by Joy King
The next thing Chrissie knew she was caught up in a conspiracy and showing Tyler explicit photos of her and Andre and trying to place fear of exposure in her heart. Chrissie honestly felt terrible since she considered Tyler her best friend, but she also felt like she didn’t have a choice. In her mind, Tyler had Andre and William as a crutch. All she had was T-Roc, and if she didn’t help him he had no problem disregarding her. Never in a million years did she believe that her actions would help set in motion a series of tragic events.
When Chrissie heard her doorbell ringing she had no idea who could be coming over so late. She turned down the music and peeped out her blinds to see who the late-night visitor was. “What do you want?” she said, somewhat disgusted to see T-Roc’s face.
“I’ve left you several messages this evening and you haven’t returned one. You left me no choice but to come over to make sure you were okay,” T-Roc said as he brushed past Chrissie and into her apartment.
“You don’t care how I’m doing. You just want to make sure that I didn’t blow your spot up to Tyler. No need to worry, your secret is safe with me. Plus, to tell on you would mean telling on me and I’m not sure Tyler would ever forgive me.”
“Thanks for the brief insight inside your mind, but that’s not why I’m here. My sources tell me that William walked in on the lovebirds this afternoon. I need a detailed account as to what happened.”
“What makes you think I know?”
“Chrissie, don’t make me ask you again.” She stood ogling T-Roc for a moment, wondering to herself how much he already knew and what new information he needed from her.
“How did your sources know where Tyler and Andre would be, and how did they know William would find them? Unless of course you also set that up,” Chrissie said shaking her head. “Does it ever stop with you? If William wasn’t such a levelheaded man he could’ve gone off the deep end and caused a massacre in that bungalow.”
“Can you skip the hypothetical and tell me what transpired?” T-Roc said, growing impatient.
“Tyler actually called me twice. First to tell me that after William caught her with Andre, they left together and he gave her an ultimatum. Either her career or Andre.”
“Did she tell you what she was going to choose?”
“She was torn, especially since she accepted Andre’s marriage proposal.”
“What! She can’t marry him!” T-Roc stated, unable to conceal his anger and jealousy.
“I know that would be devastating for you, T-Roc, but as I told you before, she’s very much in love with him.”
Trying to ignore her last comment T-Roc continued with his next question. “You said you spoke to her twice. What was the next conversation about?”
“That one was a lot more serious,” Chrissie said sitting down on her couch. “Andre’s ex-girlfriend came into town unexpectedly and he told her about his plans to marry Tyler. She lost it and tried to commit suicide. When I spoke to Tyler she said Andre had just told her they rushed Chantal in for emergency surgery. Tyler is torn up over the whole incident. She blames herself.”
“Wow, I knew Chantal would flip out when she came to see Andre but never did I think she would try to take her own life,” T-Roc said, taken aback by the news.
“You knew Chantal was coming to LA? I didn’t know you guys were friends.”
“We talk occasionally.”
“It has to be a little more than that if you knew she was coming to see Andre. He didn’t even know that.”
“Listen, I placed a call to Chantal letting her know that Andre and Tyler’s relationship was getting pretty hot and heavy. Of course, I didn’t know at the time that the two were engaged or that he would confess that to Chantal. I simply wanted to ignite a fire under Chantal so she could cause a further dilemma for Andre.”
“ ‘A further dilemma’? You purposely sent Chantal over the edge so she would come to LA and wreak havoc. Now she’s in the hospital clinging to her life.”
“That wasn’t my doing. If anyone is to blame for that, it’s the selfish actions of Andre. He’s so mesmerized with his Hollywood love affair with Tyler that he hasn’t even considered the repercussions his behavior would have on the mother of his child. Andre knows how crazy Chantal is about him and that to learn he planned to marry another woman would make her lose her mind.”
“However you want to spin this, T-Roc, you are still responsible. Maybe if Andre had more time he could’ve come up with an easier way to break the news to Chantal, but you left him no choice. Placing that phone call to Chantal set the wheels in motion for a disastrous encounter.”
T-Roc knew Chrissie was right but mentally refused to accept responsibility. It was too much for him to bear. He never wanted anyone to die because of his vendetta against Andre, especially not Chantal. She was a mother and T-Roc found her offbeat behavior fascinating. Not to mention their lovemaking was incredible. If she died because of his petty bullshit, T-Roc knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself.
“Oh baby, I slept so good last night,” Andre whispered in Tyler’s ear.
“You seem much better today. I guess that means Chantal is going to pull through.”
“Yes, indeed. God answered my prayers. If she’d died, that guilt would’ve eaten me alive. But she’ll be okay. Once she’s completely healed I want us to start planning our wedding. That ring is so stunning on your finger,” he said, caressing her hand.
“Andre, we need to talk about the wedding,” Tyler said, sliding her hand from his grasp.
“I know this whole Chantal episode put a damper on our engagement celebration but we’ll get through it, just like we handled the William situation.”
“That’s what we need to talk about.”
“William? Yeah, I’m sure he didn’t take it well but in time he’ll accept it. He doesn’t have a choice.”
“Well, he gave me a choice.”
“Which was?”
“You or my career. He made it clear that if I chose you he would make sure I never worked again in this town.”
“I know you told him to go to hell. You don’t need that pompous motherfucker.”
“Actually I do, Andre. William basically discovered me. If it wasn’t for him I would still be in New Jersey trying to decide what I was going to do with the rest of my life.”
“I understand that you have a certain amount of gratitude for the cat, but that doesn’t mean you owe him your life. I told you before you don’t have to struggle for financial security. I have plenty of money and you don’t ever have to want for nothing in life.”
“Don’t you understand I like the struggle? I’ve wanted to be a movie star since I was a little girl. William is making that dream a reality. I can’t give that up.”
“But Tyler, we’re in love.”
“For now, but how long will that last? There are no guarantees with love.”
“There is none in an acting career, either. You can be hot today and nobody can remember your name tomorrow.”
“That might be true but if I’m going to gamble, I’m placing the money on me.”
“I can’t believe you’re saying this shit. I finally find the woman that I want to spend the rest of my life with and you’re telling me that your career is more important. Tyler, you can’t be serious.”
“Andre, I’m so deeply in love with you, but I worked too hard for my career to just let it end.”
“So what are you saying, Tyler?”
“We can’t see each other anymore.”
“Don’t do this. We belong together. Baby, I love you more than anything.”
“Don’t make this harder for me, Andre. Don’t you think I feel torn? This isn’t an easy decision.”
“It seems pretty easy to me. I never thought there was anyone more emotionally detached than me, let alone a woman. I guess we learn something new every day.”
“That’s not fair, Andre. It’s killing me inside to let you go but I know it’s best for both of us. I mean the
mother of your child tried to kill herself, that’s crazy.”
“Don’t blame Chantal for this. Because of your own selfish reasons this relationship is over with. If this is what you want, then so be it.”
As Andre was getting out of bed Tyler reached out for him. “Andre, can you please make love to me one last time?”
Andre gawked at Tyler with confusion. “You have to be the coldest woman I’ve ever met, and we both know I’ve been through a lot of women.” Andre’s words stung Tyler to the core. Andre didn’t understand Tyler and it was too late to explain. The chill in the room was unbearable for her. She put on her silk robe and strolled downstairs while Andre got dressed. When Tyler heard the door slam, she buried her face on the sofa pillow and cried a river.
T-Roc barely got any sleep. When he left Chrissie’s place he drove around for a couple of hours trying to gather his thoughts. He didn’t admit it to Chrissie but he couldn’t deny it to himself. He felt absolutely terrible about Chantal. The second he got in his car he called the hospital inquiring about her condition. He lied and told the on-duty nurse that he was Chantal’s brother. Although she was reluctant to answer any of his questions, after T-Roc put on his undeniable charm she revealed that Chantal had a successful surgery and would make a full recovery. That relieved T-Roc of half his stress but he was also overwhelmed with the notion that Tyler and Andre were engaged. That wasn’t part of his plan. If Tyler was truly in love she would choose to be with Andre and that would ruin all of T-Roc’s hard work. The unknowing was driving him crazy so when his cell phone rang early the next morning, he believed his questions would finally be answered.
“Hello, can I speak to T-Roc?”
“This is him. Who’s calling?” T-Roc asked, although he knew exactly who it was.
“This is William Donovan.”
“Mr. Donovan, what can I do for you?” T-Roc asked, feeling optimistic that his scheme worked out as designed, since William was calling.
“Actually, I wanted to see how your schedule was looking. If you were still interested I wanted to know if you could take over the role of Damian. Things didn’t work out with the other actor and of course you would be our ideal replacement. But for the record, you were always my first choice,” William added.
“This is surprising, but yes I’m definitely interested.”
“Wonderful. How soon can you get to LA?”
“I had to handle some business, so I’m actually already here.”
“This is perfect. I’ll have my assistant call you to get the address where you are staying so she can send you over the script. I’ll place a call to your agent so we can get all the legalities worked out. It’s great to have you on board, T-Roc.”
“I appreciate that, William.” T-Roc was once again feeling untouchable. The guilt from the role he played in Chantal’s predicament was a distant memory. He was too busy caught up in being back on top and closer to reaching his goal.
William knew he might’ve been jumping the gun by offering the role of Damian to T-Roc. He hadn’t spoken to Tyler and honestly had no idea what she decided to do, but he was following his gut. His instinct told him she would end her relationship with Andre because he really didn’t leave her a choice. William knew the thirst Tyler had to be a superstar and he was the only one who could quench it. Most men couldn’t handle a career-driven woman like Tyler because it could be overwhelming, but William welcomed it. He could relive his career once again through Tyler. The more William contemplated this, the more he believed Tyler would follow his request, and locking T-Roc down was the right thing to do.
_______
When Chantal woke up in the morning she was grateful to be alive. Waking up in a hospital bed with tubes coming out of her made her suicide attempt a reality.
“How are you feeling this morning, Ms. Morgan?” Dr. Stein asked.
“Happy to be alive.”
“Yes, you gave us quite a scare. But you’re going to make a full recovery. I did want to briefly discuss something with you.”
“It sounds serious.”
“It is. Are you up to talking or would you like to discuss it later on?”
“Please, tell me.”
“Chantal, I doubt you knew this because it was in the very early stages, but you were pregnant.”
“Were?”
“Yes, I’m sorry to say, but you lost the baby. With all the blood you lost from the suicide attempt that baby just didn’t survive.”
Chantal swallowed hard, absorbing the information. It all made sense. She’d assumed the nausea and not being able to eat were due to her broken heart, but really it was because she was pregnant with T-Roc’s baby.
“I’m assuming the father is Mr. Jackson. He hasn’t wanted to leave your bedside. He obviously cares a great deal for you.” If only that had been true, then Chantal could’ve used the loss of their baby as a tragedy for them to grieve together and reconnect. But since Andre hadn’t touched Chantal in months, that wouldn’t be possible.
“Yes, it was his baby. But Dr. Stein, I would prefer if you didn’t mention anything to him about it. He already feels so guilty about my suicide attempt. If we told him now that I also lost our baby he would go over the edge.”
“I totally understand, Chantal.”
“Thank you. I will tell him about our loss once we get past this hurdle.” Of course Chantal never intended to tell Andre a thing. If he knew that not only did she sleep with T-Roc, but had also gotten pregnant he wouldn’t want her in his life, period. That was one secret she was taking to her grave.
Andre went straight from Tyler’s house to the hospital. He so badly wanted to erase the conversation he’d just had with her and forget that he ever loved her. His stomach was in knots and the pain was excruciating. For the first time he knew how it felt to have a broken heart and pondered if this was his payback for all the hearts he shattered so freely.
Andre replayed his last conversation with Tyler. He was still in shock that she would choose her career over their love. He had her pegged all wrong. When he first laid eyes on her, Andre thought she was this delicate flower that needed constant nurturing in order to bloom, but there was nothing delicate about Tyler; when she broke if off with Andre it was as if her emotions were made of steel. Andre noticed Chantal’s doctor approaching and wiped away the tear that escaped him.
“Dr. Stein, how is Chantal this morning?”
“Good morning, Mr. Jackson. Ms. Morgan will be very happy to see you. She’s been asking for you all morning. Under the circumstances she’s actually doing well. I believe she’ll be able to go home in a few days.”
“Great, I’ll go see her now.” Andre felt somewhat nervous about seeing Chantal. He wasn’t sure what to say. When he walked in, her eyes were closed but she somehow felt Andre’s presence and instantly opened them and greeted him with a smile.
“Andre, I’ve been asking for you all morning. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Of course I’m here. Where else would I be?”
“I’m sorry for putting you through this. You must think I’m a coward.”
“Why would you even think something like that, this wasn’t your fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s me. I’ve been so foul to you. I’m sorry. But I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“Just being here is enough. Does Tyler know you’re here?” she asked. Even in her fragile condition, Chantal found the strength to fish for answers.
“It’s over between me and Tyler.” Saying those words out loud almost made Andre choke, but he had to remain composed for Chantal’s sake.
“Andre, what happened? Just yesterday you said you guys were getting married.” It disgusted Andre even more that Chantal was lying in the hospital for nothing. He and Tyler weren’t even going to walk down the aisle and that was the reason Chantal had slit her wrists in the first place. His anger brewed every time he thought about it.
“It’s not important. What is important is that you get better soon. I wa
nt you to come home with me. The nanny is going to bring Melanie here in a few days and I want you all to stay for a while.” Chantal’s eyes lit up with the idea of the three of them being under the same roof as a family.
“You mean that, Andre?” Chantal asked, almost afraid to build up any sort of hope.
“With all my heart. This incident has opened my eyes up to so much. You and Melanie are my family and I have to take care of both of you. Not only financially but emotionally, too. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy like this to make me realize that.”
“It’s okay. But baby if you give us another try, I promise I’ll be the woman that you want me to be.”
“Chantal, don’t think about that right now. Concentrate on coming home. I have some things I have to take care of but I’ll be back later. Get some rest.” Andre kissed Chantal on the forehead and decided his future was with her. Maybe he wasn’t in love with Chantal the way he was with Tyler but it didn’t matter. For the first time in his life he gave his heart and soul to a woman but she let him go. He knew Chantal would always choose him first. She was willing to end her life if he wasn’t with her. That was deep, maybe a little crazy, but deep all the same. After he pledged his love for Tyler and even asked her to be his wife she disposed of him like he was nothing. Not only was that bad for his ego, it was devastating for his heart. He had to accept there was no future for him and Tyler and he needed to let it go.
It took every ounce of strength Tyler had to pull it together and meet with William. She cried for over an hour when Andre left and then called Chrissie to pour her heart out to her. Tyler felt she had made the wrong decision by letting Andre go and hoped that she would get the encouragement she needed from her best friend to get him back. Unfortunately, Chrissie told her just the opposite, partially because she honestly believed that Andre was carrying way too much extra baggage, and also she was following T-Roc’s strict instructions.
