by Deja King
Chantal was literally pulling out her hair. She had been trying to call Andre all night and his cell kept going straight to voice mail. He wasn’t answering his home phone and torrid thoughts filled her head of what he might be doing. But Chantal actually hoped he was somewhere having a ménage or fucking some hoochie, anybody but Tyler Blake. The thought of the two of them being together was enough to make Chantal slit her wrists. She was so stressed, she was once again smoking a pack of Newports a day. The tears were now pouring down Chantal’s face as she began embracing the truth; that with all her scheming, this time she had gone too far. Andre didn’t want her anymore. He probably hadn’t wanted her as his woman for a long time. For all these years she had been fooling herself to believe that if she stuck around long enough that Andre would marry her and they would live an ideal life as husband and wife. It seemed overnight all those dreams were crumbling right before her eyes. Right as Chantal was about to finish crying herself to sleep she heard a banging at her front door. She was about to call out to the nanny but quickly remembered that since Melanie had been with her parents for the last week the nanny hadn’t been over. Chantal slowly walked toward the door as the banging got louder and louder. “Who is it?” Chantal asked through her stream of tears.
“Chantal, open up. It’s me, Shari.” Chantal quickly unlocked the door and was alarmed to see her best friend standing before her in worse condition than her.
“What happened to you?” Chantal asked as she grabbed Shari’s arm and pulled her inside. Shari was shaking uncontrollably, all her makeup was smeared and her hair was disheveled, but even with all that going on Chantal managed to see the black eye that decorated Shari’s face. Chantal continued to question Shari, who kept crying and hyperventilating. She sat Shari down on the couch and just held her for a few minutes until she pulled it together. “Shari, it’s okay, I’m here. Everything will be all right.”
“No, it’s not, Chantal. This is the worst day of my life,” Shari muttered.
“Talk to me, tell me what happened.” Shari scooted out of Chantal’s arms and sat in an upright position and began rocking herself back and forth. Her fingers were tapping each other and her face was blank. She looked like someone who had just escaped from the psychiatric ward.
“I spent last night at Chris’s house and when I got home this afternoon I realized I had left my wallet at his house. I kept calling to tell him I was on my way over to get it but he wasn’t answering any of his phones. I decided to just drive over to his crib and when I got there his car was in the driveway so I rang the doorbell. He didn’t answer so I figured he was asleep or doing something and didn’t hear me. Since I know where he keeps the spare key I let myself in.” Before Shari could continue she once again burst into tears. Chantal thought that she pretty much had the rest of the story figured out and once again held her friend.
“Shari, you know how men are. They all cheat and that’s why you can’t go sneaking up on them because nine times out of ten you gonna catch them with the next bitch. It’s going to be okay. Just go max out his credit cards and don’t speak to him for a couple of weeks. That will teach him to be more discreet with his shit.”
“It’s so much worse than that,” Shari babbled with a lost look on her face.
“What, he was with a couple of bitches?”
“No, it’s worse than that. Take a look, you can see for yourself.” Shari handed Chantal her cell phone. At first Chantal didn’t understand why Chantal was handing her the phone until she saw the image on the screen.
“What!” Chantal screamed. “I know you didn’t catch this nigga fucking some dudes! Girl, don’t play with me like that!”
“A picture doesn’t lie.”
“You must be running a joke on me.” Chantal still didn’t want to believe what was staring her right in the face.
“I wish I was.” Shari put her head down and raised her hands to her forehead as though fighting off a migraine. “Chantal, it was so sick. When I walked in the house I didn’t see anybody but I heard the television. I followed the sound and then I heard other sounds, like moaning and grunting. When I finally reached the entertainment room I saw one guy on his hands and knees getting fucked in the ass, then the guy that was fucking him was getting fucked in the ass by Chris. Can you imagine seeing three big black men fucking each other? It was like a big black bus. Then on top of that, the other two guys were his teammates. I’ve seen them at practice before.” Shari sat there shaking her head as if she was fighting to escape the nightmare she’d entered.
“Does Chris know you took this picture?”
“No, he was so caught up in his homo love train that he didn’t even feel my presence until I started going upside his head.”
“I can’t believe this shit. I’m shocked right now and I didn’t think too many things could shock me anymore. Who would have ever thought that fine-ass motherfucker was a dick lover? Now it make sense why when we were at that party all them motherfuckers was all huddled up together and they were keeping all the women behind the rope. I figured they just didn’t want to be bothered with a whole bunch of gold-digging groupies. Them niggas just don’t like pussy! I’m through right now. So what happened to your eye?”
“When I walked in on that bullshit I flipped out. I just ran up to the nigga and started punching him in his face, his back, just everywhere. I was kicking him with my stiletto boots just trying to beat that nigga’s ass. When he finally managed to pull his dick out that other nigga’s ass, he tried to grab my arms and calm me down. I told that motherfucker to let me go before I pulled out my razor and slit his throat. He was still cool and trying to calm me down until I told him I was going to tell everybody that he and his friends were nothing but hairy-ass fairies. That’s when he lost it and punched me in the eye. Girl, I thought he was going to break my neck, so I bolted out of that house. Chris might have some sugar in his tank, but he punches like a straight up dude.”
“Well, girl, did you even leave with what you came for, which was your wallet?” Chantal said with a slight smirk. Both women looked at each other and laughed in unison. They somehow were able to find a moment of laughter in the midst of Shari’s heartache. “But, Shari, seriously, I’m so sorry.”
“I feel so betrayed. He was so good to me and to Alex. I honestly thought he might be the one. That sick son of a bitch was probably lusting after my son.”
“Girl, let’s hope not. I hope he want them at least eighteen and older. But besides his preference for men, he’s going to have to come out his pocket for punching you in your eye. Doesn’t he know that’s how you make your living, off of your pretty face? Fuck that, I’m getting the camera. After we take these photos, you will be meeting with an attorney friend of mine first thing tomorrow morning. If that nigga don’t come off with no serious dough then you will be filing criminal charges. And you got this picture of him being caught in the act. Oh, yeah, he definitely fucked up in the game. He’ll find his dirty secret splashed across every newspaper in America if he fuck around and don’t meet our demands. Shit, this right here is that ‘you better do what I want forever’ type ammunition.”
Chantal knew exactly what she would do once she downloaded the picture to her computer. She would put copies in the same safe that held T-Roc’s tape. Chantal couldn’t help but feel a stitch of excitement knowing she was building a collection against some wealthy and powerful men. “What about protection. Did you all use any?” Chantal asked with arms folded.
“Girl, praise the Lord that we did.”
“Good, but we still going to the doctor after we leave the lawyer’s office. You can never be too safe.” For the first time Chantal wasn’t thinking of her own drama, but instead she was concerned for Shari who was faced with a life-altering dilemma. As she took pictures of Shari’s black eye she thought, for a brief moment, that maybe her life wasn’t so bad after all.
“Tyler, I need to see you in my office ASAP!” Chrissie demanded.
“What’s t
he problem?” Tyler asked, lying in bed with Andre. After the two first made love a few weeks ago they would sneak off as much as possible to be with one another. They were trying hard to keep their relationship under wraps, at least until the film finished shooting. Too much was riding on the movie and neither wanted to jeopardize the project.
“I don’t want to talk about it over the phone so meet me at my office in an hour. Don’t be late, Tyler. This is urgent.” Chrissie hung up the phone. Tyler glided herself on top of Andre to have one last lovemaking session before she went to meet Chrissie.
When Tyler finally arrived at Chrissie’s office two hours late, Chrissie was livid.
“You obviously didn’t take my call seriously or were you so caught up in fucking your leading man that you figured I could wait?” Chrissie’s comment totally threw Tyler off. She stood there with her mouth wide open.
“What are you talking about, Chrissie? I’m confused right now.”
“Tyler, you’re talking to me—save the theatrics for the movie screen. Take a look at these and then start your monologue over again.” Chrissie threw an envelope on her desk and pulled out the pictures of Tyler and Andre making love in the studio. Tyler was stunned.
“Where did you get these?” Tyler shouted, as if blaming Chrissie for their existence.
“Honey, I didn’t take the pictures so don’t yell at me,” Chrissie hissed. “But I mean really, Tyler, on the stage at the studio? You could’ve at least gotten a room.”
“Shut up. I’m not in the mood for your sarcasm. These pictures had to be taken the night of that terrible storm and Andre and I were locked inside for hours. That whole evening seemed bizarre, and now it makes sense. Somebody set us up.”
“That’s pretty obvious, Sherlock, the question is who,” Chrissie wailed.
Tyler looked at Chrissie like she was one step from punching her in the mouth.
“Listen, smart-ass, this is the exact reason I had William hire you, for damage control purposes.”
“Yeah, that’s a given. But, damn, Tyler, you didn’t say I would be putting out forest fires the minute I started the job. It seems like yesterday you told me you had the hots for this guy and now you’re in a full-fledged lust affair. Maybe you need to slow down.”
“This isn’t a lust affair, Chrissie. I’m in love with him.”
“I hate to break this to you, but sweetheart you definitely have Daddy issues. From the day I met you, you always get involved in these unhealthy relationships and you swear you’re in love.”
“This time is different.”
“Different how, because it’s a new man? This isn’t about just having fun anymore, Tyler, we’re talking about your career. William will hit the roof if he gets wind of this.”
“I know. That’s why Andre and I have been very discreet. We’re not going public with our relationship until after the film has finished shooting.”
“Obviously your plan isn’t working. These photos landed on my desk. Who else’s do you think they’re on?”
“So you think I should come clean with William about my relationship with Andre?”
“Hell no! I’m going to get to the bottom of this and see what the person who sent these photos is after. I know I can’t tell you to stop seeing Andre because you wouldn’t listen anyway, but Tyler please be careful. Someone is out to get you and until we find out who and why you have to watch your back.”
The minute Tyler left Chrissie’s office, the only person she wanted to see or talk to was Andre. Although she knew she should’ve listened to Chrissie and put a little distance between them, her heart said otherwise. Tyler immediately jumped in her car and drove right back to whom she now considered the love of her life.
After Tyler stormed out of her office, Chrissie scanned the photos again. One photo was a close-up of the pair interlocked, with their eyes full of passion. There was no doubt in Chrissie’s mind that the two were in love—it was written all over their faces. This was the sort of love that Tyler had always dreamed of having but she had never felt optimistic in her quest. Now that it seemed within reach, Chrissie just prayed that Tyler wouldn’t destroy her life in a bid to hold on to it.
T W E L V E
Tears on My Pillow
T-Roc had been putting his plan in motion the moment Chantal left New York to go back to Chicago a few weeks ago. She gave him the ammo necessary to know what direction to go in. Knowing that Andre had feelings for Tyler was just the type of information T-Roc needed to set the stage for a full-blown disaster.
“Did you deliver the package?” T-Roc asked the man he had hired to take the pictures of Tyler and Andre, and make sure they landed on Chrissie Ingram’s desk.
“Yes sir, I made sure it was there to greet her first thing this morning,” the man answered proudly.
“Wonderful, I’ll handle everything from here. But still, watch Tyler. Any picture you can get with her and Andre in a compromising position is money in the bank.”
T-Roc then placed his second call for the next step in his game plan. “Chantal baby, how are you?”
“T-Roc, I’ve left you over a million messages. Where have you been?” Chantal asked, frustrated that T-Roc was just now calling her back.
“I guess that means you missed me?” T-Roc stated confidently.
Chantal wasn’t in the mood to toot T-Roc’s horn. Yes, she enjoyed his company in New York and his sex game was crazy but it was what it was . . . a fuck. Her focus still remained on Andre and that’s what she wanted to discuss.
“Of course you’ve crossed my mind, especially since you given me no clue as to what is going on.”
“Baby, I apologize. I’ve been busy but I do have some news for you. But before we get to that, have you heard from Andre?”
“Only a couple of times, and it was primarily to see how Melanie is doing. So tell me what you know, T-Roc,” she said eagerly.
“Well, pretty girl, I hate to break it to you but he’s probably not calling because he is too busy romancing Tyler. My spies tell me they are pretty hot and heavy.” Chantal felt as if T-Roc had just plunged a knife through her heart. It took her five minutes just to respond to T-Roc’s statement.
“Chantal, are you there?” T-Roc asked, hoping she hadn’t committed suicide with him on the phone.
“Yeah, I’m here. How long has this been going on?”
“For a few weeks now.”
“Why are you just now telling me, T-Roc? I could’ve done something to try and stop it,” Chantal said, sounding all choked up.
“I actually only just confirmed the information. I didn’t want to tell you about rumors that may not be true. But, Chantal, whether I told you now or a few weeks ago there was nothing you could do to stop it. When two people are in love no one can keep them apart.” T-Roc was purposely laying it on thick. He knew what a firecracker Chantal was and wanted to push every button precisely to send her postal. It also bruised his ego knowing that even though he put it down on Chantal she was still more concerned about mending her relationship with Andre.
“In love? You think they’re in love?” Chantal repeated.
“Listen, pretty girl, I know you have a lot to digest but try to relax. It must be devastating to know that the man you were planning on marrying and spending the rest of your life with is now playing house with a Hollywood starlet. You’re still young and you have a beautiful daughter who loves you. In time this pain will pass. And if you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here,” he added. “But Chantal, I’m late for a meeting. I just wanted to give you a call and let you know about Andre and Tyler before the media broke the news. Call me if you need me.” When T-Roc hung up the phone he had a gigantic smile spread across his face. He was setting the ball in motion for Andre’s downfall. Now all he had to do was let William catch Tyler and Andre in the act.
Chantal dropped the phone and couldn’t even finish the French toast she was looking forward to eating just a few minutes ago. Her appetite was completely lost. F
or the last week her mind had been so focused on helping Shari through her traumatic experience that she didn’t have much time to dwell on her dwindling relationship with Andre. Now with one phone call all that had changed. It seemed the strength that she had recently tapped into was completely sucked out by T-Roc. If he was right, and Tyler and Andre were in love, then that meant the end.
Tyler raced to Andre’s house to share the conversation she had had with Chrissie. She hoped he could give some insight as to who would want to expose their relationship. It obviously wasn’t the tabloids because the pictures would’ve already been on the front cover of every magazine weeks ago. Tyler knew whoever was behind it spent a lot of energy devising their plan, which made it that much scarier.
“Baby, what are you doing back here?” Andre asked Tyler as he let her into the house.
“Andre, someone is fucking with us.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked seriously.
“Remember that night we went to the studio for the meeting and no one showed up but us?”
“How can I forget? That was the first night we made love.”
“Yeah, and we thought it was a big coincidence, with the storm, the lights going out, and getting locked in the studio for all those hours. Well, of course no one can control mother nature so we can’t blame anyone for the rain, but someone locked the door on purpose and set up the faulty meeting.”
“How do you know?”