by Anna Black
“Shall we?” Tiffany said, and they went into Tiffany’s office. “Have a seat,” she offered, and Tressa sat on the other side of Tiffany’s desk. “Coffee, juice?” she offered.
“No, I’m good,” she smiled. She looked at Tiffany as she fidgeted with papers and other items on her desk. Tressa could detect her uneasiness and uncertainties, so she said, “Listen, Tiffany, given our history, I can imagine this is awkward for you. The other night at dinner with you and Kory, I will admit it was odd, but I now get what my father has been telling me for years, and you can relax. I’m done with the past, and I’m only thinking of my future in life and at this company. I’m ready for a new beginning, and I can only do that if the people I hurt can forgive me. If you can’t forgive me and move forward, I’ll let my dad know this bright idea for you to teach me the ropes was a mistake, and he can assign me to someone else.”
Tiffany opened her mouth, but she didn’t say anything.
“But before you say no, I know why my father hired you, and I know why he wants to groom you for his seat because you are smart and creative and ambitious. All the things I was not for a very long time, Tiffany. You didn’t grow up with things handed to you like I did, yet you are here, and my dad tells me you’re the best, so I want to learn from the best.” When still she didn’t speak, Tressa was sure Tiffany didn’t believe a word she said.
“Okay, thanks for your time. I understand.” Tressa stood to leave.
“No, Tressa, wait, please. Sit, don’t leave.”
She eyed Tiffany for a second or two, and then she slowly slid back into the chair.
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. Forgive me, but I sit here across from you looking at this external makeover, from head to toe . . . You look gorgeous, but I’m not going to lie. I’m still a little nervous about the internal you. I want to trust you, Tressa, but I’m not Mr. Green. Your father may always see the diamond in you, but I’ve seen the coal, so, yes, I have my doubts, but I promised Mr. Green that I’d show you everything I know, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Thank you. All I suggest is we take it one day at a time, Tiffany. You don’t owe me shit, neither do I owe you, but I owe my father my life, and no matter what issues I have with anyone on this planet, I’m going to make my parents proud of me. That is my ultimate goal right now, and I really don’t give a fuck what people think of me. I’ve let go of a lot of people that I once called friends, Tiffany, and that was as hard as kicking my habits. I know this is not what you ever expected, but we are here now, and I don’t care if you still see me as the old Tressa, Tressa the addict, or Tressa the ex of Kory’s. I’m not here for you. I’m here for me and for my dad and my family, and the rest of my life is all that I care about.”
Tiffany smiled. “With that, let me show you to your office.” She stood and showed Tressa to the office directly across from hers. It was the office that Wallace had before Tressa cost him his job.
“Talk about karma,” Tressa said.
“Well, this is the only office on this floor that’s empty.”
“I see. Maybe I’ll talk to my dad about bringing Wallace back on. It’s my fault that he got booted out of here.”
“Well, last I heard, Wallace moved to New York, and he produces the news.”
“I had no idea. Good for him.”
“Yes, it is. For now, we will share Myah, but you have a few candidates to interview next week for your own receptionist.”
“I get a receptionist?”
“Yes, ma’am. Who’s going to take your calls when you are on set or remember the 101 things that you’ll definitely forget?”
“I know, right?” They laughed. Tressa was familiar with the studio. She had been hanging out there since she was a kid, but Tiffany took her around to some of the new sets and introduced her to some of the new people, and then she introduced her to Tracy.
“Hi, Tracy, it’s a pleasure.”
“No, the pleasure’s all mine, Ms. Green.” Tracy had a little more enthusiasm than Tressa cared for so she pulled back her hand before she shook it off her arm. After the day was done, she made it back to her office. She realized she was going to have to purchase some sensible shoes. Her Red Bottoms were hot and stylish, but they hurt like hell. She kicked off her shoes and powered on the iPod Myah had given her that morning. Myah showed her some basic show materials, so she clicked on a few links, and then she stood and went over to the fridge. She knew all the offices were normally stocked with liquor, but her father made sure she had a variety of flavored waters, sports drinks, iced coffees, and juices.
She grabbed a Minute Maid Cran-Grape and went back to her desk. She twisted it open and hit the music link. Myah had shown her how to turn on the wireless speakers, and as soon as she rocked her head to an old Blackstreet cut, “Tonight’s the Night,” a tap on her door frame made her jump.
She had thought everyone was gone. She looked up, and it was Tracy. Surprised to see her, she invited her in and lowered the volume on her sounds. “Hey, Tracy, come on in. I didn’t know anyone was still here.”
“I was on my way out, and I noticed your light.”
“Yes, I’m going to leave in a few moments. I was just trying to take in today’s adventure. I had no idea so much went into producing, and I definitely didn’t know one scene could take that many hours to tape.”
“Yep, it’s a long and stressful job, but I love it.”
“Well, I’m going to learn to love it. I mean, for a long time, I just wanted recognition and a title, but now I see that doesn’t come easy.”
“It doesn’t,” she giggled a little.
“Forgive me, would you like something. If you want liquor I recommend you go to your office, but I have tea, juice, water,” she offered.
“No, I’m fine. I honestly came down to ask you about something nonwork-related.”
Tressa raised a brow. She didn’t know this woman, and she was sure it was going to be a personal question about her addiction. She was about to get up in her business, Tressa thought. Now that she was clean and sober, she was learning to manage her anger in therapy, but Tracy was going to get a tongue-lashing if she stepped into her personal lane. “What about?”
“No, I shouldn’t,” she said waving her hand.
Tressa hated when people did that shit. It was obvious she was in her office after hours for information on something.
“Okay, Tracy, you might as well spit it out. I mean, I just met you today, and I’m sure there isn’t much you don’t know about me. I’m the boss’s daughter, a rehabilitated addict, and my face is still plastered on tabloids, so out with it.”
“Well, I wanted to know how you are able to work with Tiffany, after what she and her husband did to you. I mean, if that were me, I’d still be pissed, and no way I’d want to be anywhere near her. After all, Tiffany . . . she is this . . . this . . .” she stuttered, and then she let out a breath expressing her total distaste for Tiffany. “Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be too forgiving,” she said.
Tressa noticed her fists were balled up when she spoke of Tiffany, and the frown lines in her forehead showed that Tracy was not frustrated with Tiffany over her drama, but she may have had some personal issues as well.
Curious about what she was about, Tressa went with, “You’ve heard the saying, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.’” After she had said those words, the tension eased from Tracy’s face, and she smiled.
“I knew it. I knew you couldn’t possibly like that evil bitch,” she blurted, and Tressa went along with her.
“Well, for my job’s sake, I’m going to play nice.” Tressa was still trying to feel her out, and she definitely wanted to know what Tiffany had done to Tracy to make her so angry.
“Wow, I’m so glad I came to your office. It’s late, but we should get together and have dinner one night. I mean, if you’d like. One thing we both have in common is hating that bitch, right?” she said.
“Well, let’s just
put it this way . . . She won’t be around here long, not if I can help it.”
Tracy smiled brightly. “Yes, you and I definitely need to get together.” She dug in her bag and gave Tressa a card. “I know I’m on the employee roster, but here is my card with my cell phone number. Call me.” She stood. Tressa took the card and gave it a once-over. She assured her she’d buzz her.
Tressa powered off the music, downed her juice, called for her car, and prepared to leave. She headed to the bottom floor, and when her car pulled up, she noticed Tracy was with a very familiar face. It was Colby. He shut the door and hurried around to the driver’s side to get in, and they drove off. “What the hell?” She had been away too long. She was out of the loop, but she declared that she was going to get to the bottom of this bull.
“Where to, Ms. Green?” her driver asked.
“My parents’ estate, Johnny. It’s been a long day. I need a soak, some herbal tea, and the remote.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They exited the TiMax parking lot, and Tressa scrolled through her phone, and every name was trouble. Every name did drugs and drank like a fish. She started from the top again, and there was Amber. She was her only true friend and the only one she knew that was clean and sober and always wanted the best for her. She had written her off and cussed her out like a dog for telling Kory everything behind her back, but that was the past, and she had to call and make peace with her. She hit Send and on the third ring, she answered. “Hello,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry, Amber,” were the first words out of Tressa’s mouth.
Amber said nothing.
“If you don’t want to talk, I understand, but please just hear me out.” Still Amber said nothing. Tressa swallowed hard, and then continued. “I was a dumb-ass addict bitch, and you were my only true friend, and I wasn’t in my right frame of mind back then. No matter how hard I wish I could go back in time and take back all of those horrible things I said to you, I can’t. I love you, Amber, and I miss you. I don’t blame you for blowing the whistle on me. I brought that upon myself, but I know you, and I know you have already forgiven me because you are a soft-ass Sagittarius,” Tressa said, and Amber laughed. Tressa’s burden felt lighter. “I know it could never be the way it used to be, and I don’t want it that way, because how it was, was dysfunctional, but I want my friend back, and I’m sorry for everything, Amber.”
“Me too,” she replied and from there, they talked Tressa’s entire ride home and agreed to meet for lunch the next day.
Thanks, but No Thanks
Episode 5
Colby
He just looked at Tracy from across the table as she continued to try to convince him to join forces with her in her quest to destroy Tiffany. He didn’t understand for the life of him how so many hated Tiffany, and over petty shit.
“Again, Tracy, I’m done with revenge, getting back, and all that jazz. I got so much backlash from the rumors and the scheming I did with Tressa, and I’m not for no more drama. I lost quite a few opportunities behind that mess, and how you got Mike Harrington to even give me the lead was a miracle. My agent was ready to drop me, Tracy, so, no, I won’t be a part of your Destroy Tiffany Richardson Mission. I’m focused on my career, and all that extra shit—nah, I’m not interested.”
“So you’re not the least bit salty about her going back to Kory?”
“I was at first, but you know what? That was the main reason Tressa hired me. To keep her and Kory apart, but that is who she was meant to be with.”
The disappointed look on her face let him know she knew him getting on board with her was out of the question.
“But, Colby—” she said.
“But nothing. Tracy, you are the producer of an amazing show. Grapevine is a kick-ass show. Let that old shit go and move on. So what Tiffany has a handful of shows right now? You will get there, and you can be just as great as she is.”
“I am just as great as she is!” she barked. “As a matter of fact, I’m better. I would be where she is now if she would have never showed up and took my spot. She is where she is today because she took my position at KCLN,” she shot back with venom.
Colby wondered why something that had happened so damn long ago still had her so angry. “Tracy, listen to yourself. News flash . . . Tiffany’s life and fortune is her own. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself this one question?” he said with his index finger held up in the air.
She downed her drink and said. “What question is that, Mr. Grant?”
“What if you had not lost your spot to Tiffany, and you showed up on time, and you joined the Boy Crazy team back then? Would you have had the same success? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll never know the answer to that question, Tracy. You have to let this rage go. You and Tressa are the most vengeful women I’ve ever met in my entire life. The only difference between you and her is you’re not a drug addict.”
She snorted in irritation and waved for the server. “I’m nothing like that cokehead. Tressa had it easy compared to me. I lost everything. I was close to being homeless. By the grace of God, that one show brought me back from damn near living on the streets.”
“So count your blessings, Tracy. Fuck where you almost landed. Almost doesn’t fucking count. Look where you are now, and I promise you if you keep up this madness, it will backfire on you. Trust me, I know.”
“Well, I don’t have a dick, so I don’t get caught up or sidetracked. I just want to knock her off of her high horse. She looks at my face every single day, and do you know that bitch has no clue who I am. She doesn’t even remember me, Colby, and I stood in her face at KCLN the day she stole my spot.”
“Is she supposed to know you, Tracy?”
She opened her mouth to answer, but then the server approached. She ordered them another round, and he promptly shifted the subject to the show. He wanted to work, not get back at anyone. Showing up at that premiere party was the worst mistake other than joining forces with Tressa. Cameras caught Kory’s sucker punch, and the tabloids flipped the script on him like he was some lunatic ex-boyfriend stalking Tiffany and got handled by her new fiancé, and once the media got the leak of the real story of him being paid by Tressa to seduce Tiffany, they ate it up, and every morning he dreaded what would be said next about him.
They tried to say he was on drugs, made comments about him, Tressa, and Stephen, being lovers, all kinds of negative publicity, and his agent was on the verge of dropping him. He managed to hold on to his agent due to contract and legal matters, and then his agent got the call for Grapevine. If he hadn’t landed the lead in Grapevine, he would have been right back where he started from in the very beginning. He was grateful that celeb gossip didn’t last long, and things died down after they confirmed that Tressa hadn’t overdosed and was alive and in rehab.
It wasn’t long before the focus moved from him, Tressa, Tiffany, and Kory to another set of actors, athletes, and stars. He was grateful and had no intentions of speaking to Tiffany again. That day he saw her in the studio, he should have been a little more cordial and maybe apologized again, but the look of panic on her face was his hint not to say a word to her. Little did he know his new producer invited him to her office purposely at that precise time so he could run into them. He didn’t put two and two together until after she confided in him that she hated Tiffany.
“So that’s why you told me to come to your office and not the set. You knew I’d run into Tiffany at that time.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I honestly forgot. I mean, I figured I’d see you on my way down or on set.”
“Yeah, okay,” he said. He instantly regretted signing with Tracy’s show. At dinner that night he made it a point to tell her that he’d never say anything to Tiffany about Tracy hating her, and she promised she’d keep their relationship professional and keep him out of her plans to get back at the other woman. With that, he dropped her home and headed to his place.
Reunited
Episode 6
&nbs
p; Tiffany
Tiffany eyed all the faces that were coming her way at LAX. Finally, after all the begging and pleading, Rose agreed to join her friend out in L.A. Tiffany had tried convincing her over and over again to come out there, but Rose was stubborn and set in her ways. She had turned down Tiffany’s attempts to help her and stayed in Chicago with her sister, but after the fiasco of her sister thinking that her husband and Rose had something going on, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “Rose, over here,” Tiffany yelled out when she saw her friend. They both moved in each other’s direction.
“Tiff, girl, look at you. You look like you’re Hollywood, damn L.A.,” she said, and Tiffany went back in for another hug. She hadn’t seen her best friend since her wedding, and the first thing she noticed is that Rose had put on more than a few pounds. They both had always been a little on the larger side, but Tiffany had managed to maintain a twelve/fourteen, while Rose looked like a twenty or twenty-two, but Tiffany didn’t say anything.
“Girl, stop it, you always trying to blow up my head.”
“No, I’m telling the truth. I’ve gained a million pounds since your wedding, and you still look the same.”
“I see, girl, what have you been doing?” Tiffany said. Since Rose brought it up, she thought it was then okay to address it.
“Hell, depressed, eating, and depressed. No man, no steady work, living in hell with my sister and her husband. And did I say no man?”
“You did, but you are still gorgeous as ever, and like we said before you got here, new beginnings. A new start. What your sister accused you and James of was foul.”
“Yes, but it was time for me to go. I just hope Roslyn and I will be sisters again. She didn’t even want to hear me out, Tiff.”
“I know, Rose.” Tiffany rubbed her arm. “Listen, we’re not going to talk about that right now. We are going to focus on your future. Come on, let’s get your bags. Asia is driving around; she’s going to meet us outside.”