CHAPTER TWO

It wasn't even a half-n-hour after Christina had taken a seat across from Eminem, when the petite woman found herself slightly frowning and rolling her eyes in annoyance as Mya and Curtis decided on taking it to the dance floor; throwing over their shoulders, as an afterthought, that they'd be right back after a couple of songs were over.

A couple of songs being about thirty in their book. Christina sarcastically thought to herself, as she absentmindedly watched the two seductively grinding together on the dance floor, before looking down at the watch on her wrist; accidentally getting the man across from her's attention.

"If you want to leave, you can. I'll just tell them you got sick or something."

Even though that sounded like a good idea at the moment, the thought of possibly owing Eminem a favor in the future caused Christina to turn down the offer. "Thanks, but that's okay...I'm having a good time."

Knowing a lie when he heard one caused the older man to mumble a soft whatever before quickly switching topics; figuring that anything--including small talk--was better than the silence that was going on between the two. "So, I heard you and Timberlake are out on tour together. How's that going?"

Not wanting him to know how surprised she was that he had asked her that question caused Christina to quickly bite back her biting remark of: "Why do you wanna know?" And instead, just nonchalantly shrug, before replying: "It's going okay...we've had a few problems here and there..mostly due to our stage collapsing before one of our shows. But besides that, everything's going as good as can be."

"That's good.." Marshall commented, before jokingly replying: "But I have to admit, I had my doubts when hearing you two were heading out together...I mean, I can just see you two fighting over who gets to wear more makeup: you or him?"

A comment which he knew he shouldn't have said when Christina rolled her eyes once again in annoyance before angrily replying. "You know, I thought--from all that you and I had been through--that you'd have learned to get to know a person first before putting a label on them. But I guess I was wrong...you really are a shallow mother-fucker."

After taking a few seconds to let Christina's words sit with him, Marshall was surprised when the anger--that he knew should've been pumping through his veins--was replaced with a different emotion. This one being amusement.

Unfortunately though, because of the irritated expression that was written across Christina's face, he figured it'd be a really bad idea to laugh at the moment. What a great way to spend one of your last nights in New York, Marsh...you really know how to have a good time.

With that thought in mind, Marshall moved his eyes towards the dance floor where Curtis and Mya were once again failing to hide their relationship--which they didn't want anyone to know about. And then after a second of absentmindedly staring at them, he got an idea and turned his attention back to the woman across from him. "You wanna dance?"

Without even bothering to hide her surprise, Christina practically snapped her neck as she turned to look at the man in front of her as if he was crazy. "What?"

While rolling his eyes, Marshall repeated what he'd just said; this time following the question with: "I'm not trying to hit on you, if that's what you're thinking. I just know that your girl doesn't want the press to know about her relationship with my boy yet. But by the way things are looking out on the dance floor, if we don't go out there soon and do something to get people's attention away from them, their going to be front page news come tomorrow morning."

Even though a part of Christina wanted to protest Eminem's statement, the fact that she knew he was right and that she'd feel really bad later on if Mya's relationship became the talk of the town just because she didn't help in distracting people from the couple, caused Christina to reluctantly mumble: "I'm ready whenever you are."

Don't sound too excited on my account. Marshall sarcastically thought to himself before scooting out of his side of the booth and grabbing Christina's hand at the last second; outwardly admitting that it was so they wouldn't get separated on their way to the dance floor.

It better be just for that reason. Christina inwardly thought to herself, before tightening her hold on Eminem's hand and letting him lead her out into the middle of the dance floor; where Mya and Curtis were still hugged up together but smiling nonetheless as their friends joined them to dance.

"What! I know it's not Marshall--I swear, I can't dance--Mathers out here on the dance-floor." Curtis shouted good naturally as Christina and Marshall approached him; causing the latter to smirk slightly before throwing out: "Hey, I never said I couldn't dance, I just said I wouldn't dance with any of the sluts you and Proof tried to set me up with..that's a major difference."

After shrugging slightly and laughing playfully, Curtis responded, "My bad," before turning his attention back to the woman in front of him who had suddenly turned around so that her back was to him and was shaking her ass like their was no tomorrow. "Damn!"

"You better work it, girl!" Christina playfully shouted, as she watched Mya show off some of her famous dance moves; a couple of them being ones that she had taught the older woman. "Show them what you're working with!"

After a couple more seconds of continuing to watch the couple beside them, Christina was brought back to the reason why she was on the dance floor as Eminem leaned over--so she could hear him--and whispered: "You ready to cause a diversion?"

Not really wanting to talk to him anymore caused Christina to quickly nod her head while inwardly wondering to herself if the man in front of her could dance or not. If he can't, then I really am going to have some fun with this one.

"All right ya'll, lookie here. This song has been requested about three times in the last hour, so if you like it get your ass on the floor and if you don't like it....still get your ass on the floor." The DJ shouted through his microphone, before the beginning notes to Sean Paul's Get Busy were heard.

"Damn! I hate this song." Marshall mumbled. And even though Christina wasn't too fond of it either, she couldn't help but smile at the discomfort on her ex-enemie's face before replying: "Remember, we're supposed to be out here distracting these people from Mya and Curtis; not talking about how much we hate a song."

A comment which caused Marshall to playfully roll his eyes before bringing his hands to Christina's hips, roughly pulling her to him; an action which surprised the female..but just for a second.

All right, he wants to play dirty...I'll give him dirty.

With that being her last thought, Christina began to show the man in front of her--and everyone else around them--that Mya wasn't the only one with a few moves up her sleeve.

Unfortunately though, it wasn't until almost the end of the song when Christina realized that not only could Eminem dance, but he was almost as good as Justin; letting her do her own thing but still making sure to have their bodies touch slightly whenever a point in their motions called for it.

A couple of songs later, Christina was so lost in her movements that she didn't realize Mya was trying to get her attention until the older woman grabbed her by the arm; somewhat startling her.

"Sorry.." Mya slightly yelled, without even bothering to cover up her amused laughter. "I just wanted to tell you that Curtis and I are going to go get another drink, so try and behave while we're gone....especially you, Marshall." Mya slyly replied, causing the older man to look at her with an innocent expression on his face before responding: "Aren't I always?"

A comment which Mya playfully replied "Whatever!" to, before turning around and making her way off the dance floor; Curtis in tow.

"I guess we should head back to the table then." Christina began, seeing as though the two they had been trying to distract attention away from weren't on the dance floor anymore.

Unfortunately though, before the petite woman could even make a move, Marshall's hand on her forearm caused her to stop and turn to him with a look of confusion on her face. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

After slightly furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, Christina opened her mouth to ask "Why not?" But before she could do so, Marshall continued with: "Don't you think it'd look kind of obvious as to what we were doing if as soon as they stopped dancing, we stopped as well. And then if as soon as they started up again, we started as well?"

Not having thought about that caused Christina to inwardly mumble: "Damn," before turning her attention back to the man in front of her and replying. "I see your point...but I can only stay for a couple more songs..I have to get up early tomorrow for rehearsals."

Knowing that wasn't a lie since Curtis--who was performing at the V.M.A's, as well--had to be at the Radio City Music Hall around Nine in the morning caused Marshall to nod his head slightly before jokingly replying: "Don't worry, we'll try and have you in bed by atleast two-thirty...that should give the horny rabbits more than enough time to either drink or grind themselves into oblivion."

Not knowing why, Christina couldn't help but slightly laugh at the comment. But then her smile was soon replaced with a slight look of disbelief as the next song began and Eminem gently pulled her to him.

Looking good, pretty tight, tell me is there any more room for me in those jeans? Pretty thick, like I like it, tell me is there any more room for me in those jeans?

After reluctantly putting her arms around Eminem's neck and molding her body to his, Christina couldn't help but inwardly think to herself:

Someone out there really must not like me.

August 28, 2003

Because of the fact that one of her performances was a special surprise, Christina's rehearsal for the V.M.A's was to be taking place in a part of the building that was marked off from the rest of the performers and presenters; which wasn't a really good thing for Curtis who had been looking for her for about an hour now.

Shit. You'd think that someone who sold about twenty-million albums and has been on the cover of every fucking magazine atleast twice would be easy to find...but no, this girl makes a brotha work to find her ass.

Fortunately enough for him though, after taking one last trip down one of the too-crowded hallways, he finally spotted the petite female heading into the green room. Thank God!

After quickly making fast work of saying what's up to the few people who knew who he was, Curtis made his way down the hallway and into the greenroom; where Christina was now seated with a plate of fruit on her lap.

"Damn, girl! That's all you're going to eat?"

While looking up from her plate of food, Christina couldn't help but slightly laugh at the look of disgust written on Curtis's face. "For now, it is. This is just to hold me over until my assistant gets back with some real food from McDonalds."

After taking a seat beside the petite brunette, Curtis couldn't help but chuckle slightly before replying: "Now, I know why you and Mya get along so well...you're both junk-food freaks."

A comment which caused Christina to laugh as well before taking a bite out of her healthy lunch and replying: "Very true....but anyway, what's up? Your rehearsal over yet?"

While nodding his head, the older man replied: "Yeah, we just finished going over a few new things--which I'm sure, I'll probably forget in a couple of hours. And now I'm about to go head to the airport to pick up my date for the night."

Noticing the slight emphasis Curtis had put on the word date caused Christina to frown slightly. I guess Em wasn't lying when he said Mya was the one who wanted to keep their relationship a secret.

"Anyways.." the older man began, while standing up from his seat. "I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for last night. Em told me that you guys were trying to keep attention away from us by putting it on you two. That means a lot to Mya and me."

Without even bothering to hide it, Christina smiled slightly before replying: "Don't mention it..I'd do anything for that girl as I'm sure Em would probably do anything for you."

A comment which Curtis nodded in agreement with, before saying his good-byes and turning to leave the room; interestingly enough not getting that far before Christina called out his name--causing him to turn and look at her with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah?"

After taking a slight second to think about what she was going to say, Christina quickly replied: "Sooner or later she'll realize how lucky she is to have you and will want to tell the entire world. But until then, try not to rush her. Just give her some time, I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end."

After thinking about what she was saying, Curtis genuinely smiled once more before saying Thanks once again and making his way outside of the green room; leaving Christina to smile slightly at her good deed for the day, before bringing her line of vision back down to the plate of peaches on her lap.

"Where the hell is Stacey with my cheeseburger?"

(Nine PM)

"Christina, you're on in five."

"All right.." Christina responded, before taking one last look in the mirror in front of her and quickly making her way out into the crowded hallway; unfortunately, not paying enough attention as to where she was going, since she accidentally ran into someone--almost knocking them over. "Shit! I'm so sorry."

While taking a second to steady himself, Marshall opened his mouth to throw out a biting: "You should be," but after seeing who it was that he had ran into, he instead just replied: "No harm, no foul." Causing Christina to be taken aback somewhat.

"Christina, we need you on stage in three."

After politely nodding and saying that she'd be there in just a second, Christina turned her attention back towards Eminem and quickly replied, "Well, I got to go...but again, I'm sorry for bumping into you."

A comment which Marshall would've made the last word--if it had been anyone else--but since it wasn't, he waited until Christina was about to take a step past him before replying: "It's okay...but have a nice show--all though, I'm sure it wont compare to ours last night."

A statement which, Christina didn't know why, but she couldn't help but blush and slightly laugh over.

"Thanks."

The Roosevelt Hotel

After spending almost two hours at the V.M.A's after-party, Christina couldn't wait to call it a night. But unfortunately though, before she could do so she had to face the growing crowd of fans that were waiting outside her hotel--hoping for an autograph.

"Christina! Can I have an autograph...? Can I have a picture...? Can I have your phone number....? Please!"

The screams were coming from every direction, but when Christina noticed another limo pulling up behind hers, she decided just to head to the left side of the crowd; giving whoever was in the other car the more hectic side to sign autographs for.

"Who would you like me to make this out to?" Christina asked a small girl around six, who she figured probably should be in bed right about now.

After a second of thinking about it, the little girl replied: "To Nancy, love..Eminem!"

Furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, Christina looked up from the piece of paper she was writing on and then--when seeing that Nancy wasn't even looking at her, but slightly behind her--she followed the small girl's line of vision towards the limo behind hers; which Eminem was stepping out of right now.

Okay, I don't see him for months at a time. But now that we're in the same state, we bump into one another every time we turn around. Fate is playing a very cruel joke on me.

With that being her last thought, Christina immediately went back to what she was doing. And then after it looked like everyone near her had gotten what they wanted from her--sans the guy who kept asking her for her phone number--she made a gesturing motion towards one of her bodyguards; telling him she was going inside and that she'd see him later.

"All right." George replied, before turning his attention back towards the crowd in front of him; letting the now exhausted Christina slip through the hotel doors behind him.

Before anyone could stop her for something else, Christina quickly made her way towards the elevator doors in front of her. And then after pressing the button to go up, she couldn't help but start singing under her breath--something she always did when their was nothing else to do and she needed to stay awake for a few more seconds. "What kind of girl you like....? I know my looks can be deceiving. Tell me, am I your type? My main goal is to please you..."

Thankfully enough, as soon as she got to the chorus of the song, their was a ding heard in front of her and the doors to the elevator opened; letting her in. About time.

After quickly making her way into the elevator, Christina hurriedly pressed the button for the top floor; where she was staying at. But just as she was about to press another button so the doors would close in front of her, a familiar voice calling out for her to hold the elevator caused her to stop and mumble: "Now, I know someone up there is having a laugh at my expense."

After holding the door open for a second--waiting until Marshall had stepped on--Christina let the doors close in front of them and then proceeded to make her way towards the back of the elevator; resting her head on the vehicle's wall.

"Um, don't take this the wrong way...but you look like shit right now."

Even though she knew she should probably be offended by that comment, Christina found that she was too tired to argue and just stuck with: "Don't worry...I actually feel better than I look. My body is just not used to going out two nights in a row--especially after two performances."

"Three if you count ours." Marshall slightly joked, causing Christina to smirk once again. "You know, you looked like you had fun with us last night."

And without even bothering to think about it, Christina truthfully replied that she did.

It had been a long time since she had gone out clubbing with Mya. And after dancing with Marshall and Curtis for half the night, the two women continued to playfully grind in the middle of the dance-floor with one another until the guys decided it was time to head back to their hotels; with Marshall taking Curtis and Mya taking Christina.

All in all it was a fun night.

One which we'll all have to do again some other time--but hopefully not until they actually want to admit to everyone that their a couple.

With that thought in mind, Christina snapped herself out of her thoughts just as the doors to the elevator opened.

"Well, here we are." Marshall commented, as he took a step out of the vehicle; Christina quickly following behind in tow. "I guess I'll see you later."

"Yeah..maybe I'll see you tomorrow." Christina replied, through a yawn, causing Marshall to slightly shrug before replying: "Maybe..but probably not. I have a redeye to Detroit in four hours."

After nodding her head in understanding, Christina smiled slightly before making a move to turn around and walk to her hotel room; but not before saying: "Have a good flight, Em."

"You too, Christina."

***