Marshall, 43, sat at the bar, unwinding after a long session in his recording studio. The soft hum of the bar's music blended seamlessly with his thoughts as he sipped his whiskey on the rocks. He was lost in his own world until movement caught his eye.
A striking young woman, seated three barstools away, suddenly stood and took the seat beside him. Marshall glanced at her, his gaze tracing her smooth skin, radiant red lips, and bright blue eyes. His heartbeat quickened as he found himself drawn to her beauty.
She had a petite frame and blonde hair that framed her youthful face. Despite her delicate features, her presence was magnetic. Marshall cleared his throat, leaning slightly toward her.
"Hello," he said in his deep, resonant voice.
"Hi," she replied, her voice soft and sweet.
"I'm Marshall," he said, his eyes fixed on her. "What's your name?"
"Kathryn," she answered, her lips curving into a warm smile that revealed adorable bunny-like teeth.
"Kathryn," he repeated, savoring the sound. His heart raced, and he consciously steadied his breathing. "You're absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you," she replied, her smile widening.
Marshall couldn't help but return the smile. "You seem a lot younger than me, though."
She tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What makes you think that?"
"I'm 43. How old are you?" he chuckled
She shrugged playfully. "I'm 23."
His eyes widened. He hadn't expected such a large age gap. "Wow, you're really young," he said, a tinge of guilt creeping into his tone.
She smirked. "Not that young. I've been a legal adult for five years."
He laughed despite himself. "Fair enough. Still, I could be your dad."
"Maybe, but you're not," she quipped with a grin, brushing off his concerns with ease.
The bartender interrupted their exchange, placing a fresh drink in front of her. "On the house," he said with a friendly nod.
"Thank you," Kathryn said politely.
Marshall smirked. "Looks like someone's getting spoiled."
"Probably because I'm nice to him, unlike most rude customers," she replied with a wink.
Marshall chuckled, intrigued by her. "So, what does someone like you do for fun?"
She shrugged. "Playing video games, and follow wrestling. Not exactly 'girly,' huh?"
He raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You watch wrestling and game? That's... unexpected."
Kathryn laughed. "Why? Because I look girly in a flowery dress? I even beat guys, virtually, of course."
Marshall leaned in slightly, captivated. "You're full of surprises. I'm guessing you'd probably kick my butt in a game."
"Probably," she teased. "What about you? What do you do?"
"I'm a musician," he said casually.
Her eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of music? Jazz? R&B?"
He laughed. "No, I'm a rapper."
Kathryn jaw dropped slightly in surprise. "A rapper?!"
"Yep," he replied with a grin. "I've been doing it for almost two decades now."
Kathryn's laughter was infectious. "Wow. You don't seem the type, but I'm impressed."
As their conversation continued, Marshall felt a strange pull. Despite the age gap and the voice in his head telling him to walk away, he couldn't resist the magnetic connection between them.
"Wait, you're a rapper, sitting here, alone, without at least ten women clinging to you or showing off your diamond rings? That's... shocking," the young woman said, a playful grin lighting up her face.
He smirked. "Looks like you know a thing or two about the rap game." He chuckled, swirling his drink. "I guess I'm just taking a little break, that's why I'm not surrounded by girls trying to get my attention."
She laughed. "Well, my friends have dated rappers, so I've seen the... lifestyle firsthand."
"Exactly," he said, nodding knowingly. "Rappers aren't exactly known for their loyalty or trustworthiness."
"What kind of rapper are you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Me?" He let out a deep chuckle. "Not exactly the poster child for a 'good guy,' if that's what you're asking."
She tilted her head, scrutinizing him. "Really? Hard to believe. You're polite and respectful here."
Marshall laughed, a low, amused sound. "That's a surprise. Usually, people aren't shocked when they hear I'm a bit of a scumbag." He sipped his whiskey. "But yeah, I can be decent when I want to."
Her curiosity deepened. "Wait, who are you as a rapper?"
Marshall smirked, leaning in slightly. "You mean you don't know who I am?"
She shook her head. "Nope, I don't."
His eyes widened in surprise. "Really? A girl your age, and you've never heard of me? Ever heard the name Eminem?"
Her eyes narrowed, disbelief washing over her. "Eminem? No way. You're Eminem?"
Marshall leaned back with a chuckle, savoring her reaction. "The one and only."
She gawked at him. "Last time I saw you, you had blonde hair, blue eyes, and were in your thirties, like in that Superman music video."
He laughed heartily. "Yeah, that was twenty years ago, sweetheart. Been a while."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "I guess I've been living under a rock. I listen to music, sure, but I don't really pay attention to the artists, you know?"
Marshall was taken aback. He was used to people fawning over him the moment they realized who he was. But her indifference? It was refreshing. "So, you're not a fan. Just someone who doesn't care?"
"Not really a fan," she admitted. "I didn't recognize you at all."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Damn, that's new. It's nice though .You have no idea how refreshing it is to see a young woman your age not throw herself at me and go all crazy over who I am."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I wouldn't say I wasn't trying to throw myself at you. Just not because you're Eminem. More like because you're the attractive older guy sitting alone in the corner."
Marshall chuckled, leaning closer. "Attractive older guy, huh? So you think I'm good-looking?"
She smirked. "Isn't that obvious?"
"Guess so," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "But I thought younger girls preferred those ripped gym bros nowadays."
She burst out laughing. "Oh my God, no. Those guys look....let's say not my type."
He grinned. "You don't like the whole 'pumped up on steroids' aesthetic?"
She shook her head, still laughing. "Nope. And besides, I'm tiny. Wouldn't they just break me in half?"
Marshall laughed, genuinely entertained. "You're something else. Petite, sweet, and with actual opinions. Haven't met someone like you in a while."
"Yeah? What are most women like?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Flashy, loud, fake, and always chasing the spotlight," he said bluntly. "They care about attention, not much else." He studied her for a moment, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But you? You're quiet, genuine, and kind of nerdy. It's... different."
She shrugged, her smile modest. "I'm not an exception. There are plenty of women like me out there."
"Maybe," he conceded, swirling his drink. "But the way you carry yourself, it's refreshing. Makes you stand out."
Marshall couldn't help but marvel at how naturally this girl talked to him, as if he weren't one of the most famous rappers in the world. Her politeness and respectfulness were a breath of fresh air, a stark contrast to the women he was used to meeting.
"So," she said with a mischievous grin, "should I worry about some woman storming in here to beat me up for talking to her man?"
Marshall laughed, shaking his head. "No, you're safe. I'm alone here. And even if some girl showed up, I doubt she'd bother. What's there to fight over? Just an old guy sitting in a bar."
She laughed knowing that he's still attractive and make women fight for him.
"You really are one of a kind," he said, still smiling. "I haven't met someone as sweet and genuine as you in a long time. Most women these days are either bratty, rude, or fake. But you? You're like a little princess."
"A princess?" she repeated, her laughter soft and melodic.
Marshall leaned closer, meeting her gaze. "Yeah. Small, delicate, polite, and charming. You sure you're not a princess in disguise?"
She laughed again, brushing the compliment off with a playful shrug. "I wish I were."
He smirked, his eyes scanning her face. "You've got the looks for it, though. Fair skin, soft features... you're just missing a crown."
As the minutes passed, Marshall found himself more captivated. Her voice, her laughter, the way she carried herself, it was enchanting. It wasn't often he felt this drawn to someone, and it was a feeling he couldn't quite shake.
Then, she glanced at her phone. "Oh," she murmured, almost to herself.
Marshall tilted his head. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," she said with a small smile. "It's just 11 PM. I have this rule about not staying in bars past that."
He chuckled, intrigued. "Rules, huh? Even a princess has rules? Why no bars after 11?"
"What's a girl supposed to do outside this late anyway?" she replied, her tone light but firm.
He smirked. "So you're saying girls shouldn't stay out late?"
"Not girls, just me," she clarified.
Marshall admired her discipline. "Not a fan of late nights, huh? And here I was hoping to spend more time with you."
She gave him a small smile. "Well, maybe we can meet again?"
His smirk widened. "That works for me, but only if I get your number."
She nodded, handing him her phone. He dialed his number, ensuring they'd have a way to stay in touch, and handed it back with a smirk. "There. Now it's official."
"Yeah," she said softly, her smile warm.
Marshall couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as she gathered her things to leave. "So, when do I get to see you again, princess?"
She chuckled. "We'll talk about it in messages."
"Fair enough." He watched her stand, her movements graceful. "Guess you're leaving now, huh?"
"Yes, but you have my number, so it's cool."
He nodded, smiling. "I'll text you soon."
As she leaned in unexpectedly and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, just near the corner of his lips, his breath caught. It was bold yet sweet, a moment that left him stunned.
"See you around, Marshall," she said, her voice light and sincere.
"See you, princess. Have a good night."
"You too," she replied, flashing him one last smile before walking away.
Marshall turned back to his drink, a soft chuckle escaping him. Her presence lingered in his mind, and for the first time in a long while, he felt genuinely uplifted by an interaction.