Chapter 6

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful. Danny went to Disney World again on Thursday while Stacy and I were at dance class. Howie couldn’t work out with me on Friday because he and Pollyanna had some business to take care of. Something about buying another building. Anyway, I decided to work out by myself. Stacy took Danny to the hotel pool. After working out, I went down to the pool to check on them.

They were sitting at a table near the door drinking orange juice. When Stacy spotted me, she stood up. She looked panicked.

"Girl, the freakiest thing happened!"

"What?"

"See that girl over there?" she asked, pointing at the bar. Nicole was behind the bar chatting up a male customer. She glanced our way briefly before returning to her conversation.

"What about her?"

"We go up to the bar and I order two juices for me and Danny and she starts asking questions."

"What kind of questions?"

"Oh, what’s the boy’s name, how old is he, stuff like that. Then she wants to know if he’s going to be a singer like his father."

"Oh my God!" I walked right over to the bar.

"Maggie, what are you doing?" Stacy called after me. I ignored her and stepped right up next to the guy Nicole was talking to.

"Could you excuse us, please?" I said to him. He sneered at me.

"It’s okay, Brandon," said Nicole, "Mary and I are old friend, aren’t we Mary?" She had a fake smile on her face. Brandon hissed and then walked away.

"What can I do for you?"

"Did you ask my friend some invasive questions about my son?"

"Look, if she thought I was being nosy, I’m sorry. I was just engaging in conversation. I’m encouraged to be personable with all the guests."

"Personable or personal."

"Look, you’re not doing a good job of hiding who you are," she whispered. "All the times you came into the gym, you only signed your fake name once. I always see you with Howie D. Do you think I’m stupid?"

"No, Nicole, I don’t." On the contrary, that girl was pretty smart…and manipulative.

"You can’t blame me for being curious."

"No, I guess not."

"Besides, you’re lucky things didn’t really get ugly. I know you could have my job."

"Yes I could. And I appreciate the relative peace and quiet."

"Satisfaction guaranteed, Mrs. Backstreet Boy," she smiled a genuine smile.

"I’m not Mrs.," I told her.

"Oh right, right." She winked at me.

"Seriously, we’re not married. But that’s just between you and me if anyone asks."

"Okay."

"And I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t bother my friend, you really freaked her out."

"Sorry, curiosity just got the best of me, I guess." She sounded sincere.

"Have a nice day, Nicole."

"You too…Maggie." I took a deep breath, turned around and walked back over to where Stacy and Danny were sitting.

"Let’s go," I said, walking toward the door. Stacy picked up Danny and followed me. Once we were inside, Stacy began to grill me.

"So?"

"She’s cool…for now."

"What did you say to her?"

"I told her I’d have her job if things got ugly."

"Serious?"

"Serious."

The rest of the afternoon was spent sightseeing. I hadn’t done much of that since I arrived in Orlando and it was nice to go somewhere besides dance class and Howie’s parents’ house. We went to our vegetarian hangout for dinner. Danny and I were relieved that there was more on the menu we could eat besides grilled cheese. She dropped us off around 8:00 and I invited her up.

"I’d love to, dulce, but I’ve got a 6:00 call tomorrow."

"Okay, go get your beauty sleep."

"You’re coming tomorrow, right?"

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world, sorella." She gave hugs and kisses to Danny and me. We got out of the car and waved as she drove off.

The fashion show was okay. I’m not really into the whole fashion scene but I owed it to Stacy to be there. Danny got antsy until he saw her coming down the runway. She looked stunning as usual. ‘If Howie doesn’t ask her out, he’s crazy…and blind,’ I thought. Stacy smiled and winked at us when she passed. Danny blew her a kiss.

"Stacy’s pretty, Mama," he said.

"Prettier than me?" He put his chin in his hand and thought for a second.

"Nobody’s prettier than you. Not even Stacy," he said, giving me a hug.

We met Stacy backstage after the show. She came running right up to us with the usual kisses and hugs.

"Sorella, you’ll never believe who was supposed to do this show."

"Who?"

"Tatiana!" She made a face when she said the name. Tatiana worked with Stacy and me on the set of "Everybody". She played one of the maids that opened Howie’s coffin. Stacy was one of the girls sitting at the table with A.J. and I was just a dancer. Back then Tatiana went by Tanya. But now she was supposed to be some supermodel, so she changed her name.

"So, what happened to her?"

"Victoria’s Secret called. Or so I heard," Stacy said, rolling her eyes. Stacy and I used to be friends with this girl until she started getting a lot of offers. Then she turned into a witch. Since she was friend with Howie and the guys, she was allowed to come backstage after any of their shows or appearances. I never for gave her for kissing Howie right in front of me. He pushed her away, thank God.

Stacy invited us to some big after party at some fancy restaurant. Danny and I stayed for about an hour. Stacy was required to mingle with the guests; buyers, magazine editors, other designers, so she couldn’t spend too much time with us. I felt awkward since I didn’t know anyone except her. Danny got irritated with all the people who made a fuss over him. One model said I should get Danny into modeling. Over my dead body!

Danny started getting tired and cranky, so I said goodbye to Stacy and took him back to the hotel.

"Wait!" said Stacy, "I want you to meet my agent." Standing next to Stacy was a petite Asian woman who introduced herself as Sandra.

"She can represent you if you decide to take up dancing full time," said Stacy.

"Do you live in Orlando?" asked Sandra.

"No, we don’t," I replied. "Look, Stace, we better get going. Danny’s really tired."

"Okay, sorella. Thanks for coming," she gave Danny and me kisses on the cheek, leaving behind red lip prints; her trademark.

"It was nice meeting you, Sandra," I said and then picked up Danny and left.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out in our hotel room, watching T.V. and ordering room service. Howie called to ask how the show was. I told him what I heard about Tatiana and he laughed.

"Well, I wish her luck," he said.

"That reminds me," I said, "did anything every happen between you two?"

"What do you think?" he sounded irritated.

"Just asking."

"What you witnessed the night she kissed me was the extent of our relationship."

"Okay, okay, I’ll drop it."

"Please do."

"Busy tomorrow?"

"Yea, I promised I’d help my mom some yard work."

"Well, tell her Danny and I said hi."

"Will do."

The highlight of the next day was that Danny and I spent the whole afternoon at the pool. Thankfully, no one bothered us. Nicole stopped by and said ‘hello’. She was all right, I guess.

The following week was pretty boring. Work out with Howie on Monday and Wednesday, go to dance class with Stacy on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday night, Howie took Danny and me to a movie and to dinner.

I had a hard time sleeping on Friday night since it was the night before the audition. I was nervous about facing Fatima again. Stacy said she made space for me on the audition schedule at the last minute. But what did that mean, exactly. Fatima was cool as long as you were cool with here. I can’t imagine that she would forgive me for what I did.

It was 3:00 in the morning and I still couldn’t sleep. So, I called Howie.

"Do you know what time it is?" he asked, groggily.

"Howie, I’m nervous about tomorrow."

"Don’t be. You’ll do fine."

"But Fatima must still be pissed at me."

"I doubt it. Not even she can hold a grudge for three years."

"You’ll be there to support me, right?"

"If you don’t let me get back to sleep, I will not be there to support you."

"Okay, goodnight."

I drank six cups of coffee while I got ready for the audition. Howie was supposed to come by at 9:00. He was going to pick up Stacy on the way to the audition, which was at 10:00. I changed into black spandex and put my hair into a bun. I must have used about eighty hairpins to keep it in place. I used up all of my spray get, too.

"Mama, why do you keep walking back and forth?" asked Danny. He was already dressed in cargo pants, a t-shirt and gym shoes.

"I’m just nervous about having to dance today." Danny had known about my audition since before we left Chicago. He referred to it as my ‘dancing thing.’

"Don’t be nervous, Mama, you’ll do good." I chuckled. The only time he saw me dance was in aerobics class and at Michael’s wedding.

When Howie finally came, I was a nervous wreck. Danny and I went downstairs to meet him out in front. I noticed that he had already picked up Stacy and she was sitting in the front seat with him. It bothered me, even thought I should’ve been happy for them. Danny and I got in back.

"I hope you don’t mind that I picked up Stacy first," said Howie.

"No, not at all," I said. I had more important things to worry about.

"Sorry we’re a little late, we went out for breakfast."

I took a deep breath and looked out the window. I really was happy that something was starting to happen between Stacy and Howie. I just didn’t expect it to happen so fast.

The audition was held in the same place Stacy and I had dance class. I paused before going in.

"What are you waiting for? Go in," Stacy prodded.

"She hates me, I know she does," I said.

"Who hates you?"

"Fatima," said Howie, "Maggie thinks Fatima’s going to go off on her."

"After three years?" said Stacy. "When I told her you were auditioning, she was actually excited. She made space for you, didn’t she?"

We all went inside the building. Stacy and I signed in with the monitors while Howie and Danny sat in the folding chairs along the back wall. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and came face to face with Fatima. Her face was expressionless.

"Glad to see you made it. How’ve you been?" she said, suddenly breaking into a smile.

"Fatima, hello," I replied nervously.

"Ready to get serious?" she said, smirking.

"Yes, yes I am," I stuttered.

"Relax girl, I’m sure you’ll do fine. Just don’t run out on me this time," she chuckled. Just then, Stacy came up beside me.

"Fatima, did you see Maggie and Howie’s little boy?" she said, pointing at Howie and Danny. Fatima looked over at them.

"Man, he looks just like Howie, too."

"So, Fatima, you’re not still mad at me?" I asked.

"No, I’m not. Just don’t plan on getting pregnant again any time soon," she said, winking.

"Oh, I won’t!" I said emphatically. Fatima laughed and then directed her attention to the room.

"Okay, places," she shouted through the megaphone she was holding. Just then, Brad, Rich and Devin from LFO came in and took seats at the table next to the monitor. Brad noticed me right away and smiled. I smiled back. Then I took my place on the floor.

The combinations Fatima took us through were an insult to my intelligence, but I tried not to let it show. Each time she eliminated people, I held my breath, hoping she wouldn’t pick me. When the final choice was made, Stacy and I both made it along with one other girl. I didn’t know her, but Stacy seemed to. She was in the dance class and her name was Mina. She looked either Indian or Pakistani and had shoulder length black hair. She must have known Devin because he gave her a big hug, picked her up off the floor and swung her around.

Brad came over to me and Stacy and congratulated us. We took them over to where Howie and Danny were sitting. Brad commented on how much Danny and Howie looked alike. He also told me that he wasn’t surprised that Howie and I hooked up. Fatima reminded me that the shoot required a two week commitment.

When I got back to the hotel, I called home. Everyone’s reaction was just as I anticipated. Ma was happy for me. Dad asked me for the one millionth time if I was sure this is what I wanted to do. Michael was annoyed that I would be spending two more weeks away from work. Normally, I worked as a hostess at my family’s restaurant on Rush Street. My brother, Michael was my boss.

The next day, I checked out of the hotel. I was so busy turning in my key and reviewing the bill that I didn’t notice the girl behind the desk.

"I hope you enjoyed your stay," said a voice. I looked up from my bill to see Nicole. I didn’t recognize her at first. Instead of the usual green polo shirt and khakis, she was wearing a white blouse and a black skirt. How many jobs did this girl have?

"Thank you, Nicole," I said. I took Danny outside to wait for Howie. The porter followed us with our luggage on a cart. Howie was supposed to take us over to Stacy’s. We would be staying with her for the next two weeks.

When Howie arrived, he helped put the luggage in the trunk of his car. We drove in silence for a while and then Howie spoke.

"Are you excited?"

"Very!"

"You know you could’ve stayed with me for two weeks if you wanted. You know, house sit while the band is on the road."

"But Stacy offered first. Besides, you’re going to be gone for more than two weeks."

"Well, maybe the next time you’re in Orlando, you and Danny can stay with me."

"That’d be nice," I said, leaning back and closing my eyes. "The first thing I’m going to do when I get to Stacy’s is the laundry."

"Why didn’t you just use the hotel laundry service?"

"Too expensive. Besides, I brought enough clothes to last two weeks. It’s time to wash again anyway."

Stacy was standing in front of her building when we arrived. She helped Danny out of the car and carried him while Howie helped me with the luggage. Stacy lived on the top floor of a two-story bungalow. Her place was small but cute. She and Danny went into the kitchen to see what they could make for lunch.

"Hey, Little Man, can I get a hug goodbye?" Howie asked Danny. He stood with his arms outstretched. Danny ran to him and Howie picked him up.

"Thank you for coming to visit me," said Howie.

"When will I see you again, Papi?"

"Soon. Probably in time for your birthday."

"Are you coming to Chicago."

"Your mama and I need to make the arrangements, but I think so." He gave Danny a kiss on the cheek and put him back down.

"Bye Stace, I’ll call you," he said to her. Actually, he talked to her butt, which was sticking out of the refrigerator. She reached back with her left hand and waved.

One his way back to the door, he stopped and looked at me. Then he gave me a kiss on the cheek and a big hug.

"Congrats. I knew you’d get it," he said.

"Thanks," I said.

"I’ll call you as soon as I’m back in town so we can make arrangements for me to visit you and Danny in Chicago. I’d like to be there for his birthday, if I can."

"Sure." He took my hand and kissed it and then left. I watched him race down the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Danny and I got back to Chicago, a large bouquet of flowers was waiting at home for me. I took out the card and read it.

To: My Baby’s Mama

I’ll be sending the check soon. You know what to do with it. Take care of my boy.

Love, Howie

The End

***

Check out the sequel, The Trouble With Jaime

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