You'll Never Stand Alone

Chapter 50

"Look this way for me Whitney," The photographer commanded to her. "Whitney turned and gave a piercing, sexy gaze with her feline eyes. Without being told, she extended her leg out and tilted her head back just enough to let the light hit her profile in the perfect way. She was pro at this sport called modeling, doing countless photoshoots since modeling in her teen years. The last one wasn't any different to her.

The photographer viewed the pictures trying not to drop his jaw and keep it professional. "Wow. You look stunning Whitney. Come take a look." Whitney walked over nonchalantly and took a look at the shots taken that afternoon for Ebony magazine. She did three outfit changes that day; one in a fitting white pantsuit, another in a shiny, silver fringed cocktail dress with a guitar in her hand, and the other in leggy red number. To be in her late 40s, Whitney was still a knockout and very beautiful. She had been able to maintain her model frame, along with her height and stunning legs. Plus her face still stayed youthful, with her signature smile that made her light up the darkest room. "That's cool. I like those ones" She nonchalantly stated as possible as she pointed out the possible cover photos. Whitney was never a person to boast about her looks. She learned from her mother that beauty is best when left unsaid from the beholder. That also was another reason on what attracted her to her husband because Kevin was the same way. She almost thought sometimes that he didn't think he was attractive at all, because of how down-to-earth and humble he was. However, it was no secret everyone knew he was handsome.

After the shoot was over, Whitney changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt and sat down with Ebony interviewer Alexis Thomas. She divulged as much as she allowed about her marriage, her career, conquering her addiction, her relationship with God, and the importance of having her family. The story would be going on the cover of Ebony as her successful "comethrough" on the brink of The Grammys

"So tell me Whitney, you've almost done it all. Where do you see yourself in another few years?" Alexis asked her. Whitney smiled as she looked away in thought for a few seconds. She truly did have it all: her legendary career, her family, a wonderful supportive loving successful husband, and finally, happiness and peace. She thought about how that almost was all lost with her bad decisions from her addiction. However, she was endlessly grateful that God had given her another chance to do this thing called life again, and to this time, get it right.

Whitney looked back at her. "I don't know honestly." She paused before continuing, sitting herself up and folding her hands. "Let's put it this way. If I'm doing what I am doing now in the next few years, then I will be very pleased. I am happy. I am full of life. Full of love. And I just pray that God continues to shine his favor on me." The reporter carefully nodded her head in satisfaction as she took in the notes from her last question of the interview. "Anything else you want to add?"

Whitney sighed as she thought of the last word. She knew that interviews were never her favorite pastime. But this time, it felt different. Poignant even, dare she thought. But she felt good about it and was at peace with it all. "I just want everyone to know that life isn't always a fairytale and it's not always easy. But if you continue to hold on to God's hand and grab love where you can, it gets good. You can overcome and achieve anything that you put your mind to if you have those two things in the corner."

"Okay, that's it. I'm dropping the mic because I am done!" Whitney laughed, causing the journalist to join in. As usual, humor had to find its way in somewhere with the legendary diva.

(The next day)

Kevin threw in his new dress shoes and the last contents into his suitcase and shook his head. He didn't understand exactly why he had to pack his bags, when he was just going to be in the same city. However, that's how show business is set up; you have to be ready and waiting to be apart of the action and included in the crowd at any point. Therefore, that is the reason why he and the family would be staying at the Beverly Hilton hotel for the Grammys that year. This was an especially big deal, because Whitney was nominated in multiple categories for the first time in years. It was a time for the family to celebrate together, have fun and mingle a bit with the "who's who" of the music industry. It was a given that Whitney would be featured in Clive's Pre-Grammy gala celebration, which he looked forward to going to. Kevin was also going to be doing a few wrap meetings for movies while he was there- one of them was for the newly finished movie, Sparkle, which Whitney just finished up last year. Kevin co-produced and directed the project and was excited to have his wife back on the big screen.

In the past recent years, he got inquiries about how he and Whitney lasted well over a decade. He could only say that it took patience, communication, trust, faith, humor, and of course, love. Those were the main factors in how two extremely successful people come together and have an extremely successful marriage. He never thought that he could love his wife more than he initially did, but when they got through the storms together, he realized that there was more love that he had in her. Was it perfect always? No, but no marriage was and Kevin knew that as long as they continue to build spiritually, personally and professionally, the sky would continue to be the limit in their union.

Like clockwork, his phone rang to the tune of "I Will Always Love You." Of course, it was his wife. She had to be there earlier for an appearance for Pepsi and was already at the hotel. The girls (Annie, Lily, Krissy and Babydoll) decided to accompany her as well and wanted to get settled into their rooms. Ayden had basketball practice, and Kevin was about to head over to watch. They would head straight to the hotel afterwards. "Where is my sexy husband and my baby boy?" Whitney started as soon as he answered. Kevin smiled. "You know that Ayd couldn't miss practice, so I'm headed to get him now. Then we will be on our way. Promise."

"Oh that's right. I can't wait for his next game. It's the playoffs right? I've got to get my sign made!"

"He loves your signs babe. He also knows you are always there because of you yelling the whole time." Kevin chuckled. "Am I really that bad?" Whitney asked. "I feel like I bring them good luck though. There's no denying that they have never lost a game when I'm there." "That's true and that's why he is going to need you there. Just maybe a bit more chilled." Kevin retorted, as Whitney laughed. "I am not that bad! Anyways, I miss my boys, so hurry up. Gary and Pat are here too, they just got in. What do you want to do later?"

"Let's grab dinner or something." he suggested.

"Sounds good baby. It's been a helluva long day, so I'm looking forward to it." "Hmmm... maybe I can help alleviate some of that fatigue later." Kevin suggested suggestively. "Don't start nothing you can't finish." Whitney piped up. "You as well as I know that I always finish what I start." Kevin added. "That's very true, my sexy cowboy. I'm looking forward to continuing the streak" Whitney shot back.

The passion was just as intense between them as it ever was.