If You're Not Busy

Chapter 78 Adelaide

What are you sorry for? asked Mariah. Tessa pulled herself together. I'm sorry I woke you up said, Tessa. What makes you think I've been asleep? said Mariah defensively. You sound like you have just woken up, your voice sounds tired said Tessa so I just presumed I had woken you up. Plus it's late there in Genoa City. "Tessa" shouted Mariah sharply. I need you to explain, why I can see you in a bed, and someone has taken a photo. I presume you are naked? And it's all over social media, and why there is an article about what I did to you before you left for Australia? Err well, I'd rather explain to you face to face. If you have time? Can we please Facetime? So that you can see I'm genuine and not lying to you. Mariah looked at the time. Look as much as I want you to give me answers Tessa, I've already worked out that if I go to sleep now, I can call you at ten-thirty tomorrow morning, which would make it twelve-thirty in the morning where you are, and you'll just be back from your last show in Adelaide before you move to New Zealand. I can Facetime you while I'm at work. Is that ok?

That's more than ok said Tessa. Oh and Mariah before you go, I read your email. It made me cry and I was an idiot for not forgiving you before I left. I'm so sorry, I love you. Before Mariah could reply to Tessa, she had cut off the call. Oh, well said Mariah I'll just have to wait until the morning. She snuggled down and fell asleep quite quickly. Tessa on the other side of the world had a full day ahead of her, and then a serious phone call to get through. She was ready for whatever happened. Tessa came off the stage at her final gig in Australia, feeling great but also apprehensive. She would normally go and have a few beers with everyone. But she explained what she had to do instead and everyone understood and wished her well. Devon took her to one side. Look I know you have to get through this conversation with Mariah first, but it would be amazing if she could come and do an interview with you in New Zealand, to clear all this mess up.

Is it that bad? Have people started to ask for their money back? Tessa was starting to freak out. No! No! In fact the opposite. I found out today, that you're whole tour is now a sell-out! Oh my god, Devon, that is amazing. So in that case, why do you want me to do an interview with Mariah in New Zealand? Well, for one thing, it's good publicity and it wouldn't hurt. Two, I think you and Mariah could do with some catch-up time and makeup properly, instead of waiting another five months to see each other. That's not healthy for any couple, especially not you two. What about my parents? They were so looking forward to coming. How about they all come? said Devon. I'll get the team to search for a house, that you can rent for the time they are with you. It will be much better than you all staying in a hotel. Do you think they will have something big enough in Auckland? I'll see what I can find said, Devon. But you are taking two weeks off, so we could pick anywhere in New Zealand. I'll give you a few options you can pick one from. "Devon" I've not even talked to Mariah yet, to clear the air between us.

Don't you think you're jumping the gun a bit? "Tessa" One thing I do know about you and Mariah, is that you both have been through so much, and yet you still find your way back to one another. I think once you get on that phone and finally call her, everything will go back to how it should be. You'll see. Now hurry and get back to the hotel, so you are not late to Facetime her. Tessa looked at her Fitbit, it was already midnight! Ok, Devon, I'll see you in the morning and let you know how things have gone. Tessa got into the car, that was driving her back to the hotel. When she got there, she quickly showered, got all her show face-off, and found a pair of light cotton sweats/PJs, that were lovely to wear in the Australian heat. She then ordered a coffee to be brought up. She went onto the balcony and set up her iPad, for the Facetime call with Mariah. She'd just done it all in time, as the screen lit up and Tessa swiped her finger across the screen to answer.

There in front of her was Mariah's beautiful face. Hi, said Tessa. Hi said, Mariah. Did you cut me off last night? asked Mariah sternly. Err well, after I said I love you, I was scared you were not going to say it back. So yes, I did cut the call off. Sorry. It's ok, because, despite everything that has happened or is happening, I still love you, Tessa. Tessa started to tear up. Really, after everything? Well, I did think you were never going to speak to me again after what I did said, Mariah. If this news had never happened, would you have spoken to me again? Yes, eventually I guess I would have forgiven you said Tessa. I mean we're just meant to be, aren't we? Well let's see about that shall we? said Mariah. "Tessa" You know all about how journalists work. Even Devon warned you on the plane, that they were on the same flight! And yet you still managed to slag me off to someone you didn't even know. How did she get the pictures?