Secret Relations: Women in Hollywood, Book 1

by Sheila M. Goss

  “You didn’t look at the card?” Charlotte had a puzzled look on her face.

  “They must have come in when I was out for lunch. I didn’t even know they were on your desk.”

  “Remember, Darryl?”

  “Yes, I remember you telling me about the jerk.”

  “His name is on the card. I don’t want anything he’s sending. If he calls, do not pass his call through.”

  Charlotte’s phone rang. “Hello.”

  “A voice like an angel,” a male voice said from the other end.

  “Hold on.” Charlotte looked at Felicia. “Please take them. Trash them, whatever.”

  “I’ve got this.” Felicia left the room with the bouquet of flowers.

  Charlotte took the phone off hold. “Thanks for holding.”

  “I see you haven’t changed.”

  “Who is this?” Charlotte sat back down behind her desk.

  “You’re not going to thank me for the flowers. How rude?” Darryl laughed and then abruptly stopped.

  “Why are you calling me?”

  “I’ve missed you. I’ll be in town for the Music Video Awards and wanted to see if we could get together and have dinner.”

  “Darryl, let’s not pretend we’re old friends. You’ve been to LA countless times but haven’t tried to reach out to me before. So what makes this trip different?”

  “I’m trying to make amends with those I’ve wronged. Aren’t you going to allow me to do that?” he asked.

  “I forgive you. So you can take me off the list and go call someone else that you need to apologize to.”

  “Still feisty. Just the way I remembered you.”

  “Look. I have a business to run so I don’t have all evening to talk with you. Is there another reason for your call?” Charlotte asked.

  “No, that was it. Thank you for forgiving me. And I forgive you too.”

  “Surely, you’re delusional because I never did anything to you.”

  “You broke my heart. And for some, that’s unforgiveable.”

  “Bye, Darryl. You’re still full of it.”

  Charlotte hung up the phone. Her nerves were a little rattled. He was the last person she expected to hear from. It had been five years and unfortunately, he still had some affect over her.

  Charlotte attempted to concentrate on her work, but hearing from Darryl brought back old bitter memories. It reminded her of a time when she was young, naive and trusting. Trusting Darryl almost ruined her.

  Hours had passed and Charlotte hadn’t finished anything on her to-do list. She turned off her computer, grabbed her purse and keys and left the office. She drove around with no destination in sight. She needed to clear her head.

  Sean attempted to reach Charlotte by calling and texting her. He’d gotten no responses. He’d contacted Felicia to see if Charlotte had any events scheduled she knew about. She confirmed that the only event she had was the luncheon from earlier.

  It was now after eight o’clock. This time after not getting a response, Sean hopped in his SUV and drove directly to her place.

  He felt relieved when he saw her car parked in front of her house. He rang the doorbell and didn’t get a response. He banged on the door.

  Charlotte opened the door. “Sean, what’s your problem? I was in the bathroom. I was coming.”

  “Is everything okay?” Sean asked. His eyes scanned over her body.

  She was wearing a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. Physically she looked fine.

  “Yes. I just needed some alone time.”

  “You could have sent a quick text saying that,” Sean said.

  They walked to the living room. “I didn’t realize I needed to check in with you or anyone else.”

  “You saw my texts. So it would have been the right thing to do.” Sean tried to control his temper. Charlotte’s actions were grating on his nerves. She sat on the couch. She crossed her legs up under her. Sean sat near her.

  “I’m not in the mood to argue with you,” Charlotte whined.

  “I drove all the way over here to check on you and you’re the one with the attitude?”

  “Look at me. I’m fine. So now you can ease your conscience and hop back in your truck and go back to your side of town. Charlotte is fine. Believe that.”

  Sean looked at Charlotte. He wasn’t going anywhere. “This attitude of yours has nothing to do with me. What happened today to put you in a foul mood? I don’t want to hear, ‘nothing’ either.”

  Charlotte moved her legs and placed them on the floor. “I really don’t want to talk about it.”

  Sean scooted closer to Charlotte. He picked up her hand and held it. “We promised to communicate with one another. If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I won’t know how to help you fix the problem.”

  “Darryl’s my problem. Okay, are you satisfied?” Charlotte hopped up off the couch. She stood in front of the television and walked back and forth.

  Charlotte shared with him the conversation she had with Darryl.

  “Baby, he didn’t say anything out of order. He called to apologize. I don’t understand why you’re acting like this,” Sean said.

  “Because I don’t trust him. It’s been five years since we’ve talked. If we’re at the same event, it’s like we both go the opposite way to avoid one another. Why after five years is he reaching out and trying to be all friendly? No, he’s up to something and I don’t know what it is. I’ve worked too hard for him or anyone else to interfere.”

  Sean got up and walked over to Charlotte and wrapped his arm around her waist to stop her from walking. “Calm down. You’ve got me now. If he tries to do anything to harm you, I will take care of him personally.”

  “I’m so used to taking care of everything myself. I’m glad I have you.” Charlotte squeezed him tight.

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Sean convinced Charlotte to go with him to the MVA. He’d also given her extra tickets so she invited Jason, Felicia, Mona and Kem. Charlotte brought her dress with her to the office because she knew she wouldn’t have time to drive home, shower and change. She tuned in to a jazz station, relaxed a little prior to getting ready. Time flew by and before long it was time for her to get ready. She closed and locked her office door and got dressed.

  Charlotte looked at the full-length mirror and was satisfied with her look. The exquisite black knee length evening gown revealed her cleavage. The sequined pattern wrapped around the waist area. The bottom of the evening gown flared out and was decorated with glittering accents on chiffon material. She wore three inch sequined heels.

  Felicia knocked on the door and yelled from the other end. “The car’s downstairs.”

  “I’m coming.” Charlotte locked her big handbag in her bottom drawer of her desk. She picked her small black clutch purse and phone. She locked her office door and went to meet Felicia and Jason in the lobby.

  “Don’t you look beautiful,” Charlotte said to Felicia.

  Felicia wore a long red fitted halter dress. “Thanks and so do you. Looking like Cinderella.”

  “Let’s hope the clock doesn’t strike twelve because I sure don’t want to turn into a pumpkin,” Charlotte joked.

  Jason cleared his throat. “I’m waiting.”

  “You look good too. But you didn’t need either one of us to tell you that.” Charlotte loved picking on Jason.

  “I know. I just like hearing it.” Jason laughed.

  A few minutes later, they were seated in the back of the limousine eating hors d’oeuvres and drinking champagne.

  “When Sean said he was sending a car over, I didn’t know he was providing us food too,” Felicia said.

  “He can be thoughtful,” Charlotte acknowledged.

  They ate while en route to the theater. Charlotte received a text message from Mona to inform her th
ey would meet them there.

  “Look at all the people,” Jason noted.

  “Sean wants us to walk the red carpet with him. It’s going to get hectic but remember, we need to stay close together.”

  “I can’t believe it. My first red carpet,” Felicia said, attempting to hold back her excitement.

  The driver opened the partition window. “Mr. Sean Maxwell is behind us.”

  Charlotte looked at Jason and Felicia. “Y’all ready?”

  Jason looked at Felicia. “Smile. People will be taking your picture because they think you’re famous. Don’t worry that you’re not. Just act like it.”

  Felicia smiled.

  The driver opened the door. Jason got out first. He held his hand out. Felicia exited the limousine next. Charlotte gripped her handbag and carefully exited the limousine.

  She looked towards the back of the limousine. Sean, in his signature all black designer suit, looked as if he could have walked off the pages of GQ Magazine. The cameras loved him. Everyone wanted to snap a picture of him and wanted to interview him.

  Charlotte and Sean’s eyes locked. He walked through the crowd of camera operators and over to where Charlotte, Felicia and Jason stood. He hugged Felicia first and shook Jason’s hand. He hugged Charlotte and whispered in her ear, “You look stunning.”

  Charlotte blushed.

  “Come on, let’s go. The show will be starting soon,” Sean said.

  One of Sean’s bodyguards helped lead the way. Charlotte walked a few inches behind Sean. Sean insisted that they all get in the picture during some of his photo opportunities. His hand seemed to find itself wrapped around Charlotte’s waist.

  Charlotte smiled and posed for more pictures than she cared for. Her phone vibrated. The text alerted her that Mona and Kem were also on the red carpet. Some of the entertainment reporters knew Kem, so they were trying to get her to share the scoop on some of her shows.

  The ushers guided them to their seats. “These are good seats,” Felicia remarked.

  “I’m sitting on the end because I have to perform and present,” Sean said. “Of course, you all know who’s sitting next to me.”

  They all grinned and took their seats.

  Sean leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I can’t wait to get you home tonight.”

  “Sean.” Charlotte kicked him on the bottom of his leg.

  “Ouch,” Sean said, but never stopped smiling. “You’re going to pay for that.”

  “I look forward to it.” Charlotte couldn’t resist. She had to admit it felt good having Sean by her side.

  Chapter Fifty

  Sean wooed the crowd with his sultry voice. The fans located near the front screamed out his name. Even with the bright lights shining in his face, Sean zoomed in on Charlotte. He kissed his two fingers and blew the kiss her way. She would know it was meant for her.

  Sean walked off stage. The producer of the awards show met him backstage. “We’re at commercial break now. We want you to present the next award. Do you think you can be ready when the commercial break ends?”

  “Don’t see why not,” Sean said.

  Taylor handed him a bottle of water. He took a quick gulp of it. He used the towel Taylor handed him and wiped the sweat from his forehead and off his neck and shoulders.

  Taylor helped him put his suit back on.

  The producer walked back over. “We need you at the podium.”

  “Coming,” Sean responded. He buttoned his shirt and tucked it in while he walked towards the stage. “Parris, glad they paired me with you.”

  They hugged each other. Sean held her hand and they walked out on stage together. Everyone enjoyed the playful banter between the two of them.

  “The MVA Best New Female Artist of the Year award goes to,” Sean said.

  Parris read the name on the hand held notebook and said, “Venus.”

  Sean yelled, “Congratulations, Venus.”

  The excited R & B singer came to the stage and accepted her award.

  Sean remembered when he won his first MVA. He was so nervous that he started thanking everyone. They had to play the music on him and one of the presenters escorted him off the stage.

  During the next commercial break, he went and took his seat. The producers didn’t like people walking around during filming, especially at live events such as this one.

  Parris and Sean won the award for best collaboration. Sean let Parris speak first. He then spoke. “I want to thank God for giving me the gift of song. To Parris for agreeing to help me out on this track. Give it up for Parris y’all.” Sean clapped and the audience clapped. He went on to say. “I want to thank my sister, Marie, who couldn’t be here tonight. Special shout out to my girl who’s always got my back. Thanks to Team Sean, Charlotte, Jason, Felicia, Bobby, Taylor. And last, but not least, to my fans.” He kissed the statue. “This one is for all of you.” He held the statue in the air towards the balcony.

  The fans in the balcony screamed.

  He looped his arm through Parris’ arm and they walked off the stage to take pictures and be interviewed by some of the entertainment reporters and bloggers.

  “I don’t want to miss the remainder of the show so I’ll be giving interviews once the show is over,” Sean said.

  When the show ended, Sean led his group of people to the back of the theater. He turned to Charlotte. “I don’t know how long this will take.”

  “I’m fine,” Charlotte stated. “I see other clients here, so I’ll mix and mingle.”

  “You are going to the Rave party with me aren’t you?” Sean asked.

  “Let me check with everyone else and let you know.”

  That wasn’t the answer he was looking for. Sean walked away and went to the press booth. One of the bloggers asked, “Sean, everyone wants to know who the mystery woman is. We never see her face.”

  “Are you sure she exists?” Sean smiled. “Next question.”

  Another blogger asked, “Is it true you fired your last assistant because she was stealing from you?”

  “No, that’s a rumor,” Sean answered. “Next.”

  Sean spent the next fifteen minutes answering questions. “Sorry, ladies and gentleman. I have to give time for the next person.”

  He waved as he saw the flash from several cameras and phone devices.

  Charlotte and Parris were laughing about something. When he walked near them, they stopped. “Let me in on the joke. I want to laugh too,” Sean said.

  “Girl talk. You wouldn’t understand.” Parris winked her right eye. “There’s Casper. I’ll see the two of you later.”

  “Tell Casper, I’ll be ready to record next week as promised.”

  “Text him later. I’m not delivering any messages.”

  “She’s so wrong,” Sean said, as he watched Parris walk away.

  “You know she’s going to tell him. She loves messing with you,” Charlotte said.

  “I get no respect.”

  “I respect you, honey,” she teased, as she playfully hit him.

  “Where’s everyone else?”

  “They all bailed out on us. Looks like it’s just you and me.”

  “Let’s get this party started,” Sean said. He started dancing.

  “Come on, silly, I’m riding with you.” Charlotte walked away with Sean fast on her heels admiring the view she presented.

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Charlotte and Sean went to several industry parties. They mixed and mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. Charlotte stood near the bar while Sean took pictures with some of his colleagues.

  “That black sure looks good on you.” Charlotte recognized the voice.

  Darryl was the last person she wanted to see. She stared into the face of pure evil. She turned to walk away but he grabbed her arm. She jerked it away. She
took a few, deep breaths and then she turned around to face Darryl.

  The party was in full swing and people were passing by. They stood closer to each other than Charlotte wanted.

  “Darryl, what you’re doing could be considered harassment.”

  Darryl laughed. “Like you harassed me all those years ago.”

  Charlotte had enough of feeling like a victim. “We both know that’s a lie.”

  “You broke my heart and used me to further your career.”

  Charlotte felt her veins popping out of her forehead. “Stop with the lies. Your ego got deflated when I ended an engagement you really didn’t want in the first place.”

  “It’s the way you ended it. You could have come to me and let me be the one to end things.”

  “Are you serious? I was supposed to let you humiliate me more than you’d already done? God only knows how many women you slept with while we were together.”

  “I’m sorry. What more do you want me to say?” Darryl asked.

  “You tried to ruin me. You made me feel like crap with your constant belittling of me. I got fired from my job because of you. Should I go on?” Charlotte now stood with her arms folded.

  “Can you keep it down? People are beginning to look our way.”

  “If you don’t leave me alone, I’m going to get even louder. I’m sure since you’re now up for president of one of the largest record labels in the country, you wouldn’t want a scene. Yes, Darryl, I’ve been keeping up with you too. So don’t call me, don’t email me, definitely don’t stop by my office or I will tell everyone you’re a bully.”

  “No one’s going to believe you.”

  “The mere fact there’s a possibility can ruin you. So try me if you want to.” Charlotte crossed her arms.

  Sean walked behind her. “Everything okay here?”

  “Sean, my man. What’s up?” Darryl reached out to get a handshake.

  “No, man. We’re not cool.”

  Darryl looked at Sean and then at Charlotte. “Oh, it’s like that. Peace, I’m out.” Darryl walked away.

  “What was that all about?” Sean asked.