Michael makes it through two weeks without contact from Dove. He has been unfocused at work, recording sessions have been a nightmare with him on edge. He can't believe she would ghost him like this. At least his private investigator has filled him in on her wellbeing. Michael is relieved to find that she is who she says she is. The candid photos of her that he has received make him long to show up at her home and hope that they can reconcile whatever is going on between them.

    Stepping out of his car, he thanks his driver and makes his way down the cobblestone path to his front door. His housekeepers scurry off at the sound of his arrival. He wishes they weren't so intimidated by his presence, but he was warned by the contractor that they were trained with the utmost respect for their clients' privacy. Michael sighs, making his way to the kitchen and finds dinner waiting for him. He grabs the plate and a chilled bottle of wine and makes his way to his bedroom.

    He plops onto his desk chair and checks his messages, nearly dropping the bottle of wine at the sight of a notification by Dove's username.

"Could you tell your private investigator that he's not slick?" She said one hour ago.

Michael feels embarrassment bubbling inside of him. He shoves his plate of food away and sprints over to his phone, practically speed dialing Dove.

"Michael, what on Earth has gotten into you? A P.I., really?" She greets him, her tone laced with annoyance.

"Dove, I-"

"I'm sorry for going ghost, Michael, things have just gotten complicated on my end."

"I'm not upset, I mean, I was, but I could never be angry with you. Please understand I was mostly worried about you. I will call him off immediately."

"I have so many questions for you." She says softly. Michael's heart is pounding in his ears. This is it.

"Fine. Ask away."

"And you'll give me honesty?"

"I'll certainly try, girl."

"No more secrets. I just had to take a break from speaking to you because my feelings have become... serious. Do you hear me? I have serious feelings about a man who may or may not even be real."

"I'm real, baby..." Michael pleads.

"Don't 'baby' me yet-" She says, and Michael can hear her annoyance melting away.

"Ask your questions." he mumbles.

"How can you afford a private investigator?"

"I have a lot of money and connections. Next question."

"Why did you hire a private investigator to find me? I mean, what kind of stalker shit is that?" Michael is relieved to hear a trace of humor in her voice.

"I'm sorry, I just... I didn't know if something bad happened to you or if I did something wrong... or if... You were with someone else. I couldn't bear the thought of any of those scenarios. I had to find out."

"And what did you find out?"

"That you stick to a normal routine, you live with your mother, and you're safe."

"So call off the P.I." She sighs.

"Done. And what about us?"

"Did you really worry that I had found someone else?" he can hear almost hear a smirk on her face.

"Of course. It made me sick to imagine that you were with another man."

    Dove graces Michael's ears with a giggle. "No, Michael, I'm not interested in anyone else. That's my problem. You need to tell me who you are. I've shared so much about myself with you. I was patient before, but it's too difficult to handle these feelings. I feel pathetic, I don't know what to tell my family or friends. They're not blind, they know I have someone special in my life."

"I know it's unfair and I'm sorry, Dove. I told my sister about you..." Michael sighs, pressing a hand to his forehead.

"Really?"

"Really. I care about you so much."

"So let me in. I'm sorry I can't maintain my patience any longer. I need to feel closer to you, to know you better. It's pretty obvious that you're rich and busy all the time. Oh God. Do you have a wife and kids?"

Michael fails to choke down his laughter. "No, girl! I am not married nor do I have children... yet. I am wealthy and well known. How about I fly you out to meet me?" He blurts.

"You're being serious?" she sounds breathless.

"Yes, Dove, please let me fly you out. Unfortunately I need to have you sign paperwork before we can meet."

"Michael, you're joking."

"I'm not..."

"Fine. You're lucky I like you so much."

"You don't know how relieving it is to hear that. Your actions made me think the opposite. I would be lying if I said I've been fine without you." He murmurs.

"I'm sorry for hurting you. I won't do it again. I'm looking forward to meeting you. Now I'm anxious as hell. What am I going to tell my mom?"

"Whatever you need to, I promise you will be safe and taken care of. Just bring yourself and some clothes and I'll take care of everything else. You'll stay with me or in the guest house if you'd like to."

"Guest house? You mean guest room, right?" He can practically hear her gawking on the other end of the phone.

"Damn it, yes, you'll see what I mean. There is no pressure. If you don't end up liking me just know that you will still be taken care of. No strings attached."

"I'll book a hotel just in case you turn out to be a maniac." She giggles. Michael sighs, flooded with relief at the familiar and comforting sound of his favorite laugh.

"I've missed you, girl." He sighs.

"Save it for when we meet. I can't wait to give you a hug." She whispers, sounding tired.

"Do you feel butterflies too?" He asks, his voice laced with fatigue as well.

"Of course, I always get them when we speak." She confesses and Michael can't contain his smile.

"Good, at least I'm not the only one. Get some sleep. I'll be waiting to hear from you tomorrow," He chuckles. "Goodnight, beautiful." He says.

"Goodnight, Michael."