The Player

Paparazzi Pt. 2

"Do they know we were coming?" I asked a bit nervous of how the paparazzi was going to react seeing me and Michael get out of this car. 

"Honestly, I don't know. This is a pretty popular place for celebrities in Denver so maybe someone else is inside? are you ok?" he asked, "We can go somewhere else..."

"No its ok. You planned this. Let's do it." I took a deep breath and mentally prepared my mind. Michael got out of the car and came to the passenger side to open my door. At the same time some of the paps realized who he was and rushed over snapping pictures. 

"Michael! Michael! How do you feel about your last game?! Who are you here with?! Is this a new Girlfriend?! Do you Think you'll get traded next season!?"

"Ok ok back up please!" Michael yelled. I started laughing because I noticed how frustrated he was getting. He reached out his hand and I grabbed his. I was so happy I chose the nude dress. If anyone was going to take my picture, at least I knew I was going to look good. I stepped out of the car and everyone collectively stopped for a half a second before continuing to take pictures. I quickly held my head down so I wasn't blinded by the flashing lights. 

They turned their questions to me. "Who are you?! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DATING? Are you from Denver? WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?!" I don't think they really cared about me, they just needed something to go along with their story of Michael. At least tomorrow I'd be known as the "mystery woman." Might be for the best, I can't imagine how my family will feel if I don't tell them first. I guess I'll have to call them soon and break the news to them. I instantly wanted to get away from the paps as fast as possible. 

Michael put his arm around me and walked me through the crowd and into the restaurant. It was shockingly quiet inside. It was a big space with a music lounge to the left of the open foyer. I peeked in a noticed a grand piano being played by a man in a nice black tuxedo. There was a small crowd of people at tall tables as well as sitting on velvet couches throughout the space. Everyone was dressed as elegantly as we were.

"Porter, 7:30pm" I heard Michael say. I was entranced by everything in this restaurant. The lights were dim to set a mood behind the piano. In the main foyer there was a crystal chandelier and a seating area when there was a wait. 

"Good to see you again, sir. Follow me." The Maître D' said. 

We followed him to the right where there were tables and booths set up for restaurant patrons. He sat us at a small table towards the back to make sure no one just walking in would see us. We were still able to hear the piano playing even on the other side of the restaurant. Michael pulled my chair out for me. 

"Thank you, Michael. You're such a gentleman." I said. 

"You're very welcome. Momma raised me right." He said laughing. "I'm sorry about all that outside. I don't know how this happened. They generally leave me alone. I wonder what happened...."

"The only thing I can think of is someone at the school let it slip out." I thought to myself, who would do that? Was it on purposed? I snapped myself out of it. "It doesn't matter. We're here. I don't want to think about anything but this time together."

Michael blushed at my words. He really was a gentle giant. On the court, that was a different story but he genuinely cares about how those around him feel. Not only me. Seeing him yesterday with my students really opened up my eyes to the person he is outside of the basketball star. I smiled back at him. 

"Good evening, how are you doing? What can I start you off with tonight?" Our waiter came over to fill our water and take drink orders. 

"Hey Kevin, Can you bring us a bottle of....." Michael paused skimming the menu.