Real Love (Book I)

Chapter 12

*Aaliyah's P.O.V*

I grab Jerrod's hand and walk over to Mike.

"Michael, this is my old best friend Jerrod. We practically grew up together", I say smiling.

Jerrod stuck out his other hand. "Hello, it's an honor to meet you Mr. Jackson."

Michael gave a small smile. "It's nice to meet you, also."

I pull Jerrod over to the couch and we sit down.

"So, what are you doing here? I haven't seen you since", I take a moment to think, "we were like 16!"

"I know. When you moved away my mother lost contact with Diana and I haven't stopped trying to get into contact with you ever since. With you becoming this big superstar and all, it made it easier for me and since I am now in the photography business... here I am! I had to come see you", Jerrod says smiling.

"You're a photographer? Wow, you look like you should be in front of a camera instead of behind it", I say with a smirk.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Michael shift uncomfortably in his chair.

"I get that a lot, but, I'd rather be behind the camera. There's so much beauty in this world, and every time I travel, I see something or someone that's more exotic than the last. It's amazing", he says.

"That sounds so cool. Doesn't it?", I ask looking over at Michael who looked like he was in a daze.

"Hm? Oh, yeah traveling is always great. I love the different cultures I get to experience while on tour", Michael says.

"I don't want to get too personal but I had been hearing that you two are an item. Is it true?", Jerrod asks.

I think for a minute. I look over to Michael to see if he is gonna say anything but he's once again zoned out and biting one of his nails. What's wrong with him?

I hesitate then finally speak. "It's true. Michael and I are dating but it's only been for about a month."

I quickly look over to Michael and his eyes are so wide that they look as if they could just pop out of his head.

Jerrod smiles. "Wow, Mr. Jackson, you are one lucky man."

Michael's eyes go back to normal and he clears his throat. "Yes, I am... Aaliyah, can I have a word with you?"

I nod. "We'll be back", I say to Jerrod.

We get up and walk into one of the long hallways for a minute and then stop.

Mike sighs. "I understand that he is your friend but I thought we agreed to not tell anyone. Why would you do that? I don't even know this guy."

"Ok, I'm sorry but trust me, Jerrod is a really trustworthy person and won't tell anyone unless he's told by one of us that it's okay to", I respond calmly, "and can you please try to talk to him more?"

"Fine, I will", he says as we make our way back to the living room.

We make it back and sit down.

"So, Jerrod," Michael began, "Were you and Liyah ever more than friends?"

My mouth gapes open and Jerrod looks at me.

"No... and we were just children anyway. Anything that could've gone on back then would just be puppy love, right?", Jerrod says with a nervous laugh.

Mike nods slowly. "Are you in a relationship?"

Jerrod shakes his head. "I had my eyes on one girl but I had heard from some people that she was in a relationship. Guess I was a little too late."