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Whenever You Call Chapter 5 It was the night before he was leaving for Europe for two months and Kevin was packed. He felt like Santa Claus as he checked over his to-do list and crossed off three more of his accomplishments. Only one remained. The one he dreaded. He grabbed the phone from the counter, clicked the on button and dialed the now familiar seven digits - 555-3567. "Hello?" "Good evening, Lady Calliope." "Sir Richardson of Kentucky. How are you this evening, my lord?" "Wonderful. All packed and ready to go." Kevin glanced at his baggage. "I feel like I am going off to the Crusades. I know I am taking enough crap to be gone years instead of a couple of months." "But, hey, if you don't pack the cordless food processor, you'll need it. Did you remember the kitchen sink?" Mariah joked. "Ha, ha." "Seriously, you didn't forget anything?" "Nope. Learned my lesson long ago when I forgot my entire bag of essential toiletries. I went to Canada without a razor, toothbrush, toothpaste. I had to go to the corner drug store the second we landed in Montreal. Now I make a list. Calling you was the final thing on it." "Gee thanks, Kev." "Hey, I was saving the best for last," he answered sincerely. "So sweet," she breathed. "Mariah, there's something I wanted to tell you before I left." "Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of that." "It's nothing bad really. It won't change our friendship...I hope." Kevin sat down on his couch. "I wasn't entirely truthful when I told you about my job." "What? You don't work with the Backstreet Boys?" She knew she didn't care anyway. "Oh, I do. Mariah, I AM a Backstreet Boy." "Excuse me?" "I'm a member of the group. I sing, dance, you name it. My cousin Brian, Nick and A.J. sing most of the leads. Then there's Howie singing falsetto and myself singing bass. Ask your students." "Oh, I believe you. But why, Kev? Why the little white lie?" He sighed. "It's been hard these last six years to get to know people without questioning their motives. You gave me your friendship without that hassle. I can't thank you enough for what you've given me." "I guess I can understand your hesitation. And you're welcome. I've enjoyed being your friend." Mariah thought for a minute. "What does this mean for us now?" "Nothing, I hope." She heard a hint of desperation in his voice. "You're right. You are still just Sir Richardson of Kentucky." "And you are still Lady Calliope." They laughed. "Okay, milady, I will email as soon as I can. Expect a phone call now and then too." "Sounds good. Have a safe trip." "Thank you. Take care of yourself. Good night." "Night, Kev."Next: Chapter 6 |