Heart's Choice

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “Thanks, but I don’t feel particularly sparky.”

  “Are you okay?” Jessica asked.

  “Yeah, I guess. I’m just not up for one of these mega parties.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ll have a fantastic time, trust me.”

  “Are Ronnie and Vincent here yet?”

  “They’re already downstairs. Now come on—most of Mel’s guests are already here. You’re late. And I’m your designated handler, so let’s go.”

  “You think I’m gonna need one?”

  “No, but just in case, I’m here,” Jessica said as she linked her arm with Jazz’s and proceeded down the hall to the staircase.

  Jazz nodded, grateful for Jessica’s presence. The two got to the top of the stairs and stopped. “You ready for this?” Jessica asked. Jazz nodded, then shook her head no, then nodded and shrugged. “You can do this.” They started down the steps. Then, midway down, the lilt of laughter and sound of music hit her. Jazz stopped. Jessica stopped.

  “I’m suddenly not so sure I’m up for all this.”

  “Yes, you are,” Jessica said, continuing down the steps with her arm still linked with Jazz. “You’re a Tony-nominated, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress. You’ve been in front of the cameras and audiences since the day you were born. You had your own TV show at eight years old, and you starred in movies at twelve. You practically grew up with a camera in front your face. I bet you even had a sound crew, a few grips and full makeup trailer on standby when you were in diapers. So don’t tell me you’re not up for this. I know better.”

  Jazz laughed. That was her entrance, and as soon as they walked into the room, heads turned. Her joyous laughter radiated, and those in the immediate vicinity smiled with delight. It looked as if Jazelle Richardson, movie star and entertainer, was back. “Thanks, Jess,” Jazz whispered.

  “For what?” she asked.

  “Only you could make me laugh just as I walk into the lion’s den.”

  “Don’t mention it. Now relax and have some fun—the food is delicious, and the guests are interesting and entertaining. Remember it’s just friends, locals and clients here tonight. I’ll get you something to drink.”

  “Wait, which ones are the clients?” Jazz asked quickly.

  “They don’t have a special nametag on—they’re mingling around. Most of them are businessmen, entrepreneurs and athletes. Why?”

  “Athletes, millionaire athletes,” Jazz said woefully as she looked around intently. “Crap, that’s all I need.”

  Jessica knew exactly what Jazz meant. It had been widely publicized that Jazz had a huge public breakup with both of her last two boyfriends, both of whom were professional athletes. “Don’t worry. There are no professional soccer players or tennis players here tonight. Just enjoy yourself and have fun.”

  “Easy for you to say. I don’t want to be mistaken for one of Melanie’s clients. The last thing I need is to be matched up with a millionaire looking for love.”

  “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “Not at all. For most people, finding love is the greatest thing in the world. It’s just not for me.”

  “Sure it is. Do you know how many women would love to be standing in a room surrounded by handsome millionaires looking for love? You just have to have a little trust,” Jessica said.

  “I trust that as soon as I get my heart broken it will be splashed across the tabloids and on the Internet for the next few weeks. No, thanks. I’ve been there and done that. Believe me, I have no intention of falling in love ever again.”

  “Jazz, love can come at any time and in the most unexpected places. And yes, it could even come packaged in the body of a handsome millionaire athlete. Don’t let a couple of bad experiences wound your heart and spirit. Just be open to it—the rest is our job. Now, we’re going to have company in a few seconds so turn around and smile. Action.”

  Jazz turned. She instantly smiled as several guests walked over to her. She greeted them warmly as Jessica introduced them. A few more joined them. Some she knew, others she didn’t. Pretty soon she was surrounded by an adoring crowd, fans and well-wishers. Jessica eased away, smiling. She’d planted the seed, so her work was done for now.

  Although everyone seemed genuinely concerned about Jazz the next few minutes were a high-wire act of nerves and determination. It was taking every bit of acting ability she had. She smiled and greeted people all the while wishing she hadn’t let Melanie talk her into coming.

  Of course Jazz’s instinct was to turn around, run back upstairs, wash her face and crawl back in bed. But she promised she’d attend, so she couldn’t back out now. Still, the last thing she wanted was to be at a matchmaker-organized cocktail party. But being the houseguest of a prominent yearlong Sag Harbor resident, she didn’t have much choice. Besides, saying no to Melanie Harte was clearly not an option.

  So she smiled and laughed, and smiled some more and did all the things a good house guest was supposed to do. She listened to lame jokes and did her best to be as pleasant as possible. After a particularly awkward conversation with an L.A. plastic surgeon who suggested she have several very elaborate facial procedures, she excused herself and headed toward the buffet table. Midway, she was stopped by her hostess.

  “See, I told you you’d enjoy yourself once you joined the party,” Melanie said, smiling happily as she walked over to stand beside Jazz. “And FYI, I have three clients here tonight who would love to meet you.”

  “Meet me, fine. Anything more, no thanks. You know I’m not exactly in the ‘looking for love’ mood.”

  “Not a problem, just thought I’d mention it,” Melanie said, glancing across the room nonchalantly toward the man who’d just walked in to the party.

  Jazz followed her line of sight. He, whoever he was, was impossible to miss, and not just to her. A crowd of women immediately gathered around him. Heads turned and guests stared, smiling. Who could blame them? He was incredibly handsome. He was tall, amazingly built and dressed stylishly in a dark blue suit with matching shirt and tie. He had a casual ease that was both relaxed and sexy. Melanie smiled and waved. He waved and nodded just as Jessica walked over to welcome him. He instantly turned his attention to Jessica, while still glancing across the room.

  “Who is he?” Jazz asked of the man staring across the room at them. “He looks familiar,” she added.

  “I’m sure he does. That’s Devon Hayes, or ‘Bolt’ to most of his fans. He’s the star quarterback for the Los Angeles Stallions football team. His face is on just about every sports-related merchandise there is. He’s single, thirty-two years old, rich, handsome and currently negotiating to sign another multi-million dollar NFL contract.” Melanie watched Jazz’s expression closely. It didn’t change, but Melanie nodded happily, seeing that neither Jazz nor Devon took their eyes off each other. “He is magnificent, isn’t he?” Melanie whispered.

  Jazz didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath since she first saw him. She didn’t know about the rest of Melanie’s description, but when it came to the handsome and magnificent parts, she was right on the money. He was definitely magnificent. Jazz nodded without responding.

  “He’s also one of my newer clients, but I don’t know for how long,” Melanie said, then added, “I’ve been having a difficult time finding his match. I’m headed to the city tomorrow to do a more intense search.”

  “A client, really?” Jazz said with interest, seeing Jessica walk away from Devon as a very young woman in a red micro-mini dress immediately move in to take her place beside him. “So, why would a professional football player who looks like that need your services?”

  “He wants to find love and companionship, same as all my other clients.”

  “Actually, Mel, it doesn’t look like he’s having any trouble finding female companionship, unless of course those three women connected to his arm are the ones you’ll be hooking him up with.”

  “You know there are dozens of reasons why wealthy clien
ts come to me for assistance. You, for instance—you’ve never had a problem attracting men. Still, you were once a client.”

  “But that was something different. My mother initiated it, and I had my reasons for staying.”

  “Exactly,” Melanie said as another two women walked over to Devon’s side. “Devon’s reasons are just as valid and just as compelling, so I agreed to work with him.”

  “Hmm,” Jazz said. “Looks like he already has quite a harem.”

  “Looks are deceiving. You of all people should know that. Did I mention that he lives just a few doors down the beach?”

  Jazz noted the intense way he still looked at her. He’d smile and talk with a guest, then glance across the room at her. Melanie caught the frequent exchanges between the two as well. She smiled and nodded then leaned in to whisper into Jazz’s ear. “Would you like to meet him?”

  “No, that’s okay. I was just curious because he looked familiar. Athletes, all athletes, are definitely off my list.”

  Melanie nodded. “Try to enjoy yourself, sweetie.”

  “I will,” Jazz said. “I promise.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that promise.”

  Jazz watched as Melanie walked across the room. Gliding through the throngs of guests with ease, a wave here, and kiss-kiss there, she seemed to be in her element. When she got to Devon, he turned his attention to her as he opened his arms.

  Their interaction was instant. Melanie kissed his cheek and laughed, apparently at something he’d said. They talked a while, and then Melanie greeted and introduced Devon to another guest, an older gentleman accompanied by two young girls dressed in next-to nothing with six-inch stilettos that threatened to topple them at any moment. They immediately gave Devon the universal “I’m feelin you” signal. One touched his arm playfully, getting his attention. The other pouted, then nearly broke her neck flipping her long straight hair back over her shoulder. It was obvious they were literally throwing themselves at him. It was a pathetic attempt at getting attention, and it was obviously working. He couldn’t keep his eyes off them.

  Jazz shook her head as she watched the brazen seduction. Witnessing the typical male ego always amazed her. She wasn’t sure why, but it did. Maybe it was because she’d seen it all her life. Her brother, her friends, her co-workers, but her father was the worst. Fluttering eyelashes and pouty lips did it every time. Unconsciously she continued to stare until she noticed that Devon had turned his attention to her again. As soon as she realized it, her breath caught and she immediately turned away.

  Unfortunately, she turned as the plastic surgeon approached her again. He seemed thrilled she had turned to him. He talked for the next fifteen minutes. His conversation was mostly about her. He seemed to know everything—her career, her movies, her mother, her father, her brother. It was like taking a long, torturous trek down memory lane. It was a journey that she’d had enough of. Seeing the patio doors and her exit so close, she politely excused herself. She’d had enough. It was time to leave.

  When Devon Hayes decided it was time to marry, it seemed to be an easy enough decision. He considered it, analyzed it and then came to the conclusion that it was time. He needed stability and the assurance that his personal life was just as successful as his professional life. But at this point it wasn’t. His life was out of balance.

  Being on injured reserve last season and standing on the sidelines while his team lost game after game brought him clarity. He was the team’s franchise player. Because of the drama in his personal life, he’d lost focus on the field and gotten hurt. After that like dominos, things around him began to tumble and fall apart. He needed balance again. He needed to get married.

  Always analytical, he did what seemed like the logical thing to do to get what he wanted. He’d signed with the Platinum Society four weeks earlier, hoping to make his search easier and more effective. But he was wrong. If anything, it had gotten even more complicated.

  Word had gotten out that he signed with Melanie, and every single woman from L.A. to New York’s five boroughs knew what that meant—he was looking for a wife. Suddenly he became the winning lottery ticket, and women came knocking on his door, ready to cash in. So far he hadn’t met anyone even remotely compatible. They all seemed to be looking for a diamond ring and an easy life. He’d had it with all that. He came home to Sag Harbor just to get a break from it all.

  Melanie was the best at what she did, but even she was having a hard time finding the woman he wanted in his life. He wanted someone real, who loved him because of who he was and not what he did for a living. Of course, there had been many women in the past. He never considered himself a choirboy—far from it. He had sowed his wild oats. Being who he was, and in the position he was in, made it easy. It was the media hype that was making it more difficult. He knew he had to limit all the publicity. But could he help it if the papers loved to write about his relationships with various women?

  Since his freshman year in college he’d been a front-page headline, so it wasn’t like he purposefully went after the attention. It just came to him, mainly because his exploits on the field were legendary. He was known for breaking records as well as hearts. When he got to the pros, everything hyped up a notch, including his popularity. Unfortunately, they didn’t print a lot about his foundation and the scholarships he’d given to deserving students. They only printed the scandalous reports, whether they were true or not.

  But now that his career was coming to an end, he knew he needed to settle down. His publicist, agent and manager all recommended it. Correction—they insisted on it. Minimize distractions. Change the focus to on-field ability and stay out of the tabloids. No negative publicity, only positive. So he left L.A. and New York and came home to keep a low profile. And tonight he came looking for his future.

  “Hey, you made it, finally,” Vincent said.

  “Barely,” Devon said and smiled as the two shook hands. “Nice party.”

  “Yeah, well, when my aunt throws a party, she goes all out. You need to mingle. There are a lot of women here anxious to meet you.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Devon said, seeing a woman in red standing close by as he and Vincent talked.

  “So, what do you mean barely? What happened?”

  “I opened my front door to come here this evening and there was a woman standing there. She wouldn’t leave. She clamped on to my car and refused to move until I took down her phone number. Thankfully security was driving by and saw the whole thing. They sent her on her way. Man, I’m almost afraid to go home tonight.”

  “Ah yes, the hazards of fame,” Vincent joked.

  “Don’t start,” Devon warned as the two chuckled. Then slowly Devon’s expression changed. He was focused and worried. “You know, I didn’t think it would be this difficult to find a woman. Hell, I’ve been dating since middle school. There are always women around me. But as soon as I decided to settle down, I started seeing women differently. None of them were who I wanted in my life permanently,” Devon said as he looked around the room, scanning more slowly. Melanie told him she had invited several prospects. He didn’t have a lot of faith, since the last three women she sent him hadn’t worked out. But he knew it wasn’t them. It was him. He was looking for someone he probably would never find. “I guess the bad boy in me has finally grown up.”

  “Dating is one thing, finding love is another. It’s not always quick and easy. But when you see that one woman, you’ll know instantly she’s the one for you. Be patient. She might just be here tonight looking for you, too.”

  Devon nodded. Still, no one had stood out as far as he was concerned, except for that one woman. As soon as he walked into the party he spotted her. She was impossible to miss. She was stunning in the sexy black cocktail dress. It hugged her slender body to perfection. But it was when she turned around that his breath caught in his chest. Her back was completely exposed and the subtle sexiness of the halter front quickly turned to a teasing seduction in the back.

&nb
sp; He recognized her. Except for her hair, she looked exactly like she did on television, on stage and in the movies. She had delicate features, full, sexy lips and soft mocha-caramel skin that he wouldn’t mind licking for the next few years. He smiled as his imagination hung on that stray thought. It was unlike him to fantasize, but when it came to Jazelle Richardson, it was all good.

  She stood out like a dazzling diamond. The brilliant luster that surrounded her came so naturally that it outshined everyone in the room. He couldn’t help wanting to wrap his eyes around her luscious body for the rest of the evening. She seemed distant, yet still approachable. She smiled and even laughed at times, but he could see that the joy never reached her eyes. They shined, but never sparkled. He wondered what it would take to see the real woman behind the cleverly constructed façade.

  Vincent noticed Devon staring. He turned casually to his line of vision. “That’s Jazelle Richardson,” he said quietly.

  “Yes, I know. She’s stunning.”

  “Yes, she is. She’s Melanie’s houseguest. Would you like me to introduce you to her?” Vincent asked.

  Just then Devon saw a man walk up and start talking to her. She smiled warmly. It was obvious they knew each other. The man touched her bare back. She inched away. It wasn’t exactly obvious, but he noticed. Devon’s eyes narrowed and his jaw muscle tightened. “No, that’s okay.”

  “Okay, if you change your mind, let me know. Enjoy the party.” Vincent walked off, and the woman in red immediately took his place, standing possessively beside him. She began talking. Devon didn’t pay much attention. He acknowledged her presence, but he still glanced across the room. His thoughts still wandered to Jazz and the man standing too close.

  Jazelle Richardson had been his first love years ago. He remembered watching her television show. He was enamored of her. Posters and photos of her adorned his walls through most of his teens. As a kid and teenager she was cute and funny in sitcoms. As she matured she starred in movies and performed on stage. As a dancer and singer, she was unequaled, and her fans loved to watch her. He loved to watch her.