A Love Conflicted

13 | 4 U (2)

As soon as his receptionist asked me to hold, the sudden nerve I mustered up just seconds before had now disappeared. While freaking out I started to question my actions. Who am I? I'm not his girlfriend, I'm not his wife...he doesn't owe me a thing. I didn't want to be "That" girl who makes a big deal over something small. I quickly regretted calling and hung up before he could answer. I slumped into my couch and slapped my hand against my forehead

"So stupid Riley" whispering to myself

Once I got my heartbeat back to normal, I decided to refill my glass. I strolled over to the kitchen, shaking my head and laughing at myself in the process. I never acted like this with men. I'm usually the one who isn't bothered and I never stress over not hearing from them, but Prince was different.

As I poured the last contents of the bottle into my glass and began to sip, my phone started to ring from the coffee table.

"Fuck" I hissed at myself. At that moment I actually hoped it wasn't Prince. I wanted him to call me on his own terms, not because I had a moment of delusion and hung up like a crazy person. Nervously I walked back over to the living room and picked up my phone, sure enough it was Paisley Park. After tossing back more of my wine before answering, I set the glass down and got comfortable on the couch

"Hello?"

"Are you enjoying your flowers?" his deep voice seeped through my phone, completely ignoring the fact that I basically just hung up on him.

"Yes, they're beautiful. Thank you"

"You're very welcome"

There was an awkward silence. I wasn't sure whether to bring up his show on Friday, or if I should wait for him to say something instead

"Cat got your tongue?" he asked and I shook my head as if he could see me through the phone

"Sorry just...thinking"

"About?"

"Nothing important"

"If it's on your mind, it must have some importance to you"

"Nothing you should be worried about, how was your day?" I asked, wanting to change the subject. If he didn't want to tell me, then he didn't want to tell me. Simple as that. "How were rehearsals?"

"How do you know we had rehearsal?"

"Because when do you not?" He laughed deep into the phone and my heart fluttered. I missed his voice, and I missed that laugh of his.

"It went well. I haven't exactly decided on a setlist for Friday so we just jammed for a few hours" Now he decides to bring it up, this was my one and only chance to say something. Do I play dumb or act as though I know and it hasn't bothered me? Good lord, I'm thinking about this way too hard.

"Friday?" Playing dumb it is I guess

"Yes, Friday"

"Do you have a show?"

He chuckled before he answered. Somehow I think he knew the game I was playing. "You haven't checked your mail yet, have you?"

"My mail? Wha-" I turned my head to look at the stack that I put off sorting through since I've been back. I got up and grabbed the pile off the counter. Holding my phone in between my head and my shoulder I used both hands to rummage through it. There in the middle of two credit card offers, was a small white envelope. The address was handwritten and I knew exactly whose it was.

"Prince" I smiled to myself "What is this?"

"Just open it"

I carefully slid my finger through the back and opened it. Inside was one ticket for Friday's show. I felt like a fool, freaking out for no reason. Had I just checked my mail like a responsible adult, I wouldn't have been so frustrated. All I could think of was thank God I hung up and didn't accuse him of anything to make myself look any crazier than I already felt.

"What, you thought I forgot about you?" he asked teasingly

"No I just...ok maybe a little"

"I know that's why you called"

"It is not" I whined

"You're a bad liar" he replied and we both laughed into the phone. I was relieved, and I was actually glad he was able to see right through me. I usually have no trouble speaking my mind but this one...I barely even recognized myself.

"So when do you fly in?"

"Why? Do you miss me?" I bit my lip, fighting that inevitable smile

"Maybe"

"Liar"

"Stop calling me that"

"Then tell the truth"

"Fine, yes"

"Yes, what?" This man always has to have his way doesn't he? However I'd really be a liar if I said I didn't like it

"Yes, I miss you. Now answer my question" I fought back

"I get in Friday morning around 8. Show starts at 9 that night, but come by around 2"

In my mind I was already rearranging my schedule. As long as I moved around some filming to Thursday night, I could have that entire day free. If it meant spending more time with him, then that's exactly what I was going to do.

We continued to talk for a little while longer, he mostly asked about my week and what videos I was working on. He always seemed so interested in my work and that meant a lot to me. Just to know that he was so intrigued, and really admired what I did was an honor. I felt my eyelids getting heavy as I started to succumb to the wine I'd finished.

"Get some rest Riley" he told me sweetly, I'm sure he could tell by my voice that was I fighting sleep. An unexpected yawn escaped my mouth which essentially replied for me.

"Ok" I said, not really wanting to get off the phone in the first place

"Next time, read my note a little more carefully. Goodnight beautiful" and with that he hung up. I looked at the phone in confusion as if I was going to get an answer from it. What did he mean by that? I was going to let it go and fall under my comfy couch's spell until a light bulb went off in my head. His note.

Now awake, I walked over to the kitchen table where the bouquet of flowers lived. Pulling the card off the stick I re-read his note, searching for some kind of clue. I got nothing. He was probably just messing with me, trying to get me to come up with something out of nothing and to keep him on my mind.

Turning off the lights, I sleepily strolled into my bedroom. I threw on my PJ's and finally sank into the cool sheets of my King sized bed. Just as soon as I was comfortable enough to fall into a deep sleep my eyes shot open at my realization.

Eye count the days until we meet again...4...

4 days from the day those flowers were delivered.

"Oh come on!" I said out loud to no one but myself. That man is unbelievable.

A little short, but I wanted to leave you all with a little something before I head out of town. Next update probably won't be around until next week. Enjoy! 💜