XXPLOSIVE

Just Playin'

**TW/mentions of eating disorders**

I head back to the stage where Lindsay starts panicking about some error she had made. “God, where were you? We gotta finish this soon and get back to our room, I’m already so tired!”

“Err, I was just talking to Em-I mean our boss-“

“YOU SPOKE TO HIM?”

Lindsay was a huge Eminem fan, so she always got flustered and childish around him. To avoid making a fool of herself, she had very strictly decided to steer clear of him as much as possible, to focus on her work.
Personally, as much as I loved rap, I still loved 80s and early 90s rap more, hence had greater attraction for artists such as Pac, B.I.G, NWA, Poor Righteous Teachers to name a few. I definitely appreciated Em's shock value and delivery but just hadn’t delved deeper into his music yet. I loved the beats to all his songs though, which was obvious as they were produced by Dre.

“Earth calling, Chlo come on! What did you talk about?” I narrated our little weird exchange as Lindsay interrupted me occasionally with her giggles. “He sounds like a dream.” She paused for a second, giving me a sly look.

“What?”

“You’re gonna hit that, aren’t you?”

“What!? I just met somebody for 5 minutes, I’m not gonna hook up with them based on a five-minute interaction. I’m no hoe." I said, shaking my head.

“But it's Eminem and he’s extremely hot!"

“I don’t think that’s how it works Lin. " I say, slightly annoyed. “I’m not gonna fuck someone famous just cause, what am I, a groupie?”
“Though he is quite attractive.” I add quietly.

“No shit! I’m not telling you to jump his bones right now! But have you seen him? Those beautiful blue eyes and those muscles; he definitely works out regularly. Also, it helps that he has some actual talent."

“Sounds to me like someone needs a good fuck. Like really Lin, you sound like a hoe. And being the best friend I am, I'll help you get you laid soon." I say, with a mischievous grin hanging off my face.

She flipped me off, which made me scoff and she went back to what she was doing. I checked the clock.
4:00 p.m. and I hadn’t had lunch yet. “Good." said a small voice within me.

Okay, the cat’s out of the bag, I have an eating disorder. It’s never been diagnosed, nor have I told anyone. I don’t really consider it as an issue at times. Things didn’t ever get too bad, but restriction was something I practiced often. But it was under control, nothing to worry about.

To distract me from my hunger, I took out my Walkman and PRT's Rock this Funky Joint filled my ears as I start working on painting the side of the D12 sign carefully, rectifying the area where Lindsay had made a mistake.

Lindsay had been a good friend to me since college. We both studied the same art course together, and the first project we could bag was on the sets of the Anger Management Tour, the first official tour of Marshall Mathers, aka the infamous Eminem. It was a great opportunity, and would help in more exposure for my future. Plus, I get to meet Eminem and Dr Dre!
Lindsay on the other hand, along with being excellent at artwork, was also a very melodic singer and I distinctly remember us having karaoke night at college where she shocked everyone with her vocals. She aspired to be a singer, although somewhere she felt unsure about it ever working out, hence using artistry as a backup plan.

I look up to Lindsay to ask her to pass me a specific shade. I take my Walkman out now, to focus on shading and layering the colors the right way as that was what would help the sign look 3D along with the lights we were to attach on the sides.

I was so engrossed in my work that I almost didn’t notice that Eminem was actually standing in front of the replica of his house we had made, staring at it intently.

“Like what you see?” I ask genuinely, looking for a feedback; it was his house after all.

“Yo for a minute, I literally could see my mom inside dozed off and my little brother watching cartoons. Never guessed someone could paint so realistically.”

“Thank you, but it was a joint effort by me and Lindsay.” I say, grabbing her by the arm purposely.

“Hi" she said meekly as she squirmed uncomfortably. “ I have to get something from my room, I’ll be back.” She says as she practically runs away. I comically roll my eyes at her trying to collect herself as she walked by.

“What’s up with her?” he asks, biting his lip. Cute.

“She’s just a bit nervous, she’s a big fan.”

“So, you mean to say you aren’t?” He cocks an eyebrow at me.

“Not a huge one.”

“Ouch. What do you even listen to then? I’m sure it’s some pop bullshit, I swear if you’re listening to that fucking Britney song that’s everywhere, imma break some shi- Wait you’re bumping PRT?”

“Damn right-eous” Fuck, this is so cringey, I think to myself as I feel my cheeks get red with embarrassment.

“Really? Consider becoming a stand-up comic, except for farmers, cause that shit was corny as hell”

“Says the one who says 'I don't like your attitude' to Dr Dre.” I chide him as I extend my hand out for him to give back my Walkman.

He smirks and extends his hands above me, making me try to reach for it. I stand on my tip toes, but no avail; he’s taller than me. Oh, so he wants to play with me? Time to bring out the competitive bitch.

‘’Knock it off! You’re really kiddish, you know that?”

“Fuck, that’s the best you can do? Aight, let’s see if Thumbelina here can jump.” He laughs, and immediately stops as I jump high and grab my Walkman from him. Hell yeah!

I flash a winning smile, as I had just slam dunked a ball in a game. He smiles back, with my tape in his hand. This fucker!!

Before I can snap at him, he comes closer and whispers huskily, “Want it back? Then hang out with me tomorrow after the show at the club everyone’s rolling to.’’

Shit why did he suddenly sound kinda hot? I was supposed to be pissed at him!
My anger just evaporates, and I stare blankly at him. He snaps his fingers in my face and I slightly jump.

“Fine, I’ll be there to free my beloved CD from your clutches. Along with Lindsay, of course.” I said, with a sigh and he looked extremely pleased with himself.
Such an asshole, I swear. "A hot one" said my inner simp, but I ignored that comment.

“Aight cool, see you then” he smiled, giving me a small shoulder hug. He turned and walked to the other side of the stage, his friends stood checking the mikes, while I walked off to the other side.

I was already planning go to the bar the next day with Lindsay, but just for a drink or two. I had no exact idea what ‘hanging out’ with Eminem was supposed to be, but I did technically ‘hang’ with him earlier today, so I assume it wouldn’t be too weird.

But wait, did Eminem really invite me to hang out with him at a club? And we just met today? Doesn’t it seem a bit… Shady?

I slap my forehead, confirming that I desperately needed some rest, as my sense of humor was turning into that of a 10 year old. I walk to our room, grinning widely as I imagine the look of Lindsay’s face when I told her that we were about to party with none other than Eminem himself.

*************************************
Okay, so Chloe def has issues. But she issa v talented and I like the fact that she is very confident even if she's freaking out inside lol
Also, can we just admire Marshall in that picture? I wish rappers dressed that chill nowadays, UGH HE LOOKS SO GOOD😭
Also, I took this photo from @ eminem.bwa from IG so props to them!