KATALINA
Mary Aimes? My mind rolled in confusion.
“When I say I looooove you,
It’s the truest thing in the world…”
The eerily familiar woman strung her guitar, with dainty, delicate fingers that were glimmering under the harsh glare of the spotlight. Soft, yet soul-stirring notes floated into the air.
“Kitty, sit down.” Huracio chuckled softly. He grabbed my hand and pulled me backward, making me fall into his chest.
“Is that who I think it is?” I asked in a quivering voice.
“I believe she is Mary Aimes, your favorite country blues singer.”
“Oh, my God!” I covered my mouth in shock.
As I listened to the song, my heart was pounding, and I felt lightheaded. Mary Aimes does that to one. She isn’t just beautiful. Her voice is ethereal. Until she finished singing, I couldn’t breathe.
Once she was done, she took a bow, and the room was suddenly flooded with light, startling me. I blinked, came back to my senses, and threw myself into Huracio’s arms.
“Kitty, your makeup!” He chuckled, but I didn’t care.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I kept whispering as tears cascaded down my cheeks.
“Hello, Madam Ignatius.” A soft, innocent voice reached my ears. It was so close that I stiffened the moment I heard it.
Looking up, I found Mary Aimes, smiling down at me.
Oh my God! I screamed in my mind. Then, I went blank.
“Kitty.” Huracio pinched my waist, helping me snap out of it.
“Oh my god, oh my god.” I got to my feet excitedly.
Mary Aimes is right there in front of me. Emilia is going to be so jealous.
“I love your music. I love you so so much!” I squealed like a kid on a sugar rush.
She spread her hands and I quickly hugged her tight. I almost didn’t remember to let go until Huracio pinched me.
“Congratulations on your wedding.” Mary Aimes beamed at me, stirring my emotions.
“Thank you, thank you so so much.”
I was smiling from cheek to cheek.
“Please, do accept this little gift.”
“Oh, really. Is it for me? Oh my god.”
I covered my mouth in shock. Mary Aimes giving me a wedding gift? Of all the things I have dreamt of in this life, this wasn’t one of them.
“It’s just a little thing, Mrs Ignatius. Please, don’t be offended.”
Mrs Ignatius. She was the first person to call me that. And it sounded so cute in her mouth.
She handed it over with a slight bow, further shocking me.
I collected the small, white box with tiny pink ribbons. My hands were slightly shaking.
She then bowed to Huracio.
“Congratulations, boss. I am leaving now.”
My mouth was instantly left on the floor. No wonder he could easily book her within 24 hours. He is her boss?
I couldn’t avert my eyes until she was gone. I then spun around and faced him.
“Huracio, you… How are you her boss? Why didn’t you tell me all this while?”
Everyone knew I loved Mary Aimes. I know all her songs by heart and always try to wrestle for her tickets. Last February, during the Valentine’s period, she held a concert and I missed out on the tickets due to some negligence on Emilia’s part. She was supposed to get the tickets but somehow missed the deadline. It was the first time Mary Aimes would come to my city and I would miss her concert. I didn’t speak to Emilia for two weeks. Huracio knew how bad I felt, he was her boss, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t offer to help.
Even as these thoughts raced through my mind, I couldn’t get angry. I just felt frustrated with him. I always thought he was doting on me, but he was actually holding back. What else was there to discover about this enigmatic man? I didn’t know, but I started looking forward to finding out.
“Kitty, your demeanor is so shabby. If it was some other guest, I would be ashamed.” He rolled his eyes and refused to meet my eyes.
Instantly, my spirit plummeted. It was as if someone poured chilled water on me. Reflecting now on how I had behaved just now, it was really…
But that was Mary Aimes, okay! You have to pardon me. This is super fan behavior, you know.
I pouted coquettishly and sat down beside him, making sure there was no space between us. I hugged his arm and gave him two spontaneous kisses on his cheek. As expected, he was flustered and a grin stretched his lips.
“Daddy, I am sorry. I will mind my actions in the future, I promise.”
He turned to me and raised his eyebrows.
“Are you sure? I know a lot of superstars.”
“You do? Tell me, who else do you know?”
“You will know when you see them.”
The prospect of meeting and talking to stars was simply exciting. Though I am not into most mainstream superstars, meeting some would be something to boast about. Emilia will die with envy. I mused inwardly.
“Daddy, I promise, I will behave. Thank you so much for making my dreams come true.” I kissed him again.
To be candid, inviting Aimes was never part of my honeymoon to-do list. I am not someone who overestimates their ability. Where on earth would I have the chance to invite an S-class musician to my wedding, not to talk of Honeymoon? But Huracio did it for me. He did it. For someone who had everything, I had no idea how to show my appreciation than to thank him profusely.
The door opened and a man in the hotel’s uniform rolled in a trolley.
He quietly placed a large, covered stainless tray on the table. He then added to the ice in our champagne ice bucket before leaving.
“Are you ready for the next show?” Huracio asked once the attendant left.
“There is more?” I gasped.