3D: Hey Baby

Life with Ranveer was beautiful like an endless summer love playlist on repeat. Maya nuanced his ballads and remixed them into electrifying duets. Spending weekends with him was one thing. But, living together? She feared things would change, but they didn’t. Their lives meshed so well together. It was so easy it felt criminal. Moving into his current house while waiting for renovations to complete at their new house was a great decision, but it came with a few downsides. The small house reminded her of the trailer where she grew up. It wasn’t as small, but fewer square footage meant a smaller bathroom which made bath time after work less relaxing. The living room furniture was not as comfortable as she liked, but she kept her eyes on the prize. In just a few days, they would press the reset button on their new life together in their new home.

One particular night, after a lackluster bath, she found Ranveer in the kitchen having dinner. “Heeey, sexy! You started without me?”

“Sorry. I felt like I was dying.”

She chuckled. “Exaggerate much?”

“We’re so behind on this project, they made us work through lunch,” he said with his mouth full.

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m pretty sure that’s not legal. You’re still hourly, right?”

“Yeah. But, what do you do, right?”

“I don’t understand why you’re still there taking this mess. If I had the opportunity to pursue my dreams, I would’ve handed in my notice the very same day. Deuces!”

He laughed. “I know. I know. I’m not sure why I’m having trouble pulling the trigger.”

“It’s ok, baby. You do whatever is best. I’ll cheer you on no matter what you do.”

“I love you so much. Hey! You know what we haven’t done in a while?”

“I can think of several things,” she said, waggling her eyebrows.

“Heh, things outside of this house, I mean.”

She swatted at him. “Meh. Outside is overrated. Do you know how cold it is?”

“Let’s do karaoke!”

“Kara-what? You know I don’t do karaoke.”

“You did it with me that one time.”

“Yes, and I was under a terrible spell! This incredibly handsome stranger—the sexiest man I’ve ever seen—walked up to me and smiled! I was completely incapable of saying no.”

He chuckled. “A terrible spell, eh? Seems I must summon my powers again.”

“Hmph. It’s not gonna work. I’m not singing!”

“You don’t have to sing! You can-OOH, you can be my groupie! Bonus points if you scream my name and give me the whole rockstar treatment.”

“Baby, I will scream your name and treat you however you want when we get back home.”

His eyes lit up. “So we’re going?”

“Yeah, I guess. Why not.”

“YIBBS!”

“What?”

“Oh…something I heard on the Internet.”

Planet Honey Pop got a complete renovation since the last time, and it looked really slick. The owner raised the stage about three feet higher making it easier for everyone to enjoy the singer. The karaoke area was sunken to visually separate it from the bar. The new color scheme looked amazing.

Ranveer didn’t waste anytime and walked on stage as soon as they entered the bar. He selected a song quickly and queued it up. It must have ingrained itself in his head. Performing it at a karaoke bar was a strange way to get it out, but her man often did strange things. Whatever the case, Maya braced herself for a fun evening.

“How are y’all doing tonight?” he shouted to his audience of one.

This guy was a character and a half, and she loved him like nobody’s business.

“I want to dedicate this song to my lady…my better half…love of my life…the one and only Maya Pruett, ladies and gentleman!”

Hoots and whistles came from the bar. Maya got nervous. He said he wouldn’t make her sing. She wasn’t one to shy away from the spotlight, but something about his attention brought out the shy Maya no one knew about.

He always chose the most random romantic yet eerily appropriate songs. Was it random? Or, was he trying to say something? Nah. He was never cryptic and always direct. It was just a song.

He beckoned for her to come on stage, and her heart fell into her stomach. But, she could never deny him anything. She loved him so much, and he was so good to her. Outside of her parents, he was literally the best person on earth. She could get over a little stage fright for him but stood in the wings and watched.

“Maya Pruett, everybody! She’s my number one fan!”

“That’s right,” she yelled. “Sing, baby!”

If only he could carry a tune, his performance would be epic! He sang passionately like he believed every word. It was quite comical.

He gestured for her to join him again.

“What are you doing?”

“You don’t have to sing. Just stand next to me.”

He never lied or tricked her into doing anything before, so she granted his request with marked hesitance. To her surprise, however, he stopped singing and turned his attention completely to her. “Maya, I love you.”

Her smile, wider than the ocean, radiated throughout her entire body. This wasn’t just a random song on a random night. This was it. THE night! What a surprise!

“I can’t imagine life without you, and I don’t want to. I knew from the moment I saw you here you were the one for me.”

“Y-you did?” she asked with happy tears in her eyes.

“Sure did. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. Every day, I wake up thinking how I can make you smile.”