by Sasha Combs
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Chapter 2
The physical laws that govern fairness aren’t always equally balanced. In most cases the solution ends and begins with a rain-check or a hesitant, to be continued
Hamilton had been right to assume that Precious would snap out of her funk when they neared her parents home. When landmarks and familiar houses passed on her side of the car, she perked up, giving him direction to her parents house.
Hamilton followed closely behind her, as they walked through the foyer, following a long hallway to the rear of the house. She took him to a large family room that faced the lake. She turned to him saying...
“Can I get you something to drink?”
She was oddly calm but her demeanor was a ruse and he didn’t like her pallor. She was masking her feelings and this concerned him. She was safe in her parents home but he couldn’t bring himself to leave her yet. Hamilton wanted to do something more to help her ease through this difficult period. He’d already, said ‘to hell with business’. For now, he didn’t care about contracts, the second season, or her reasons for leaving. Even though he agreed with her when she said that she felt like she was in hot water; he also acknowledged the flip side of this coin. Hamilton comprehended that her predicament wasn't the doom and gloom that she portrayed it to be. With her beautiful face, he knew that people wouldn’t be able to stay angry at her for long.
Precious was standing near a stocked bar. She was pouring herself a glass of sparkling water. After today, he wanted something stronger, but he thought it best to keep a clear head.
“I’ll have what you’re having.” He said. He watched as she drew out a glass, then poured the liquid without looking at him. Precious was willing her eyes not to cry. Holding both glasses in her hand, she rounded the bar, choosing to sit on a nearby sofa.
“Have a seat.” She said, then she placed his drink on a coffee table. Hamilton crossed the room, taking a seat next to her. He lifted his drink to be polite, then he sampled a taste before placing the glass back on the table. Precious was staring out the floor to ceiling window at the lake. The view was magnificent and he imagined that on any other day, the scene would be relaxing. But not today. It would take more than rippling water, and passing boats to settle frazzled nerves. For now she would need a gentle guiding hand.
“Precious... Will it be a problem for you, if I suggest that you stay here with your parents. Just until I get someone on this problem. I have a group of people employed to handle situations like this.”
She had no doubt that he did, but they couldn’t work fast enough for her. So she said.
“I could stay here, but I won’t.”
His brow rose, then dipped into a frown.
“I don’t understand. You can’t possibly think that it’s safe for you to return to your home? Not after the scene that we both witnessed in front of your house.”
Precious drank calmly from her glass. She held it level on her lap. Hamilton stared at her, and it wasn’t until now that he began to notice what she was wearing. From head to toe, Precious was wearing black. The fabric was light and airy but summer was full swing and the sun was lit up like a fireball in the sky. In short, it was hot and not the kind of weather for black on black. Short sleeves and short pants maybe. Spaghetti strap dresses and sundresses were what most women wore on days like this. But after their run-in at the restaurant in Rochester Hills, her odd behavior was clear to him now. Precious wore her disguise to avoid hateful glares; not to avoid celebrity attention. She’d dressed this way to avoid those hateful stares that she’d calmly told him about. This worried him, and he wanted her to explain further.
“Precious, clearly you’ve been dealing with far more than you’re admitting to. I witnessed a little taste today but I think that you’re leaving out something more.”
She didn’t want to talk about this. She’d only wanted to tell him that she wouldn’t be returning to the show. In spite of that, the idea that he cared about her sent shivers throughout her body. She felt a tug in her stomach but she forced the feeling back from whence it came. She’d always been attracted to him, but now was not the time to allow those emotions to surface. Moreover, she’d only allowed those feelings to surface as dreams; fodder for making love to other men. Telling Hamilton how she truly felt about him, might burst the bubble that she’d created in her mind.
Trying not to let him see this side of her, she said...
“Hamilton, I won’t lie to you because you’ve already witnessed today’s events. But, today has been unusual because until now; the fans had been content, posting their comments on the internet. However, it’s blatantly obvious that they’ve taken their anger to the next level. Perhaps, I wasn’t paying close attention to their comments and now they’ve decided to deliver their message to me firsthand.”
“What message?” He said and he’d raised his voice higher than he’d intended but from where he sat, she sounded like she was deluding herself.
Precious turned in her seat, stunned by his heightened emotion. Her reaction remained flat and controlled.
“People around here have made it clear that I should marry Stone. His proposal is still on the table, and they think I should accept.”
“Where does Stone weigh in on this?”
She sighed saying,
“Stone isn’t the bad guy Hamilton. His only crime is that he still wants to marry me, and everyone knows this. He hasn’t talked to the press and he hasn’t used any of the social mediums to express his desires.”
“But he did talk to your parents, right?” Hamilton already knew this, because Artie had filmed Stone and Wilson talking at the club. But it felt good watching her head nodding up and down to confirm that the encounter was an accurate account.
“I guess you think I should be angry at him...right?”
“No...” He said, without a moments hesitation.
“Well, everyone else does. Well, by everyone, I mean my girlfriends. Regina and Pamela. Faye...she’s sitting on the fence. Apparently, Wilson and Stone have become good friends and Faye wants to remain neutral.”
“Precious...you have your own feelings to consider. If you weren’t irritated when Stone went to your father, to rally his support...then, it doesn’t matter what others may think.”
“Well, at the time, I didn’t give it much thought because I told myself that Stone could talk to whomever he wanted and that included my parents. It didn’t really matter because when it comes to marriage...I’m the boss and no one can make me do anything that I don’t want to do.”
To Hamilton’s ears, Precious sounded like a stubborn child, stomping her brand new shoes on the floor; asserting her independence. He wanted to smile because her determined nature looked sweet on her. All the same, there wasn’t anything humorous about her predicament, so he reminded himself to stifle the smirk.
Back on topic he said...
“So, explain to me why you can’t stay here? Are your parents that disagreeable?”
She nodded....
“My dad is more determined than ever to use this bad publicity to his advantage. Practically everyday I get a call from him, telling me about the latest gossip, or some snide remark he overheard. He tells me that I have the power to make this all go away. I just have to say yes, to Stone.”
“It isn’t that simple.” He said.
“Oh, yes it is.” She corrected him. “Hamilton. Stone and his family are loved around here. Especially Stone. He’s just a really nice guy.”
Hamilton had heard her say this more than once and he couldn’t stop himself from wondering. If Stone is such a great guy, then why won’t she say yes and accept his proposal? But as much as the question puzzled his brain, he couldn’t bring the words to his mouth. He couldn’t make her entertain the idea of accepting another man’s proposal of marriage. He wondered where that thought had come from.
In the distance, the sound of voices could be clearly heard. Precious was on her feet, racing
to the rooms entrance.
“Oh dear Lord. I didn’t know that my parents were here.”
She rounded the corner, heading for the front foyer, without explaining further. When she hit the hallway, Precious was practically running.
“Precious...” The sound of her mother’s cry could be heard in the distance. Hamilton wasn’t at all prepared for this. He’d never met her parents, but here he was in their home and Precious had left him. Hamilton stood near the entrance of the family room, in the middle of the hall. He watched as Precious moved swiftly, then his head turned and he noticed the curious expression on her parents face. They were staring at him, curiously.
“Precious...” The male voice cried out. This time, it was her father’s turn to roar out her name. But even his bellowing voice didn’t cause her feet to slow.
“Amelia...”
Next, the sound of her first name was spoken, and the callers voice held the key. Precious stood stock still, unable to believe her luck. Stone walked up the rear, and Hamilton immediately recognized him. Tall with an athletic build, sun bleached blond hair, deep blue eyes, and a serene expression covering his face. Her parents, Camille and Colten Sinclair; they had stopped short, choosing to stand near the stranger in their home.
When Stone approached, he walked passed them, continuing until he stood in front of Precious. She lowered her eyes because she’d been avoiding this face to face in her parents home from the moment she stormed out of her father’s office, weeks ago. She’d hurt Stone by refusing his proposal and Precious didn’t want to hurt him again. Especially with her parents as witnesses.
Stone was wearing a windbreaker, a polo shirt, a pair of Bermuda shorts and deck shoes. He’d been out boating with her parents for the afternoon. She was certain that his time spent with her parents was purely recreational for his part. But she wasn’t so sure about her father. She knew the plans that lie harbored in his heart.
Stone reached down, cupping her hand with both of his. He smiled his easy smile, saying...
“I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
“I didn’t expect to be here today.” She responded brusquely and immediately she winced due to her abruptness. In spite of her rude behavior, Stone fully understood. For the past year, Precious have lived under a microscope. Her every move dissected and judged. Then she was maligned by her fans after refusing his proposal. He wanted to take her pain away but this situation was out of his control. He felt her fingers easing from his hold. Precious stepped back and away from him. Her eyes drifted to where her parents stood near Hamilton.
With the attention on him now, Hamilton turned to introduce himself. He held out his hand to her father first.
“Hello Mr. Sinclair. I’m Hamilton Gantry. The producer of Grosse Pointe Bachelorettes.”
Her father grasp hold, squeezing like most men do, when sizing up the other.
“Colten Sinclair. Nice to meet you Mr. Hamilton. And this is my wife, Camille Royal Sinclair.”
Camille’s eyes were still on her daughter and the way she looked; creating space between her and Stone. She didn’t like this standoff between her and her daughter and she wanted to put an end to it. Colten tapped his wife on her shoulder. This startled her, and she still had not responded, so Hamilton said...
“Mrs. Sinclair, it’s lovely to finally meet you. I’m sorry if I’ve come at a bad time but I wanted to see to your daughter arriving here safely. There was an incident at her...”
The words never managed to make it out of his mouth because Camille finally found her voice.
“Incident...? What incident? What happened Precious? Are you all right dear?”
Camille left the men standing where they stood. She moved with haste to check on her daughter. Her eyes did a quick once over.
“Mom, I’m fine. It wasn’t anything.”
Camille stood back, noticing something odd. There was something sticky covering a portion of her daughters clothing and she smelled like strawberries. Her nose danced a little wiggle, then her brain caught hold to something else. Precious was wearing head to toe black in the middle of summer. She didn’t have to be told what had happened or why her daughter was dressed like a ninja. Her mother said...
“Who did this to you? Who threw food on you?”
“What?” Now Colten’s feet were moving. He joined her mother in the chorus.
“What happened Precious? Tell us. I’ll get Leonard on the phone and we’ll put an end to this nonsense...”
“Dad, you don’t need to call your attorney. I’m fine. Can’t you see that I’m fine.”
She wasn’t fine and Hamilton hoped that her parents knew her well enough to see through her masquerade. Stone stood back curiously watching this scene play out and Hamilton wondered at what point he would speak up. Then he imagined that her parents were asking enough questions for every person standing in the foyer.
Hamilton closed the distance, but he lagged back just a bit. He had a promise to keep. He needed to make a few calls. If he acted fast, he could smash this problem in under a week. But he was wasting time standing in the Sinclair’s home watching Precious and her family rehashing details he’d already witnessed. He had a mind to make a dash for the door, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave unless he knew with certainty that Precious wouldn’t return to her home.
Precious told her parent’s the truth. There was no need to lie because she was certain the local news would broadcast the picketers. She listened to her father while he wagged his finger. He also selectively chose to forget that she was twenty-three and not his little girl. He insisted that she stay at their home, and Precious emphatically said, no. While father and daughter battled with words; Camille’s eyes pleaded with Stone to step in and do something. Nice guy that he was, Stone answered the call of duty.
“Precious, I think I have the perfect solution to your problem. It sounds to me like, your fans just need a little cooling off time. A chance to think about something else. While they’re doing that, you should spend a little time away from the city.”
“Stone, I can’t leave the city. I do have a job, you know.” Precious said swiftly dismissing him, but her father quickly responded saying...
“Yes, we know you have a job, and I’m your boss. Which means, I’m putting you on an extended leave.” Her father stood with his arms resolutely folded over his broad chest.
“Daddy, you can’t do that.”
“The hell I can’t. Precious, face it...” Her father narrowed his eyes saying... “Presently, your celebrity status isn’t working in your favor. If you’re forced to resort to sneaking around; using backstair wells or dressing in disguises. If that’s the case, then you’re doing our clients a disservice. And the negative press isn’t good for the firm.”
“But daddy... My job.” Her voice sounded like a child. Not a professional hedge fund manager employed by her fathers financial management firm. But in her defense, Precious had been wounded. She’d worked her butt off to achieve her goals. And now, overnight, all of her hard work had turned to mush. She sensed that her life was slipping away from her.
Precious felt as if she were being ganged up on. Colten Sinclair said...
“Precious... I don’t believe in handouts. I hired you because you earned it. You showed me what you were made of, and you never shrunk away from any obstacles. That’s the reason I gave you that hedge fund to manage because I knew you were ready for the challenge. I still think you deserve your position...and your job will be waiting for you when you return. It’s just that... Right now, I think you need to lay low for a while. Just until this bad publicity dies down a bit. Actually it would do you good to leave the city.”
Precious pursed her lips, saying...
“Fine... If that will satisfy everyone and get you people off my back.” When she said you people, they all knew that she was referring to her father, but he wasn’t appeased.
Colten Sinclair said...
“Good, but I have one stipulation.
Since you’ve agreed to leave the city, then your mother and I will go with you. You’ll need a second set of eyes to keep watch.” Her father eyed her, knowing that something awful had happened today. He worded his comment; speaking as if he were in the know. He said... “This kind of thing can just as easily happen out of town as it did here in Grosse Pointe, where you live.”
Her father was right of course but she wouldn’t admit this to him. Besides, she needed more time to figure out when and where she would go. If she needed a traveling buddy, there was always Regina. Her friend still had not left town for the summer, and Precious knew that she was the reason for this. But the idea of two women from the same reality show traveling together; that would increase the odds of them being recognized. She couldn’t risk being in a foreign country, then forcing Regina to deal with another food throwing incident. No, she thought to herself. This was her problem and she would deal with it alone.
While her father chimed on and on, suggesting that they continue this conversation at their vacation home up north; Stone had been quietly watching Precious’ facial expressions. The one that currently covered her face, looked as sternly resolute as her fathers and he knew nothing good would come from this conversation. So, he said...
“Precious, I have an idea. Why don’t you come to Fiji with me. We can leave this evening. The resort isn’t finished but I own a small house on the island. It isn’t much, but it’s comfortable and there are more than a few added amenities.”
Precious already knew about his little house. The place was five thousand square feet of luxury from one end to the other. But, in his defense, Stone’s home here in Michigan was four times the size of his island home.
“Stone...” she said his name like a whisper. Her voice was so soft and tender, Hamilton couldn’t bring himself to remain in the same room. He’d never heard her speak so tenderly. A streak of jealously shot right through him. He eased pass them all, assured that Precious wouldn’t return to her home. He spoke while he moved in the direction to the front door.
