I Found You

by Erica Marselas

  “Brody wasn’t kidding when he said she didn’t like you,” Alexa mutters. “All because she doesn’t think you're good enough?”

  “Basically. I mean even Andrew got over what happened in high school. And for some reason, she thinks Ainsley would be better.” I snort, and look up to see Tucker on the phone. “I need a drink! Do you want to go back to the house with me? I plan on getting drunk.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  We’re halfway home when Cooper calls me on my cell.

  “Hi,” I answer meekly.

  “Tucker told Collin you had a run in with my mother and Ainsley. What happened?” I groan inwardly, I’m so sick and tired of almost every conversation we have together is about our mothers. I swear they're the third and fourth people in our relationship.

  “Your mother is just making it clear to me again how much she doesn’t approve of us. How I’m not good enough for you. Oh, and I’m the reason you were such a drunk party animal. You know same old, same old. I’m surprised she doesn’t have it in playback to save her breath.”

  “Baby, I’ll talk to her.”

  Yeah, because that would do anything.

  “Don’t worry about it, Cooper. I can deal with it.”

  “But you shouldn’t have to.” He exhales heavily, and I picture him running his hands down his face.

  “She’s not going to tell you the truth and you know it. Just like at our reception party. When she told you about our ‘misunderstanding’?”

  “You still haven’t told me either.”

  “It doesn’t matter now. She’s still your mother and at least she didn’t sell you down the road for money.” My eyes close tightly, choking down the sudden lump in my throat. Everything in me is screaming to tell him, to divulge everything she’s said and done, but I can’t. I know he would kick Evelyn to the curb if I just said the words, but it’s not what I want. It’ll cause a tidal wave of ramifications between his brothers and his father. The last thing I want is for another family to fall apart because they feel they might have to pick sides. They still love her and they need her a hell of a lot more then I need my mother.

  “I can deal with it because I’m not going to try to come in the middle of it all. I know how you feel about me, and I can only hope she doesn’t change your mind.” Alexa rubs my back trying to console me.

  Violet, don’t cry, don’t cry.

  “She’s never been able to before, she isn’t going to now. I love you, baby.” His smooth voice tells me sincerely, and it soothes my heart.

  “I love you too.” I wipe away the tears welled in the corner of eyes and take a deep breath. I’m not going to let Evelyn ruin the rest of my day. I have him, we love each other, and it’s all that matters. “Alexa and I are going to go back to the house. We might be a little inebriated when you get back.”

  He chuckles softly, I’m sure thinking about how crazy horny I get after a couple of glasses of wine. “Well, I guess we’ll have to play catch up when we get back. Just don’t get too wild and crazy. Did you at least get a dress?”

  “Yes, I found two, for both events. I do have to say you’re a sneaky bastard giving me my own card.”

  “I have no idea what you're talking about.” I can hear him smirking over the phone. “But you know I take care of what’s mine.”

  “Yours,” I say seductively.

  “Oh, god. Please don’t start doing that now. I’m sitting right here,” Alexa moans.

  “We should be done shortly, baby. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Bye.” I hang up the phone.

  June 11th, 2006

  Violet

  T onight is the Grammys. I’m getting excited about the event and no longer breaking out into a cold sweat knowing I’m going to be surrounded by some of the best musicians in the world. This fangirl might pass out, but it won’t be because of my husband; especially if Usher or Adam Levine are there.

  Cooper’s tour starts in two weeks, so after tonight our lives are going to get hectic. Cooper is putting the finishing touches on his record and then rehearsals with the band will start. Brody and I have already buckled down on the roles I will take over for him.

  The poor guy really did have everything on his shoulders.

  I wonder how different life is going to be on the road. I'm eager to travel the world with my husband and see up close the life he's been living the last two years. To see him onstage, in his element, and his adoring fans cheering for him.

  If anything, it’s what I look forward to the most.

  Cooper is on the phone with someone from the recording studio, and I’ve just finished getting my hair done. I make my way to my closet to check out my dresses which finally arrived today. They should've been here days ago, but there was some sort of delay with the alterations. I unzip the bag and when I open it up, my heart pumps rapidly out of my chest, my body tingles, and my vision blurs. I feel as though I’m having some sort of anxiety attack at the sight of the monstrosity in front of me.

  What the ever-living fuck?

  The dress in front of me is NOT the one I picked out. It’s a purple, peacock looking dress, complete with huge colorful feathers. I don’t believe this.

  And the first thought that pops into my head is that Evelyn Reid is, without a doubt, behind this. Cooper did end up calling her after the ‘dress store showdown’ and he told me she apologized. We both knew it wasn't genuine—the truth always comes out; this time in the form of a hideous dress.

  “Is that the dress you picked?” Cooper asks walking into the closet. He’s wearing a pair of black slacks and nothing else. And I can't even be bothered to think about how sexy he looks when I'm about to look like Barney at the Grammys. “Doesn’t seem like your…color.”

  His face pinches in disgust, not even trying to play it off just in case it is the one I picked out.

  “That’s because it’s not the one I picked. I can’t wear this Cooper…” Tears slip from my eyes. This is a disaster. The whole night is ruined. There’s no way Cooper should be on my arm when I make the worst dress list.

  “Baby,” he murmurs and collects me in his arms, “I can fix this. Don’t worry. This isn't that big of a deal.”

  “How? We have to leave in two hours! Cooper, maybe you should go without me.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” He grabs my chin and kisses me on the lips, his thumbs wiping away my tears. Picking me up he carries me to our bed, and sits me down on his lap. His lips are instantly back on mine, his tongue softly massaging mine. My body relaxes from its panic and I turn to jelly in his arms. He breaks away, his fingers running down my face. “No more crying, baby. Everything will be fine. I promise.” I nod and lay my head on his shoulder. I’m so glad I haven’t done my make up yet because runny mascara doesn’t even go with the purple peacock dress.

  “Did you finish your speech?” I ask, trying to changing the subject.

  “I think so, but I might just wing it.”

  “I guess you’ve had a lot of practice talking to mirrors over the years.” I giggle seeing his cheeks pinken.

  “You were never supposed to hear that. Now come on, finish getting ready and I’ll go deal with your dress.”

  I slide off Cooper’s lap, and he stands, pulling his cellphone out of his pocket. With a final kiss on my cheek, he leaves the room. Running my hands down my face, I have no idea how this is going to work out. I move back to the closet and have a stare down with the ugly purple intruder.

  Can I really keep dealing with Evelyn?

  Between trying to tear me down, making me jealous, and now maybe trying to make me a laughing stock, how much more can I take?

  Is my mom also a part of the things Evelyn is doing to try to destroy my spirit? It’s clear they’re talking, but how much?

  I scream with all the nagging questions running through my mind and collapse into the lounger I have in my closet.

  I wanna believe I have thick skin from all this. That they can do whatever they want
because nothing is going to make me leave Cooper. But today is one of those days, I just want to cry, and wonder if it would be easier without him.

  I don’t deserve this hurt. I deserve a mother who loves me and a mother in law who likes me. I should be able to go to family events without being accosted or being told ‘oh, you guys aren’t right for each other’. And for once not worry about if the next thing our mothers do will be the thing to break us up.

  My mom succeeded once. Why wouldn’t they again?

  I bury my head in my hands and try to push away those thoughts. Instead, I remind myself how much I love Cooper and how much he loves me. We share a special bond only we know about and being together doesn’t make that piece of us seem so lost. That even now with all the meddling, we support and complete each other. And most of all I don’t want to live without him again.

  I lift my head and wipe my face. The only thing I can do is keep weathering through this storm and show them they can’t win. Just because she wants to break us up, doesn’t mean I too want to break their relationship up.

  Why am I trying to be the bigger person here again?

  Oh, maybe because Daddy at least raised me right?

  Rising to my feet I move to the bathroom. I’m going tonight, even if I have no idea what I’m going to wear. Anything will be better than that purple monster.

  ~*~*~*~*~

  I’m finishing putting on lipstick when I see Cooper walk into the bathroom through the mirror. “Hey.” I put the lid back on the stick and turn around to face my husband. He looks handsome and debonair in a Tom Ford tux.

  His eyes roam my body and he licks his lips. My cheeks heat, feeling suddenly shy with how his eyes are undressing me out of my bra and panties. “It’s too bad you’ll have to cover yourself with a dress now.” He walks over to me and puts a hand on my hip and the other goes to play with the clips of my strapless bra. “Actually, maybe we should just stay home, and I can have my dirty way with you.”

  “I wouldn’t mind,” I say breathlessly, his lips moving to hover mine. I’m begging for him to kiss me.

  Instead, he unhooks my bra and throws it across the room. He cups my breast and I wonder for a second if we’re really going to say screw the Grammy’s and stay home. Which is all I want to do right now.

  “I don’t think you’ll need it for the dress I got you.” His thumbs run over my nipples perking them up, and then his hands run down my stomach.

  “You got a dress? That was quick…” I really didn’t think he would pull it off and I’d have to wear something out of my closet.

  “It’s good to know people.” He winks. “Come. I hope you like it…” Grabbing my hand, he pulls me out of the bathroom to my closet where a gold dress bag is hanging, with Elie Saab written in black lettering.

  I unzip the bag, revealing a gorgeous silver gown, layered with flapper style fringing. It has a plunging neckline, so Cooper was right about me not needing a bra. “This is…” I shake my head, my eyes roaming over the dress still in a state of disbelief. Spinning back around, I wrap my arms around my husband and kiss his cheek. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  I finally feel like I can breathe and maybe this night won’t be all bad.

  “You’re welcome, Ace.”

  “Did you ever find out what happened to my other one?” I ask, trying to be casual. Maybe the dress shop will throw Evelyn under the bus and I won’t have too.

  “They think one of the girls who just quit mixed up orders. They’re going to look into it.”

  “Oh.” I turn to look at my dress, not believing a word of it. I wonder if Evelyn paid for them to keep quiet. “I hope they don’t mess up the one I picked for the ball.” My eyes close tightly and I only hope Evelyn doesn’t try to destroy that night for me too.

  “They promised to bring it over Monday. Any problems we will have time to fix.” He takes my chin forcing me to look at him, his eyes shining down at me affectionately, “No more thinking about this. You’re going to wow them tonight. I promise.”

  “Wait, shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” I stifle a laugh.

  He shrugs. “When they see you, they’ll forget about me.”

  Yeah right.

  “Now get dressed, the limo will be here shortly.” He places a quick kiss on my lips and then without another word leaves me to it.

  You can do this Vi. You will survive.

  ~*~*~*~*~

  We pull up to the red carpet, behind another limo, waiting our turn to get out. Even through the darkened windows, I can see all the cameras flashing. I can also hear all the screaming from the awaiting fans. I grip Cooper’s hand, my insecurities getting the best of me again, remembering his mother’s words from the dress shop:

  ‘Now he’s all over the tabloids with his floozy wife making a fool out of him.’

  “Vi, what’s wrong?”

  I bite my lip and look at him. “I won’t embarrass you, will I?”

  He snorts, looking at me like I’m crazy.

  Maybe I am by letting Evelyn get in my head today.

  “Are you kidding? You look amazing. I told you that. And I’m glad to have you on my arm tonight.” His fingers brush over my cheek. I nod, still feeling unsure. “Where is this coming from?”

  I shrug and look out the window as the limo pulls forward.

  “Is this because of the whole dress thing?”

  I pinch my lips and turn back to him. “No. This is our first big event together and I’m just nervous. I mean look at all these people. What if I do or say something stupid?”

  He takes my hand and presses my knuckles to his lips. “You won’t. I know this all new for you and no doubt it’s fucking terrifying the first time around. But you got this and I’ll be beside you the whole time.” I nod and take a deep breath, as the limo stops in front of the red carpet.

  My heart hammers out of my chest as the door opens to the screaming crowd.

  Cooper slides out first and then he reaches in to help me out. I take his hand, and as soon as I’m standing his arm is around my waist. He kisses me ever so gently and it relaxes my nerves. This kiss, yet simple, not only conveys his love for me, but gives me the confidence boost I’ve been needing all day.

  Okay, maybe the confidence boost is from the hundreds of cameras clicking away capturing the moment and knowing Evelyn will see them in the morning.

  What better way than to say ‘forget you,’ than seeing me in a stunning dress and kissing her son.

  After we walk the red carpet, and Cooper is interviewed by a bunch of media outlets, we take our seats inside the Staple Center. Cooper puts his arm around me and leans into me. “How are you holding up, baby?”

  “Great, this is actually a lot of fun.” I smile brightly.

  Cooper introduced me to a bunch of other singers and musicians. I am thankful when I don’t stutter talking to any of them and that my palms aren’t sweaty when I shake their hands. Actually, everyone I meet seems so normal. Everything that happened earlier now seems like a distant memory.

  “I’m glad I could be a part of this with you.” I kiss his cheek over his dimple I love so much. “Thank you for bringing me.”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t be here without you, Ace.”

  Hours later, after speeches and musical performances, we are finally at Album of the Year. The presenters for the award go over the list of nominations and when they say Cooper’s name his handsome face appears on the huge screen onstage. I take his hand and squeeze it. He’s already won ‘Best Male Pop Vocal Performance’ tonight, and he was surprised about being up against some big names like Rob Thomas and Seal.

  “And the winner is…15 - Cooper Reid…”

  The crowd cheers loudly around us as an announcer lists the names of the producers and engineers who worked on the record. Cooper kisses me before making his way up to the stage. He’s handed his golden gramophone award and shakes hands with the presenters. Everyone that worked on the album gathers behind him as he takes the mic.r />
  “Wow. This is amazing, thank you. I have to thank everyone behind me: Mike, Arnold, John, and Ramone. There’s so many of you to name and I promise to thank you tomorrow in person. I know I wasn’t always the easiest to work with, but I couldn’t have done any of it without you. Also, thanks to my brother Brody for dealing with my ass for the last seven years. To my fans, I couldn’t be here without you. And also, my wife, Violet.”

  His eyes meet mine and I sink a little into my seat as heads turn to look at me.

  “You stood by me and always believed in me when no one else did. You never had any doubts that one day I would make it. You were always pushing me to take every gig I could get. Even the one at the bowling alley where we got paid in hotdogs and free games. You’ve always been my inspiration, my muse. I’m so glad we found each other again. I love you Ace; this is for you too.”

  My eyes flutter open and there’s a slight hammering behind them from my hangover. After the Grammy’s we hit up a couple after parties, and the both of us drank to the point I wonder how we got back home. The partying we did back in high school has nothing on how celebrities do it. But now I’m paying for it.

  I snuggle my face into Cooper’s chest, hoping his scent will cure the pounding in my head. He’s already awake on his phone, while his free hand runs up and down my shoulder.

  “Afternoon…” He kisses my forehead.

  “Afternoon. How long have you been awake?”

  “About twenty minutes. Louie called me; we made the news again.” He hands me his phone with a video slowly buffering on the screen.

  I sit up to see better, and before me, in black and white, is Cooper and I in the elevator of this hotel, making out. It was right after the show and we were coming to change for the after parties. Collin and Tucker are standing to the side, as Cooper and I are all hands, mouth, and teeth. There’s an article and couple of pictures under the video as well.

  Cooper Reid wins for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance and Album of the Year for ‘15’. During his speech for Album of the Year, he thanked his wife for being his inspiration. We knew most of the songs were about someone, but we were never told who. Cooper’s song “My Everything” won last year for Song of the Year, and it appears it’s now safe to say the song was about the new Mrs. Reid.