I Will Always Love You Chapter: 98

Bina's POV

August 20, 1975

I did studio work for Stevie and got back late last night. He still wants me to start recording with Wonderlove as a permanent member...

"You know I love working with you!" I told him as we packed up.

"Then there's a simple answer, baby! Just say yes!"

"I know that I'm no Stevie Wonder or — or Diana Ross at the moment—"

"Who started in a group —" Stevie interjected.

"Anyway! I think that it is best for me to be a solo artist. I've had offers for groups before, but it just never felt right." He considered my words for a few moments before sighing and saying,

"Alright. I'll let you off —"

"Let me?" I snapped, in an overdramatic tone. He laughed harder and then continued,

"Only if you let me help you with your demo and first album?"

"It's a deal then."

I missed calls from Michael while I was out tonight with Stevie. He sent a letter over and it was waiting for me on my bed.

Hey lady,

I miss you. I had an unexpected day off today and I wanted to know if I could take you out in my "surrey with the fringe on top"?

— "He really quoted the song? Such a goofball!" I exclaimed to myself. He could be so corny, but it just makes me love him more. —

I know you might be busy, but if by any chance you could slip away for just a while — I'm going to be a bit selfish here — it would make my week. Seeing your face would be a wanted upturn for the time I've been having recently. If not, I'll be back in town on the 29th and I hope — since it's more notice — we can see each other. I love you so much.

I can't wait to see you.

-Michael

I read and re read the letter several times, kissing his writing. We only live a matter of feet away from each other, but sometimes it feels like lightyears. My heart ached thinking of him. Since our first official date we haven't been able to see each other for more than a few minutes sometimes before having to run off again. It's frustrating. It has been difficult with our schedules lately; he's working almost constantly, and I am gigging and recording more and more often. I miss him. It's difficult to have to be away but we have work. I keep reminding myself that it won't always be this hard. 

August 29, 1975

Michael came back for a short break before leaving for the last leg of the tour. Today is his birthday but I learned that he doesn't celebrate it. I asked him to come over but I didn't mention anything about his birthday. I told him that I was trying to cook dinner for my family and I wanted him to taste the dish before it was served. I was going to surprise him with cupcakes I baked to slyly give him something because it didn't feel right letting the day pass by as if it was forgotten.

Cupcakes are still technically a dish, right? I thought to myself.

I think he suspected what I was up to, because he was wearing a suspicious smile on his face, but I tried not to let on.

"So..." His eyes danced around the kitchen before landing on me again. "Where is this new 'dish'?" He continued with one eyebrow raised.

"Right here." I pulled out the cupcakes.

"Oh."

"Try one."

"Okay. I'll take the one with chocolate frosting." I watched him as he took a bite. He smiled even more and tried to speak, his voice muffled by the cake,

"It's delicious."

"Birthday."

"Huh?"

"I didn't want to say, 'Happy Birthday,' because it might seem like we're celebrating. But I think just saying Birthday — since it is a fact — is okay... right?" He laughed and said,

"I think that's just fine. — You want to try some of your cake?"

"Yeah. I guess I'll try one." Before I could reach for my own, Michael handed his to me. I had not shared like this with any boy, but it felt so natural accepting this from him. I enclosed my hands around his and took a bite. He was watching me intently. I said,

"It is pretty good."

"Pretty good? It's amazing." He said, taking another bite.

"It's not like the pastries you bought from Edna's last month."

"Your hands made this and because of that alone, I love it more...and it's really good on its own."

"I love you." I said. I reached out and touched his chest, my fingers hooking into his shirt. He responded,

"I love you, more." He kissed me and whispered softly,

"Thank you."

Michael left the next night to finish the last leg of his tour.

Short chapter, but the rest is coming very soon! <3<3