Blissfully Yours (Mills & Boon Kimani)

by Velvet Carter

  “Okay, you got it,” Gabby said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

  Ayana crossed the room and sat on the leopard-print chaise lounge, leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes. Instantly the image of Erick getting down on one knee and proposing appeared. She quickly blinked her eyes open. Ayana couldn’t believe that Ed had arranged for Erick to come back on the show and propose. The whole idea was preposterous. She and Erick had known each other for only a few weeks, not nearly long enough to entertain the notion of marriage. When he’d produced the ring box inside the carriage, she had been taken by surprise. The tape ended right before she’d told him it was entirely too soon for a marriage proposal. She’d told Erick to put the ring back in his pocket, which he had. Of course, Ed had stopped the tape for a dramatic effect, right before she’d told Erick that she wasn’t going to marry him.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Come in!” she called out to let Gabby know it was okay to enter.

  “You can’t hide out in here forever. We’ve got a show to do,” Brandon said, standing in the doorway. His face was void of expression. He spoke in a monotone, displaying no emotion. Ayana had never seen him look this way before, and his coldness scared her.

  She rose from the chaise and went over to him. “Hey, baby, I’m so sorry about that. I...”

  “About what?” he interrupted. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. This is the way you wanted things, isn’t it?” His tone was more robot than human.

  “Brandon, you know I have to go along with whatever Ed has cooked up. He’s all about the shock factor. As far as Erick is concerned, I told him that I couldn’t marry him, but that conversation wasn’t shown,” she explained.

  “You sure did look cozy, hugged up with him on a romantic carriage ride through the park,” he said, giving her a stern look.

  Ayana exhaled hard. Brandon was right. She and Erick had been huddled together like two sardines in a can. There was no denying that Ayana had enjoyed Erick’s company at that time. He was smart, attentive, attractive and rich—a perfect combination. What was not to like? If Erick hadn’t had to abruptly leave the country and return to Switzerland, they would probably legitimately be engaged by now. But Ayana would never admit this to Brandon. Things had changed since then, and Brandon was her man now. She wanted to just forget the past, but the past was alive and well and waiting for her on the set.

  “What the clip didn’t show was me telling Erick that it was too soon for him to propose.”

  “So you’re basically saying that if you had spent more time with him, you’d be engaged or married to the dude,” Brandon countered.

  “No, no! That’s not what I’m saying.”

  “Excuse me. Here’s your aspirin and water,” Gabby said, appearing in the doorway. “And, uh...” She looked from Ayana to Brandon and seemed to sense the tension in the air. “Ed is waiting for you guys. He’s ready to resume taping.”

  “Thanks, Gabby. We’ll be right there,” Ayana said. She turned her attention back to Brandon. “Honey, please don’t misconstrue what’s happening on the set. You know as well as I do that Ed has orchestrated this entire reunion to boost ratings.” Ayana hoped her explanation was enough to soothe Brandon’s insecurities. She watched him intently, looking for a change in his disposition, but the coldness was still present. Ayana didn’t know what else to do. She had explained the clip, but it hadn’t made a difference.

  “We need to get back on set,” Brandon said before turning to leave.

  Once he left, Ayana took the aspirin and adjusted her attitude. She didn’t need to go on set with the feeling of defeat that was lurking in her spirit. She hadn’t swayed Brandon and was feeling horrible that her man had to witness her past exploits. She took a few more sips of water and walked out.

  “Okay, ladies, resume your positions,” Ed said, standing in the middle of the room and giving directions. “Before the break, Erick proposed.” He turned to face Saturday. “Saturday, I’ma need you to express happiness—no, make that total elation—when Erick shows you that gorgeous diamond ring.”

  “Ed, can I talk to you for a second?” Saturday said.

  “Can it wait? We’re running behind schedule.”

  “No, it can’t.” She walked toward the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, away from the rest of the cast, and motioned for Ed to follow her. Once the two of them were out of earshot, Saturday spoke softly. “Why did you bring Erick back?”

  “You two had chemistry, and his return to the show makes perfect sense.”

  “Okay, that might be true, but it makes no sense for him to propose. We haven’t seen each other in months. I know you don’t expect me to accept his ridiculous proposal,” she said, looking across the room at Brandon, who was sitting in his director’s chair and talking on the phone. She wanted to tell Ed that she was in love with Brandon.

  “The proposal isn’t ridiculous and you will accept his ring. Need I remind you that you are under contract, and...”

  “My contract doesn’t say I have to be forced into an arranged marriage,” she countered, standing her ground.

  “No, it doesn’t, and I’m not saying you have to marry Erick, but you will accept the proposal,” he said with clenched teeth. “This twist will hike our ratings. Remember, you are under contract, and the contract states that the show makes the final call on all artistic decisions. And this, missy, is an artistic decision that I’m making. Got it?”

  “Ed, I can’t believe you’re treating me like this after I saved your life...literally,” she said with tears welling up in her eyes.

  “Ayana,” he said, using her real name, “I truly appreciate what you did for me, but your administering CPR has nothing to do with the show. It’s apples and oranges.”

  Ayana couldn’t believe that Ed was being so indifferent and cold toward her. “So, basically, you’re saying it’s all about the show, and you’ll do anything for high ratings.”

  “Ayana, stop acting so offended. What’s wrong with you? You knew what the show was all about when you signed the contract. I need Saturday Knight to show up and show out. Come on. We’ve got a scene to finish,” he said, walking away, leaving her standing there.

  Unfortunately, Ed had total control of the situation. Ayana had no choice but to comply. I can’t wait until this contract is over. I’m leaving the show whether I have a talent agent or not. I can’t take this anymore, she said to herself and reluctantly went back to the set and resumed her persona.

  “Before the break, Erick proposed. Let’s pick it up from there,” Ed said, full of enthusiasm.

  Erick got down on his knee again. “Saturday, will you marry me?” He repeated the exact same words he had used before her coughing spasm forced the break.

  Saturday looked down at Erick and then glanced over at Brandon, who wore a blank expression. She could see Ed out of the corner of her eye mouthing, “Say yes, say yes.” She exhaled, put on a phony smile and said, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Erick took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. He stood up and kissed her on the lips.

  Saturday wanted to throw up. She felt sick to her stomach as his lips touched hers.

  “Let’s see that rock,” Moses said.

  Saturday extended her finger toward the camera.

  Moses leaned forward, looking at the other cast members, and said, “See, ladies. Love doesn’t have a timeline. With some people, it’s love at first sight and they don’t need a long, drawn-out courtship. Isn’t that right, Saturday?”

  “Uh...” She stared at Brandon and said, “You’re absolutely right.” Ayana only hoped that Brandon knew she was talking about him and not Erick.

  “Erick, sit next to your fiancée and tell us if you’ve made any plans for the big day,” Moses said, fueling the fire.

  “As a matter of fact, I have.” Erick turned to Saturday. “My love, I’d like to marry you at The Plaza in a lavish ceremony. We’ll take a horse-dr
awn carriage ride to the hotel as a reminder of where I proposed.” He then turned his attention to the other cast members. “Ladies, we’d love to have you in our wedding.”

  Brooke, Trista and Petra smiled and nodded their heads. Obviously, Ed had made them play along.

  “I would love to stand up for you,” Petra chimed in, smiling and grinning at Erick. She was blatantly flirting with him and ignoring Saturday.

  “So when is the big day?” Moses asked.

  “I’m going to need some time to find the perfect dress. You know I have to be the hottest bride ever,” Saturday said, trying to skirt the issue.

  Moses directed his attention to the camera. “Well, guys, I hate to leave you hanging, but that’s the show for now. Be sure to tune in and follow the ladies as they prepare for Saturday’s big day. Moses Michaels signing off. See ya when I see ya.”

  “Cut!” Brandon yelled.

  “Great show, everyone!” Ed said, clapping his hands.

  Saturday was getting ready to make her way over to Brandon when Erick stepped in her path.

  “Hello, my love. I hope you’re not too shocked at all of this, but Ed said you wouldn’t mind the surprise. I know we haven’t seen each other in a while, but I think we really made a connection, don’t you?”

  Saturday was only half listening to Erick. She was too busy watching Brandon watch them. And Brandon was giving her the evil eye. She could just imagine what he was thinking. “Erick, I’m going to need to talk to you later.”

  As Saturday was making her way over to where Brandon stood, Ed approached her. “Now, that was GREAT television! If we keep up this type of drama, we’ll be sure to beat the competition.”

  Saturday barely heard what Ed was saying. Instead, she was focused on Brandon, who gathered his notes and walked off the set. She wanted desperately to talk to him but kept getting waylaid. Their brief conversation in her dressing room hadn’t convinced Brandon that she wasn’t into Erick, and now she was wearing his ring. She started to go after him but reasoned it was probably better to let Brandon cool off first. I’ll call him later, she thought as Ed continued to sing her praises.

  Chapter 24

  Brandon walked the crowded streets of Manhattan in a state of disbelief. He was oblivious to the people swarming around him as he plodded along, his steps much slower than the rest. He was well aware of Ayana’s duel persona and had accepted her antics as Saturday sparring with the other cast members. But what he couldn’t accept was her being engaged to another man. Brandon didn’t care if the entire proposal was staged. In his opinion, she should have straight-out said, HELL NO, I WON’T MARRY YOU! But she’d smiled and sat patiently while another man slipped a huge diamond ring on her finger. Brandon probably could have accepted the fake engagement if it hadn’t been for the tape. Watching her kiss another man was too much. Not only was she lip-locked with him, but from the looks of it—the way she was hugged up with him—she was enjoying every second of their romantic carriage ride.

  As Brandon walked aimlessly down Broadway, his cell buzzed. He dug the phone out of his jeans’ pocket and looked at the caller ID. It was Ayana. He thought about answering her call but wasn’t ready to talk to her just yet. He was still upset that she had accepted the proposal and needed to wrap his mind around what had happened and what he should do about the situation. He needed time to think. He pressed Ignore and put the phone back in his pocket. Brandon didn’t feel like going home and watching mindless television or staring at the walls. Instead, he walked into an Italian restaurant and went directly to the bar.

  “Hi, what can I get you to drink?” the bartender asked.

  “I’ll have a bottle of Apothic Red.” Brandon planned on being there awhile and didn’t want to bother with ordering one glass of wine after another.

  “Coming right up.”

  While Brandon waited for the bartender to return, he looked around the restaurant. Serafina was packed with the after-theater crowd munching on homemade pizzas, delicious pastas, fresh fish and grilled filet mignon. When the bartender came back, Brandon ordered a thin-crusted margherita pizza to complement the wine.

  As Brandon enjoyed a glass of red wine, he heard someone call his name. He swiveled around on the stool.

  “Hey, B, where the hell have you been?” his friend Jon asked as he walked up to the bar.

  “Hey, Jon, I’ve been meaning to call you.” Brandon hadn’t spoken to his friend since the shooting started for Divorced Divas.

  “Man, you did a vanishing act on a brother. The last time we spoke, you were getting ready for your first day on that reality show with them hot chicks,” Jon said, licking his lips as if envisioning the cast. “So, how’s it going?”

  “What are you doing here? Are you meeting friends?” Brandon asked, ignoring Jon’s question. There was so much to tell that Brandon didn’t know where to start, so he averted the question.

  “Yeah, I’m meeting my new girl, Ashley. I haven’t spoken to you since I met her. Man, she’s so fine it’s ridiculous.”

  “Sit down and tell me how you guys met. You want a glass of wine?”

  When Jon sat down, Brandon motioned for the bartender and asked him to bring another glass.

  “Man, she’s a dancer and is in the ensemble of Kinky Boots, the new Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein musical. She’s so good that she ought to have a starring role,” Jon said, gushing. “We met through mutual friends one night after the show.”

  “Wow, you must really like this woman. I haven’t seen you this excited about somebody in a while.”

  “Well...I wouldn’t say all that.” Jon was a ladies’ man and didn’t like admitting that he was hung up on one woman.

  “Don’t deny it. The way you feel about her is written all over your face.”

  “Okay, okay.” Jon threw up his hands in mock defense. “You got me. It’s true—she might be the one.”

  As they were talking, Brandon’s cell buzzed. He took the phone out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID. It was Ayana calling again. He ignored her call and placed his phone back in his pocket.

  “The one? Wow, I’ve never heard you say that before.”

  “That’s because I’ve never felt this way before. Man, we’re not getting any younger, and I’ve been thinking a lot about settling down.”

  Brandon was floored. Jon, the ladies’ man, was actually serious about one woman. Hearing Jon admit his true feelings made Brandon think about Ayana. He had thought that she was the one, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  “So what about you? Have you been dating?” Jon asked.

  “Sort of.” Brandon didn’t feel like baring his soul and confessing that he had fallen in love with the cast member that Jon had gushed over before Brandon started the show. His and Ayana’s situation had turned complicated, and it would be difficult explaining that his woman was engaged to another man. Besides, clarifying all the details to Jon would expose Ayana’s fake persona, and he wasn’t going to jeopardize what she had worked so hard to conceal.

  “Oh, I see you’re taking a page from my playbook and rotating the ladies,” Jon said, smiling.

  “Well, I wouldn’t say all that.”

  “Come on, man. Don’t be modest. So what if you’re dating multiple women? You’re single and that’s what single men do.”

  But he wasn’t truly single. His heart was with one woman. Even though he was upset with her, he couldn’t deny that he was deeply in love with Ayana “Saturday Knight” Lewis.

  As they were talking, in walked Jon’s girlfriend, Ashley, along with another woman.

  “Hey, there’s my girl,” Jon said, quickly rising from the bar stool and giving Ashley a big hug and kiss. “Man, this is Ashley and her friend Naomi. Ladies, this is my main man, Brandon.”

  “Hello,” the ladies said in unison.

  Brandon shook their hands and offered them the two empty bar stools next to him. He had to admit that Jon was right. Ashley was gorgeous, and so was her friend. They both had
long, lean dancers’ bodies and beautiful faces. Brandon motioned for the bartender and asked him to bring two additional glasses. As he watched the bartender pour the ladies a glass of wine, his phone buzzed. He didn’t bother to take his phone out of his pocket this time. He knew it was probably Ayana calling again.

  “So, how do you guys know each other?” Ashley asked.

  “B and I grew up together in Queens.”

  “That’s ironic. Naomi and I have also known each other since childhood. Ever since we were kids, we both wanted to be dancers. We would put on talent shows in the summer and perform for the neighbors.”

  Brandon turned his attention to Naomi and asked, “How long have you been dancing on Broadway?”

  “This is my first Broadway show. I’ve been all over Europe and Africa learning different techniques and dancing. I recently came back to the States and landed this gig. So what do you do?”

  “I work in television,” he said vaguely.

  “Oh, really? Where?”

  “Brandon is the director for Divorced Divas,” Jon said, answering for his friend.

  “Oh, we love that show!” Ashley and Naomi exclaimed.

  “Those women are so sharp. They dress to the nines. I mean, they are put together from head to toe. Do designers donate clothes for the ladies to wear?” Ashley asked.

  “I have no idea,” Brandon answered.

  “So tell me, is Saturday as much of a diva in person as she is on-screen?” Naomi asked.

  “Yep,” he simply said, not wanting to expound.

  He wanted to quickly change the subject. The last person he wanted to talk about was Saturday. So, noticing the bottle of wine was empty, he ordered another bottle and turned to Naomi. “I’d much rather hear about your work.”

  “There’s really not much to talk about. We dance in the chorus line with hopes of one day having a starring role in a show. That’s basically it. Your job, however, must be so exciting. I mean, you’re the director of a hit TV show. Now, that’s something to talk about. Tell me, who’s your favorite cast member?” Naomi asked, leaning in closer to him. “Saturday is my favorite. She makes the show interesting. You never know what she’s going to say or do. The way she ribs Petra is a hoot. She’s always correcting the poor girl’s English. Give us a scoop.”