Crossroads (28 page)

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Authors: Skyy

BOOK: Crossroads
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Lena smiled. She closed her eyes. There were no images of Denise floating around, only images of Terrin and her sweetness that lingered on her taste buds. In Terrin's arms, she let go of Denise.
 
 
Denise woke up in a cold sweat. The room was dark. The only light was coming from the street lights via the window. Denise looked at Farih sleeping peacefully. She climbed out of the bed, causing Farih to turn over, her naked body exposed, chocolate skin radiant in the city light glow.
“What's wrong?” Farih whispered.
Denise ran her fingers through Farih's hair. “Nothing. I just need some water. Go on back to sleep.”
Farih was back in la-la land before she finished the sentence.
Denise tiptoed into Farih's living room. She sat down on Farih's leather couch. The coolness of the leather seeped through her thin cotton pajama pants and wife-beater.
Denise's mind raced. There was something she forgot but couldn't put her finger on it. She looked around Farih's beautiful apartment. Hints of her African heritage mixed with modern style created a trendy style. Denise looked at the wallsize black-and-white picture of Farih. Denise wanted to pinch herself, because things were too good to be true.
A sharp pain hit her on the right side. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. She leaned back, resting her head on the back of the couch. Denise closed her eyes, hoping her memory would come back.
Lena's face entered her mind.
Denise's eyes popped open. She hit herself on her forehead. She picked up her cell phone to look at the date, June 29th. It was Lena's birthday. She scrolled through her phone to Lena's name. Lena's picture pulled up. Denise paused. It had been so long since their last talk. Maybe she didn't need to call.
The sharp pain attacked her side again. She took a deep breath and pressed send. Each ring seemed longer than the one before. Finally her voice mail picked up.
“The voice mail you are trying to reach is currently full.”
Denise sighed. She pressed end, going back to the contact screen. She stared at Lena's face. Lena's smile made her smile. She pressed the screen, taking her to an empty text message.
Happy Birthday Lena ...
Denise stared at the message. She wanted to say more. She wanted to apologize for the way things happened again. She wanted to talk to her, make sure she was doing OK.
Too much time had passed. Denise knew it was too late for it. She pressed send and headed back to the bedroom.
39
Denise walked in the house and paused. Three large suitcases sat on the couch.
Mariah walked from her bedroom holding a Louis Vuitton bag. “Hey, stranger.” Mariah smiled.
“Hey. What's going on?” Denise walked farther into the house.
“Well, Richard wants to spend a weekend at his house in the Hamptons.”
“Damn. OK then.” Denise sat down on the couch arm. “We just can't seem to catch each other, can we?”
“I know. Things have changed so much in the last few weeks.” Mariah paused. She turned toward Denise. “There's something I have to tell you.”
“What's up?”
Mariah held her hand out. A huge princess cut, pink diamond sat on her ring finger.
“Whoaaa! When did that happen?”
“Yesterday.” Mariah's face was flushed pink. “I can't believe it myself. Rich asked me to marry him, and I accepted.”
“Well, congratulations.” Denise hugged Mariah. “I'm really happy for you.”
“Thank you. I don't know what it is, but it was like we fell right back into place. To think we'd been apart for so long. It's like we just fell right back in love. We are doing something we should have done a long time ago.”
“Well, you are glowing, so I know you're in love.”
“I am. We are going to tell our parents this weekend, and I'm going to be moving in with him.”
“That's wonderful, Mariah, I'm happy you are happy. So how long do I have to move?”
“Oh, Denise. Shut up you don't have to go anywhere. I actually was going to talk to you about keeping the apartment for me.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I mean, I'm no fool. This place is paid for, and I'm not giving it up. So I was thinking, if you stay here and pay the utilities and stuff, then we can call it even. I trust you to keep it nice, and it's better than subletting to someone I don't know.”
Denise wrapped her arms around Mariah. “Thank you so much! I will take great care of your place.”
“I know you will.” Mariah picked up her Birkin bag. “Oh ,how did your audition go?”
“I think I did pretty good. The movie is about a basketball player whose mother is a crackhead. It's pretty deep stuff. But I can relate somewhat. I just haven't heard back yet. They said it would be a minute.”
“Well, with all the press you have been getting lately, they would be a fool not to put you in it.”
“Oh, you've seen it.”
“Who hasn't seen the lesbian kiss seen around the world? I can't believe she let you do that.”
“It was her idea.” Denise smiled, thinking about Farih.
“Well, it was genius. How have the paps been?”
“A little crazy. We don't go many places anymore. They are always outside of her apartment. She's been staying in Melanie's guest room.”
“Oh, I bet Melanie loves all of this.” Mariah smirked.
“She's cool. Why do you say that?”
Mariah rummaged through one of her bags. “Let's just say Melanie is known for launching stars. You are in good hands. I heard about Puma too.”
“Wow. Been keeping up, I see.”
“It's my job.”
Denise smiled. “Mariah, I really need to thank you. I wouldn't have anything if it wasn't for you. It really, really means the world to me.”
“Denise, you're more than welcome. Just promise me that you are never going to change.” Mariah held Denise's hands.
“I promise.”
A knock at the door interrupted their moment.
“That's the car. I have to go.”
“Let me help you with the bags.”
“Ah.” Mariah opened the door.
A tall black man in a black suit walked in.
“That's what he's for.”
Mariah walked over to Denise. They hugged again. “See you when I get back.”
“Bet.”
Denise stood on the balcony and watched Mariah drive off. She looked out at the city. A deep sense of pride overwhelmed her. New York finally felt like home.
40
Cooley turned on her office TV. Sahara was making her first appearance on
106 and Park
to premiere her second video. Cooley watched the two co-hosts playful banter with each other. She picked her phone up. Sahara's plane had arrived two hours earlier, but she hadn't heard from her. Cooley sent her a text to see if she was still going to make it in time to watch the show together.
“Busy?”
Cooley turned her head. James stood in the doorway with a smile on his face. Cooley noticed his change in attire. His normal three-piece suit was replaced with a pair of khaki slacks and an Ed Hardy graphic button-down. Cooley pressed her lips together, forcing a tight smile.
James walked in without waiting on a response. “Good job on signing Blaque Reign.” James sat in one of the chairs across from her desk.
“Thank you,” Cooley replied. She knew he was up to something.
James looked up at the television screen. “Oh yeah, your girl is gonna be on there today isn't she? You know it was nothing personal with removing you from her project.”
“I know. It was the right thing to do.”
“And I must say, y'all are doing a great job keeping out of the gossip pages. Maybe you do value your job after all.”
Cooley's eyes tightened. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
James looked at Cooley with his same smug smile. “Nothing. You know, Wade, you have done some good work around here. But I always think about something that Big Ron told me once.” James leaned forward. “The bigger the balloon, the easier to pop. Do you know what that means?”
Cooley bit the inside of her jaw. “Yes, I know what it means. I don't really know what it has to do with me.”
“That should be obvious.”
Cooley sighed; she lowered her head and grinned.
James' smile faded, from Cooley's reaction. “Something funny?”
The
106 and Park
hosts called Sahara's name. Cooley and James stopped to watch her come out on stage. Sahara walked out smiling and waving to the crowd. Her black tights looked like they were painted on her thick thighs. She sat on the couch next to Bobby Dee, a new, hot R&B singer. He hugged Sahara. Cooley noticed him checking her out.
“Do you two know each other?” The cute girl host asked Sahara.
Sahara smiled. she looked at Bobby Dee. “No, this is our first time meeting, but I love your new song.”
“Yeah, I think we were in a club at the same time, but we didn't actually meet. But it is definitely a pleasure.” Bobby Dee grinned at Sahara.
Sahara laughed it off, while the audience chimed in with oohs and ahhs.
“Uh-oh, don't get nothing started on this stage,” the male host joked. “Sahara, are you single?”
Cooley wanted to laugh, as the question caused Sahara to blush. After the audience calmed down, Sahara looked at the two hosts. “Yes, I am.”
The audience went wild.
Bobby Dee perked up. “In that case.” He playfully scooted closer to Sahara, placing his arm on the back of the couch around Sahara.
Everyone laughed.
Sahara playfully hit his arm. Cooley felt a twinge of jealously hit her side.
“Now that is what I call an attractive couple,” James responded, his devious smile so big, he looked like the Cheshire cat. “Oh, and by the way.” James reached into his pocket and dropped a business card on Cooley's desk. “I figured you would want this, you know, to take care of that.” James pointed to the permanent scar on Cooley's jaw.
Cooley picked up the plastic surgeon's card. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Don't be so difficult, Wade. We both know you could use it. It's the best practice in Atlanta. I know appearance is important to you. It is to all of us. I mean, you can't expect to sign hot stars without using hot people.” James headed to the door, leaving Cooley speechless. “I'll let you get back to work, Wade.” James walked out of the office.
Cooley looked back at the TV. Bobby Dee continued to sneak peeks at Sahara. They began to play the video. Cooley watched Sahara dance to her upbeat song. Her mind wandered. She wondered what Bobby Dee was saying to her while the video was on.
Cooley get a grip. You are not the jealous type.
Cooley shook her head. She knew she was tripping. She turned the TV off. There were better things she could do with her time.
“Hey, Cooley if you didn't need me for anything else, I was gonna head on out.” Tee walked into Cooley's doorway.
Cooley looked up from her computer. She looked at the clock.
“Damn, it's six already.” Cooley shuffled to pack her things up. She paused. “Hey, Tee, did Sahara call me?”
Tee shrugged her shoulders. “No, she didn't.”
Cooley looked at Tee, puzzled. She knew Sahara should have been there a long time ago, and her failure to call or answer her phone was making Cooley suspicious. “OK, well, yeah, I'm about to get out of here. See you tomorrow.”
“Speak of the devil.” Tee smiled as Sahara walked in.
“Hey, Tee.” Sahara walked past Tee.
“I'll leave you two alone. See you tomorrow.” Cooley nodded as Tee left the room.
“Hey you.” Sahara's airy voice echoed through the room as she wrapped her arms around Cooley. “You won't believe the day I have had. Did you see me on the show?”
“Yeah, I saw you.” Cooley continued to pack her laptop into its bag. “I saw a lot. So, um, did you lose your phone or something?”
Sahara paused. “No, but as soon as we landed, I was rushed into a planning meeting that just ended. I didn't have a moment to call you.”
“And you couldn't send a text or an e-mail?” Cooley tried to keep her nonchalant mild voice.
“I'm sorry I didn't think it was that big of a deal. You know how things can be.”
“Yeah, I know.” Cooley didn't like the feeling she had. “I just expected to hear from you sooner.”
“Aww. I'm sorry hun. It won't happen again. That Bobby Dee really is a nut.” Sahara sat on the edge of the desk.
“Really?”
“Yeah, he's cool. I think you would like him.” Sahara stood back up.
“Oh. You do, huh?”
“Actually I was hoping you would go with me tonight to Geisha House tonight.”
Cooley paused. “Why are you going to Geisha House?”
“To celebrate.” Sahara walked closer to Cooley. “I'm singing in Fashion Frenzy.”
Cooley's mouth dropped open. “Get the fuck out of here!” She wrapped her arms around Sahara, picking her up off the ground. Cooley planted a kiss on Sahara. “Damn, bae, that's great, and to think I was going just to buy clothes.”
Sahara hit Cooley on her arm. “So will you go with me to Geisha House tonight?”
“Sure. Wait.” Cooley took a step back. “That might not be a good idea. It's too public.”
“I know I was thinking we could arrive in different cars, and—”
“Babe, I can't risk it, and neither can you. James was just in here today with that bull.”
“So is this how it's gonna be? We aren't going to be able to be anywhere together?” Sahara folded her arms.
“What the hell do you want me to do? This is my job. And your career.”
“I know!” Sahara squealed. She took a deep breath. “I just don't like the idea of having to hide the person that I love.”
Cooley's eyes widened.
Sahara stood in front of her. She could see the concern in Cooley's blank expression.
“Yes, I said love. I don't expect you to say it back, so chill out.”
Sahara walked over to the chair and grabbed her oversized Jessica Simpson handbag. Cooley closed her laptop bag.
“So, you just gon' leave?”
“I have to go home and change. I have somewhere to be.”
“Damn. Why do you want me to go so bad? It's more than just celebrating 'cause we can celebrate for real at the crib.” Cooley grabbed her laptop case and walked over to Sahara. Sahara's face dropped. She hesitated. “Don't even think about lying.”
Sahara let out a loud moan. “I wanted you to come because I really wanted you to meet Bobby Dee.”
“Oh, so that nigga is gonna be there.”
“Along with my agent and publicist.” Sahara sat in the chair. She couldn't look at Cooley's face. “See, after seeing the way Bobby was acting toward me, his people and my people thought it would be a good idea for us to be photographed in public together.”
“You have got to be fucking kidding me!”
“Cooley, some pictures came out.” Sahara grabbed Cooley's hand before she could walk past her.
Cooley turned around. Sahara's eyes were filling with tears.
“They hit MediaTakeOut today. Some pics of me back in the day with some women.” Sahara lowered her head. Cooley leaned against her desk. “At first Tommy wanted me to just ignore it, use the excuse of me being a stripper and it coming with the job. But when he saw the way Bobby was flirting with me and the way the audience responded, well, he figured the best thing is—”
“To make it look like you two are an item.” Cooley ran her hand through her head. She knew of other celebrities doing the same thing. “Bobby was cool with that?”
“Yeah, he and his people thought it was a great idea, since, you know, all male R&B singers are hit with the gay rumor at some point in their careers. Not to mention, it would make for a great P.R. story. The hot new R&B singers meet and fall for each other on
106 & Park.
”
“So, you wanted me to come for what reason? Seems like the decision has already been made.”
Sahara stood up. “I wanted you to at least meet him and be cool with him. I figured it would make things easier.”
“So you told him you are gay?” Cooley looked at Sahara, who quickly turned her head. Cooley huffed. “So, this fool has no idea that he's never gonna get it.”
“He knows it's for business purposes.”
“He's a man, Sahara. You think in the back of his mind he isn't hoping to fuck?”
“That would never happen.”
“He doesn't know that.” Cooley threw her hand up.
Sahara pulled Cooley's arm. “But I do! Cooley, I'm a fucking lesbian. I don't want that man's dick!”
“Yeah, I've heard that before,” Cooley responded under her breath. Misha entered her mind. She could feel her wall building up. Sahara looked disgusted. Cooley shifted her eyes. She couldn't look at Sahara.
Sahara nodded her head. “You know, until you learn that you can trust me and that I'm not that bitch you were with before, we are never going to make it.” Sahara picked her purse back up and walked out the room.
A piece of Cooley wanted to follow her, but her pride wouldn't let her.

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