Nat stood up from his chair and extended his hand. “How about we talk about this on the dance floor?”
She raised her brow and tried to not seem so anxious to rub her body against his after so long. “Sure.”
While dancing she let her head fall into his chest and he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
Why does he feel so damn good? she thought. Being with Nat wasn’t just sexual, it was deeper, and being in Harlem only added to the vibe.
“So, how are you feeling about Harlem now?” he asked as he ran his hand up and down her back like strings on a guitar.
“I still like it,” she said as she saw Ray swaying on the dance floor a few feet over. “I won’t let what happened earlier stop me, if that’s what you mean. I called the moving company and told them what happened and they fired him.”
“Okay, but I just want you to be careful out here,” he said as he looked down into her eyes. “And slow down a little.”
“Slow down?”
“Yes…if you’re anything like how you were in college, you could get hurt, Mona. I just want you to be easy, that’s all.”
“Are you calling me a freak?”
“No,” he said as he touched her face. “I would never say anything like that about you. I just want you to remember that the times have changed. You can’t be so friendly. I care about you. Always have.”
She blushed. “I am careful but you don’t have to worry about me. I’m grown,” she said as she allowed her head to fall into his chest again. Even with the music booming, she could hear his heartbeat. “Let’s talk about you now. How’s the club?”
“It’s going very well. As long as Danny’s happy, I can’t complain. I’m not going to lie, I’m worried about taking the next step.”
“You can do anything you put your mind to, no matter what it is.”
“You have a lot of faith in me.”
“It’s true!”
“You know, this is tight.”
“What?”
He smiled. “Being able to talk to you about my life.”
“It is,” Mona said softly. “And, Nat?”
“Yes.”
“I’m hoping we can keep this together. I don’t want to lose contact with you.”
“Losing contact with me is not even up for discussion,” he said, giving her his trademark wink.
“Good.” She winked back. “And I hope you know you guys are staying at my place tonight.
“I don’t see why not.”
“Good…because we have a lot of catching up to do,” she said, kissing him on his cheek. “But first,” she added, searching the club, “let’s find Ray.”
“I know but I don’t understand why she would stoop so low,” Mona told Nat on the phone the next day. “That girl is innocent.”
“I know, love…some people are like that. Iesha let stardom get to her. But karma’s a mothafucka. She’ll get hers.”
“I want to see her get it. I mean, she hasn’t shown the least bit of remorse after almost ruining Melonie’s career before it really got started.”
“Is that what you want? Just for her to show some remorse?”
Mona thought about it for a moment. “Well, that would be nice.”
“Personally, I don’t think she’s the type, but who knows? But whatever you do, don’t stoop to her level.”
Mona knew by his response that she couldn’t share her plans with him. “I won’t.”
“All right, Mona Lisa, hit me up after you meet with Iesha.”
“I will.”
Mona threw her BlackBerry in her pink Prada purse. Sitting in her car, she was wearing blue jeans, a black leather Blue Couture jacket with oversized shades by Tom Ford. She spiral-curled her hair and looked more like a model than somebody preparing to jump in Shawna’s shit.
She got word from a mutual friend that Shawna was still in town, and having lunch at Calcutta Café, with a friend. From her truck she could clearly see them dining through the restaurant’s large window. All she needed was for him to leave for five seconds. Her wish was granted five minutes later. Mona walked quickly across the street like a model on a runway.
“Hello, bitch,” Mona said as she sat in the stranger’s seat. “Nice shoes. What are they…Payless?”
“Hello, Dupree. I’ve been expecting you,” she responded as she sipped on her red wine. “How’s your little protégée?” She smirked. She was wearing a beautiful white fur jacket, and a matching white pantsuit.
Mona didn’t want to admit it, but she was killing her outfit. “How do you think she is?”
“I don’t know,” she responded, taking a deep breath. “If I played my cards right, she should be either locked up or crying her eyes out.”
“Do you realize who you’re fucking with?” Mona laughed. “I thought I made myself clear when I said stay away from my clients.”
“Made yourself clear?” The woman giggled.
“Or maybe I should smack the taste out of your mouth again.”
“Try it,” Shawna retaliated. “And after all, I didn’t make her doing anything, I just suggested it.”
“You think this is funny, don’t you?”
“Hilarious,” Shawna said as she dipped her bread into some seasoned olive oil that sat on the table. “You know…you should really do a better job of controlling your clients. If not, they’ll ruin your career.”
“You could have ruined her career, too, you know. And that girl never did anything to you.”
Silence.
“You’re going to regret this,” Mona said finally.
“Am I?” Shawna asked sarcastically. “Please get out of my face. My date is on his way back.”
Mona turned around and confirmed that he was returning to the table. “Are you sure you don’t want to make this right? To at least apologize?”
“Puleeze.” Shawna rolled her eyes.
“Your time will come.”
“I’m sure,” she laughed.
Mona had gotten halfway across the street when she turned around and walked back over to the restaurant.
When she reached the table she said, “Nice coat,” then knocked the glass of red wine all over it.
“You bitch!” Shawna screamed as she jumped up. The wine had now run from her coat to her white pants.
Mona laughed all the way back to her truck.
It didn’t work. She wasn’t remorseful, so I’m handling matters differently. Also…I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you. It feels good having someone to talk to. Hit me when you can. Mona.
When she hit the button on her BlackBerry to send her message, she waited eagerly for his response. Like clockwork, he responded seconds later.
Don’t worry about her love. You tried to handle things civilized. She’s burned her bridges and she’ll get what’s coming to her. P.S. I was just thinking about you too.
Mona placed the call she needed to and waited for the black Mercedes-Benz to appear. Still sitting in her car, she tried to talk herself out of seeking the type of revenge she wanted. A part of her felt Shawna deserved what was coming her way, and another part of her felt guilty for stooping to her level. The moment she changed her mind about ruining her life, Scarlett’s 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL class pulled up and parked next to hers on a street in Harlem.
The first thing Mona saw was Scarlett’s wild fire red curly ’fro. Her light brown skin that was kissed all over with freckles. She was wearing an orange Loomstate shirt, jeans, and a black leather coat. When she got out she waved at Mona wearing black leather gloves. She had the energy only fitting of a nationally syndicated gossip reporter.
“Mona! It’s sooo good to see you,” she said, jumping in her truck and hugging her. “I see business is good,” she continued, looking around her truck.
“I could say the same thing about you,” she responded, pointing to her ride.
“Well, you know me…where there’s gossip there’s money.”
They laughed.
“So…” Scarlett paused. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t look like it.” Her voice sounded concerned.
“I know…it’s just that…I tried reasoning with her, but she didn’t care about what she did to that girl.”
“I heard.”
“You did?” Mona was surprised.
“Of course,” Scarlett said, pushing her arm. “I’m the press!”
They laughed again.
“I just want to make sure you’re okay with this, because as much as I want the story, I don’t want to pressure you.”
“The fact that you even asked makes me sure I want to give it to you. Any other magazine reporter would’ve snatched this out of my hand faster than I could turn it over.”
Mona had liked Scarlett the moment she met her years earlier. Although she worked for the media she still had honor. She wanted the story, but not at the expense of those she cared about. Mona met her the moment the story broke that Iesha had become too big for Hollywood. Instead of printing things that weren’t true, Scarlett contacted Mona to be sure the facts were right. Since then, Scarlett was the only person she respected in the cheesy tabloid industry.
“So what do you have for me?”
“Everything you need is right here,” she responded, handing her an overstuffed sealed manila envelope. Scarlett reached for it but Mona didn’t turn it over. “I have one request. Before you run the story, call me first.”
“Of course.”
Mona took a deep breath and released the envelope.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to call you before I make a move.”
“I know.” Mona paused. “So, what are you getting into tonight?”
“I’m taking my jet out to visit my baby in Florida,” Scarlett said as she stuffed the package in her oversized red Coach bag.
“You actually bought it?”
“Sure did, girl. I’ve had it for a year now.”
“I’m in the wrong line of business,” Mona joked. “I got to dig up some dirt.”
They laughed.
“Do you fly yourself?”
“No. I hire a pilot.”
“You’re doing big things,” Mona said, nudging her arm.
“Well, anytime you want to borrow it…let me know.”
“I’m gonna hold you to it!”
“You can. So, what are your plans for the big day?”
“What big day?”
“Valentine’s Day. I know you’re doing something.”
Mona was silent. She hadn’t given any thought to the day, let alone spending it with anyone. In the past she’d go out to celebrate the single life. But since Nat had resurfaced, she wondered if she was crazy for wanting to spend it with him.
“Give me a second, Scarlett,” she said, reaching into her purse when she felt her phone vibrate. It was a message. Smile. Someone cares. Nat.
“Who has you grinning from ear to ear?” Scarlett teased.
“Oh,” she said, clearing her throat while trying to remove the smile from her face. “A friend just sent me a message.”
“A friend, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Must be a hell of a friend to make you smile like that.”
“He is.”
“You sound so much better, Daddy.” Mona was speaking to her father on the phone while watching Dayshawn cooking in the kitchen.
“I am better. But how are you, sweetheart?”
“Things were a little hectic at first but it looks like everything will work its way out.”
“That’s my girl.”
“You know it.”
“So, I hear you and Nat have reconnected.”
“Where’s your seasonings, honey?” Dayshawn sang out, interrupting the call. He was preparing shrimp fettucini with alfredo sauce for them.
“In the cabinet next to the plasma TV.”
“Who’s that?” her father asked.
“Dayshawn Knight.”
“Oh, your new client. I see you two have gotten close.”
“He’s a wonderful person. He comes over from time to time to go over his lines.”
“I see. So, what’s up with Nat?”
“Nothing, Daddy, we’re strictly friends.”
“So, is he dating anyone?” he continued.
“No, he spends a lot of time at the club with his best friend, Danny.”
“Well, I’m still rooting for you two.”
Mona didn’t respond although she couldn’t help but blush. She’d feel strange if she admitted that she was rooting for them, too.
“Anyway, Daddy, have you spoken to Ray? I haven’t been able to reach her.”
“Nope. I haven’t seen that sexy thang since last week.”
“That’s about the last time I heard from her.”
“Are you two okay?”
“I hope so. Maybe she’s busy with Sony.”
“Yeah, I told her to leave that cat alone a long time ago.”
“Me too. Maybe she’ll get it sooner or later. Well, Daddy…I have company so I have to go. You take care and call me tomorrow.”
“I will. Bye, sweetheart.”
The moment she placed the receiver down, Dayshawn walked up to her holding a fork filled with noodles and one large shrimp.
“Open up. Well…what do you think?” he said with one hand on his hip while he waited for her response.
“Ummmm.”
“Say no more.” He grinned.
She was still savoring the bite when her cell phone rang.
“Make me a plateful of that, Day,” she said, walking toward it.
“You know it! I got to make the salad first, though,” he said as he busied himself with preparing it.
“Hello,” Mona asked in between chewing.
“Mona, it’s me. Scarlett. I have the article written and ready to go. So can I go ahead with it?”
Silence.
“You there?” Scarlett asked.
“Yes,” Mona responded, swallowing the last bits of food. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks. But I’m calling to make sure it’s okay with you before I turn it in.”
“Thanks for remembering.”
“No problem,” Scarlett said softly.
“Can I call you back first?”
“Sure…hit me when you can.”
When she ended the call Dayshawn yelled, “Dinner’s served!” Mona was instantly revived from the stupor she was in. She walked over to the table as she burdened herself with whether or not she should be responsible for ruining Shawna’s career. After all, they used to be close.
When she walked to the table Dayshawn continued, “Now, yours is over there. You have more than me since I have to watch my girlish figure for this movie.” He laughed heavily although Mona didn’t. “Are you okay, boss lady?”
“Yeah…I am.”
“You don’t look like it,” he said, disappearing into the kitchen and returning with ice water. “Here…drink this.”
She did.
“Thanks, Day,” she said, placing a quick kiss on his cheek before tapping his leg. “Let me handle something real quick and then we’ll have dinner.”
“Sounds good.”
She walked to the phone and scrolled through her address book. She didn’t know why she even had Shawna’s number in her phone. But she pressed the Send button the moment she found it. The phone rang four times before she received her voice mail. Mona hung up. Seconds later her phone rang and she saw it was Shawna.
“So, you’re screening your calls now?” Mona asked.
“You owe me money for my suit. I figured that’s why you’re calling me,” she said sharply.
“I could’ve done worse than that. I’m calling to give you one last chance to make things right with Melonie.”
“What do you want me to do? Say I blew up his car?” She paused. “Well, forget about it.”
Mona hated to admit it but she was right. She didn’t
blow up the car, Melonie did. But all Mona wanted from Shawna was to hear some form of regret.
“Hello!” Shawna said angrily.
“I’m here, Iesha.”
“Listen…I don’t have time for games. I told you the moment you placed your hands on me that you would pay, so you fix your own problems and leave me out of it.”
“Remember this conversation, Iesha.”
“You remember it!”
Click.
Mona was done. It was obvious she didn’t care, so neither would she.
“Hey, Scarlett,” Mona said after speaking with Shawna.
“Yep.”
“Run your story.”
“Thanks, girl.”
Mona was lying by the fire on top of her raspberry-colored comforter watching Jerry Springer. The bitter taste of the merlot she was drinking excited her because she knew a buzz would follow shortly. Sifting through her mail, she came upon a letter from Scarlett Deveau. She quickly opened it.
Dear Mona Lisa,
Enclosed you’ll find the article that will be printed in the next week’s Enquirer. I wanted you to be the first to read it.
Scarlett
Setting the first page aside, she began to read the next.
Imitation of Life
By Scarlett Deveau
Shawna Carter dazzled America on the big screen with her stunning beauty and charm. It’s no secret that she gets the major parts and the money to go with it. So the question remains, who is Shawna Carter? It just so happens that she’s actually a he. Shawna was born as Isaac Carter, from Washington, D.C. This should come as a shock for those who have idolized her and followed her career. And although she has had a complete sex change operation, this news is bound to change the roles she receives.
Mona continued to read the story until it was over. Scarlett didn’t miss a thing. She covered all of the information she’d given to her in the packet, and then some. She even included a picture of Shawna before her sex operation. You could clearly see that Shawna and Isaac were one and the same.
After an hour and two more drinks, she couldn’t care less about Shawna’s fate. After all, she chose it. And despite Shawna’s attempt to ruin her career, she was still able to convince Drake that it would be better for all parties if he let the “blown up” Maybach situation go. When he balked, she reminded him of his wife and that she might have known about his car, but she didn’t know about Melonie. The issue was dropped. She was even able to work her magic on Turnstile by convincing him that Melonie could still do the part. It took some persuasion and an accidental tittie sighting to get her message across, but it worked nonetheless.
Diamond Playgirls Page 27
