Fireworks 1 and 2

Chapter Sixty

    The Video Music Awards ceremony was like a big party, only your fellow partygoers happened to be celebrities. Music artists, actors, models, celebrities of all kinds were in attendance. Those who made the magic happen behind the scenes were also there: music video directors, music producers, songwriters, etc. Mia tried to remember that she was a songwriter and as such, she should remain professional. But she had a very hard time containing her excitement. She looked around wide-eyed, pointed people out to Drake. He'd nod with a smile. She realized that she was probably pointing out people that he rubbed elbows with on a relatively consistent basis. Of course he would rarely get starstruck at this point. She tried to calm herself down, but she'd point someone else out twenty minutes later.

    The MTV Awards, either in the spirit of creating drama or because they had a bizarre sense of humor, made sure that Rihanna was seated behind them. Drake greeted her and introduced Mia, but all talk ended there.

    Most of the performances were high energy. Mia would jump up and tug on Drake's arm so he'd stand up with her. She jumped and danced during the performances, or sang to him during the slower songs that were performed. He seemed amused at her excitement. He was energetic during a few songs, but reserved during the rest.

    At about the halfway point of the show, after Bruno Mars's performance, Drake slid an arm around her waist and said into her ear, "I have to head backstage to get ready for my performance. I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?"

    She nodded.

    He smiled, leaned over, and kissed her on the temple. Then, he moved down the row and out to the aisle.

    She watched him leave while chewing on her bottom lip, then sat back down. A few moments later, while she was watching Taylor Swift accept yet another award, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head, startled.

    Rihanna was leaning forward in her seat, resting her elbows on the empty seat next to Mia. Her dark hair was pulled back into a slick pony. She wore a gorgeous, funky emerald green dress that brought out the green in her eyes. Green wasn't an easy color to pull off, but her caramel-colored skin glowed against the pretty green shade. "I love your dress," she said in her charming Barbadian accent, lowering her eyes to take in the gold Roberto Cavalli number that Mia was wearing.

    Mia smiled politely. "Thank you," she said and turned to face forward again. She was aware of the other woman's involvement with Drake, and didn't want to be too friendly.

    "So...you and Drake are a couple now?" Rihanna asked her. His name coming from her lips sounded more like "Drehhhk." Her accent was somehow even more enchanting in person than it was from television interviews.

    Mia pursed her lips shut. She might not have been the biggest Drake fan, but even she was aware of the history he shared with the Barbadian pop singer.

    "I guess I'm being nosey, huh?" Rihanna asked, lowering her eyes in an attempt to appear modest.

    "He and I are dating," Mia replied after some time. She figured since the announcement had been made during the red carpet interview, there wouldn't be anything wrong with saying that much.

    Rihanna nodded. "Watch out for that one," she said, shifting her gaze and looking towards the stage. Taylor Swift had given her acceptance speech and was now walking off the stage.

    "We'll be fine, thank you," Mia said politely.

    Rihanna's eyebrows lifted. "You think so, do you?" She laughed. "It's okay. You don't have to believe me. Check his text messages. You'll see." She sat back in her seat and continued watching the show.