Page 57 of Something New

"I have to go. Listen. I want you to still take photos and video if you want, but don't kill yourself, Jonathan. I'm not taking the money from Nick. I hope he'll still pay you but if he doesn't, I'll pay you when we get back. Listen, Jonathan, I'll see you at the airport. I'll meet you there Monday for our flight. If something happens, and you feel uncomfortable here, just jump in an Uber and call me. I'll tell you where I'm staying."

"Why would I ever feel uncomfortable here? And why are you leaving?" he asked gesturing around us in a fluid motion that went with the music.

"I have to leave."

"Whyyyy would you everrrrr?"

I smiled, and he took my picture. His smile was gigantic when he put down the camera, and I reached out and hugged him.

"I’m having fun," he said.

"I know."

"So, you're leaving now, and I'm not going to see you till the airport?"

"Yes. That's right."

"Why, Shy?"

"I just have to. I'll leave a note for Deadpan."

"Oh no, are you sick? Are you too messed up? I'm sorry. The party's just getting started! Maybe you can lay down for a minute and come back out."

"No, thank you. I'm okay, but I've already made up my mind about going. I have a ride. Have fun, Jonathan. I'll see you soon, okay."

"Okay, I miss you, but, you-do-you queennnn!" He hollered at me as he walked away, going back into the crowd.

I took one last look, scanning the room to make sure Nick wasn't looking at me. I didn't see him, and I looked at the perimeter of the wall and saw John-Michael who was waiting for me.

I motioned for him to follow me and waited for his nod before I took off toward the hallway. I was ten steps ahead of John-Michael, but I glanced back continually to make sure he was following me. I went through the kitchen, and toward the back hallway that led to our bedrooms.

"Hey, Andre, my assistant is behind me," I said, turning to gesture to John-Michael who gave Andre a wave.

We both walked past Andre and to the hallway that would take us to the stairs. I moved quickly because I didn't know where Nick was and I didn't want to run into him.

"Close that door, please," I said, coming into the bedroom.

I went straight to the bed where I set down my cameras, and then I crossed back to John-Michael and threw myself into his arms. I could feel his chest rise and fall as he took a deep breath, holding me. I wondered what he thought of all this, but I didn't take the time to ask. I kissed his cheek and broke the hug.

"I'm going to get my things together and write a note. I'm changing, too. It's going to take a minute."

"That's fine."

I kissed his other cheek before adding a light one on his mouth.

"This place is crazy."

"I know. I was wondering what you thought. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just do what you need to do and we'll get out of here."

I kissed him again, a quick one before breaking away and getting to work. I went to my luggage and searched for some other clothes. I changed in the bathroom and situated the costume and cloth mask in the closet where I found it. Then I wrote a note.

Nick,

Thanks so much for having me and the great hospitality. Something has come up and I unfortunately cannot stay for the rest of the party. Jonathan is going to finish the job. I am leaving my media card with all of my photos so that you can edit and use them as you wish. I am not taking any payment for services since the full contract was not met. Jonathan is still working. I had promised him twenty-five hundred dollars. It would be great if he could get paid since he is able to continue working. Thank you for the hospitality this weekend. You were a kind host, and I wish you a happy birthday. I'm sorry I had to leave so abruptly. Best of luck with your music.

All the best,