by King, Imani
“So Mr. Simon, I don’t mean to be rude but I think we should cut through all the polite bullshit and get straight to the point .”
“By all means, sir .”
“Chelsea has been filling my ear with a lot of talk about a phony engagement, and a fake marriage in exchange for money. Naturally, as her father, I don’t like the sound of any of that. I know I may be old and suffer from PTSD, and maybe I don’t understand stuff that goes on today, but goddammit it’s just not right! No matter how you look at it !”
“Daddy, please don’t attack Blaize like that. He’s not a bad guy .”
Surprisingly, Blaize defended pop .
“Your dad is right Chelsea. What father, who truly loves his daughter, would want her to be involved in an arrangement such as that ?”
“Exactly! I can hardly open up my newspaper without seeing some story about her and you but I never even know if it’s fact or fiction. It’s confusing and it’s frustrating……and I live all the way up here……and it’s hard for me to rescue her long distance .”
“I’m terribly sorry Mr. Dixon. I never stopped for one minute to consider how my problem might impact anybody else. I’m sorry your daughter got mixed up in my scheme. I can certainly see why you would dislike and distrust me, sir .”
Chelsea was staring at me in disbelief, like I just sprouted a second head .
“Blaize, you can’t take all the blame like that. I’m not some impressionable little child. I made a decision to help you and I signed a contract in good faith. Nobody twisted my arm or put a gun to my head. And daddy, I’ve been honest with you the whole time. I know it might be hard for you to swallow but I have not misled you about Blaize’s intentions .”
I could tell Willie was totally frustrated now. Chelsea was stubbornly sticking to her guns .
“But I still don’t know what this man’s true intentions are, honey! And that’s what really bothers me! How can I help my daughter if I don’t what’s real in her life and what isn’t ?”
“Daddy! Who says I need help ?”
I had only just met Willie Dixon. But I was already certain of one thing: He was sharp as a fucking tack. The war undoubtedly took its toll on him both physically and mentally but his argument was foolproof; As a father, it was his duty to help Chelsea and protect her and defend her; just like he had done for his country. He understandably felt disrespected by me and by his own daughter .
Chelsea held out her ring finger to her father .
“Look daddy! See what Blaize gave me !”
He took her hand and visually examined the impressive piece of jewelry, all the while shaking his head .
“Isn’t it beautiful daddy ?”
“Yes Chelsea, it sure enough is that. And I’m sure there’s nothing phony or cheap about those stones or that gold. But again, what does it represent? Besides Mr. Simon’s sizable bank account, that is. Is it just for publicity………like your relationship ?”
The look on Chelsea’s face was one of defeat and self-doubt. It suddenly occurred to me she couldn’t convince her dad our arrangement was okay because she had never been able to totally convince herself of it .
“Mr. Dixon, please put your mind at ease, and know that I do love your daughter. I wouldn’t hurt her for the world. And we do have a very real loving relationship, not just for publicity sake either. Chelsea and I were hoping you would join us for dinner tonight, as our guest of course .”
“Yeah pop, will you have dinner with us ?”
Willie put his bag of cookies in his lap and started rolling his wheelchair back and away from the table. He was obviously discouraged and unhappy with the outcome of our visit .
“I’m sorry. I don’t think so. I don’t really feel up to it. You two go. Earl’s waiting for me to play checkers with him. He probably fell asleep by now .”
“Please daddy, I don’t want to end our visit with you feeling this way ……”
“Chelsea, it’s okay. I told you, I love you no matter what. You’re my baby girl and you seem happy. I hope you truly are. The world is changing. I don’t like it, but I guess I better get used to it .”
Chelsea bent down and hugged and kissed her dad good-bye. She also asked him to apologize to Earl for not visiting more with him. Then she stepped back so I could shake his hand .
“It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Dixon. Please don’t worry. I’ll take good care of your daughter. I promise. No harm will come to her .”
“It was nice to meet you as well, Mr. Simon. Remember, I still got this one good ass-kicking leg and I’ll use it too !”
“I shall try my very best to avoid your wrath, sir .”
32
Chelsea
T he visit with my dad couldn’t have gone more wrong. His undeniable disappointment shattered my world, and his words wounded me deeply. My heart was heavy with sorrow as Blaize and I took off from the airport in the helicopter. The evening lights on the city buildings and bay bridges twinkled like stars for a few brief minutes, until my eyes welled with tears and turned them into a watery blur .
Our much anticipated, celebratory dinner in the city turned out to be nothing like I had hoped. It had been anything but joyous. The 5-star restaurant and gourmet food were completely wasted on me. I ate three bites and spent the rest of the time staring at the items on my plate and rearranging them with my fork. Blaize was somewhat annoyed but understanding, mercifully cutting the meal short by requesting our check only 30 minutes into the dinner .
My mind kept playing over our visit with daddy. What in the world made me think that I could possibly tell pop about my pregnancy today? He clearly did not approve of Blaize. Why would he be happy about me having his baby? His little girl knocked up and unmarried? Not even engaged; just a baby-mama, with no real commitment. It sure felt like happy news to me though. And it was news that I just naturally wanted to share with my father. He was going to be a grandpa! If I couldn’t tell him today, then when could I? When would the time be right? I desperately needed his blessing and unconditional support .
Back home, Tiffany tried to comfort me. She understood. Her unending love and friendship was invaluable to me. We sat on the couch together drinking our morning tea in our robes. I rested my head on her soft shoulder while she gently stroked my hair with her fingers .
“Chelsea, don’t worry, Papa Willie will come around. Everything will work out fine. You’ll see. Neither of you are wrong. You just have different perspectives, that’s all. But boy are you both stubborn and strong-willed !”
“I know. I just can’t get his poor sad face out of my mind. We’ve never been at such opposite crossroads before. I want so much for him to like Blaize .”
“But Chelsea, you know it’s only natural that he doesn’t. Most daddies don’t like any man who is replacing them in their daughter’s heart. No man will ever be good enough for his baby girl. It’s a classic age-old story. I’ll bet your mother’s daddy didn’t like Willie either !”
“I never thought of it that way, but I’ll bet you’re right. My dad was quite the scoundrel himself when he was young. Grandma probably wasn’t too keen on him .”
“Papa Willie is still a scoundrel! But I think yesterday he was looking for some reassurance of a long-term commitment between the two of you, and he didn’t hear anything that satisfied him. You can’t blame a daddy for getting bent out of shape about that .”
“That’s why I couldn’t tell him about the baby, Tiff. Without that commitment, he would have been even more upset about my situation .”
“I wouldn’t exactly use the word ‘situation’. You’re having a billionaire’s child, not some unemployed bum’s. Your financial support will never be an issue .”
“But Tiff, that’s probably not the support that he deems most important for me .”
“You’re probably right about that, but it sure as hell is high on my list Chelsea !”
Tiffany’s big genuine laugh raised my spirits like it always did .
“I love you too, Chelsea. I don’t know what it is but I just can’t get enough of his sexy little bald head! What are you and lover boy up to today ?”
“I’m going to the airport with him this morning. I’ll be keeping the Jag while he’s off on his east coast book tour. He’s also got an appearance on the late-night Johnny Allen talk show in New York. Actually, I better start getting ready .”
I got up, gave Tiffany a big kiss on the top of her sweet head and headed for the shower .
“Poor girl! What a horrible ‘situation’ you’re in………having to drive around in Blaize Simon’s Jaguar !”
While showering, I thought more about everything Tiffany had said. I could see why daddy would want more for me than just “an arrangement.” I still felt sad about our visit and also the fact that Blaize was leaving for 10 days. We really hadn’t been apart since we met and my loneliness was already setting in, along with a bit of jealousy and insecurity .
Blaize uncharacteristically honked the car horn out front. I wondered what that was about as I grabbed my purse and ran out .
“So…….has it really come to this? My gentleman caller honks me to the curb? No flowers, no nothing. Very classy !”
Blaize knew I was teasing. Well, semi-teasing .
“Forgive me your royal highness !”
He got out and opened the car door for me .
“That’s much better !”
We sped off toward the airport with the top down and the wind in our hair .
“I’m sorry I didn’t come to your door, Chelsea. It’s just that I’m in sort of a hurry and I knew I would end up spending too much time chatting with Tiffany if I came inside .”
“It’s okay, Blaize. It didn’t really bother me. It sure would have bothered my dad though !”
“Shit yeah, your dad……..I wish I could’ve made a better impression on him. He’s going to be a tough old nut to crack. How are you feeling today Chels ?”
“I’m pretty good. Still feeling a little queasy and kind of emotional, though. I’m gonna miss you while you’re away …….”
We stopped at a red light and Blaize leaned over and kissed me sweetly on the lips .
“I’ll miss you…….. little mama. I hate to press you, but we really need to do the public marriage ceremony when I return. It’s getting close to the wire now. I’ll tell Rolande to start making the arrangements, if you don’t mind .”
“Now I kind of wish we’d already had it, so you would at least appear to be ‘taken’. I hate the idea of all those beautiful women throwing themselves at you while I’m not with you. Isn’t Rolande joining you ?”
“He’ll be joining me in a couple days. But you better get used to those women, Chelsea. A wedding band doesn’t mean anything to them. Fans are fans. And many of them are attractive. But they’re not you, and they don’t interest me one bit. I’m a taken man …”
We pulled up to LAX and I got a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. I dreaded seeing Blaize leave .
He took me in his tender but strong arms and kissed me in the most reassuring way he could .
“Be careful please, Blaize. I love you .”
“You have nothing to worry about. And for your information I really am ‘taken’.You own my heart, Chelsea. I’ll see you in 10 days. I love you too. Fuck! I wish I could make love to you right now in the backseat…… but the pilot’s waiting for me .”
“You’re not flying yourself ?”
“No, I’ve got that script to work on. Bye Chelsea and……. good-bye little one .”
He kissed and patted my baby belly and gave me one more passionate kiss on the mouth .
I took the driver’s seat and we both waved and threw kisses at each other as he walked up the stairway and into the plane .
The coming 10 days would probably pass quickly. Tiffany and I were booked solid for the coming week. But something told me I should avoid reading and watching the news while Blaize was out traipsing around the country ………
33
Blaize
T he East coast leg of my book tour was a big hit with my fans, but it was not nearly as fun without my French Chocolate vampire vixens by my side. It was their presence that really made the whole boring, promotional event a true delight for me. I missed their delectable pastries as well. No bakery out here sold anything near the same caliber as their desserts. Rolande joined me after a couple of days, so at least I had some enjoyable company for most of the trip .
The Manhattan bookstore we were in was getting ready to close and the last handful of customers were filtering out; each one carrying a signed copy of my Midnight Hunter: Sweet Revenge. Rolande was wanting to go out to eat but I was leaning more toward a room service dinner in our hotel room .
“Let’s go find a pub Blaize. I’m in the mood for bar food and a tall cold beer .”
“Rolande, I’m exhausted. Aren’t you tired? I thought short bald men tired more quickly .”
“No. Quite the contrary. It’s actually tall, arrogant assholes who run out of steam first .”
“Oh touché! I stand corrected! All right, if you want, we can just tell our driver to take us to a pub he recommends .”
“Great! Let’s go. I’ve got a craving for a giant meat sandwich and some greasy fries !”
Our driver dropped us off at a bar and grill near Times Square. It was historic-looking and had a rowdy robust ambiance; perfect for rugged beer-swilling, blue-collar French guys like ourselves. In reality, we stood out like nuns in a whorehouse .
Rolande and I snagged a couple of seats at the bar and ordered pastrami sandwiches and a pitcher of beer. For the most part, nobody bothered us and the evening was uneventful. That is, until we were leaving .
While I was paying our tab, Rolande left for the bathroom. And that’s when I overheard a couple seated in a booth behind us start arguing. I heard the man call the woman a “fucking cow” and that was enough for me, but the sound she made when he slapped her across the face got me out of my seat. I immediately got up and went over to their table. Admittedly, I was more than a little belligerent .
“Hey asshole! How dare you treat this woman with such disrespect! Apologize to her right now !”
The ox-sized man stood up and leaned over the table into my face .
“Oh yeah? Why don’t you mind your own fuckin’ business Frenchy ?!”
I wasn’t intimidated by his girth. Only his putrid breath .
“I said apologize to the lady this instant !”
“And what are ya gonna do if I don’t? Throw down a fancy white glove? Or maybe challenge me to a pistol duel? Maybe you just need someone to show you your fucking place .”
Mr. Hugefist swung first, his knuckles smashing into my cheek and causing a rather unpleasant buzzing noise in my right ear .
I was rather determined to correct his mistake. Before I could even think it through, I swung at the Jolly Green Giant and connected, hard. Predictably, a brawl ensued between the two of us. Rolande came out of the bathroom and tried to break it up, as did the bartender, but me and Gigantor just kept throwing blows. He knocked me out and I woke up with his girlfriend kissing me on the lips. She claimed to be giving me CPR but I was pretty sure life-saving resuscitation doesn’t normally involve tongue action! The cops were called and my sparring partner and I were hauled off to jail. Rolande followed me down there to post bail, but thankfully I was released after witnesses relayed the whole story… I’d acted in self defense, and in defense of that woman …
And I’d do it again, if necessary …
“No more bars, Rolande. At least not for me. It’s strictly restaurants and room service from here on in .”
“I got bad news, Blaize. That fight went viral. And the picture of the girlfriend kissing you back to life made page 8 in this morning’s New Yo
rk Times .”
“Bloody fuck!! Fuck Fuck Fucking Fuck! Chelsea is not going to take this well! I am in such deep fucking shit it’s not fucking funny! What am I going to do ?”
“There’s nothing you can do. You’re just fucked like you said .”
“Thanks, that’s helpful, Rolande .”
“Hey……..you might be able to do damage control on this tonight, when you go on the Johhny Allen Show. You’ll have the perfect opportunity to tell your side of the story to the millions of viewers !”
“Yes of course! That’s a great plan actually .”
“Thank you, Blaize. I do have a spark of brilliance occasionally .…..”
“What shall I do about Chelsea in the meantime? Avoid her calls? Keep my fingers crossed that she doesn’t hear about the bar incident before she watches me on the show? What would a mature, responsible family man do in a situation like this ?”
“I don’t know. Maybe we should go find one and ask him …….”
“Rolande! I’m serious! We need to think about this…….. I think it’s probably best to avoid any and all communication with her before the show. I’ll just assume she hasn’t heard any news bout it. Then, she’ll watch me on TV, hear the complete truthful story, and she’ll have no reason to be mad at me .”
“No reason ?”
“I didn’t do anything wrong! I was defending a woman’s honor !”
“Knowing Chelsea, she’s still going to be pissed about your negative publicity, one way or another, plus the fact that you made her worry herself sick .”
“Fuck! You’re right Rolande! I’m in the fucking doghouse no matter what! On second thought, send her and Tiffany a message saying I’m fine, not to worry and I’ll explain later on TV .”
Rolande looked down at his phone .
