by Shelia Goss
She got in bed and as she leaned over to turn off the lamp, her phone rang. She saw a cellular number on the caller ID, but didn’t recognize it. She decided to answer. “Hello.”
“Hi.”
Violet’s heart skipped a beat, because this time there was no mistaken on who was on the other end. She was trying to decide if she should cuss him out, hang up on him, or find out why he sent the card and was now calling. “Yes.”
“I was calling to see how you were doing.”
“David. I told you before. My well-being is no longer your concern. You have a wife. Worry about her.”
“Sweetness, I know you’re still upset and I know I have no right to call; but there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you.”
Violet grunted. “David, if you’re calling me to see if I got your card, yes I did; but please stop contacting me. What is the purpose? We are over. Do we have an understanding?”
David sighed. “Violet, just meet me once. I need to talk to you and apologize to you in person. You never gave me the opportunity.”
Violet tried to control her temper, because she was determined not to let him know he still got under her skin. “David. The last time I saw you, it wasn’t a pleasant experience, so I do not feel like reliving it.”
David sounded reluctant to end the conversation. “Sweetness, I will let you go for now, but I will be contacting you.”
“Please stop calling me sweetness. Do us both a favor and please stop calling me period!” With her last statement, she heard him hang up the phone. She placed the phone back on the charger and laid down for another restless night.
14
Rose
Rose pulled up at Channel magazine’s headquarters located on Centura Boulevard. She was not in the mood for her convertible candy apple red Porsche today, so she opted for the emerald green Cadillac Escalade. The valet gave her a green stub and she waltzed into the lobby. Carmen had impressed on her the importance of being on time rather than showing up fashionably late so Rose made it a point to get there on time. She glanced down at her watch and saw she had fifteen minutes to spare. She checked out her surroundings before heading to the fifth floor.
She was greeted by a friendly receptionist, who walked with her to an office located at the end of a long hallway. The woman behind the desk got up and walked around to greet Rose. She reached out to shake her hand. “Hi, I’m Lisa and thank you for coming. We really do appreciate you taking the time to interview with us.”
Rose tried to size up Lisa. She returned her handshake. “I am happy to oblige.”
Lisa led Rose toward an area in the office with a couch and ottoman chair and a glass coffee table in the center. “Would you like something to drink or snack on before we get started?”
“A cola would be nice.”
Lisa got a cup of ice, a cola off the bar, and a straw. “Here you go. You sure we can’t get you anything else? We have wine and champagne.”
Rose took the items and poured the cola in her cup. “Thank you. This will suffice.”
Lisa took a seat across from Rose and gathered her notepad and a tape recorder. “I usually record my interviews, but if you’re uncomfortable, I don’t have to.”
Rose tried not to show her nervousness. “Oh no, I’m comfortable. I have no problem with you taping.”
Lisa looked at her watch before clearing her throat. “Okay. Let’s get started. The article in Noir Magazine showed us a different side to the Rose we normally see. Our magazine wanted to give you an opportunity to respond to what your twin sister shared with the world. Is it true you and your twin do not get along?”
Rose put the drink down and faced Lisa. “Violet and I have a special type of relationship.”
“Special? Define special.”
“We talk. I guess we’re not as close as two sisters could be.”
Lisa wrote something on a pad and said, “Most twins are closer to one another than regular siblings.”
“Maybe. Like I said we have a special relationship.”
Lisa put her pen down and looked Rose straight in the eyes. “According to her, you guys don’t have a relationship at all. In your past interviews, you came across as if family was very important to you. You would mention the closeness between you and your sister and how much you love your husband. Why put up the front?”
Rose stared directly back at her and exclaimed, “Excuse me, if this entire interview is going to be about my sister, we can end it now.”
Lisa attempted to sound apologetic. “I’m sorry, but your agent knew this would be a very personal interview. I’m not being judgmental. I’m just trying to get your side of the story.”
Rose exhaled. “Yes, my sister and I are going through something right now. Tell me what family doesn’t. We will make up and be back to our normal selves.”
“What about your marriage? Is it true David was your sister’s husband first?”
“I should have known you were going to bring that up.”
Lisa not one to be easily intimidated by Hollywood’s elite responded, “Rose, no need to get an attitude. I’m asking you what the readers all want to know.”
Rose decided to approach the interview differently. “My marriage is perfect. David and I are very happy. We are even planning on expanding our family. As far as the way we met, it was unfortunate that my sister got caught up in a love game that David and I had been playing, long before he met my sister.”
“Are you saying David married your sister to get to you?”
Rose attempted to act like she was bothered by her question. “Yes, because he knew I would be jealous.”
By now Lisa had put her pen and pad down. She made sure the tape recorder was still recording and leaned closer; as if the closer she leaned in, the more she’d understand what Rose was trying to tell her. “Did you ever mention this to your sister?”
“No, because I didn’t want to hurt Violet. She seemed to be so in love with him.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong. You let your twin sister marry a man you were in love with and whom you say was in love with you. Where was the sisterly love?”
Rose got upset and started to cry. In between tears, she said, “Sisterly love. I love my sister. This had nothing to do with Violet. She just got caught in the middle. I tried to explain it to her after she found out, but she didn’t want to hear what I had to say.”
Lisa got up and found a box of tissue and handed the box to Rose. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Maybe we should continue this interview another time.”
Rose wiped her face and began to sniffle. “No. I’ll be okay.”
“Are you sure? We can put the interview off to another time; when you’re not so emotional.”
Rose took another tissue and blew her nose. “I’m okay. It’s just that I love my sister and I didn’t mean to hurt her. It’s like the love for this man has torn my sister and me apart. I cry myself to sleep every night, because she and I are no longer close. I blame myself, but I can’t leave my husband, because I love him so much.”
Lisa tried to sound sympathetic. “That’s some dilemma. Why don’t we take a five minute break?”
Rose handed Lisa the box of tissue before taking a sip of her drink. “Only if you feel like one is needed.”
Lisa looked down at her watch. “Let’s continue. Do you think you and your sister will ever be close again?”
Rose did not look up at Lisa this time, but held her head down as if masking tears and replied, “It’s really up to her. I have apologized for my mistake. I even admitted to her, I was a little jealous, because she has always been so much smarter. I’ll go on record saying that whenever she wants to talk, I’m here. I want her to know I love her and she means more to me than she’ll ever know.”
“How touching. I’m sure our readers hope she finds it in her heart to forgive you. Keep us posted.”
Rose looked up with watery eyes. “I hope she can too, because I can’t see going through life
without her.”
Lisa sat in silence for a moment, to give Rose time to gather her composure. “It has been rumored that the scandal with your sister, caused the director to recast the role of Mrs. Wallingford in the movie The Future Mrs. Wallingford.”
“We were only in negotiations and they never could meet my asking price.”
“So if they would have met your asking price, you would be playing Mrs. Wallingford instead of Holly?”
Rose tried to sound convincing. “Yes.”
“What about the role in King’s new movie?”
“We’re still in negotiations, so I would rather not discuss it right now.”
“So any other projects on your plate?”
Rose remembered one of her conversations with her agent and Lance. “Yes. I’ll be going into the studio to record my first CD. I have some of the hottest producers lined up.”
Lisa took the tape out of the recorder and flipped it over. “Why are you venturing off into music, when you have a very solid movie career?”
“My first love will always be acting, but I’ve wanted to record a CD for sometime now. Since I’m in between films, this is the perfect time.”
“Before you go, do you have anything else you would like to share with our readers?”
Rose took the last sip of her drink and responded, “Yes. Learn how to look beyond a person’s faults and try to love one another unconditionally.”
Lisa stood up and shook Rose’s hand. “Thank you again for your interview and we’ll be in contact with your publicist. We hope you’ll be satisfied with the article and I do wish you and your sister much success in your reconciliation efforts.”
“Thank you. You’re good at what you do, and I hope your boss recognizes it.”
Lisa smiled. “I hope so too. I’ll know when it’s time for me to get my next raise.”
After she picked up her SUV from the valet, she decided to call Lance. “Can you meet me at your house?”
“I’m in the middle of a recording session; however you could stop by the studio. There are a couple of people I want you to meet anyway,” Lance said.
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Too many people shouldn’t see us together.”
“Rose. I don’t have time to argue with you. We’re working on CD together, so no one would be the wiser. Your choice, but hey, I have to go.”
Rose hung up and headed toward the studio.
15
VIOLET
Violet invited Janice to spend the weekend at her place. They needed to finalize the celebrity charity ball events. She stopped at the grocery store to buy a couple of items. All of the lines at the cash registers were long. She finally decided on a line near the door. While she waited to be checked out, the guy behind her tried to strike up a conversation. She turned around and was immediately captivated by his gorgeous features. He looked to be about six-six, bald, with a beaming smile and mahogany skin as smooth as butter.
It had been awhile since she felt like flirting and his smile was enough reason to start anew. “Hi. I’m doing just lovely. Wish I didn’t have to stand in this long line though.”
He agreed and introduced himself. “I’m Marcus.”
“I’m Violet. Nice to meet you.”
He extended his hand. “No. The pleasure is all mine. You look familiar.”
“People confuse me with my sister all of the time.” Violet felt the electricity that sparked between them after they shook hands.
The line continued to move up. Violet enjoyed their conversation. Before long it was her turn to check out.
“Ms. Violet, thank you for making the time in line an enjoyable one.”
She smiled as she responded, “No problem mon, as they say in Jamaica.”
He laughed and said, “Jamaica. I’ve been there a few times.”
She looked for her wallet so she could pay for her items. She normally was more prepared, but she was distracted this time. She turned to the cashier and said, “Give me one second and I’ll give you my card.”
As she was digging through her purse, he reached out and passed her a card. “While you’re in your purse, why don’t you drop this in there. That way I’ll know you have it.”
She looked up and he had a big mischievous grin on his face. “I’ll be sure to find it later.”
People behind them started mumbling and faking coughs as if they were aggravated.
Marcus stated, “I hope it’s sooner than later. Guess we better move you along, before we get ambushed.”
She laughed, but agreed while paying for her groceries. When she walked out, she could feel a set of eyes on her back. She put a little twitch in her walk just for him. She headed home.
***
She and Janice pulled up in her driveway at almost the same time. She rolled down her window and shouted, “You’re just in time to help me take in the groceries.”
Janice moaned. “Something told me to wait thirty more minutes.”
As they unpacked the groceries, Violet told her about the guy she met while standing in line. “He is so tall. He makes your brother look like a dwarf.”
“Hmmm. So what’s his name again?”
“Marcus.”
“Marcus what?”
“I don’t know.”
“Girl where is his card, so I can see who you’re all goo goo eyes for?”
“It’s in my purse. I haven’t even looked at it since he handed it to me. I just dropped it in. I’ll look at it later.”
Janice found her purse and handed it to her. “Oh no you don’t. You won’t get any work out of me, until you find the card and tell me exactly who this Marcus person is.”
Violet attempted to find it in her purse. She ended up pouring the contents of her purse on the kitchen counter, before she could find the card. “Here it is.”
Before she could read it, Janice snatched it out of her hand. “Girl, do you know who he is? He is the one and only Marcus Jameson. He’s one of the best forwards in the professional basketball league.”
“You’re kidding me right?”
“No, look for yourself. That’s his business card and he has included his home number and personal email address.” Janice snapped her finger in the air twice. “You go girl.”
Violet smiled. “Hmm. I might have to give Mr. Sexy Chocolate a call, but not because he plays basketball either. He was a gentleman and he has a great sense of humor.”
Janice acted as if she didn’t believe a word of what she said. “Yeah. Right. You were too busy being captivated by his radiant smile.”
“I want to call him, but I’m not sure I’m ready to get back in the dating scene.”
“Girl, you better forget David. It has been long enough and it’s about time you get back in the dating scene.”
“I guess you’re right.” Violet didn’t inform Janice about the card David sent or the phone calls.
“There’s no guessing to it. I know I’m right. We need to hurry up and work on the stuff for the ball, because Saturday we are going shopping.”
“I have enough things in my closet already.”
“The stuff you have in your closet is for old women. You’re still in your twenties and should dress like it. You know I don’t agree with Rose on anything, but this is one area we both agree on. I will have you looking like you walked off a Paris runway.”
“I shouldn’t have told you. Now you’re going to have me looking like a grand diva.”
“You are a Diva. Well you’re a sister to one anyway.”
They both laughed. They spent the rest of the night going over things for the ball. The next morning they headed to the Galleria. Violet couldn’t remember having so much fun shopping. “Janice, are you sure I need this outfit? I’ve bought six already.”
“Yes, I’m sure. Try it on. I bet red looks good on you.”
“Well, I think we are being premature about all of this; what if he doesn’t ask me
out?”
“What if he
does? I want you to be prepared. Have you ever thought about asking him out?”
“No. Never. I’m old-fashioned. I think the man should still be the one to ask the woman out, that is; if he’s interested.”
Janice nodded her head and agreed. “If he doesn’t ask you, somebody will.”
Violet tried the dress on and was amazed at what she saw in the mirror. She felt a confidence she didn’t know she had. She strutted out to the waiting area, so Janice could give her opinion. She twirled around a couple of times and asked, “So what do you think?”
Janice whistled. “Watch out now. I told you I was going to have you looking like a model before it was all over with.”
“You really think I look good?”
Janice got up and turned Violet around toward the mirror. “Look at you. You are gorgeous. I don’t know how you can look at yourself and not see it.”
Violet posed in front of the mirror. “I think I look okay, but Rose has always been the glamorous one.”
“You both look alike. If she’s glamorous, so are you. I swear, sometimes I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“Compared to Rose, I just feel so plain.”
“Face it. You are drop dead gorgeous. If you don’t believe me, just watch the reaction you get next week when you start wearing some of your new outfits to work. We do need to do something to your hair though.”
Violet glided her fingers through her ponytail. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“Let’s just say, give me two hours and you’ll feel like a new woman.”
“Sounds like you have your work cut out for you.”
Violet continued to try on more outfits. She decided on two evening dresses and three pantsuits. After shopping for shoes, they both agreed on an early dinner at a national seafood restaurant located around the corner from the Galleria.
16
ROSE
Rose watched Lance as he put the final touches on a track he was working on. It was still early, but he had been in the studio for over twenty hours and hadn’t had any sleep. Everyone else had been there just as long and they were all leaving for the night. “Bye Rose. Thanks for singing backup, if you need us for your album, let Lance know,” said one of the guys in the popular group, Jaded, as he and the rest of the group were leaving.
