Daddy Issues, MJ.

iii.

Micheal had insisted that Gabriella attend a meeting with him and his team to prepare her for the imminent arrival of the news of her pregnancy to the press. Gabriella immediately denied, her privacy was sacred to her and she wasn't ready to give it up just yet, she assumed she could at least hold out until the baby came.

But of course, in true Micheal fashion, Michael pried further and further until she finally gave in.

And there she was, under-eye bags and all, in a meeting at 7am with Micheal and his manager, Frank, hardly listening to what they were saying on account of her still being half-asleep. She was clearly not a morning person, but it seemed Michael was always energized no matter the hour.

"The two of you will have to behave as a couple at all times when in public. It'll draw more attention to Michael and his tour, assuming you'll be tagging along with him during the tour-"

"No." Gabriella replied sharply, cutting him off. Frank could feel his patience with her growing shorter every time she spoke. "What the hell do you mean, no, Gabriella?" He asked with a scoff.

"I want to make it very clear that I have no interest whatsoever in being involved in whatever Micheal has going on. Nor am I interested in fake dating him or whatever it is you want us to do." Even when tired she was well articulated.

She looked over at Micheal, whose smile had dropped, and realized that what she said may have come out harsher than intended. She opened her mouth to speak but he beat her to it. "Likewise." He stated coldly, avoiding her eyes.

"I don't care about what you two are interested in. Micheal, if you don't do this, bad press will cause your career to be in jeopardy. Gabriella, if you don't do this, you can wish whatever it is you want to pursue goodbye."

Gabriella scoffed, I already have. "So, do we or do we not have a deal?" Micheal nodded with a sigh, "I suppose." Gabriella groaned, "Whatever."

The meeting had finally concluded, and as Gabriella began to head out she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Michael flashing his signature smile down at her, "I wanna take you out to lunch." He said. Gabriella immediately rolled her eyes. "I told you, Jackson, I don't want to be involved with you anymore than I have to."

Michael winced a bit at her words but persisted nevertheless, it would take more than that to get him to stop trying.

Gabriella wasn't used to that. Most guys would give up on her when they realized she wouldn't open up to them right away.

"Frank says we have to look like a couple wherever we go, might as well get a head start." Gabriella found herself not being able to say no to him. "Fine, but I promise you this will never happen again." Micheal's smile widened, and for a moment, he could've sworn he saw Gabriella smile as well.

On the ride there, Gabriella had clearly eased up on Micheal but as soon as the waitress approached their table, he noticed her demeanor had changed.

When the waitress left, Michael was quick to question Gabriella. "Gabi, we were just getting along in the car, what happened?" He asked with sad eyes. She felt her face heat up at the way the nickname rolled off of his tongue as if it were a reflex. "Nothing, Michael, leave it alone." She muttered, looking down at her shoes to avoid his piercing eyes.

In truth, she wasn't sure what it was that turned her mood sour, but something about the way that waitress batted her eyelashes and leaned in towards Micheal when she spoke gave Gabriella a funny feeling in her stomach.

The waitress came back, smirking at Micheal. "What would you guys like to eat?"

"I'll have the—" The waitress quickly shot her a nasty glare, "Not you. I was asking him." Micheal scoffed, giving the girl a look of disbelief. "I don't like the way you're talking to her. And quite frankly, I'm not sure what it is you're trying to do here but I'm clearly here with my girl."

The girl stood there with her mouth hanging open, seemingly unable to move or speak. "I'd like a new waiter please." He demanded calmly, even in anger and frustration his voice was soft and delicate. "Ye—yes, sir."

Gabriella found herself uncontrollably cracking a smile and Michael just stared with adoring eyes. He found himself growing more and more infatuated with her each day. That was Michael's weakness— he always fell quickly. And when he fell, he fell hard.

"I've never seen you talk to anyone like that." She said with a laugh, "I don't like watching people be disrespected, I know how that feels." He explained, referencing the recent negative press about his skin condition. "You're really beautiful, Michael." She admitted, staring straight into his eyes for once.

"Sorry, I just— I hate the things they say about you. It's not fair and I don't know how you put up with it." She said, empathy in her expression. "I guess I've learned to get used to it." Micheal replied with a shrug as Gabriella shook her head in disbelief. "You shouldn't have to. Don't worry, with me around- I'll make sure you're respected."

Micheal grinned, "What happened to wanting nothing to do with me, Gabi?" She rolled her eyes satirically, "I signed a contract, Jackson. And don't call me Gabi." Micheal frowned, "Why not?"

"Aileen already calls me that, you've gotta choose another one." Micheal huffed, narrowing his eyes while deep in thought. "Bri." Gabriella quirked an eyebrow, confused. "What?"

"Bri. That's what I'll call you." Gabriella felt her face heat up again but she couldn't pinpoint just why. "Whatever, Jackson."

"Yeah, whatever Bri." He chuckled, emphasizing her new nickname.