Loving the superstar

Rosie’s POV “Thank you, Miss Blake” A radiant smile lit up my face as I thanked the barista. “You are welcome Ma’am,” she returned my smile with a touch of warmth. “To be honest Ma’am, the cafe feels your absence, you haven't come here in a while “ “Actually….yeah, I've missed this place, it's just that life has been moving on so fast. But I promise I am back.” I grinned widely at her. “Okay then, enjoy your stay, Ma’am”. She nodded politely and walked away. I smiled at a couple seated at the corner table. They were laughing, their heads tilted close together as though they were in a secret. I sighed deeply. That is the kind of love I crave, something that feels too real and too good to be true. My phone buzzed, breaking my little daydream. I looked down, expecting another notification from my Spotify app. Instead, it was a message from Anna. ANNA: Running late, as usual. Don't drink all the good stuff without me. I laughed, shaking my head. That's my best friend Anna, she has a knack for arriving fashionably late and still making an entrance. I quickly typed back: Hurry before I finish your share too. The whole world is in support of me. A few minutes later, Anna came in like she owned the place, looking crazy as always. I grinned as she sat opposite me. You started without me?” Anna gasped, feigning hurt as she eyed my latte. “You said you were late.” I pushed the cup toward her with a grin. “Here, take yours”. Anna did, smacking her lips. “Mm. Forgiven. Barely.” She removed her sunglasses, revealing bright, mischievous eyes. “So, what were you doing before I rescued you from eternal boredom? Watching people again? I shrugged with a playful smile. “Maybe. It’s fun.” Anna chuckled, pulling out her phone. “You’re hopeless. You’d rather sit in a café and daydream about strangers than get out there and make headlines yourself.” “That’s your job,” I tease. Anna smirked. “Exactly. I was made for headlines.” She scrolled for a moment, then froze, her eyes lighting up. “Speaking of… guess who dropped a new song last night?” My heart skipped. Don’t tell me…..” “Yup.” Anna turned the phone so the screen could face me properly. Aaron Jackson. The one and only. The man, the myth, the gorgeous legend.” I groaned dramatically though a smile formed at my lips. “You’re obsessed.” “Says the girl with his entire discography saved in a playlist called Mood Lifters.” My cheeks warmed. “That’s not obsession. That’s appreciation.” Anna laughed so loudly that the barista glanced our way. “Right. Appreciation. Sure.” She tapped the screen and the music started playing softly—the familiar beat of Aaron’s latest track filling the air between us. I leaned back, my eyes half-closed, letting the rhythm wash over me. I couldn’t help it. Something about Aaron’s voice always struck me. Anna watched me with a sly grin. “Look at you. Completely gone. Honestly, Rosie, if you ever meet this man, you’re going to faint.” “I will not faint,” I protested, though I laughed at myself. “Maybe just… stutter a little.” “Stutter? Honey, you’ll explode” I rolled my eyes, but the heat in my cheeks betrayed me once again. The truth was, Aaron Jackson fascinated me. Not because he was famous, but because he seemed… different. I have watched a handful of his interviews, where he spoke about life, family, and music. He wasn’t like the other artists who chased controversy. “You know what’s funny?” Anna interrupted my thoughts. “You and I both like him, but for very different reasons. You like his voice. I…” She paused, her smile turning sharper. “I like everything else.” I raised a brow. “Everything else?” Anna shrugged, feigning innocence. “What? He’s hot. No shame in admitting it.” I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re unbelievable.” “And you’re too pure,” Anna teased. “That’s why we balance each other out.” Our banter rolled easily, as it always did. We’ve been best friends since high school and I love my Anna so much. “So,” Anna said, tucking her phone away, “you’re coming with me tomorrow”. I blinked. “Coming where?” Anna grinned. “The Afrobeats Festival. Just snagged us two VIP tickets.” I nearly choked on my latte. “You’re joking.” “Do I look like I’m joking?” Anna pulled two glossy tickets from her bag with a flourish. “Front row, baby.” My jaw dropped. “Anna!” Anna smirked, clearly enjoying my reaction. “You’re welcome.” I shook my head, still stunned. “Do you even realize how crazy this is? We’ll be right there. With all the artists. The music. The….” “The men,” Anna finished, wiggling her brows. I burst out laughing. “Oh my God, you’re crazy I swear.” “You love me.” “Unfortunately.” We dissolved into giggles, drawing curious glances from nearby tables. I didn’t care. This was what I loved, these easy, ridiculous moments with Anna. Moments where the world outside didn’t matter. “Girl! I can't wait for tomorrow, let's go home and plan our outfits, or even better let's go shop for new ones “I beamed excitedly “Of course, we are going to do just that, my love” Anna replied matching my energy as always. We paid the bill and strolled out of the cafe, giggling like high school girls about to see their crush, already buzzing with excitement as we rushed and drove to the nearby designer store to shop for our outfits for tomorrow's event. ———- At the store, Anna dragged me to a particular clothing rack that had sexy outfits gorgeously displayed. “Girl, we gotta check this area, they have sexy outfits that are perfect for tomorrow's event”. Anna clapped her hands excitedly like the happy child she is. “Take a look at this Anna, I think this would look perfect on me”. I motioned towards a red mini dress that caught my attention. The dress has beautiful and simple details with a deep V-neck, which makes it look absolutely stunning and bold. “Yes gorgeous, this would look perfect on you, and I think it would look even better if paired with black pantyhose and some black heels to complete the look”. Anna wiggled her brows teasingly. “Okay… let’s get yours and leave then”.I said and dragged her towards another area. After almost three hours of shopping, clothes, shoes, and bags. We settled our bill and walked out of the store. “I can't believe you made us shop all these” Anna said pointing at the tons of paper bags we carried in both hands. “Excuse me, girl, you were literally the one who kept dragging me to different sections”. I dramatically paused and glared at her. Anna laughed hysterically almost reaching the ground knowing fully well that I was right. “Now let's go home, you’re sleeping over at my place”. I said leaving no room for arguments. “Yes ma’am, my suitcase is ready” Anna uttered. By the time we reached home, it was already dark. We took a shower, ate, played games, and went to sleep. Anna suggested that we sleep close to our outfits in anticipation of the following day's event. It was crazy and funny but we did that anyway.