One Night Only

Monday

''We are truly sorry, Byron. I'm sure it was a big misunderstanding'', Yasmin explained ashamed of the situation of last Friday.

''I'm sure someone is behind this... prank? I guess you could say that'' Sasha reassured as her usual confident self.

Cloe on her side was mumbling her worst worries and conspiracy such as an evil devil coming for Burdine after all she has done or even worse, aliens.

''All I'm saying is I cannot possibly believe someone would just throw paint at her like that. I mean, don't doubt my understanding but why? Burdine hasn't done much wrong recently- Cloe, please sit down. I cannot stand seeing you run around and theorize about something that did NOT happen'' Byron mentioned to his younger friend hands on her small trembling shoulders.

The truth is, Byron was somewhat glad this misunderstanding was happening. There have been multiples obstacles for him to be able to achieve such closeness with his longtime enemy. Enemy is a strong word. Their story has always been something straight out of a romance book: two celebrities completely opposite to each other feuding about things that couldn't matter but deep deep deep deep inside it all, there were feelings of language misinterpretation and a leaning desire to be nearby. That time when Damon was playing with her feelings? It absolutely destroyed him. He had a factor he wished he could obtain closer to his real self, confidence. It takes massive balls to sit next to the terrifying tall elegancy that Miss Maxwell is. Her imposing demeanor, her charm, her wicked ways to get everything she desired, those were only a small list the British host could think of on the top of his head about her that really stood out. This realization first occurred in Paris when Byron was contracted by Jean-Paul. Their exchange was brief.

''There isn't much to do, when you have a certain way of looking, this really... 'girl next door' way she is...'' the French designer explained to Byron as he tried to defend his main model.

''I understand, there is just... something else about her. People who have it all will not crave more. She has a million-dollar face but is stealing the boyfriend of one of my undercovers. There is this woman back in Stilesville the same.''

''You mean, Burdine Maxwell?''

Byron became pale. How... how does he know.

''Indeed'', this stutter word was forced out of Byron's mouth.

His eyes lifted from the floor, looking across the room. She entered with her canine and her two other canines. Then, click. Burdine followed the girls all the way here. Questions filled his mind.

Jean-Paul, being his usual goofball, laughed softly while wrapping his arm around Byron's enlarged shoulders.

''Someone has a little crush'', the French man chuckled.

''Haha, don't be silly, old man. I have someone.'' Byron lied coldly.

''Byron, Byron... hello? Earth is calling America Rocks' host'' Sasha, back in the present time, shook to him.

''Oh, sorry about that. I... must have missed my coffee. I'm exhausted, could we... schedule this discussion tomorrow?'' he scattered to his prodigies.

''Byron, we don't schedule discussions. You come here and we will talk. Anytime.'' Jade recomforted him.

The car ride home was rough. It's been a never-ending struggle for Mr. Powell to juggle his mental health vs the rest. Being recognized everywhere, the paparazzi, the press, barely sleeping, staying on substance to stay awake, never stopping for anything... It's rough. At nearly 50 years old, he still works full time, spies on the side, and gives interviews, promotes his clients' albums, tours, etc. He cares so much for other that he is neglecting himself. Last month, he was forced by the girls to spend the week in ER after joking about wanting to end his life. Deep breaths. On the verge of bursting a massive cry, he sighs. Sadly, no sigh will save anyone from burnout. The tears were running heavy like a waterfall. There was something so much bigger at stakes. This wasn't just a burnout; it was a self-discovery. Byron was hiding a secret that could change everything in his life.