𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 | 𝐦. 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧

30

Tonya's POV

I linger in the hallway for a moment, lost in my thoughts. I honestly need a distraction so I make my way to the hotel lounge. The rest of the brothers and some of the crew are there, relaxing after the show. I grab a soda and find a quiet corner to sit and think.

As I sip my drink, Tito walks over and sits beside me. "'Look like you've got something on your mind."

I can't help but feel a bit self-conscious with Tito. He's quite an observer so I'm wondering has he noticed something. Am I that easy to read...? But still I smile, appreciating his concern. I know he means well. "Just... thinking about things."

Tito raises an eyebrow. "Things like Marlon?"

I feel my cheeks heat up. "Is it that obvious?"

He chuckles. "To those of us who know ya'll both, well, yes. What's going on?"

I take a deep breath, deciding to open up. "He's been trying to tell me something, but we keep getting interrupted. It's driving me crazy."

Tito nods thoughtfully. "Marlon can be a bit... scattered sometimes. But he means well. Whatever he wants to tell you, it's probably important. Just be patient with him."

"I know," I say, sighing. "I just wish I knew what was on his mind."

Tito gives me a reassuring pat on the back. "You'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, why don't you try to enjoy the tour? We don't get to do this every day."

I smile, feeling a bit lighter. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, T."

He smiles back and stands up. "You got it. Now, I think we should go join the boys. They're getting ready to do an on the spot talent show."

I laugh, feeling a bit better. This was totally gonna be fun to watch. "Sure, I'll go."

---

Later that night ...

The talent show is amazing. Everyone takes turns performing, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter and applause. When it's my turn, I sing a song that reminds me of Marlon, pouring my heart into every note. I catch his eye in the crowd, and he gives me a thumbs-up, his smile making my heart flutter.

After the show, I step outside for some fresh air. The night is cool, and the stars are bright in the sky. I lean against the railing, lost in thought.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Marlon's voice startles me, and I turn to see him standing beside me. I hear him chuckle, "that was so cheesy."

I laugh, "yeah, it was," I tell him, looking back at the sky. "But yeah... it is," I reply softly.

We stand there in silence for a moment, just enjoying the view. Then Marlon turns to me, his expression serious. "Tonya, about earlier..."

I hold my breath, waiting.

He takes a deep breath. "I've been trying to tell you something for a while now. It's just... every time I get close, something gets in the way. It really has me questioning if God doesn't want me to tell you, like it's not meant to be or something," he exhales a laugh of amusement, confusion and frustration.

I nod, encouraging him to continue.

"I've known you forever, and you're my best friend," he says, his voice trembling slightly. "But lately, I've been feeling... more than that. I care about you a lot, Tonya. More than just as a friend."

My heart skips a beat. "Marlon..."

Before I can say anything else, the hotel's fire alarm goes off, startling us both. We look at each other in shock as people start rushing out the building.

"Seriously?!" Marlon mutters, frustration evident in his voice. "Of all times..."

I can't help but laugh at how crazy the situation is and we lock eyes. He breaks out into a smile as we both laugh together. "Come on, let's go." I say, grabbing his hand. 

We join the crowd outside, the chaos of the evacuation making it impossible to continue our conversation. But despite the interruption, I can't help but feel hopeful. I can't stop thinking about Marlon's words and I know that when we finally get a moment alone again, we'll pick up right where we left off.

As we stand outside, waiting for the all-clear, I can feel Marlon gently squeeze my hand and I squeeze back, a silent promise passing between us. Whatever happens, we'll find a way to make it work.