What the Heart Wants ; Sealed with a Kiss

by Donna Hill

  “Dammit!”

  Tyson needed to thank Kendall. The fact that yesterday was a monumental day for her wasn’t lost on him. There was so much for her to celebrate: a successful performance resulting in the standing ovation, an amazing tribute and her first BTV award. Instead, she seemed more concerned about helping him forget his problems. Tiffany would have never done that. That would have required Tiffany to think of someone’s needs besides her own. She probably would have pouted and yelled at him for not praising her accomplishments enough.

  He wondered what Kendall was doing. The cable box reflected an early afternoon hour. It was typical for him to wake at such a time after a late night out. Was Kendall a night owl or morning person? Was she just rolling over, blocking the sunlight with an eye mask and fluffy pillow, or had she been up for hours? Was she a wild sleeper? Did she sleep in silky lingerie, comfy cotton loungers, footie pajamas? Or in the nude? Tyson wanted to know these and other intimate details.

  The next time he was graced with the privilege of being in her presence, he needed to exchange numbers with her. But now that the awards show was over, when would that happen? Before this their paths had hardly ever crossed. Filming would start for the biopic in a few short weeks, but he was no longer the producer. As the CEO, there was no real reason for him to be on set. Besides, the studio was in a different part of the city from his office.

  All Tyson knew was that he had to see her again. He’d find a way.

  Chapter 15

  Only a sliver of the sun had made its way over the horizon when Kendall woke. Jade and Nixon had made it back to New York, and it was now the first day of filming for the Jocelyn James biopic. Kendall wanted to get to the studio early. Word of her being selected to play Jocelyn had been carefully rolled out to the media, and Randi was already fielding requests for interviews. This, along with the rave from all the great reviews of her performances at the awards several weeks ago, her win and the fashion critics’ praise of her ensemble on the red carpet, had replaced the speculations surrounding her breakup with Storm. Once again, Kendall was happy to see her name in the headlines.

  Kendall just wished she knew who her new costar was going to be. Now that Tyson was CEO, a new producer had taken over the film project. Right out of the gate, he made several casting changes. She assumed that was his way of making his mark as the new guy in charge. Several people whom she’d looked forward to working with had been cut. Such was the nature of Hollywood.

  Curiosity nagged at Kendall. She wanted to know who her new costar was going to be. Based on the script, Jocelyn had one hell of a life story, riddled with family drama, tragedy, scandal and heartbreak. It was a boyfriend with friends in the music industry who’d encouraged her to use her beautiful voice to escape the tribulations that life had dealt her. When it looked like her career would actually take off, he became jealous and abusive. She’d fled to the respite of her manager, who’d secretly loved her. Their story was one of a deep, hard love that helped Jocelyn overcome her tumultuous life.

  Kendall knew the love scenes would be intense, and this was her first major role, so she had to give it her all. It would be awkward for her at first. This she knew, but she’d have to work on becoming comfortable in her role rather quickly in order to master it and give her best performance. She hoped to have good chemistry with her costar and the rest of the cast, but she’d be sure to let him know, whomever he turned out to be, that she was all business. Their on-screen romance would cease to exist once the cameras stopped rolling. She intended to make that undoubtedly clear.

  Kendall was happy for Tyson’s latest accomplishment, becoming CEO, but was admittedly equally disappointed that he would now have less involvement with the film. She had looked forward to seeing him pop in on the set and wondered if he would have accompanied them to the on-location shoots in New York, Paris and the village in Africa where they were scheduled to film.

  Thinking of Tyson made her think of the night they’d hung out at the lounge after the awards show. She hadn’t spoken to him since, but now she wondered how he was doing. She’d watched Tiffany’s interview in its entirety and had to admit that it didn’t paint Tyson in a very kind light. From the way Tiffany answered the interviewer’s questions, she could tell that she was a master manipulator. She allowed the host lots of room to plant seeds of speculation, and instead of setting any records straight, she let those very seeds fester and grow like weeds. Not once had Tiffany defended any of the crazy conclusions the woman drew. At times, her only response was a Cheshire Cat smirk. When she wasn’t smirking, she played the wounded victim, fat crocodile tears dripped from her beautiful face. Kendall couldn’t deny that Tiffany was gorgeous. Had she been born with those boobs that stood at attention right under her chin? What did it matter? The camera loved her, and so did the media. And Tiffany loved the camera right back.

  At the point where Kendall began to pay more attention to Tiffany’s beauty and less to what she was saying, she looked down at her worn but incredibly comfortable tank top, boy short panties and bare legs as she sat cross-legged in the center of her bed. She laughed but put down the cup of ice cream she’d been enjoying and never went back to it.

  Off camera, Kendall wasn’t the glamour girl that her public might have expected. Though she relished the finer things in life, she equally appreciated many of the simplicities life had to offer. The greater public probably didn’t even realize that she had freckles, ones that she absolutely adored because she had inherited them from her maternal grandmother. They hadn’t seen the natural curls that settled just past her shoulders, since her tresses had always been covered by overzealous wigs and weaves or pressed to perfection to hang sleekly down the sides of her oval face. Making the shift to the public’s Kendall was easy and she liked keeping the real Kendall to herself, just like her sanctuary in Temecula. Those sacred spaces were hers and hers alone.

  Thinking back to the interview, by the time it was over, she had felt for both Tiffany and Tyson. Tiffany because she assumed that something tragic must have led to her unscrupulous ways, and Tyson because he’d allowed her a glimpse into the pain that Tiffany’s dodgy behavior caused. Hopefully, she’d see him soon enough. He had been fun to hang with. Maybe they could actually become real friends.

  The sun had yet to make a full ascent. Kendall took a long shower, made a green smoothie and bulked it up with flax seeds and vanilla-flavored protein powder. That would keep her satisfied until she’d need a snack and it was much better than ice cream. Of course, there would be plenty of food on set for the actresses. And since she was playing the lead, she’d surely have her very own trailer and people ready to serve at her every beck and call.

  “Look, Mama! I made it!” Kendall held her arms out at her side and spun around. Grace was smiling down at her from heaven. She was sure of it.

  The drive over to the famous studios was quick. The guard at the security gate took her ID, examined it and handed it back with a smile.

  “Welcome, Ms. Chandler.” She pulled out a map and directed Kendall to the appropriate set for the film, congratulated her on her win at the BTV Awards and sent her off with a cheerful smile.

  The drive into the studio felt like she was rolling along through a dream. The haze was real, though, compliments of the fog that had yet to be burned off by the fullness of the sun. She was a child riding through the adult version of Disneyland. That’s what the studio resembled, with immaculate structures done so well they actually looked like the real locations from across the country. Kendall pulled up to a parking lot and immediately noticed a spot with her name posted on a sign. She gasped, covered her mouth and blinked several times to keep the tears at bay. She hadn’t expected to be overcome with emotion. Kendall was used to VIP treatment, but this was new—this was part of a lifelong vision. It was one thing to imagine something so much that it felt real, but it was a whole different thing to actually experience it happening in real lif
e. Once again, she wished she could pick up the phone to tell her mother all about it. Dad would be excited too of course, but it wasn’t the same.

  Several other actors had arrived as well. The crew was setting up, gathered in groups discussing design and whatever else they talked about. Adrenaline rushed through her veins. Kendall wanted to skip but managed to hold her posture. A stagehand approached and greeted her.

  “Hi, Ms. Chandler. Congratulations on your win.” The petite brunette with the pretty face held out her hand. Her shake was firm, all business.

  “Thank you and good morning.”

  The young woman smiled in a way that let Kendall know she hadn’t expected her response.

  “You’re very welcome and very nice. I love your latest album, by the way. I’ve been following you since your first release.”

  “Oh. Well, thanks again.”

  The woman’s smile grew wider, if that were possible.

  “I’ll show you to your trailer.”

  “Thanks.” Inside she squealed, but outside she was as dignified and cool as a smooth cocktail. This would be the first time she’d have her own trailer. Kendall couldn’t wait to see inside.

  The young woman opened the door to let Kendall in.

  With one foot on the step, Kendall turned back to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”

  “Wow. Maddie. My name is Maddie. I don’t usually get asked.”

  Kendall sighed. “Really?” She never wanted to become one of those celebrities who made people feel invisible.

  “I’ll go ahead and get out of your way. Let me know if you need anything at all, Ms. Chandler.”

  “Thank you, Maddie. I will.”

  Kendall entered the large trailer with her name scribbled on the door. Inside, the decor was a contemporary mix of chic simplicity, almost as if she’d designed it herself. In the rear there was a queen-size bed covered with a pale blue-and-cream duvet. A plush, gray area rug spread under the bed, extending on both sides. Kendall plopped down on the bed and fell back.

  “Oh!” she moaned. “So comfortable.”

  Back toward the front was a corner dining table large enough for about four people topped with a vase filled with white lilies, Kendall’s favorite flower. Besides being beautiful, they were the only flowers whose sweet scent didn’t remind her of her mother’s funeral. Next to the table was a small kitchenette, two sleek love seats with pillows that looked like the stuffing was wrapped in an eclectic piece of art, and basically a full-size refrigerator, not a minifridge like in the trailer she’d shared with fellow cast members on the other film she’d worked on briefly.

  Kendall opened the refrigerator and saw that it was filled with fresh fruit, containers of mixed greens, a bag of spinach, a bottle of French vanilla creamer and glass bottles of alkaline water. The freezer held bags of frozen fruit. Interesting. All of these were things Kendall would have packed herself. When she turned around, she noticed a high-speed emulsifier on the counter and a beautiful wooden box filled with small canisters of exotic loose-leaf teas. It was like someone had set up the trailer with all of her favorite things.

  Just then her phone rang. It was Randi.

  “Hey!”

  “What’s up, chickie?”

  “Things are great. I see you had them add all my favorite things to my trailer. Good job, Randi.”

  “Get used to it. We’re going all the way to the top, doll!”

  “Yes, we are, dammit! Ha!” A knock at the trailer door interrupted their laughter. “Hold on a sec, Randi.”

  Kendall opened the door, expecting to see Maddie. Instead, she came face-to-face with Tyson.

  Chapter 16

  Tyson paused when he looked at Kendall. He could read the surprise in her eyes. She wasn’t expecting to see him.

  “Um...let me call you back.” Kendall said and touched her screen before looking up at Tyson. “Hello.” Kendall’s greeting sounded more like a question.

  “Good morning, Kendall.”

  Both fell quiet for several moments. In those seconds, Tyson took Kendall in again. It had been a while since he’d last laid eyes on her. She wore no makeup this time. He hadn’t noticed her freckles before. The brown specks sprinkled across the bridge of her nose and over her cheeks all seemed perfectly placed. Her hair, which was usually perfectly coiffed without a single strand out of place, was pulled into a loose bun piled at the top of her head. Several loose waves hung down around her neck and temple, giving her a sexy, messy appeal. Clear gloss made her full lips look slick. Tyson fought the urge to press his lips against hers. Standing before him in a fitted T, jeans and sandals that glittered, Kendall looked just as sexy as she had in a floor-length fitted gown. He couldn’t ever remember seeing Tiffany without makeup.

  “Oh. Uh. Come on in.” Kendall stepped aside. “I’m glad you came by. I thought about you.”

  “So, you were thinking about me?” Tyson couldn’t help his smile.

  “Oh!” Kendall rolled her eyes. “Don’t let your head get all big. These trailers only have so much room. Come on.” Kendall led him to the lounge area. They sat on the sofa. “What’s up?”

  “I wanted to say thank you.”

  Kendall held up her hand. “Hold that thought for just one sec. I’m a horrible host.” She shook her head at herself. “Would you like something to drink? I have water, coffee, tea?”

  “No. I’m fine. I won’t be here long at all.”

  “Okay. Now, you were saying...thank you? For what?”

  “For helping me to get out of the funk I was in that night. I appreciate your concern, and I’m glad I hung out with you and your cousin.”

  “Yeah! That was fun, wasn’t it? It’s been a while since I just simply had fun. It’s always work, work, work. I think we both needed it.”

  “I think you’re right.” Tyson paused, letting his next question marinate for a moment. “I’d love to hang out with you again.”

  Kendall sat expressionless. She let his statement fall into the silence. Tyson watched her swallow and then clear her throat. He waited, refusing to rescue her from the quiet that thickened and filled the space around them. He wanted an answer, even if it was no.

  Kendall sighed. “Tyson.” He knew where this was going. At least he would know he tried. “I...” she started and paused again. “I really enjoyed myself that night and I’m glad you were feeling much better after, but...” She inhaled again, exhaled slowly. “My career is really taking off right now. I’m in such an amazing place, and I have you to thank for part of that.” Tyson’s brows furrowed. Kendall waved off the inquiry in his expression. “I’ll come back to that. This is not a good time for me to take on new friends. I’m trying my best to be focused on my career, my dreams. I’m doing well in the music world, but I want to also make it in Hollywood, and I want to do it on my own merit.”

  “I see.” Tyson wasn’t completely sure if he did. Had she seen and believed some of the craziness Tiffany had been dishing about him misleading aspiring actresses? Was Tiffany ruining not just his image but also his chances at dating other women?

  “Are you sure you understand? The expression on your face just changed.” Kendall tilted her head a bit. “What are you thinking, Tyson?”

  “Does my situation with Tiffany have anything to do with your decision?”

  Kendall shook her head vigorously. “Oh, goodness no. I want to make it and be respected for my hard work and dedication to the craft. I want it to be clear that I earned my place in Hollywood.”

  Tyson pulled in his bottom lip and gnawed lightly. “I can understand that. I earned my position of CEO at BCG. My dad made me prove myself over several years. He didn’t just hand over the reins of a billion-dollar company to someone incapable of running it, yet there’s lots of speculation about me getting the position just because I was his son. So, I can respect how you fe
el, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

  Kendall grunted. “What will people think?”

  “Frankly, I don’t care what people will think. If I did, I’d be in a mental institution by now because I would’ve driven myself crazy. I care about getting to know you better.” Tyson shifted in his seat. “I’m not going to waste any time. When I first met you, I thought you were beautiful, of course, and incredibly talented. I also assumed you were just another arrogant, self-absorbed, superficial entertainer. Just the kind of woman I said I would never date again, thanks to Tiffany.” Kendall’s eyes widened. “But you proved me wrong.”

  He wasn’t ready to say everything. It was too soon to tell her that she showed up in his dreams and he thought about her all the time. Tyson didn’t want to scare the woman off completely. “I’ve gotten to know you a bit more and really like who you are. I want to know more. I can respect your desire to be acknowledged for the hard work you put into being successful, but I also believe you can do that whether you’re dating or not. In fact, we don’t have to date. How about we just get to know each other as friends.”

  “You just want to be friends with me, Tyson?” Kendall cocked her head sideways and glared at him.

  “No. But I’ll settle for friendship for now, and we can see where this takes us.” Tyson stood. “You’ve got a big day ahead of you. I’ll get out of your way. And even if you decide that you don’t want to be my ‘friend’—” Tyson curled his fingers into quotes “—at least let me take you out as a token of my gratitude for just being there for me after the awards. For being a ‘friend.’” He exaggerated the air quotes again and smiled this time.

  Kendall tilted and shook her head. She looked up at Tyson. “So, we’re already friends?”