5.21.2008

The Hill (Ch 9)

Reginald slowly walked back down the hall to his room. He was still rubbing his eyes from the smoke. He walked into the room and sat on the large leather couch. Reginald sighed as he put his head back. "This just ain't right," said Reginald.


Reginald dialed Brandie's number and listened to the ringing. Eventually, it went directly to her voicemail. "Babe, I really need to talk to you. Please call me," said Reginald. As he disconnected the call he closed his eyes and found himself drifting off to sleep.


The vibration of his phone in his hand startled him as he awakened. He looked at the time. He'd been sleeping for an hour. As he checked the caller ID, he realized it was Duane on the line. "D, what's up," said Reginald. "Reggie, you alright," asked Duane. "Yeah, I'm good man, just waking up," Reginald said with a yawn. "How's the hotel," asked Duane. "It's big," said Reginald. "Dude, I saw Big Mic in the hall. He's wild."


"That's cool Reg. Did you talk to him," asked Duane. "Yeah, for a second. He invited me into his room, shit was outrageous," Reginald laughed. "What, is he on some homo-type shit," Duane laughed. "Far from it, based on the company he keeps," Reginald laughed. "Look, seriously, if you see Brandie, tell her to call me," said Reginald. "I need somebody here with me."


"Boy, stop trippin'," Duane snapped. "You are in a lap of luxery," Duane continued. "Why in the fuck do you want Brandie there with all them women around you." Reginald just shook his head. "Man, that's the difference between the two of us," said Reginald. "I love my lady, she's not just a piece," Reginald continued.


"I'm not saying that you shouldn't love your lady. What I'm saying is that why do you want her around cramping your style," Duane said. "Check this, why don't I haul ass to Atlanta, and we can kick it for a few stops on the tour?"


Reginald took a second to think. "Do I really want Duane's crazy ass here," Reginald thought to himself. "Well, it's better having somebody I know around. Plus, he is my manager, he should be here anyway."


"D, you should be here anyway dog," Reginald said. "When are you coming," he asked. "I can be there first thing in the morning playboy," Duane replied. "Okay Duane, that's good. I gotta go. Headed to the Dome in a minute," said Reginald. "I'll see you in the morning Reg," Duane said. Reginald hung up the phone as he walked to the restroom.


He looked into the mirror and decided to wash his face. "I'm looking all crusty," Reginald said to himself. He sat his phone down and turned on the hot water. As the water ran, his phone vibrated. With the sound of the water running, he didn't hear the vibrations. As he finished washing his face, there was a knock at the door.


Reginald grabbed a towel and dried his face as he walked to the door. He looked though the peephole and saw Big Mic standing there. "Hey Mike, what's up man," Reginald said as he opened the door. "Time to roll son," Mike replied as he patted Reginald on the shoulder. "Okay, let me put this towel away and get my phone," Reginald said. "No time man, we need to be gone now," Mike said. "The limo is waiting out front."


Mike grabbed Reginald by the arm and pulled him out the door. "Man, I need my stuff," Reginald complained. "You won't even need that shit, just forget it," Mike replied.


When they got outside, Reginald saw a white stretched Escalade. Reginald noticed there was a woman in the SUV, but he couldn't see her face. Mike got in and sat next to the woman. "Hey sweetheart, good to see you," said the woman. When Reginald got in, he realized it was Yvonne Summers. "Hi there," said Yvonne to Reginald. "Hello," Reginald said nervously as he sat opposite of Mike and Yvonne. Reginald had five of Yvonne's six CDs. Four of her CDs were platinum and she owned 4 grammys, one for album of the year. Reginald was a huge fan and he also harbored a slight crush on her since his late teenage years.


Yvonne was in her mid-thirties, but she could easily pass for a 25 year old. She possessed natural beauty that most celebrities had to buy. Even in her everyday clothes, she looked amazing. Reginald found himself looking her up and down, but he tried to hide it. Yvonne obviously noticed, but she didn't say anything, as she was deep in conversation with Mike.


Soon, Reginald was completely engulfed in a daydream about Yvonne. His eyes were glazed over and he had a sneaky smile on his face.


"Ain't that right Reggie," said a male voice. Reginald didn't respond as he was enjoying the dream. "Reggie," yelled the voice. Reginald snapped out of his dream and realized that he was zoned out looking directly at Yvonne. Mike was trying to get his attention. "Yeah, huh," Reginald said, trying to get his head straight.


"I said, you can handle this concert shit, right," Mike urged. "Yeah man, I can manage," Reginald replied. Yvonne got up and made her way over to Reginald's side. "Honey, are you sure you're up for this," Yvonne said as she put the palm of her hand on his cheek. "Look at you, you're sweating," Yvonne said. Mike laughed, "Yeah he's sweating alright!" Reginald just smiled at her nervously, but said nothing.


As the group arrived at the dome, Reginald looked out the window and saw droves of people standing outside. They seemed to be buying tickets, tail-gaiting, and just having a wonderful all around time. "Look Reggie, there are some of your fans," Yvonne said. Reginald looked to where she pointed and saw a large group of young women. They had signs with his name on it and even shirts with his face. "Damn, that's kind of scary," laughed Reginald.


The limo slowly made it's way into the restricted areas of the parking deck. The three musicians made their way out of the Escalade and they were met by their escorts and taken to their own dressing rooms.


Reginald walked into his dressing room and sat down. He was still trying to get his cool after being around Yvonne. But his mind soon moved on to more important things. The next few hours were a blur. There was wardrobe coming in and helping him pick out his attire for the evening. The sound check people had him come out and test the microphones. The make up artists came in and did their thing. There was even a stylist who came by and freshened up his fade.


Next thing Reginald knew, the wardrobe people were back and urging him to get dressed. As Reginald put on his clothes, he heard a knock at the door. "Reggie, what's up son," said Mike, entering the room. "How you feeling baby," asked Mike. "Bruh, I'm nervous, but I'm ready to get it started," Reginald replied as he buttoned his shirt. "Knock-knock," said a familiar voice from outside the room. Reginald looked up and saw Craig. "Craig, what's up man," asked Reginald. "I had to get here to hear you perform, Reggie," Craig said reaching out to shake Reginald's hand. "Thanks for the support, I appreciate it," Reginald replied. "No problem," said Craig.


"Reggie, I gotta go," said Mike. "Good luck," he said walking out the door. Reginald heard Mike's bellowing voice down the hall. "Hey you, get me some wings," Mike yelled. Just then, the door opened again.


The production assistant came in as Reginald finished dressing. "Mr. Morgan, you're on in five minutes," he said. "Thanks," said Reginald. "You're going to put on a show out there Reg," said Craig. "I sure hope so," Reginald said. "Can you all excuse me for a minute," Reginald said. Everyone slowly left the room. Reginald bowed his head and closed his eyes. "Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale," Reginald said softly. "Lord, be with me."


Reginald walked out and followed his guide to the stage. It was dark and there was a buzz in the crowd. There was a gentle roar. The only light he could see was from lighters, cell phones, and the flashing of digital cameras. "This really is it," Reginald said to himself.


To Be Continued...

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