Whenever You Call by Cheryl([email protected]) Chapter 7 Brian had just stepped from the shower when he heard the shrill ringing of his cellular phone. "Yello?" "Um, Brian, you don't know me. My name is Mariah Arseneaux. I'm a friend of Kevin's." Friend? More than that. "Hi, Mariah. My cousin told me he'd given you my number. Can't get him on his cell?" "No, it's not that. It's just - well, I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from him today. I'd like to know what I could do to thank him. You being so close I thought you might have an idea." "Something tells me just knowing how much they meant to you is all he cares about...You didn't have to call me. You know, there is plenty info on the internet about us that is...well, mostly true." "It's just doesn't seem fair though, Brian. He can't go to the internet to find out what I'm all about." "True." Kevin wasn't kidding. This girl is great. "Let's see what does, Kev, like? He loves music obviously...and the color blue...and.." "Nevermind. I just had an idea...Thank you, Brian. Please don't mention it to Kevin that I called." "You got it." "It was nice finally talking to you. Have a good night." "Thanks. You too." Later that night, after reading all the directions and setting everything up properly, Mariah sat at her piano and recorded a wav file of one of her original compositions. She knew she was exposing herself to criticism but she could think of no better way to let Kevin know how much his gift was appreciated. The next morning in Amsterdam, Kevin flipped on his laptop and logged into his email account. "You've got mail," the voice exclaimed. To: KYTrain 71 (K.S. Richardson) From: Calliope73 (Mariah Arseneaux) Subject: Thanks from the bottom of my heart Kevin, I can't thank you enough for the roses I received today. No one has ever done that for me before, and it meant so much coming from you. A real pick-me-up. :) I tried so hard to come up with a way to repay you for being so thoughtful. I even called Brian tonight for suggestions. There is one thing in this world I know you love and that's music. If you notice, there is a file attached to this note. Download it and you will be able to hear one of my original compositions on piano. I hope you or someone else have the ability to play it. Have a wonderful time wherever you are and I hope to talk to you soon. Thank you again so much, Kev - Sir Richardson of Kentucky. Love always, Lady Calliope As he finished her letter and clicked download, Kevin smiled. He found himself doing that more often since Mariah had appeared in his life. She helped him become a bit more relaxed and laid back. He knew all the other guys noticed, but no one had really mentioned it. And now he felt his heart grow warmer just thinking of Mariah. All the work he had put into sending her those roses was worth it to hear how happy she was. A knock at the door interrupted his reverie. He went to answer it just as the wav file of Mariah's song opened filling the room with a soft, haunting melody. "Hey, B, Howie. Wassup?" "Wondering if you were awake enough to join us for breakfast?" Howie said. "Woah, what's that?" He and Brian pushed themselves into the room. "A friend of mine sent me a song she wrote," Kevin answered glancing at Brian, who smiled knowingly. "Train, it's beautiful." "Yeah. She's very talented. She's a music teacher in Kissimmee." "Has she written any lyrics? Maybe you two could collaborate?" "I don't know, D. She wasn't very comfortable with my hearing her songs. She is very good. I just need to convince her of that first." Once the song finished, he saved the file and walked out the door with Howie and Brian. "You like her a lot don't you, Kev?" Brian asked quietly when their friend was out of range. "Mariah is an incredible woman, B. I can't wait to actually meet her." Next: Chapter 8 -FanFics -Home