What the Heart Wants ; Sealed with a Kiss

by Donna Hill

  They both laughed and chatted a few minutes more before hanging up.

  Exhilaration coursed through Kendall’s veins. With Randi napping, she didn’t know what else to do with herself. She’d told everyone in her family, from her dad in the Midwest to her grandparents and cousins on the East Coast. Besides Randi, she didn’t have solid friendships out West, and none of her family lived there. She missed having them close, but California was where she needed to be to take her career to new heights.

  Kendall thought about the fact that Tyson was possibly behind the decision. Her excitement waned slightly. She hoped it wasn’t some kind of attempt to get close to her, and she hoped he wouldn’t expect something from her. And what if he did? What if he was like Henry and wanted her to give in to his perverted whims for the sake of this opportunity? Kendall would have to turn it down. She was going to be all business. Ready to sacrifice the biggest opportunity of her career rather than subject herself to indecent intentions. She had paid her dues and was a solid artist. She didn’t care if her climb up fame’s ladder took longer because she had principles. So be it. She’d have to find out Tyson’s intentions before she got too excited. There was no way she’d become part of his Hollywood harem just to get a gig.

  She truly didn’t know if Tyson was that kind of man, but the industry was full of those types, and no matter what, her soul wasn’t for sale.

  Chapter 6

  Tyson hadn’t heard from Tiffany since the interview. Every text, call and voice mail remained unanswered. After three days, he stopped trying. More days passed. The news about their breakup stirred, picking up momentum. Paparazzi were everywhere, shoving cameras and microphones in his face. Tyson felt that the less he said, the more the media speculated. Despite being contacted several times about his side of the story, he refused to weigh in, leaving the on-camera frenzy to Tiffany. His best work had always been done behind the scenes.

  Now it was one of those rare Saturdays when he didn’t have a calendar full of commitments, and Tyson felt like he wanted to go for a run. His mind needed the activity more than his body. Tyson dressed in comfortable gear, set an app to track his run, put on his favorite workout playlist and strapped his cell phone to a holder on his arm. Luckily his community was heavily secured. He wouldn’t have to deal with paparazzi until he passed through the gates on his way out of the area. In the kitchen, he downed half a bottle of water, then headed to the door, pulled it open and froze.

  Tiffany stood on the other side, finger out and ready to press the bell.

  “Oh... Uh.” She blinked.

  Tyson felt his lips tighten. He expected anger to surge through him, but it didn’t. “Tiffany.” He offered a tight greeting, stepped over the frame. Tyson joined her outside and locked the door behind him.

  Tiffany cleared her throat, seemingly understanding that he had no plans to let her in. She sighed, dropping her shoulders in sync with her exhale. “We should talk.”

  Tyson pulled his bottom lip in and gnawed—an involuntary action when he retreated into his own thoughts. Assessing his real feelings again, he realized he wasn’t angry at all. He expected to be, was ready to feel the irritation warm his blood, but...nothing. He inhaled deeply, waiting to feel the weight of the situation settle in his chest like a boulder, ready to feel the heaviness pass through his lungs into the atmosphere and add to the tension already waiting there. Yet he felt nothing. Just air. Tyson inhaled, exhaled again. Still nothing. Next, he felt relief. Tyson was done with this, with Tiffany and her antics. He was over it and over her.

  Tyson looked at her forlorn expression. She could have been acting for him, but it didn’t matter this time. He scanned her beautiful face, large brown eyes, skin reminiscent of the richest dark chocolate smoothed over perfect features. Tiffany was still beautiful to him, but not for him.

  Tyson watched her swallow and slowly lift her eyes to meet his.

  “Tyson, I—”

  Tyson held his hand up, stopping Tiffany before she could start. “Don’t.” He couldn’t stand to hear the lies he knew would come.

  Tiffany’s brows creased.

  “No explanation needed. I understand you. We’re good. Okay? We’re good,” he repeated for good measure.

  Tiffany’s mouth opened but she said nothing. Tyson gently placed his fingers on the bottom of her chin and closed her mouth for her.

  He smiled and felt that smile spread throughout his body like clean, fresh air. The remnants of Tiffany had left his system. “I wish you well,” he said, meaning it. “I’m going for a run now. I’ll see you around.”

  Tyson leaned forward and planted a soft peck on her lips and another on her cheek. There was no spark, nothing that compelled him, made him want to go back for more. He watched Tiffany touch her own lips, the same spot where he’d just kissed her. After another smile, Tyson stuffed an earbud in one ear, let the music begin to soothe him and took off for his run, leaving Tiffany on his step where he’d found her.

  Three miles and a half hour later, Tyson returned to a small envelope sticking out of his mailbox. Inside, he found the key to his door and the fob to get past the security gates at the entrance to his community. He’d forgotten that Tiffany still had those. Months had passed since they’d been an actual couple, so there had been no need for her to use them. With the key, she’d left a note.

  Tyson,

  I know you’re angry with me. It will all be fine. I wanted to wait to make the announcement with you, but my agent insisted I do it during that big interview. We knew it would get more press for the movie. I know you understand that. You’re a businessman, and at the end of the day, it’s all about business. No PR equals bad PR, right? I’d still like to talk. Let’s do dinner soon.

  Tif

  Tyson read the letter, shook his head and hoped that someday Tiffany would be able to put agendas aside and allow herself to feel. Tyson decided right then that the next woman he dated would have to have more substance. The superficial, looking-good-in-public, power couple illusion would no longer do. There was too much of that already going on in the industry. He wanted a woman capable of stealing into his soul and capturing his heart, not making a business arrangement.

  One thing he knew for sure was that the woman he would fall in love with was not going to be a celebrity. And he was especially done with actresses.

  Chapter 7

  “It’s official!” Kendall cheered as she maneuvered in and out of traffic on the 605. The ride from Temecula was mostly spent inching along with hundreds of other cars along the route. “The contract is signed and I’m on my way to meet with the studio to finalize a few details for the awards show.”

  “Congratulations again! I’m so excited for you,” Jade squealed. “What did Uncle Booker T. and the boys have to say about this?” she asked, referring to Kendall’s big brothers, whom everyone always addressed as “the boys.” “I’m sure all of Chicago knows his little princess and their little sister is moving on up even higher in the entertainment world.”

  “I don’t doubt that. They’re all pretty thrilled.”

  “What family wouldn’t be?”

  Kendall rode along with the quiet for several moments. “It’s times like this that I wish Mom was alive.” She swallowed hard to push back rising emotions.

  “I’m sure she’s cheering you on from her diamond perch in the sky. She’s probably got lavender and glitter all over heaven. Ha!”

  Jade was right. Kendall’s mom had loved all shades of purple and pink, and anything with frills and bling. Grace had been a refined woman with a zeal for anything that radiated femininity. Had she been alive, she would have already been in LA to give Kendall’s stylist some very personal advice on her attire for the performance.

  “Enough about that.” Had Kendall not changed the subject, she would have begun to cry. After every accomplishment, her mom would have been her first call. “Try to
stay a few days after so we can hang. I’ll be too busy before the event.”

  “Great idea!”

  “Okay. I’m here.” Kendall maneuvered into a parking lot. “Call you back later?”

  “Yes. I want to hear every single detail, big and small.”

  “Ha! You got it.”

  Kendall ended the call, slipped on sunglasses and headed inside the same Blackwell Communications Group building that housed the offices of Blackwell Television which she’d come to for the Jocelyn James audition. She may have looked like she had it all together, but excitement had her insides rumbling. Kendall had achieved mainstream success in her singing career, but this would be a first. Excitement was too subtle a word to describe how she felt about this opportunity. She’d perfected her ability to keep her cool. Head up, shoulders back, Kendall stepped into the building as if she had these kinds of meetings every day.

  Tyson came to mind the moment she hit the door. He must have really liked her singing that day. It wasn’t long after that Randi had told her about their invitation to have her perform for the awards. The feel of Tyson’s hand on hers came to mind also. Kendall remembered how long their handshake had lasted. She remembered the strong feel of his hand, his smooth skin. She recalled his sexy smile, perfect teeth and deep dimples making him even more gorgeous.

  Yet as attractive as Tyson was, and he was undoubtedly attractive, Kendall wasn’t letting him get in the way of her career. She’d seen the recent interviews about Tiffany and Tyson’s breakup and knew that Tyson was single now, but she wasn’t interested in him. If she had to let him know that in no uncertain terms, then so be it. This performance was a pivotal move for her, but she was more than willing to sacrifice it if Tyson was looking for anything more from her than a solid business arrangement and a great performance.

  Kendall checked in at the lobby, entered the elevator and took a deep breath. She needed to rid herself of those thoughts. Tyson and BCG’s interest in her performance could be strictly professional. And she hoped for everyone’s sake that it was.

  Kendall’s phone rang just as she reached her floor. The screen displayed Randi’s number.

  “Hey, chickie. Did you make it?”

  “Yep, I’m stepping out of the elevator as we speak. Are you on your way?”

  “Yes, but I’m extremely late. If they can’t wait, I need you to conference me in, cool?”

  “Ugh!” Kendall always felt better with Randi by her side. “If I must.”

  “Be there as soon as I can. Traffic is a beast.”

  “Fine.”

  Kendall greeted the receptionist, the same one from the day of her interview. She was much calmer now.

  “Ms. Chandler, what a pleasure to see you again. Right this way.” She waved for Kendall to follow her lead. “Mr. Blackwell and his staff will be right with you. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, tea, water?”

  “Water would be great.”

  “Gladly. Be right back!”

  Kendall took a seat in the conference room that provided her a clear view of the glass wall separating the space from the corridor. The room was adorned in a sleek gray-and-white palette. Charcoal-colored chairs with chrome hardware surrounded the massive white table in the center, with phones and speakers near each end. A large TV screen hung on one wall with tall, wide, stately shelves boasting books, awards and plaques on the opposite end. Promotional posters of BCG movies and shows hung along the long solid wall. Kendall looked back toward the phone and remembered to call Randi.

  “Hey! Did the meeting start?”

  “Not yet. I’m in the conference room waiting on them now. How far are you?”

  There was a pause. “The GPS says I’m ten minutes away.”

  “GPS? Why are you using GPS when you know the way?”

  “To gauge the time. See you when I get there.”

  “Okay.” Kendall ended the call, put her phone on the table and looked around the room again. She picked up the cell phone and looked at the time. Punctuality was vital to her. Several minutes passed and she was still sitting there alone, waiting on Tyson and his staff.

  The receptionist showed up with a bottle of water and a few lemons on a saucer covered with a paper towel. Kendall thanked her and watched her disappear through the door. Several more minutes passed, and still no one showed. She was starting to get annoyed. Kendall went out to the receptionist.

  “They know I’m here, right?”

  “Yes, Ms. Chandler. No one came yet?” The receptionist looked genuinely surprised. “Let me check to see what’s happening. Can I bring you more water in the meantime?”

  “No.” Her response was sharp. She hadn’t meant to take out her frustration on the receptionist. This wasn’t her fault. “Thank you. I’m fine.” Kendall softened her response and strutted back down the hallway and into the conference room, trying to keep her attitude in check. The task became more difficult with each passing minute.

  Randi still hadn’t arrived. The ten minutes had come and gone. Kendall called her but only reached her voice mail, which was full. Forced to wait, Kendall walked around the conference room looking at more of the images. After twenty minutes had passed, she still hadn’t heard a peep from Tyson and his crew. Her next call to Randi went to voice mail again. Annoyance blossomed even more now.

  Kendall picked up her purse and headed for the door. Just as she reached the frame, she heard Randi’s voice and a second deeper one that sounded like it could have been Tyson’s. Kendall paused, inhaled and exhaled a sharp breath and pondered whether or not she even wanted to stay for this meeting.

  “Ms. Chandler.” Tyson’s deep voice bellowed.

  Kendall could have sworn she felt it rumble in her belly. Had his voice just gone through her? Instead of responding, she looked at her arm as if there were a watch there and looked back up at him. Her face was set tight with agitation.

  Tyson held his hands up as Randi and several others stepped in the room behind him. “Our apologies. We had a crisis that required our immediate attention. I’m really sorry. Please, let’s get started.” Tyson gestured toward the chairs surrounding the large conference table.

  “Hey!” Randi was breathless, as if she’d run up to the tenth floor. She placed her hand on Kendall’s shoulder, a calming gesture. “Sorry I’m late.” She addressed the room and quickly returned her gaze to Kendall. “Let’s sit down,” she said to Kendall quietly.

  Tyson and his team settled into seats, but Kendall stood just as rigidly as she had been. Randi patted her shoulder and led her toward two open seats, but Kendall remained standing.

  She took another deep breath and thought about the best way to voice her displeasure at how unprofessional it was to leave her waiting so long. But Tyson started before she could speak.

  “We hope you will accept our apologies and that we can move forward with the meeting.”

  Kendall bit back the sharp response she wanted to give and remained professional. “I understand that things happen. I would have appreciated it if someone would have advised me that you were dealing with a crisis, giving me the option to wait or perhaps reschedule. My schedule is quite full.”

  “Yes, and we thank you for your patience. If you will accept my apology...” Tyson pressed the palms of his hands together and nodded. Wordless, he kept his eye on Kendall until she relented with a dismissive toss of her hand before finally taking a seat. Tyson nodded again and smiled. “Now if we can get started.” He placed a file folder on the table and flipped it open. “We wanted to speak to you about the run of show. We know you agreed to perform one of your latest songs. However, we’re giving Carolyn Johnson a lifetime achievement award and would love if you would perform one of her tribute songs during that presentation, along with some of the other artists we believe would truly do her music justice.”

  Kendall’s mood went from annoyed to elated so
fast she was sure her heart fumbled a few beats. She held her expression and cleared her throat. “I’d be delighted,” she said evenly. In her head she was screaming. “Which one of her songs are you interested in having me sing?” she asked coolly.

  “As I mentioned, you’ll be joined by a number of other artists. We’d like to begin rehearsals in the next few weeks. We’ll have a more solid layout by then.”

  “Who are the other artists?”

  Tyson rattled off the names of several major entertainers. Not only would she sing a tribute song to one of the world’s most iconic R & B artists of all time, but she’d get to do it alongside today’s most renowned singers, ones whose careers she aspired to emulate. Her irritation had completely dissipated. She sat back coolly and folded her hands. She had to, in order to keep them from twitching. She pretended to think it over as if it were something she would ever refuse. Kendall looked at Randi. Silently they shared the same cool expression, masking their unbridled exhilaration. This was big for both of them.

  Kendall’s agency had pinned Randi to her when her career began to take off. She was green but as eager as Kendall. Seasoned agents were assigned to bigger names. Together they navigated the hills and valleys of the entertainment industry, sharing all of Kendall’s milestones and weathering the setbacks. This was Kendall’s biggest highlight to date, next to her chart-topping release the year before that had earned her new levels of recognition and a nomination but hadn’t gotten her the award. In that time, Randi became more than her agent. Both had traipsed to LA in hopes of living out their industry dreams, and together, they’d realized those dreams.

  Randi nodded discreetly. Kendall had passed the baton. Randi turned and looked around the room, making eye contact with each of the BCG employees around the table and settling her sight on Tyson. “Nice. It sounds like we need to negotiate a new rate and a new contract. Can you have your new offer on my desk by tomorrow morning?”