Chapter 4 - "Chicagooo, Chicago"

A/N Warning: This chapter has slight mentions of death.

Marshall's POV:

— 3 Weeks Later

After inviting Sadé to my lollapalooza show in her city almost 3 weeks ago, we surprisingly ended up keeping in touch. We would text every so often just to see how things were going and so that it wouldn't be weird come the day of my performance. We basically just got acquainted with each other; Nothing less, nothing more. Her and Hailie even got close, Hailie staying at her place in Chicago and doing another collab together. I liked her, I thought her and my daughter got along well & were great friends for each other.

I walked into the studio, going to Paul's office to discuss final details of Lolla. Lollapalooza was in 3 days, so I was going to be flying out to Chicago tonight. I needed to be there early to go over rehearsals for the show. I also needed to arrive in advance because this is one of the few larger scale music festivals in the United States - Meaning that lots of people would be travelling there on top of all the already commuting tourists.

I sat down in front of Paul at his desk. He was looking down at his computer going over notes to present to me during the meeting.

"What up Paul. Things going good?" I asked

"Yea, they're great actually." He said briefly looking at me before returning back to his notes. "We just have a few things to go over before we leave for tonight's flight."

"Ight, cool. What's up?"

"So you already know about the flight details, and arriving early, and rehearsals right?"

"Yup." I nodded my head.

"Okay great. But you also wanted two VIP tickets. I got them, but why?..." He asked looking confused as he grabbed the lanyards with the tickets on them from his desk to give to me.

"One for Hailie, and one for Sadé." I said not thinking much of it.

"Sadé? Who the hell is Sadé, Marshall?"  He asked getting a bit panicked.

"Yo chill Paullie." I snickered seeing him all worked up so easily. "It's Sadé Myers, dawg. She's a friend of Hailie. And her & I are kind of chill too. It's cool, she's cool."

He looked at me baffled. He just chuckled.

"Yo, what's so funny?" I looked at him confusingly.

"You. You just said you're "chill" with your daughters friend. As if you're not damn near 50."  He was cracking up now with amusement.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Look, it's nothing. It was just a bit funny. That's all. But you do know that she's gotta sign an NDA before she goes to that concert right?" Paul inquired, suddenly getting all serious on me.

"Yea, I know. I got it handled. I can go over her place and have her sign it tomorrow when I drop off the VIP pass."

"Alright good."

He handed me a folder with the NDA and we spoke a bit more about other important things before parting ways before meeting back up tonight. I walked out of the office once we were done, heading to my car. I got in, checking my phone - I answered some of the texts I received. I called Hailie to let her know I secured the tickets. She was ecstatic. She wasn't flying out with me tonight though. She'd be driving there with her best friend, Brittany, and her boyfriend, Evan, the day before. Afterwards, I texted Sadé, telling her I was leaving/arriving tonight, but would stop by her place tomorrow to drop the pass off. I may or may not left out the fact that She needed to sign an NDA...

Sadé

Yo

What's your addy?

Umm... Why?

I'm arriving tonight. I'm gonna drop the tickets off at your place tomorrow

Oh

*Sends address* 

What time?

Whenever. I'm not busy tomorrow

2 PM?

Ight. See you then

Okay... Have a safe flight

I put phone down and drove home.

— Later that night

After a short hour and a half flight, Me & the guys, along with some security of course, finally touched down in Chicago. I was actually pretty excited since I barely come here regardless of the fact that it's not far from Detroit at all.

It was 10 PM when we landed. I got off the plane and hopped into the driver side of the car I rented out for my time being here. I'd only be here for a week, but I'd rather drive myself than have a chauffer. Paul got into the passenger side, and Naunnie and Al sat in the back. The security got into a different car and followed closely behind us as I drove to the hotel we'd be staying at.

I drove for about 45 minutes from the airport, chatting with the guys and listening to some old school hip-hop along the way. We arrived at the back entrance of the Loews Hotel as not to be seen. Even though there weren't any papps out here, it's always better safe than sorry. We all got out the car, grabbing our bags, and heading to our respective rooms for the night. We were all on the top floor. I entered my room to be greeted by a suite with a beautiful view of the city and the water. I sat my stuff down, exploring the room a little more. There was a huge bedroom, a living area, a kitchen area, and even a work space. The bathroom was spacious with double sinks, a walk in shower, and jacuzzi tub. Damn this city is boujie as hell!

I peeled my clothes off, and hoped in the shower. I sighed, feeling relaxed and contempt. I did my usual shower routine, washing my body, hair, and face. I put some lotion on after drying off, and changed into a new pair of boxers. I wasn't even tired, but it was still late. So I decided to just chill and watch some "Black Mafia Family" the rest of the night until I fell asleep.

— The Following Day

Sadé's POV:

I woke up early at 7 AM and got ready for my day. I had some important self care appointments that I go to regularly. I planned to go get my entire body waxed, my lashes refilled, my nails done (acrylic & pedicure), and a facial. One thing about me, I love me some self care and to look good. I find it relaxing, and believe everyone should do so. It also helps me on my healing journey as it releases stress, and brings me inner peace. I finished getting ready. I put on some black fitted sweats, a Tupac shirt, some black crocs, and a few accessories. I left my hair curly, since my hair appointment wasn't until tomorrow.

I grabbed my keys and headed down to the parking garage of my apartment complex, getting into my pink Range Rover. I lived in a modern luxury high rise in the heart of Downtown Chicago. I absolutely loved it. I grew up here in the hood, born and raised. I'm a city gal through and through. So everything I owned, I worked my ass off for.

*video link of Sadé's apartment*

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChUoolNlr66/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc%3D

I drove to a Starbucks and ordered my favorite: A Grande Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte made with almond milk, salted caramel cold foam and caramel drizzle with a cake pop! I then made my way to my first appointment.

— Later That Day

I finished all of my errands a bit early. I was only a little past 1 PM so I decided to just head home and prepare some food for Marshall & I. I entered my apartment, kicking my shoes off at the door and setting my purse down on the table in the foyer. I went to my kitchen, looking through my pantry and fridge to see what I should make. I decided on Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta. I set some wax melts in my wax warmer, turned on some music for good vibes and got to work.

I had finished cooking 45 minutes later, still jamming out to my music. I was currently listening to Beyonce's "Homecoming Live" album. It was then that I got a text from Marshall letting me know he was here, but needed to be buzzed in so that he could take the elevator up to my floor. I buzzed him in, and a few minutes later I heard a knock at my door. I turned my music down, walking to the door to be greeted by Marshall. He was leaning against the wall, hands in his pocket. I don't know why, but he looked fine? Good?... That thought had never crossed my mind before, but I couldn't help it. He looked Good. But it didn't matter because he was literally like more than twice my age. Also, that was Hailie's father. So I shook the thought, and paid it no mind.

He instantly pulled his hands out of his pocket and reached down to hug me.

"Hey. how you doing Sadé?" He said as he nuzzled his head over my shoulder.

"I'm doing good. How are you, love?" I asked as I hugged back, pulling away.

"Good, good."

I moved aside, letting him in. He walked in, and I closed the door behind him, walking ahead, leading him into my kitchen.

"Mmmm, it smells good in here girl!" He exclaimed taking a seat at the island.

"I made us food. I'd figured you'd be hungry or haven't eaten since you arrived last night. It's chicken and pasta." I said smiling as I plated both of our food.

"Thank you. I haven't eaten since I left Detroit actually."

We sat and ate, making small talk. He told me how the food "slaps" in his words, his flight, and his nice ass hotel room. I in turn told him about what I did earlier in my day since he asked.

I put the dishes in the dishwasher, and as I turned around he was looking at me intensely.

"So I have the tickets." he started to talk as he pushed the tickets towards the center of the island counter. "But, I need you to sign something..." He finished hesitantly.

I already knew what he was referring to: An NDA. Another thing about me, I don't sign NDAs. Only for the simple fact that if you feel like you need me to sign something like that to trust me, then forget it. If you don't trust me then you just don't trust me. Simple.

"No." That was all I said as I walked over to the couch in the living room.

Marshall followed behind me quickly, sitting next to me. He just looked at me. It was actually kind of intimidating, but I wasn't giving in.

"No." I said again.

"You don't even know what I was gonna ask you to sign." He said seriously, still looking at me dead in the eyes.

"What? An NDA?" I spoke intently as I looked back at him. "Marshall, I'm not signing an NDA. Sorry 'bout it." I said crossing my arms.

"Why not?"

"Because. It's stupid. If you need a piece of paper to ensure my trust then don't bother trusting me."

"Sadé, are you serious? That's it?"

"Yup." I said popping the P for emphasis. His lips turned slightly at the corner, trying to hide a smirk.

"You're stubborn. You know that?" He said nudging me.

"Yup."

"Come on. Can you please just sign it. It's just procedure that my manager does. It's nothing against you or your trust." I side eyed him as he continued, "You have literally been around my daughter and I already and haven't wronged us yet. I know you ain't like that."

I stayed silent because he did kind of have a point. I gently took the paper and pen from his hands. I briefly looked over the contract, then signed on the dotted lines. I handed it back to him.

"Thank you." He said as he sat the folder back on the coffee table.

"Yea. Whatever." I replied still not entirely happy about being forced to sign something.

—

We sat on the couch, continuing to talk for a few hours. We actually got to know each other pretty well. I learned that he's actually 49, but turning 50 in a few months in October. He also told me about his old music group, D12, a little about how he grew up in Detroit & didn't have it so good. In return, I told him about how I didn't have it easy as well, sympathizing with him, but not going into detail. It was always a touchy subject for me. Only my closest friends, Alabama & Jordyn, knew, whom I also told him about. He asked me if I was actually 20, which I replied to with yes (I'll be 21 in September), even showing him my ID. He said I had achieved a lot and was very mature and intelligent for my youth. We were having a great time.

"Ya' know when I was your age I wasn't nearly even on the same level as you. I would just lay up with my buddies and pop pills and other shit all day." He said chuckling.

"Really?" I said listening intently. Other peoples life story always intrigued me. Not one person experiences things the same way because we all interpret those experiences differently.

"Yea. I used to be an addict for years actually. It finally took Hailie finding me half way dead back in '07 for me to get sober. Been clean ever since." He said somberly.

"Wow... Well I'm glad you were able to make it here today. And for that I'm proud of you." I said smiling sadly.

He returned a smile, but changed the subject. "I notice you have a Tupac shirt on. You listen to him?"

"Occasionally. I enjoy hip-hop and R&B, old and new. Me and my mom would jam out to music all the time." I said smiling happily at all the memories.

"Yea?" He asked amusingly

"Yea. I'll always cherish those moments..."

"She seems like a dope lady, just like yourself!" He said.

I looked down at my hands. "She was." I replied back.

"Was?" He asked, sounding unsure of himself.

"Yea. Was." I said finally having the courage to look back up in his direction.

"What? You grew up, and think she's boring or something now?" He tried to joke, but I didn't laugh. I remained quiet, becoming teary eyed. I tried to quickly hide it, but of course, Marshall noticed. He put his hand on my leg, rubbing me to try to provide some comfort.

"Sadé, You ight?" he asked in a soft tone.

I still hadn't replied. Instead, I ended up accidentally letting a few tears fall. This is why I don't open up or talk about my life with people. Because it always brings up old scars. This is so embarrassing, crying in front of a man that I barely know. My entire past is just so shameful.

"You can leave now. I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to see me like this. You don't even know me." I finally said pitifully as I got up to go walk Marshall out. However, he didn't budge. Instead, he just sat there on the couch, and grabbed my hand for me to sit back down. I reluctantly stayed there, his hand still holding onto mines, but I didn't dare to look his way.

"I'm sorry if I said anything to trigger you." He apologized.

"It's not your fault. You didn't know."

"I mean I still don't, but whatever it is, you don't deserve it. You seem like a great person." He whispered as I began to silently cry even more. "If you don't mind me asking what happened?..."

I took a deep breath.

"She passed away. 11 years ago, she died..." I said my voice cracking. He went from just holding my hand to holding me. Strangely enough, it wasn't uncomfortable or weird though. I don't know why, and I couldn't explain it, but it just wasn't.

"I'm so sorry for your loss and that you had to go through that. Do you want to talk about it?"

"No." Was all I could make out through sniffles.

You see, when I was younger, my mom died. To me it was so sudden, but in reality, everyone else knew it was going to happen eventually. They all knew she was sickly, except for me. She was just a normal mom. She was an amazing, single mother that gave her all and loved all her children unconditionally. Then, one day she just left. I never got to say goodbye. Nothing. I never saw her ever again. And just like that, part of my life changed forever.

"Okay that's fine." He said rubbing my arm as he hugged me.

We sat in silence for a few until I eventually stopped crying. It was now dark out. We had apparently ended up hanging out all day. Marshall suggested I get some sleep, and I agreed mentioning how he probably has some work to do tomorrow and I still have my hair appointment. We parted ways and I fell asleep right there on the couch too lazy to walk the extra distance back to my room.

Marshall's POV:

After leaving Sadé's place, I went back to my hotel room. I sat by the window, admiring the view. I took a moment to reflect on my day. After thinking for what seemed like forever, I came to some conclusions:

1. Sadé is a huge sweetheart. She's very kind and caring for those around her.

2. Sadé's food definitely slaps!

3. Sadé has gone through a lot at such a young age, and she doesn't deserve any of it.

4. I think I'm lowkey feelin' Sadé, but she's literally 30 years younger than me...

5. Chicago is beautiful, I should come here more often.

I got out of my chair and headed to my bedroom. I had a long day of rehearsals tomorrow and needed to be well rested. I closed my eyes, drifting off into slumber.