Material Girl 3: Secrets & Betrayals (5 page)

Sick with worry Billie swiftly splashed cold water onto her face and tried her damnest to erase the horrible dream she had. After drying her face with a warm towel she turned off the light and went back to bed. Knox was up waiting for her return.  

“Are you alright? You scared the shit outta me.”

“Yeah,” Billie released a small laugh. “It was just a silly dream.”

“You sure ‘cause you seemed pretty shaken up about it?” Knox kept fishing for answers.

“Baby,” Billie pulled the covers up to her chest. “I’m fine. I just had a nightmare. It’s no big deal. You can go back to sleep now.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“A’ight.” Knox eyed her quizzically before turning off the bedside light.

Knox still felt the need to comfort his wife so he slid over to her side of the bed and wrapped her up in his arms. Calmed by his touch, Billie inhaled deep and exhaled out her worries but as soon as Knox drifted off to sleep the still of the night consumed her. It suffocated her lungs. No matter how hard she tried to ease the alarming thoughts that plagued her mind, they kept resurfacing; reminding her that darkness didn’t just come at night. For Billie, darkness was looming ahead.

Like Lady Gaga, Dylan lived for the applause. Being famous gave her a sense of purpose. She loved the notoriety and acclaim. But sometimes being a part of Hollywood’s elite wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Since Angels’ arrest the paparazzi stalked their every move. Dylan couldn’t leave the confines of her home without camera lenses being shoved down her throat. Usually she lived for the free publicity but now the shit was just plain annoying.

Once the media got wind of Angel assaulting Cruz and the back story behind it, a media firestorm brewed. Dylan, Angel and Cruz crazy love triangle was splashed across every major tabloid magazine, blog and entertainment news show. Now that Angel was officially being charged with assault and could face up to five years in prison, the paparazzi went into over drive trying to get statements and pictures.

Dylan longed for the days she could go around semi unnoticed. She longed to be able to spend quality time with her family and friends without some random photographer invading her privacy. On that particular day she and Billie were at the BCBG MAX AZRIA store in Frontenac Plaza having a private viewing of all their latest merchandise. One of the great perks of being a celebrity or socialite was being able to shut down an entire store and shop without the interruption of people asking for pictures and autographs.

 Plus Dylan always got first dibs on the hottest and latest clothes and shoes before anyone else. Dressed head to toe in denim, Dylan rocked a denim button up shirt, unbuttoned to the center of her chest with no bra. A pearl Chanel pin rested on the breast pocket of the top. The rest of the look consisted of a ripped denim skirt, Chanel lucite cuff bracelet and nude Louboutin Pigalle heels. In love with BCBG’s fall collection, Dylan sipped on a chilled glass of rosé champagne while sifting through racks of beautiful dresses. She was so consumed in the clothing that she hadn’t even noticed that Billie wasn’t as into it and was casually scrolling through the store aimlessly.

“This is sick.” Dylan held up a $400 black and white evening dress with a thigh high slit. “Ooh and this leather pullover is sick,” she gushed.

“I can’t get with that look. That’s a lil’ too hood for me.” Billie looked at the top as if it stunk. “I haven’t worn a pullover since college.”

“You ain’t about that life,” Dylan laughed.

“I sholl in the fuck ain’t,” Billie laughed too. “So how is my brother holding up?”

Dylan stopped and sighed.

“As well as can be, I guess. He really doesn’t talk about it that much. I guess he’s trying to keep a strong face so I won’t get scared but it’s not working. I’m scared shitless. I mean we’ve only been married a minute and he already might be taken away from me again. It’s like we can’t catch a break.”

“I know the feeling,” Billie mumbled.

“I just wish this whole thing would just go away,” Dylan remarked.

“Everything is gonna work out. He’s not going to jail,” Billie answered, hoping she sounded convincing.

“I hope so. So how have you been? We haven’t really been able to talk since the party. By the way, thank you again.”

“No problem, we’re family girl. But I’ve just been busy with the kids, Knox and the art museum. I’m drained,” Billie confessed.

“You seem stressed out. I can look at you and tell. You sure that’s all it is,” Dylan asked innocently.

“Yeah,” Billie replied, alarmed. “Why would you think it was anything else?”

“I don’t know… you just seem… different. I can’t really pin point what it is, it’s just something.”

“I mean I’m nervous about Angel of course. Other than that I don’t know what you’re picking up on. I’m fine, I swear,” Billie persisted.

“Okay calm down. I believe you,” Dylan chuckled thrown off by her persistence.

 “But you know what? Now that I think about it, you’re not the only one who has been actin’ strange since the party. State has been acting hella strange too,” Dylan thought out loud. “I don’t know what happened. After we spoke that negro just up and left without saying goodbye.”

“Mmm,” Billie turned her back to Dylan so she wouldn’t see the look of panic in her eyes.

“Ya’ll didn’t get into did you? ‘Cause I saw ya’ll talking for a minute and ya’ll know how ya’ll do when you’re in the same space,” Dylan inquired.

“No, not all. Kyrese just wanted an autograph,” Billie responded coolly.

“Hmm,” Dylan twisted her lips to the side, stumped. “Idk,” she shrugged.

“Maybe he had an emergency.” Billie tried to throw Dylan off.

“I’ma text him and ask.” Dylan pulled out her iPhone 5.

“No!” Billie shrieked, scaring the living daylight out of Dylan.

“What the hell is wrong wit’ you?” Dylan stepped back.

“Girl, leave that man alone.” Billie came towards her.  

“I’m sure he is okay. You ain’t heard about him on the 5 o’clock news so he a’ight. Besides we’re having a girl’s day. State’s trifling ass can wait.” Billie took Dylan’s phone from her hand and slipped it back inside her purse.

“I feel you but,” Dylan took the phone back out “that’s my homeboy and we look out for each other.” She began to text State.

“Well you handle that.” Billie grabbed her purse. “I forgot I had a meeting today at 2 o’clock so I gotta jet. Love you to pieces. I’ll call you later,” Billie air kissed both of Dylan’s cheeks and left before she could get a word in edge wise.

I’ma teach you how to love me.

-Chris Brown, “Give it Away”

Chapter 5

The one thing that Dylan cherished the most about being a married woman was coming home every day to her fine ass husband and her adorable, sweet son. She couldn’t love anything or anyone more than them. Nothing else compared to their love. Angel was her whole entire world. He meant everything to her. Waking up to his face every morning was like Christmas and New Year’s Eve wrapped up in one beautiful ass package.

She simply adored him and vowed to give him her all. From the second Dylan said ‘I do’ she made a promise to herself, Angel and God that their family would always come first. They would never be apart from each other for more than a few days; go on dates at least once a week and have dinner together as a family every night.  Every day after taping her show Edible Couture for the Food Network, Dylan came home and prepared dinner.

It didn’t matter how hard her day was or how stressed out she was, cooking dinner for Angel and Mason was a must. It was also somewhat therapeutic. While she cooked it allowed her time to think and reflect on the day. She and Angel would also share a bottle of wine, vibe out to some music and talk. For dinner that night they were having spaghetti and fried catfish which was a staple in the black community.

Dylan and Angel got a kick out of seeing Mason slurp his chopped up spaghetti noodles.

The homemade tomato sauce Dylan made was all over his mouth and hands but she didn’t care. It was dinner time and he could make as big of a mess as he pleased. The maid would be in the next morning to clean anyway. Dylan loved her home, the dining room especially. They had a beautiful, distressed wooden table with stained wooden chairs flown in from Africa.

A colorful bouquet of hydrangea’s sat in the center of the table. Miss matched plates and cups from all over the world and silk napkins from India decorated the table. While John Legend’s latest album
Love In The Future
played melodically in the background Dylan and Angel enjoyed their meal and discussed the day’s events.

“I couldn’t make a move today without the paparazzi being all up my ass,” Dylan announced, chewing her food.

“Me either but it is what it is. I fucked up and now I gotta pay the consequences.” Angel took a bite of fish.

“But you were just trying to defend me, babe,” Dylan reasoned. “The media is making it seem like you’re some out of control maniac. They’re even saying you might be taking steroids and that that’s how you’ve been winning all of your fights.”

“We know it’s some bullshit so don’t even trip.”

“But it’s tarnishing your reputation, Angel. If you let me make a statement everything will get cleaned up,” Dylan stressed.

“Everything will get cleaned up in court.” Angel took a sip of wine.

Dylan sat quietly for a while when a thought popped up in her mind.

“What if I talked to Cruz?”

“You out yo’ fuckin’ mind?” Angel grimaced. “You ain’t going no where near that dude.”

“I’m talking about over the phone.” Dylan tried to explain.

“No, absolutely not. Fuck that nigga. He wanna act like a bitch and press charges then let him. All I was doing was sticking up for my wife.”

“Yeah but sticking up for me might land you in jail for five years,” Dylan replied, somberly. “We just got back together. I couldn’t fathom losing you again.”

            “You’re not,” Angel stroked her cheek. “I ain’t going no where. I’m right here.”

            “For now,” Dylan rebutted.

            “Forever.” Angel leaned across the table and kissed her gently on the lips.

            It was funny to Dylan how one single kiss from Angel’s lips could put all of her worries to rest.

            “Have I told you that I love you today,” she smiled.

            “Nope,” Angel shook his head with a grin on his face. “You ain’t shit.”

            “Lies you tell!” Dylan yelled, holding her chest.       

            “You know I’m just fuckin’ wit’ you,” Angel cracked up laughing.

            “Well, I love you-I love you-I love you-I love you,” Dylan playfully placed kisses all over his face.

            “Stop,” Angel scrunched up his face, trying to push her away.

            “Oh hush you know you love my kisses,” Dylan pushed his arm as her phone started to ring.

 “Oooh let me get this, it’s State. I sent him a text earlier.” She left the room and went into the kitchen unaware that Angel was fuming. “What up fool?”

“You stupid,” State chuckled. “What’s up?”

“You. Why did you leave the party without saying goodbye?”

“My bad, some shit came up that I wasn’t expecting. I meant to tell you I was leaving but I just got caught up.”

“Oh okay, let me find out you’re hiding something from me,” Dylan joked.

“Nah,” State replied, nervously. “Never that. What you up to though?” He asked, changing the subject.

“Eating dinner wit’ my honey. You hungry? You want a plate?”

“I’m straight. Go ahead and finish eating. I’ll hit you up tomor,” State spoke.

“A’ight, then lil’ big head boy. Bye.” Dylan ended the call and returned to the table.

As soon as she sat down, she could tell by the look on Angel’s face that he was upset.

“What?” Dylan cocked her head to the side already annoyed.

“You already know what it is so don’t even ask.” Angel wiped his hands on a napkin.

“You mad because I took a call from State?” Dylan asked, dumbfounded.

“You damn right!” Angel looked at her like she was stupid. “How dare you get up from the table wit’ me to go talk to that nigga. And you text him earlier? What the fuck you doing texting him? What you fuckin’ him, again?” Angel flipped out.

“No!” Dylan screwed up her face.

“I don’t know why you doing your face like that?” Angel shot. “Do I have to remind you that you fucked that nigga while me and you were together? You had a whole side relationship with this dude.”

“I know but that’s in the past.” Dylan waved him off.  “Like, I don’t even look at him like that no more. He’s like a brother to me. We’re just friends. When me and you broke up, State and I got tight. He was there for me. Hell, he got me the meeting with Brenda. Without that I would’ve never got my book deal or my show so I’m not going to be like fuck you.”

“Oh word?” Angel mean mugged her. “Okay.” He nodded his head.

“Like yo’ am I in the fuckin’ Twilight zone or something? How do you think that makes me feel to hear that man was there for you while me and you weren’t together? So what if I go to jail, he gon’ be there for you?”

“Noooooo,” Dylan groaned. “I’m telling you that nothing is going on. Why would I even bring him around you if it were?”

“Dylan stop actin’ stupid. You know like I know that don’t mean shit.”

“Oh so now I’m stupid?” Dylan said, stunned.

“The fact that you’re sitting here trying to justify this shit is really making me look at you sideways. How would you feel if I was still friends with Milania?” Angel questioned.

“That’s different. That bitch is crazy,” Dylan countered.

“Get the fuck outta here.” Angel scooted his chair back. “You know damn well you wouldn’t like it. You feel some type of way when I say hi to a bitch. C’mon man, be real. What you’re doing is foul.”