It was at least five seconds before we all realized I had twisted Mack's thumb behind his back and had him down on one knee. His friend, Johnny, instead of stepping in to help backed up. I wasn't a big guy--- taller than these two—but I was built, and holding him down was no issue for me.

"What's going on here, boys?" That was the moment Darrin Reethree chose to come walking in from the main recording studio. I let Mack go, and smoothed his collar, to give myself a moment to collect my thoughts.

"Keep your hands off Miss Mann." I said in a low voice, and for a falsetto singer, I was not sure I had that kind of voice till it came out in a clear threat. I let him go, with a slight push toward the doorway, and then brushed my hands on my pants before I extended one to shake Darrin's. "Nothing, man. Mike and John here were just on their way out."

I was older, more experienced, and more successful. I was known, a big name. Mike and Johnny were---- well, they weren't even that good. I'd given Mike that chance a few years ago, and he hadn't stepped up. I'd dropped him from my label. I was actually surprised to see Darrin taking him on.

Right as Mike and Johnny scurried like bitches with their tails between their legs, another familiar face came around the corner. Music industry producing legend Kareem Williams. He and I were very close friends, and had worked together on many projects over the years. He'd produced several of my music videos and one of Axis' CD's, and I'd done a lot of work with some of his protégé's.

His stride was so swaggering and confident as he went by Mike and Johnny he didn't even notice them, his eyes were on me. He came straight to me, and we embraced.

"Rafe! What the hell brings you up here to the frozen north? It's so good to see you man!" His head was bald, his eyes the warmest chocolate brown, his build slight, and he wore, as usual, the weirdest stuff he could find. In this case some kind of 80's parachute pants, multicolored, with funky half boots--- red, and I couldn't see his shirt under the myriad necklaces and beads, not to mention the native American poncho thing he wore, in black, red, orange yellow and vibrant purple. The look was staggeringly aesthetic.

We exchanged pleasantries, talked about work, the upcoming tour and his projects and then he finally looked at Aubrey, although I had noticed his interest already a couple of times, he was far too intelligent not to clue in to the fact that we were --- at least semi-together. There was also quite enough testosterone in the direct atmosphere for him not to pick up on the fact that I'd just removed Mike and Johnny.

Kareem was my age. He had the wisdom of someone who had observed a lot of people for a large amount of time. Kareem had a very small singing career, with a couple of really huge hits. And at a very young age--- he'd gone into producing. He had his own company, and a lot of big names under his belt. He knew how to represent and make stars. He was well known and well respected. He also had an amazing ear for talent. He knew how to nurture and recognize those who were willing to work.

He introduced himself to Aubrey after a moment. She was extremely polite and friendly. He asked what she did, and she told him her title. He was suitably impressed. In moments they were talking like pals, and I had a minute to take a deep breath and examine what had just happened to me--- because frankly--- it was a brand new experience for me.

I don't think in my thirty-seven years I've ever valued a woman enough to feel jealous toward another man who admired her. I've done things--- moral (sexual) things I'm honestly not real proud of. They didn't fulfill me or make me happy, or give me a sense of belonging, or--- anything. They--- really--- truly--- honestly--- left me feeling dirty. Now, this might be my upbringing--- like I told Aubrey- I was raised Mormon. And honestly--- really truly--- I have encountered people with as strong an opinion contrary to Mormonism as they come. I've met people who could not--- under any circumstances even conceive of curtailing any sexual event they chose to participate in. And many of them did it all. And not all of it was nice.

I shook myself. But this had been different. A reflex.

I just couldn't stand the thought of another man touching her--- in any way. There hadn't been a thought in my head when I'd simply turned him to the ground, reflex. A feeling of intense rage--- and intense possessiveness. Tae kwon do reflex. I had to take him out of the equation. Period.

I glanced at her to see if there were lingering effects of my actions in her features. She was smiling, listening to Kareem--- and no--- I saw nothing, no tell-tale red cheeks, or narrowed eyes, or furtive glances. Unlike myself--- I think I must have discreetly exhibited all those things.

I am simply not a confrontational guy. I try to get along with everyone. I try to be polite even when I think someone's a dweeb. I try to make even the lowest, silliest fan feel special. And the models and women I'd used--- and I knew I had used them--- and never been in love with them-- I was respectful, to a fault, I tried very hard not to let them feel used.

So this---this feeling--- good grief-- a real feeling?--- this had been jealousy-- and possessiveness, and what I felt for Aubrey was--- not just that she was a caliber of woman different than any I'd previously been with---

She meant something to me. Something profound.

I cocked my head. It wasn't completely unexpected. I was old enough and ready in my mind to find someone to love. For some time I'd been feeling urges to choose out of the lovely offerings I saw every day--- and none had appealed to me. This hadn't particularly bothered me either- I felt like I had time. I wasn't in a rush.

But I knew by my breathing that I was in a rush for at least one thing. In a rush to make sure Aubrey knew how I felt about her---and only her. And no one-- no one could come between us-- at least until I had satisfied myself as to our continued relationship. If she was the one--- God help me--- but if she was--- then from this moment on--- no other man could be allowed to look at her like meat--- no other man could touch her disrespectfully.

Kareem was suggesting that while I was here we get together and talk about plans and projects. Aubrey, with wide question marks in her eyes was tentatively inviting him and his--- significant other--- to dinner at our place. I nodded--- really liking the sound of the whole our place thing. Kareem grabbed my hand, did our bro hand shake, and embraced me again. His eyes were light on mine--- our friendship was very strong. His were also fairly curious. I just kept nodding.

And that was how that went.

*******