“A note for me?” He opened it and started to read.
“What does it say?” Ben was anxious.
Marcus’s expression changed. “Cathy was right.”
“What?” Mark asked.
“Cathy said she thought Lisa was good people and her instincts were on the money.”
“What’s in the note?” Ben asked.
“Read it for yourself.”
Ben read the note while Mark read it over his shoulder. “Well, I’ll be. I guess I have to take back what I was thinking.”
“I can’t believe it.”
Ben chuckled. “I never thought I’d see the day I would say this.”
“Say what, Ben?”
“I need to get Lisa Spellman on the phone so we can set the record straight. I think you should give her an exclusive.”
“You have her number?”
“I have everyone’s number.”
The men laughed.
v
After dozing for a little while, Cathy went from sad to mad as hell.
“What gave her the right to feel that she could say anything she wanted to me?”
Madison ate another French fry. “Because she’s a supermodel. They believe they’re above mere mortal women.”
“I don’t believe that. Not all models behave like Cybil.”
“That’s true, Anna. She did take salad witch to a whole new level.” Roger drank his Coke.
An agitated Cathy paced. “What kills me is by now the story has been twisted in every direction like a bad game of telephone. Before this evening is out they’ll have us dueling with pistols at twenty paces.”
“Still no word from Marcus?” Madison asked.
“No. The game just ended a little while ago and there’s still the post game wrap up.”
“I’m sure someone has informed him of the incident by now.”
“It will be on the ten or eleven o’clock news, I’m sure.”
“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell us about her being in his room.”
“What was I going to say, Anna? I tried to put it out of my head.”
“You could have talked to us about it.”
“Lay off, Anna. I understand where she’s coming from. It was enough she had to deal with the thought. Talking about it would have driven her crazy,” Madison said.
Cathy was impressed. “When did you become so insightful, Madison? It almost doesn’t sound like you.”
“I went through a few things with Teresa I didn’t talk to you two or anyone about. It was just too painful to talk.”
“You had to see how it played out,” Roger added.
“Well, I’d say you came out on top, which is much better than I did with Teresa.”
Anna patted Madison on the back. “I know this is a tough subject for you to talk about.”
“But it is in the past. Just like Cybil is in Marcus’s past.”
Cathy’s cell phone rang.
“You want me to get it?”
“If you would please, Anna. Thanks.”
Anna picked up. “Hello?” Oh hey, E.D. She’s right here. Hold on.” She handed Cathy the phone.
“Hi, E.D.”
“Hey. Are you all right? I saw a blurb on television about a fight between you and Cybil George.”
“I’m fine, E.D. It wasn’t so much a fight as it was a drunken war of words on her part.”
“What the hell is she doing in Florida? I thought she was doing a movie.”
“I guess you didn’t catch that blurb. She left the set to come to Florida.”
“Don’t tell me. She came to get Marcus back, right?”
“Yes, and when that didn’t work, she got in my face.”
“I hope you told her skinny butt off.”
“It was too public to get into it like that, but I think I held my own.”
“She sure did, E.D.,” Madison interjected.
“Shut up, Mad,” Roger admonished, taking both Anna and Cathy by surprise. “Hey, I’m practically a member of the family. I get to tell Madison to shut up, too.”
Anna laughed.
“Et tu Brute?” Madison shook his head.
“Anyway, E.D., that’s what happened.”
“She got arrested, though.”
“Not for what happened between her and me. Security was going to simply escort her out of the stadium. She got arrested because she resisted their peaceful attempts by kicking and screaming, not to mention she was pissy drunk.”
“Oh. It doesn’t take long for models to get drunk; they’re so skinny it goes straight to their heads,” E.D. said.
“That’s true. Anyhow, thanks for actually calling to find out the real story.”
“Always. It didn’t sound like anything you’d ever do. You’ve got far more class than that.”
“Thanks, E.D. Lord knows I needed to hear that.”
“Keep your head up and we’ll talk after you get back next week.”
“Okay, E.D. Later.”
“Later.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t heard from Mom or Dad yet,” Cathy wondered out loud.
“You were sleeping when they called.”
“I should have figured. Do I have to call them back to explain?”
“I took care of it.”
“So what was the verdict? I’m sure Mom said this happened to me because of my worldly lifestyle and Dad is ready to kick someone’s butt.”
“You know, you’re right on the money.”
Cathy was exasperated and flushed. “I’ll be right back.”
Flushed, Cathy went to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. As she patted her face she stared at her reflection. “How did this happen to me?” she mouthed quietly.
“Cathy!” Anna shouted.
“Yeah?”
“Come quick or you’re going to miss it.”
She rushed out as fast as she could. “What’s up?”
“You just missed the promo for the news.”
“What did it say?”
“They have an exclusive interview with Marcus Fox tonight.”
“Get out of here.” She sat on the bed.
“It’s almost time for the eleven o’clock news.” Madison stretched out across the bed.
With her heart pounding in her chest, Cathy settled down to watch the broadcast. It was torture to sit through the local evening news waiting for the report. Finally the anchor announced the interview with Marcus.
anchor announced the interview with Marcus.
3. However a real battle took place in the VIP section between Marcus Fox’s former girlfriend, model Cybil George, and his current girlfriend, literary agent and author Catherine Chambers. Here to bring you our exclusive interview with Mr. Fox is Lisa Spellman. Lisa?
Lisa: Thank you, Hank. Tonight in addition to the action that unfolded on the field there was action in the stands when an apparently intoxicated Cybil George happened upon Catherine Chambers, who was quietly enjoying the game. Witnesses say Cybil was the aggressor while Catherine maintained her cool.
Woman: Yeah, she walked in like she was looking for a fight but she didn’t get one.
Lisa: Some people said it got physical.
Woman: It looked like Cybil lunged at her but that Cathy was too quick for her. She stepped aside and Cybil fell on her face.
Lisa: After the game I spoke with Marcus Fox who had this to say.
Marcus: I’m very disappointed with Cybil’s actions. I was told some of the things she said and frankly it made me sick. I love Catherine Chambers. I made it clear to Cybil that our relationship was over.
Lisa: According to witnesses she made some unflattering remarks regarding Ms. Chamber’s size.
Marcus: That was completely uncalled for. I don’t care about her size so why should anyone else? So what if I’ve dated thinner women in the past. She’s warm, beautiful and caring and in my book that makes her exactly my type. She’s the love of my life.
Lisa: As you hea
rd, Marcus Fox stands behind Catherine, even calling her the love of his life.
Hank: So what’s happening to Cybil George?
Lisa: According to the police, she was booked for public intoxication and disorderly conduct and will be arraigned in a few hours. Bail will likely be set at $1,000. She’s expected to post it after the arraignment. In addition, there’s talk of trouble with the studio since she left production on her debut movie to come to Florida. Back to you, Hank.
Everyone looked at Cathy for a reaction. Cathy stared at the screen.
“Did you hear that, Cathy? He just told the world how he feels about you.”
“He doesn’t have any commitment issues, Cuz. I’d say he’s a keeper.”
She started to cry again.
“What’s the matter?”
“You can’t take guys anywhere. Madison, those are happy tears.”
“Isn’t that an oxymoron?”
“It is when you say it,” Anna said flatly.
There was a knock on the door.
“I’ll get it.”
“Roger, be sure it’s not a reporter. They can be some sneaky little bastards.”
“I’ll take care of them if they are.” Roger put his fists up.
“So this is good news, Cathy. I’m sure all the media outlets will pick this up and the world will know.”
“As long as she knows I don’t care about the world,” Marcus said as he walked in.
Cathy turned around, surprised to hear his voice. “I just saw the interview with Lisa.”
“What did you think?”
“Pardon us, but before you answer, we’re going to take our cue and leave you two alone.” Anna picked up her bag.
“Oh, you don’t have to leave on my account.”
“Thanks, but we should go and give you two your privacy.”
“Come on, Madison,” Roger urged.
”But I love happy endings.”
“You’re a divorce attorney. How can you love happy endings?” Anna asked.
“As a matter of fact, that’s exactly why I love happy endings. I don’t get to see too many of them.”
“That’s sweet. We’ll take you to Friendly’s instead.” Anna winked.
“See you later.” Roger waved.
Marcus sat down beside Cathy.
Marcus knew Cathy had been through the wringer since the two of them met. He was amazed that she’d been able to hang tough.
“And I thought it was tough on the baseball diamond,” Marcus said.
“Yeah, those VIP seating areas are brutal,” Cathy joked.
He took her hand. “How are you really? Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m fine. None the worse for wear.”
“You know, in the past couple of weeks I’ve seen you handle whatever has been thrown your way with dignity.”
“I couldn’t afford to let them see me sweat.”
“You’ve been the epitome of grace under fire.”
“I don’t think I would go that far. I did chase Lisa Spellman in the supermarket.”
The two of them laughed.
“You know, I forgot about that.”
She smiled. “I see you gave the interview to Lisa. How did that happen?”
“I decided to trust your intuition. You told me you thought she was good people and tonight she proved it to me.”
“How?”
“She saw the whole thing go down between you and Cybil and instead of joining in the barrage of reporters and photographers asking questions, she slipped me a note.”
“What did the note say?”
“She wanted me to know that you were with your family and you seemed okay to her, which said something about her character to me.”
“I told you I had a good feeling about her.”
“You were right. Ben called Lisa and arranged to give her an exclusive interview. She was there with a camera in record time.”
“I’ll bet. It was real a coup for her.”
“So what did you think of the broadcast?”
“I was overwhelmed and happy.” She kissed him. “Thank you. I was feeling a little beat up.”
“I know and I’m sorry. That’s why I had to set the record straight.”
“Lisa told you what was said?”
“Yeah, and I was completely disgusted that even drunk Cybil would stoop to that level.”
”She’s embarrassed and her ego was bruised.”
“So what? Big deal for her. I was more concerned with you.”
Cathy looked away. “In a way she unburdened me.”
He looked astonished. “How?”
“She said the words that have been living in my head for years and forced me to confront them out loud.”
“You had an epiphany.”
She nodded. “I finally decided to take Fil’s advice and own the words so they don’t have power over me anymore.”
Marcus looked perplexed. “Who’s Fil?”
“I’ll tell you about her later. Trust me, you’ll love her.”
“If you like her, I’m sure I will, too.” He took her hand. “I love you, Cathy. You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”
Cathy caressed his cheek. “I love you, too, Marcus.”
“I don’t care about anything or anyone else as long as we’re together.” He pulled her close to him.
“Does that mean you changed your type?” Cathy asked.
“It means that I don’t care what anyone else has to say. You’re just the right type for me, now, tomorrow and for always.”
Marcus sealed the declaration with a kiss that was one for the record books—a homerun with bases loaded.
Cathy could swear she saw fireworks going off and heard thousands of Yankee fans clapping and cheering.
Life was perfect.
v
v
v
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chamein Canton is the managing partner of the Canton Smith (Literary) Agency. In addition to writing fiction, she writes non-fiction and has been moonlighting as a wedding planner for more than ten years. She attended Empire State College where she majored in Business Management and lives on Long Island with her twin sons.
2007 Publication Schedule January Corporate Seduction
A.C. Arthur
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-238-0
ISBN-10: 1-58571-238-8
$9.95
A Taste of Temptation
Reneé Alexis
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-207-6 ISBN-10: 1-58571-207-8 $9.95
February The Perfect Frame
Beverly Clark
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-240-3
ISBN-10: 1-58571-240-X
$9.95
Ebony Angel
Deatri King-Bey
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-239-7 ISBN-10: 1-58571-239-6 $9.95
March Sweet Sensations
Gwendolyn Bolton
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-206-9
ISBN-10: 1-58571-206-X
$9.95
Crush
Crystal Hubbard
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-243-4 ISBN-10: 1-58571-243-4 $9.95
April Secret Thunder
Annetta P. Lee
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-204-5
ISBN-10: 1-58571-204-3
$9.95
Blood Seduction
J.M. Jeffries
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-237-3 ISBN-10: 1-58571-237-X $9.95
May Lies Too Long
Pamela Ridley
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-246-5
ISBN-10: 1-58571-246-9
$13.95
Two Sides to Every Story Dyanne Davis
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-248-9 ISBN-10: 1-58571-248-5 $9.95
June One of These Days
Michele Sudler
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-249-6
ISBN-10: 1-58571-249-3
Who’s That Lady?
Andrea Jackson
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-190-1 ISBN-10: 1-58571-190-X
2007 Publication Schedule (con
tinued) July Heart of the Phoenix Do Over
A.C. Arthur Celya Bowers
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-242-7 ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-241-0 ISBN-10: 1-58571-242-6 ISBN-10: 1-58571-241-8 $9.95 $9.95 It’s Not Over Yet
J.J. Michael
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-245-8 ISBN-10: 1-58571-245-0 $9.95
The Fires Within
Beverly Clark
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-244-1 ISBN-10: 1-58571-244-2 $9.95
August Stolen Kisses
Dominiqua Douglas
ISBN-13: 978-1-58571-247-2 ISBN-10: 1-58571-247-7 $9.95
September Small Whispers
Annetta P. Lee
ISBN-13: 978-158571-251-9 ISBN-10: 1-58571-251-5 $6.99
Always You
Crystal Hubbard
ISBN-13: 978-158571-252-6 ISBN-10: 1-58571-252-3 $6.99
Not His Type
Chamein Canton
ISBN-13: 978-158571-253-3 ISBN-10: 1-58571-253-1 $6.99
October Many Shades of Gray
Dyanne Davis
ISBN-13: 978-158571-254-0 ISBN-10: 1-58571-254-X $6.99
November When I’m With You
LaConnie Taylor-Jones ISBN-13: 978-158571-250-2 ISBN-10: 1-58571-250-7 $6.99
The Mission
Pamela Leigh Starr
ISBN-13: 978-158571-255-7 ISBN-10: 1-58571-255-8 $6.99
December One in A Million
Barbara Keaton
ISBN-13: 978-158571-257-1 ISBN-10: 1-58571-257-4 The Foursome
Celya Bowers
ISBN-13: 978-158571-256-4 ISBN-10: 1-58571-256-6
Other Genesis Press, Inc. Titles A Dangerous Deception A Dangerous Love
A Dangerous Obsession A Drummer’s Beat to Mend A Happy Life
A Heart’s Awakening
A Lark on the Wing
A Love of Her Own
A Love to Cherish
A Risk of Rain
A Twist of Fate
A Will to Love
J.M. Jeffries $8.95 J.M. Jeffries $8.95 J.M. Jeffries $8.95 Kei Swanson $9.95 Charlotte Harris $9.95 Veronica Parker $9.95 Phyliss Hamilton $9.95 Cheris F. Hodges $9.95 Beverly Clark $8.95 Dar Tomlinson $8.95 Beverly Clark $8.95 Angie Daniels $9.95
Acquisitions Kimberley White $8.95 Across
After the Vows
(Summer Anthology) Again My Love
Against the Wind
All I Ask
Ambrosia
An Unfinished Love Affair And Then Came You Angel’s Paradise
At Last
Best of Friends
Beyond the Rapture
Blaze
Carol Payne $12.95 Leslie Esdaile $10.95 T.T. Henderson
Not His Type Page 35
