Chapter 2:
An exasperated Whitney set down her belongings and collapsed on her hotel couch. She laid her legs across the coffee table in front of her and lightly rubbed her temples. Ima need to make time for a massage later on she thought to herself. Giving her staff the rest of the day off, she was glad to finally have some alone time. As much as the 22-year- old was truly enjoying her quick and sudden success into the music industry, Whitney was quickly finding out that it had its disadvantages. No one, not her mother, nor her cousin Dionne Warwick, could set her up for how fame was really going to be like. No longer was she the church-going homegirl from Newark, but she was apart of the limelight at all times. Her time rarely belonged to her anymore. With TV appearances and business meetings here and performances there, she seemed to be owned by the public. Case in point, that day she did a huge autograph signing at the record store. Right afterwards, she decided to spend some alone time shopping. The quest was short-lived however, once she realized that people were following her around Saks Fifth Avenue. It took everything in her to keep her anxiety attack down to a minimum because she felt uncomfortable in having so many eyes on her. At all times. And at every minute. It was enough to cut her shopping trip short.
Plus to top things off, she couldn't for the life of her find her favorite bracelet. It was a gift that she received from her father on her 18th birthday, and she knew that he went deep into his savings to give her it. It meant everything to her and it was killing her to not know what happened to it. God, I hope no one did something awful, like steal it she prayed. Tired and a bit despondent about her afternoon, Whitney quickly gave her mother, Gospel legend Cissy Houston a call. Right after, she threw on some sweatpants, curled up into a ball and fell fast asleep on the couch.
"Are you sure that's Whitney Houston's bracelet?" Kevin's agent Mitch Katopolis asked him. "Yes Mitch, why is it so hard for you to believe that? I spoke to her at the gala and when she was leaving, it must have slipped off her hand." Kevin explained. "I'm only asking because I don't wanna sound like an idiot once I talk to her team and it's really not her bracelet." Mitch retorted sarcastically. "Whatever man, just give them a call. I just wanna make sure that she gets it back before I leave town." Kevin dismissed him. Mitch knew just about everyone in the industry, hence why Kevin asked him to contact Whitney's management to let them know that he had her bracelet.
Mitch shook his head and within minutes, got in touch with someone from Whitney's team. He explained the situation, nodding at the response. A smile crept across his face. "So she DID mention that she had been looking for it? And it means so much to her? Wow, yeah, well that's the kind of guy Kevin is. He immediately told me that he found it and wanted to give it back. I backed him up completely, which is why I called!" It was Kevin's time to shake his head. As good of agent as he was, Mitch could be such an asskisser and only when it was beneficial to him. Ok, great. Yeah give us a call back in a few to see how we can exchange that back to her." After he hung up, he looked at Kevin. "Looks like you indeed had the right woman," Mitch told him. "Gee, Mitch, tell me something that I don't know." Kevin responded. "This little goodwill attempt will make good for your image Costner. Word spreads out about people and sometimes you never know what right person, like a Steven Spielberg could hear about you because of this." "That's great and all Mitch, but I really just want to make sure that she gets it back." Kevin dismissed him.
A few minutes later, Mitch received another call from Whitney's team. "So you talked to her and she wants to collect her bracelet from Kevin herself?" Kevin immediately sat up, secretly pleased by what he was hearing. He had to admit that he didn't mind one bit if he got to see Whitney again. Besides her beauty, she seemed to be a very charming lady full of personality. He was intrigued by what he got from their brief encounter and wouldn't mind to see a little bit more. Mitch put his hand over the receiver and looked over at Kevin. "You leave tomorrow night for home right? Think you can squeeze in a drop off with Ms. Houston?" Kevin nodded and waved his hand. Inside though, he wanted to break into a smile. He knew he was a married man, but he couldn't help but get a bit excited to see her. If only just to get another glimpse of her once more, it would be enough. "Okay great, so he can meet with her tomorrow at noon at her hotel!" Mitch barked. "No problem. Bye."