from an equally love-struck female."
"You lean back anymore and you're going to fall." I can only imagine the look of horror on Mariah's face.
"What is he doing there? Kevin, what have you done?" A wholesome laugh bubbled up my throat at the sound of her voice.
"Calm down. I've not done anything. Tessa and I just needed to have a little chat without you here."
"Kevin, I swear-"
"It's alright, Mariah." She really does care. "He and I needed to have this talk eventually. How's your day? Hopefully Hilary hasn't been too unbearable."
"Check your phone. I can't talk about it right now." Mariah's voice was hushed. "I need to go. I'll call you once I'm off."
"Alright. See you soon?" Please say yes.
"Yeah, I'll drop by Crimson Lights and pick up some sandwiches. Talk to you later, Kevin."
"Bye." Ending the call, the man's gaze fell back on me. "She's always brightened up when you're around or she's talking to you." He laughed, "Or talking about you."
"I'm the same way. I learned to hide it from Noah. I'm a better person when I'm around Mariah. A better musician too."
"She's your muse?"
"Originally, "With Me" was about my sister but it morphed into being about Mariah. I felt guilty when I was recording it in the studio with Devon and Noah because I was thinking about Mariah when I sang."
"Oh,"
Raising a brow, I smirked. "Did I really leave you speechless?"
"No. There's just not much to say. It's clear Mariah is a muse of yours."
"She is. I just went about things the wrong way." Taking in a shaky breath, I exhaled slowly. "Now I'm not sure if we have a future being more than friends. Don't get me wrong, I'll be ecstatic having her in my life period. But-"
"You realize how badly you screwed up and you finally see how much you actually care? Now you want to show Mariah that. Show her just how much you love her."
Studying the man before me, my head tilted slightly. "Just how much do you know about our relationship?"
"Everything. She's my best friend. She actually came out to me before Sharon." He smiled, "I remember how giddy she was telling me about you. I had never seen her like that before."
"You're a good friend, Kevin. I'm glad Mariah has you."
"Thank you." Glancing at his phone, he stood. "Well, I need to pick up Bella. Ester is spoiling her rotten and probably trying to teach her how to talk me into moving back."
"Alright." Walking him to the door, I showed him out.
"Get better soon."
"Thanks." With that, the man left.
Xxx
Realizing how late it had gotten after my shower, I quickly threw some clothes on and towel dried my hair. I had just sat down when there was a familiar knock on the door. "Hey." Smiling, I greeted the shorter woman. "Long day?"
"You have no idea." Bag in hand, Mariah went to sit at the table. "Hilary is bitchier than usual because Devon isn't putting up with her crap anymore after he found proof that she pushed Juliet into pressing those sexual harassment charges."
"The ones that caused Cain and Lily to almost divorce and Victoria to lose Brash and Sassy?"
"Yup. So, until you come back, I'm the middle woman between them. Devon had me drop off Hilary's contract. She was not pleased that he wouldn't see her directly. Since it was me, she didn't act very pleasant."
"Oh…" Unwrapping my sandwich, I started to nibble at it. I wasn't hungry but I refused to tell Mariah that. "Can I get you anything?"
Glancing around the table, she shook her head. "Nah, we've got drinks and napkins. If Devon wasn't such a businessman, I'm pretty sure he'd give Hilary the boot."
"What if he does and gives you the show?"
Snorting, Mariah laughed nervously. "The Mariah Hour? Really? No way."
"Why not? The show has a "feel good" vibe to it now. You'd be great at that. If you got stuck, I'm sure Devon or I could help. I mean, the segments you've done are fantastic." That smile will stop my heart one day. I just know it. "What?"
"Just what you said. We believe so much in one another."
"We do." Returning the smile, I changed the subject. "Kevin is nice."
"He is." Her brow creased. "How did it come about that he came here?"
"He just showed up. I was fast asleep and heard someone knocking on my door. When I opened it, there he stood."
"He must have looked to see what apartment you were in." Noticing that I hadn't eaten much, Mariah smiled apologetically. "Can I fix you something else? I didn't think about a sandwich being too heavy."
"Nah, I had a late lunch. I'm really not that hungry. I'll probably be starving by tomorrow so I'll finish it then."
"Okay. How do you feel?" After cleaning her own area, Mariah insisted I let her clean the rest.
"Better. I think I'll be good in a few more days. I'll probably be fine by Monday."
"Good. I'll need all the help I can get at the office."
Xxx
Days passed, and Mariah continued to take care of me. When she realized I didn't need twenty-four-hour observation, I was sad to see her go home at night.
Before I went to work, I decided to grab everyone coffee from Crimson Lights. After placing my order with a very scattered Sharon, I waited. My blood ran cold when I heard Nick call my name. Turning slowly, I tried to smile politely. "Nick, how are you?"
"I'm well. I guess you're feeling better? Sharon told me you got Mariah's cold while you took care of her."
"Yes, I'm much better now." Is he going to read me the riot act or not? I've not spoken to a Newman since Noah and I broke up. "I want to thank you again for letting me rent an apartment in your building. I know I've caused your family a lot of trouble."
"I had my doubts but Mariah stressed that your situation is the exact reason Rainbow Gardens exists. As for the rest of my family, I doubt they will speak to you. Noah took a job with Newman out of the country. He left a few days ago."
"Noah's gone?" A simple nod was all I received from Nick. "I'm sorry. I'm sure that's hard for you and Sharon."
Skeptical eyes watched me a moment. "It is. He's not had the best of luck with women and I think that fueled his choice to leave. But, you taught him a few lessons and I hope he remembers them."
Guilt clenched my heart knowing that I was the reason he left. "I don't know what to say…" Before Nick could speak, Sharon called my name. "I need to go." With a nod, Nick and I shared our goodbyes.
Entering the office with four coffees, I was greeted by Devon and Mariah. "Glad to see you're feeling better. I'm sure Mariah has filled you in on everything?"
"Yes, she has." Placing the drink tray at my work space, I gave Devon and Mariah their coffees. "Will Hilary be joining us?"
"No." Devon and Mariah spoke in unison.
"While I am in my office, she is not allowed to enter. Understood?"
His voice was stern and caused both Mariah and I to wince. "Yes, Sir."
Devon chuckled at the horrified redhead. "Sir? Really, Mariah?"
"It's a habit, okay?" She tried hiding her own amusement. "Stop laughing at me. Both of you." Throwing a paper ball my way, Mariah glared. "Is that anyway to treat the person who nursed you back to health?"
"Is that anyway to treat the person who got you sick in the first place?" I couldn't help but grin.
"Ladies," Devon tried to keep a straight face. "I'm glad to see that the impromptu staff trust workshop helped. Do I need to draw up HR paperwork for the two of you?" Both Mariah's and my face turned a deep shade of red. Neither of us knowing how to answer his question.
"Point made. Getting back to work now." fiercely typing, Mariah went back to emails while I organized paperwork.
When Devon left for the studio, it gave Mariah and I some time to talk openly. "I saw Nick this morning." Long fingers stopped mid-word on an email. "He said Noah left the country."
Peering over her laptop, Mariah chose her words carefully. "I wasn't sure how to tell you. I'm partly responsible for him leaving."
"Please don't blame yourself. I caused most of the damage." Joining Mariah on the leather couch, I took her hand in mine. "I don't regret kissing you in San Fran. I regret not being honest with you and Noah. Now, because of that dishonesty, you have a strained relationship with your brother who is now half way around the world."
Mariah was quiet a few minutes before she entwined our fingers. Drawing lazy shapes with her thumb, she spoke softly. "I'll miss Noah but," she paused, "maybe that's what needed to happen."
"What?"
Shrugging, she continued nervously. "Maybe he needed to leave so we could…be happy…together." Meeting my gaze, Mariah smiled. "Once the dust settles, we can come out as a couple. But, until then, let's keep it between us. Okay?"
"Are you serious? I'm not dreaming or hallucinating this, right?"
"You are not." Bringing my hand to her lips, Mariah placed a featherlike kiss on my knuckles. The simple action caused me to shudder. Smiling, I wanted to kiss the redhead in front of me but was interrupted by a powerful set of heels clicking down the hallway. I got to a nearby chair before the door swung open, revealing Hilary.
"Where is he?" She was irate.
"We're not at liberty to tell you." Mariah spoke calmly.
"Mariah, I swear, if you don't tell me where Devon is right now I'll-"
"You'll what?" Somehow still keeping his calm and caring demeanor, Devon stood strong. He was a force to be reckoned with. "I'm sure by now you've read the new contract. If you wish to keep your job, you'll sign it."
"I am not giving Mariah my show!"
"GC Buzz, is my show and I can do with it whatever I want. In the original paperwork, there was a clause that you didn't bother to read or didn't think I would enforce stating if for any reason Hilary Curtis could not fulfill her duties to the public, the show would be given to Mariah Copeland." Seeing that Mariah was internally freaking out, I went to sit beside her for moral support. I, personally, was too afraid to speak and I believe she was too.
"This is insane! She'll run the show into the ground!"
"Actually, the ratings from the shows she did segments in were the highest we've had since the rebranding." Hilary's back was towards us so I felt safe to smile and nudge Mariah's arm in a "way to go" fashion.
"This is crazy. I refuse to sign those papers!"
"Then you're fired." Storming out, Hilary slammed the door.
"It's so awkward when Mom and Dad fight when the kids are around." Unlike myself, Mariah burst into a fit of laughter.
"I am so sorry, Devon. Just…how she said it…it's true." Franticly trying to compose herself, the redhead glared my way. "I can't believe you said that." Swatting my arm, she huffed.
"It's alright. Tessa has a point. It's awkward for anyone when bosses fight in front of their employees. However, because of the new contract when I bought GC Buzz, that made me the boss of both of you. I won't make you do live shows right away. I know you wouldn't be comfortable with that. But, eventually, I do want you to make the show yours."
"Th-thank you. I'm not sure what to say." Speechless, Mariah tried to comprehend how much her life was about to change.
"Of course, I'll still give you guidance like I did with Hilary, but you can also contribute on what you'd like to do. I'll be drawing up a new contract this afternoon for you to look over."
"Sounds great." Mariah stumbled over her words.
"Once everything settles down with the Newmans, you can even have your girlfriend perform again." Devon smiled softly glancing from his computer to us. "Did you really think I didn't know how this was going to end? I knew the two of you would end up together eventually. Whether that's now or down the road, you'll be a couple." Giving up, both of us sighed in defeat. "I'm happy for the both of you."
"Thank you, Devon." Smiling, Mariah went back to work.
"You're welcome. As for you Tessa, I hope this works out. A lot of things make sense now. And I can see you've leaned your lesson."
"I have, yeah."
"Mmhmm." Holding the phone to his ear, Devon waited to dial. "Now, get back to work you two."
