Behind The Mask

Chapter 21

Michael’s POV

I wake up to….the shrill ringing of my mobile phone. Jesus…why did I choose that annoying ringtone? Or did Janet change it the last time I saw her. Really, I’m not sure because I kept my mobile shut off during these two and a half weeks, with calls diverted to my assistant. Shit! I must have touched something yesterday and switched calls back on. Should I answer this? Alright, let’s see what this is about.

“Thanks God you answered!”

“Hello to you, too. What’s up, John?”

It’s John Branca, my lawyer.

“Your ass is getting sued, this is what happens. While you are on your safari, the Korean guy who was expecting you on his private show is fuming and demanding your scalp and all your money.”

“What Korean guy, John??? I didn’t sign anything with any Korean guy.”

“The IT magnate….his son’s birthday party….he booked your brothers AND you to perform…”

Light breaks through the confusion. My father! My exasperating, dodgy-deals-champion father!

“John, I did not sign anything. My father had the deal with the Korean, he approached me, I said no and as far as I know that’s the end of it.”

“It certainly is not the end of it. The Korean has a duly signed and stamped agreement and it’s written in black on white that you are supposed to perform.”

“This was done over my head! It has nothing to do with me! I never signed a thing, I never agreed to Joseph’s scheme.”

“Well, we need to clear this up – quickly. You need to come back here…”

“NOW???”

“No, maybe next year, when the guy wins your house and all your money in court. Yes, damn it, NOW!”

“Fuck, John, I’m on vacation! I’ve been touring for two years….I got a girlfriend…”

Shit, I didn’t want to say that. It’s not John’s business to know about Anouk.

“Listen…I don’t care if you have a girlfriend or a harem of girlfriends! Get over here and let’s clear this up before you lose everything you’ve worked for.”

I sigh. Nothing…nothing is my fucking life is simple and going on the way I want it. Fuck it all!

“Alright, John…I’ll be back tomorrow evening. I can’t make it sooner than this. After all, I’m paying you enough to keep things under control for two more days.”

“No need to be smart mouthed, Michael. Alright….see you the day after tomorrow. Take care!”

I throw my phone away and cover my face with my hands. I just can’t believe this…

“FUCK! FUCK IT ALL!”

Shit, I think I woke up the entire hotel. Why? Why me? Why does it always have to be me? Here I am, happy, at peace, loved and being in love. Things are good for me for a change. And ka-boom! It’s all shattered. Something happens and I have to be pulled back into the madness and circus I’m calling my life. My shitty life. And people actually envy me for it! They must be crazy.

Second problem to deal with…Anouk. How do I break it to her? After all…we’ve been together for what…10 days? And I have to leave her all of a sudden. We only have today and then…I never thought how we can do this at distance. I don’t want distance between me and her. Not a continent and a wide ocean…

Damn….damn, how do I leave her like this…how do I tear myself from this little corner of paradise? From my love….I sigh again and decide to get up and get dressed.