by Deja King
“You look pale. Is everything okay?” Chrissie asked while helping Tyler pack for her trip.
“I think I’m coming down with the flu or something. I’m going to take some medicine before I leave. I’ll be fine.”
“What time is your flight?”
“First thing in the morning. I was actually supposed to leave today but I had a last minute emergency that I needed to handle.”
Chrissie paused for a moment and observed her best friend. It was killing her that Tyler was in so much pain. Even though she was trying to remain stoic, the heartache was clearly written on her face. “It must be difficult knowing that Andre’s wedding is tomorrow. You’re handling it well,” Chrissie said, while rubbing Tyler’s back, trying to comfort her.
“You have no idea, Chrissie. I’ll just be happy when it’s all over with,” she said, knowing that even then the throbbing of her heart wouldn’t ease; if anything it would intensify. The reality of them being married would make everything official and there would be no turning back.
“Honey, it will be soon. When you get back, Andre will be a distant memory. You’ll be back to work on a new movie and you won’t have time to even think about Andre Jackson. You’ll be fine, I promise.”
“I hope so, but I’m not really looking forward to work, either.”
“Why? You love doing movies.”
“The other day when I was in William’s office he gave me a script to look over. It’s a vehicle that he wants me and T-Roc to do together, as if I would ever do a movie with T-Roc.”
“For a minute he was going to replace Andre in Angel.”
“As I explained to William, we didn’t have any other options. I wasn’t about to let the movie go down the toilet because of my disgust for T-Roc. This is different. We can find someone else to star opposite me. If not, William can get himself a new leading lady.”
“You don’t mean that—you love working with William.”
“I do, but not enough to deal with that narcissistic T-Roc.”
“Tyler, I think you’re being too hard on T-Roc. I don’t think he’s a bad as you think.”
“Excuse me?” Tyler spit out, surprised Chrissie was defending him, especially since she knew their past.
“All I’m saying is that everyone deserves a second chance, Tyler.”
“How can you defend that monster?”
“His cousin Ian who threw you down the stairs while you were pregnant is the monster, not T-Roc. You should stop blaming him for that.”
“How can I not? If it wasn’t for T-Roc trying to do everything in his power to destroy my relationship with Ian, none of that would’ve happened. I shouldn’t have to explain any of this to you, Chrissie, you were there. You know how T-Roc almost ruined my life.”
“I’m sorry, Tyler. T-Roc did put you through a lot but we all make mistakes, even you. For the short period of time I spent with T-Roc when we thought he would replace Andre, he seemed like a different person.”
“Different how?”
“More grounded and compassionate.”
“You got all that from a couple of conversations with T-Roc? Well, no one ever disputed that he is charming as hell. Once you get past all that charm, if you look a little closer you’ll see the devil horns sprouting from his head.”
“Sweetie, listen, I know you’re already feeling bad over Andre and I don’t want to upset you any further. All I ask is that you do me a favor.”
“Anything. You’re my best friend.”
“Just consider giving T-Roc a chance. William really believes in him and you even said he was a good actor.”
“Fine, Chrissie, I’ll consider doing this movie with T-Roc but why do you care so much? It’s not like T-Roc is a friend of yours,” Tyler said, confused by Chrissie’s request.
“I just know how it feels to want something and not be given the opportunity to have it. Acting seems to be important to T-Roc and it wouldn’t be fair for you to take his chance away from him, Tyler.”
“Maybe you’re right. I’ve never thought about it like that before. William gave me my big break. Why shouldn’t T-Roc have his?”
“I knew you would understand, Tyler, that’s what makes you so special. You know I want to stay and talk but I have a meeting that can’t wait. Are you going to be okay? I can come back after I finish up.”
“No, I’ll be fine. I’m going to take a long hot shower and turn in early. I don’t want to oversleep and miss my flight. I’ll call you when I get there. Thanks for all your support, Chrissie.” The two women locked in a deep embrace before Chrissie walked out of the bedroom, giving Tyler the opportunity to check on what had been occupying her mind after Chrissie showed up unexpectedly. When she finally heard her front door slam she ran in the bathroom and picked up her pregnancy test. Like she expected, she was with child. She had to be at least three months pregnant since that was the last time she had sex with Andre or any man for that matter. She couldn’t believe she was carrying Andre’s baby. Between work and all the other stress in her life she didn’t even notice that she hadn’t had a period in months. Tyler wanted to be happy that she was carrying the child of the man that she loved, but that same man was engaged and due to walk down the aisle in less than twenty-four hours. She sat on her bed and studied the test as if the blue line would somehow disappear if she stared long enough. But then she had to admit to herself that she didn’t want it to change. Inside she was bubbling over with joy at the thought of having a baby with Andre. She was in love with him and having his child would only validate that.
As much as Tyler wanted to believe that Andre would be happy about the baby, she was far from sure. She had treated him badly, and dismissed him as if she could care less. He called her cold and heartless and maybe he still felt that way. But Tyler decided she wouldn’t know for sure unless she went to him and told him she still loved him. If he reciprocated the feelings, only then would she tell him about the baby she was carrying. If he turned her away then she would have an abortion and he would never know about it. The last thing Tyler wanted was for Andre to take her back out of pity or obligation because she was pregnant. Either they would be together out of true love or they wouldn’t be together at all.
Chantal was standing in the doorway tapping her foot, becoming impatient with Shari. She was in the final stages of becoming Mrs. Andre Jackson and her diva instincts were in full swing. “Shari, you ready? All the girls are at the hotel waiting for us.”
“Chantal, can you wait a minute? I’m trying to get all your shit together since we’re not coming back here tonight. Next time you walk through these doors you’ll be Chantal Jackson.”
Chantal looked around the master bedroom smiling about how far she had come in life. No longer would Andre be twisting her out on the Frette sheets as his baby mama/girlfriend—she would now be his wife. To Chantal that made all the difference in the world. She could now hold her head up high because she had come full circle.
“Chantal, I said ‘Can you please grab this bag before everything falls out?'” Shari screamed. “What are you daydreaming about?”
“I’m sorry, girl, my mind was somewhere else.”
“All right cool, that’s obvious but can you get the bag?” Chantal grabbed the bag as she and Shari headed downstairs. From the top of the winding staircase, Chantal could see her future husband talking to his best man, Kenny. Chantal couldn’t help but to chuckle at the sight of Kenny. He was the same guy who used to play her to the left, like he was better than her because he was a Harvard graduate and some big-time lawyer.
Chantal never forgot when she overheard Andre telling Kenny she was pregnant and he said, “You can’t make every pretty bitch your baby mother. The dumb ones like Chantal you have to fuck them and send them home. The last thing you want is to get jammed up with a chick who believes having a master’s degree in fucking and sucking is the only form of education necessary to achieve great career heights.” Well, look at me now—who is the dumb fuck?
Surely not me. This time tomorrow you’ll be calling me Mrs. Jackson. So take that you bitch-ass nigga, Chantal said to herself.
“Hi, baby,” Chantal cooed as she gave Andre a kiss on the lips. “Hello, Kenny, it’s so nice to see you again,” she lied and said. “You remember my friend Shari.” Kenny nodded his head yes and shook Shari’s hand.
“So you’re on the way to the hotel?” Andre asked, trying to break up the tension in the room.
“Yeah, all my ladies are waiting for me in the penthouse suite. All of us are going to get pampered, so I’ll be looking flawless for my new husband on our wedding day. What you getting into tonight?”
“Just the bed. I want to be well rested for our big day. Is Melanie staying with you tonight or is she still with your parents?”
“With my parents—their room is right down the hall from mine. Wait till you see our little angel all done up. She’s going to look beautiful, just like her mother.” Andre smiled, remembering that being modest was never one of Chantal’s strong points. Shari and Chantal said their good-byes and left to get spoiled on Andre’s tab.
“Man, that Chantal is something else. She hasn’t changed a bit,” Kenny said as he walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink.
“You don’t have to tell me, but if you can’t beat them join ’em.”
“You up to hitting a strip club for old times’ sake?”
“Nah, man, I’m going to bed,” Andre said as he lay back on the couch.
“You serious? I thought you said that shit to appease Chantal. Your last night of being a single man you want to spend it in the bed asleep? You better get out this house and get your rocks off in peace one last time.”
“Maybe I’m getting old, but I have no interest. I’m going to cook myself a delicious meal and then chill out. You’re welcome to join me.”
“Negro please, I’m single and horny. Working sixty-hour weeks, I never have an opportunity to do me, or get done. I’m about to go out here and find me a fine-ass beach bunny and get some. Hopefully, I’ll get so lucky that next time you see me we’ll be at the altar.”
“I feel you. Try not to have too much fun. I would hate to lose my best friend the night before my wedding.”
After Kenny left, Andre sat in front of the fireplace reflecting on his life and what his future would be like. He was so lost in his thoughts that he almost didn’t hear the front doorbell. Just as he was about to call out to his maid he realized he’d let her go home early today. He couldn’t imagine who was ringing his doorbell at this time of night but figured it was probably a defeated Kenny coming back home.
“Back already?” Andre said as he opened the front door. His heart instantly felt as if it was about to jump out of his chest and the palms of his hands became sweaty.
“No, I’ve actually been gone for quite a while,” Tyler said with a nervous smile spread across her face. Part of her wanted to turn around, scared of the rejection that Andre might greet her with, but it was too late.
“Tyler, what are you doing here?”
“Do you want me to leave?” she asked, wanting to get the dismissal over with.
“No, I’m just surprised to see you. Please come in.” Andre let Tyler inside and couldn’t decide whether he should have the conversation right there in the foyer or invite her to have a seat in the living room. He decided to let her set the pace.
“Do you have a minute to talk, or am I intruding?”
“Actually I’m home alone. Would you like to have a seat?”
“Thank you, that would be nice.” Tyler could now feel a light layer of sweat engulfing her body and hoped her nervousness wasn’t being detected by Andre.
“Would you like a glass of champagne? I know it’s your favorite,” Andre offered, starting to warm up to the idea of having Tyler close to him after so many months.
“No thank you, I’ll have a glass of mineral water.” Andre was surprised by Tyler’s request but granted it all the same. “I know you’re probably wondering why I’m here, especially since tomorrow is your wedding day, but I had to get a few things off my chest before . . .” Tyler paused, not able to get her thoughts together.
“Before what, Tyler?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have come, Andre. This feels all wrong.” As Tyler stood up to leave, Andre gently put his hand on her arm.
“Don’t leave. I want to hear what you came to say.”
“That’s the thing I don’t remember. Maybe I’m just nervous or scared, but everything I practiced to say has left my mind.”
“Well, maybe you shouldn’t try to remember and just speak from your heart.” Tyler gazed down at the marble floor trying to muster up the strength to let down her guard and pour her heart out to Andre. She knew this would be her last chance to get the love of her life back, but fear was clouding her judgment. Tyler reasoned this wasn’t the moment to waver on her decision and to go full-speed ahead. Tyler locked eyes with Andre before she slowly spoke her words. His almond-shaped eyes were drawing her in and all she wanted to do was touch his smooth chocolate skin.
“Andre, I don’t want to let you go. I’ve been miserable since the day you left my life and my heart yearns for you to come back to me.” Tyler couldn’t believe that she had put her feelings out in the open that way; now Andre had all the power to either embrace her or discard her. He began walking back and forth digesting what she just said. He almost wanted to ask her to repeat her words just to make sure he heard her correctly. Andre was now feeling hot and restless in his button-up shirt. He didn’t know if it was discomfort or lust but rationalized it was a combination of both. But he needed to stay calm because he still felt he needed to play his cards close to his chest. He wasn’t sure if Tyler just wanted to see if she could still get him back the day before his wedding or if she was she being sincere.
“I’m a little shocked by what you just said. You say your heart yearns for me to come back to you, but you’re the one who left me. I tried to get you back not once, not twice, but numerous times. You shut me down at every turn. I thought you were the one I would be walking down the aisle with but you chose your career over me. Now, you tell me that you still love me and you want me back. How am I supposed to believe you? This could be you just having a moment of weakness, and tomorrow you can put that same wall back up between us.”
“I know you have no reason to believe that my feelings are sincere, but look in my eyes. These eyes are full of love and it’s only for you. I was scared of love for so long and the pain that it brings, but I don’t want to live in fear anymore. The idea of letting some other woman marry the man that I truly believe is my soul mate is too much for me to bear. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try to get you back.”
“Tyler, everything you’re saying is what I wanted to hear for so long.” Andre looked up at the vaulted ceilings clenching his fist. “Why now, the day before my wedding, would you come here and put all this on me? If I had my way we would be married right now and you would be pregnant with my child, but that’s not the case. My family, friends, and most importantly, my daughter is expecting me to marry Chantal tomorrow. If it wasn’t for the fact I would crush Melanie’s heart, I would run off with you right now, Tyler, but honestly I don’t trust you. I don’t trust you with my heart or my love.”
“I know I don’t have anyone to blame for that but myself, but Andre I do love you and I always will. I hope that you will be happy and maybe one day you’ll forgive me for messing everything up between us.” Tyler turned and walked away, devastated by Andre’s rebuff. She knew the odds were stacked against her when she decided to divulge all of her feelings to him, but actually facing the rejection head on was killing her inside. As Tyler reached to open the door she felt Andre’s strong hand on her shoulder.
“Can you promise that you’ll be in this with me to the very end, no turning your back on me to chase a bigger dream?”
Tyler turned to Andre with big tears in her eyes. �
��You are my biggest dream,” she whispered, choking back tears. Andre’s long arms wrapped around Tyler’s petite body and he lifted her up and carried her back in the living room where he placed her on the fur rug in front of the fireplace. He pulled her white winter cashmere sweater over her head and ran his fingers over her full breasts firmly cupped in her satin bra. With ease he pulled off her boots and jeans and freed the silky skin he had craved to touch again for so long. Andre swiftly stepped out of his clothes to glide inside of the woman he desired to make love to. Once his penis entered her wetness, they rocked back and forth in a steady rhythm that only lovers that were made for each other could do.
“I’ll never let you go again. I belong to you.”
“Oh baby, I wouldn’t let you go even if you wanted to.” Andre felt as if he couldn’t go deep enough as Tyler’s juices consumed his very being. He knew this was the woman he was destined to spend the rest of his life with.
Chantal was standing in the building that represented her new future. Everything that happened in the past was of no consequence. Today was the beginning of the rest of her life. Growing up in the projects of Southside Chicago, where she stood right now was said to be the impossible. There always seemed to be limits put upon her dreams. While most of her homegirls’ biggest ambitions were to date the local drug dealer, Chantal had always wanted more. She came into the world believing she was special and deserved the best in life. When her friends would brag about a new pair of shoes some guy bought them, Chantal felt a guy should buy her the whole store. It wasn’t just because she was the prettiest girl in her neighborhood and school, but she was more beautiful than any star on television and she didn’t have their money to buy the illusion. Her beauty was God-given and her mother always told her how blessed she was. She stressed the importance of not using her looks for evil, which she considered to be for selfish material gain. That never sat right with Chantal; she often said to her mother, “What was the sense of God blessing me with such a gorgeous face and body if I can’t use it to my advantage?”
