Part 9
As Denise prepared breakfast, AJ told ‘Stormy’ about his music, every aspect from touring to recording to the fans as well as about security. He wanted her to be prepared when they went out into public so she wouldn’t be scared. She watched the girl closely and slowly, she began to see that AJ’s instincts about this girl had been right. When AJ told her the name of the group, it was obvious that ‘Stormy’ knew the group. Her eyes and expressions told that but not once did she get that ‘money hungry’ look about her that Denise had become extremely familiar with.
“Is orange juice okay with you, ‘Stormy’?”
Stormy nodded ‘yes’ as AJ’s cell phone rang.
Looking at the caller ID, AJ said, “I’ll take this in the living room.”
‘Stormy’ watched AJ’s retreating back and it was quite clear that she was uncomfortable being left alone with Denise.
Pouring a glass of juice, Denise said, “I should apologize for earlier. I’m just worried that Alex is going to get hurt again. All his life, he’s been drawn to girls who wanted something from him and his most recent girlfriend was out to get a recording contract by using him. He’s my only son and I worry about him. I’m sure that he’ll tell you more about it but he won’t tell you that he has this idea that he has to have a girl in his life.”
‘Stormy’ took the glass as Denise handed it to her. The two ladies made eye contact.
Denise tilted her head to the side, “You are different. You knew who the Backstreet Boys were and you knew who Alex was, didn’t you?”
A simple nod of acknowledgement was all Denise got.
“He’s fallen for you…harder than I’ve ever seen him fall before.”
A shy smile crossed her lips as a pale shade of pink rose in her cheeks.
“I guess I should thank you. If he hadn’t found you, he’d have gone back to LA today….and that viper of an ex-girlfriend. With you here, he’s decided to stay here for a while.”
Stormy acknowledged the thank you with her eyes.
Expecting to return to World War III, AJ was pleasantly surprised to find both women smiling conspiratorially.
“I missed something.”
“What do you mean, son?”
“You two….you look like you’re up to something.”
“Just reaching an understanding. Who was on the phone?”
“Uh…I’ll tell you later,” said AJ looking at ‘Stormy’. He put his arm around her and she leaned against him. “We’ll go to the mall as soon as I get cleaned up. I called Marcus, my bodyguard, to go with us.”
“I’m going to head home, Alex. If you want dinner, call me,” she said giving Alex a kiss on the cheek. Giving ‘Stormy’ a kiss on the cheek as well, she said, “Enjoy your trip shopping and watch out….Alex is famous for his shopping.”
“I’ll see you out, Mama,” smiled AJ. Then to ‘Stormy’, “I’ll be back in a minute. Go on and eat!”
Away from ‘Stormy’, Denise said, “Okay, I was wrong about her. I understand now what you mean about just knowing. I take it the phone call was about ‘Stormy’.”
“Yeah, it was. So far, there’s nothing on her but they’re going to check a few more avenues.”
“What if they find out who she is?”
“Then I’ll let who ever is looking for her know that she’s okay. Mom, thanks for fixing breakfast for us.”
“You’re welcome, son. Don’t wear her out shopping.”
“I won’t,” laughed AJ as he gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.
