Star Struck(17)

After dropping off Brenda’s check, he returned to his office. He was spending too much time here lately. He needed a life outside of work. His rash decision to stop living the player’s life offered him more free time. Time that he wasn’t used to having. He had to admit that he was less stressed. He no longer worried about whether one of the women he was messing with would have a disgruntle lover lurking near by.

“Hi handsome,” Shareeka’s voice bounced through the room.

He was surprised to see her there. “Where’s Trevon?”

“He’s getting something out of his office. Thought I would come by and say hi to the best man,” she purred. She walked around to where he was sitting. She leaned in for a kiss. He pushed her away.

“You’re playing on dangerous territory. I told you it was over.”

“Can’t blame a woman for trying.” Shareeka moved closer to him.

“You best back up.”

“Or what?”

“What’s going on here?” Trevon asked.

Shareeka walked from behind the desk and wrapped her arm around Trevon. “I was trying to convince our best man to not cancel out on coming to our party on Saturday.”

“Yes, man. How would that look? My own best man, not showing up.”

Garrett looked from one to another. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Great. Now that it’s settled, Tre and I must be going.”

Tre shrugged his shoulders as he followed Shareeka out.

Garrett said out loud, “You two deserve each other.”



~ 11 ~



Entertainment Tonight followed Hailey around the entire day. She was used to being in the spotlight, but she couldn’t wait for the day to be over with. In between shooting, she had Mo re-touch her make-up.

“Girl, thanks for letting me be a part of your ET spotlight,” Mo said, unable to mask his excitement.

“The Hailey Barnes Show is a team. My name is just on the billing,” Hailey said.

“If I wasn’t scared of ruining your make-up, I would hug you,” Mo responded.

“You’re so dramatic.” Hailey laughed.

“You’re not the only drama queen around here.”

“I see,” Hailey said, right before hugging Mo and leaving the room.

Hailey thanked the ET reporter and crew for featuring her. She had food catered to celebrate the event. She had forgotten that Brenda was lurking in the background until it was time to go.

“You startled me,” Hailey said, as she picked up her purse and keys.

“Sorry. You were so busy being a gracious host, I didn’t want to get in the way.”

“You did get you something to eat didn’t you? If not, we can stop and pick you something up on the way to my house.”

“I got my fair share,” Brenda said, rubbing her tummy in a circular motion.

“I need to tell John something and then I’ll be ready to get out of here.”

“John’s gone for today. Said something about his little boy got sick or something.”

“I better call and see what’s going on.” Hailey called John and was relieved to find out that, according to the doctor, his son was suffering from a sinus infection and with proper medication, would be fine.

Hailey sat in the passenger seat and let Brenda drive. She had a lot on her mind so she took the time to think about things. Career wise, she was well on her way to being at the number two spot. Life was good in that aspect. Her love life was in turmoil. When she least expected, she would hear Garrett’s voice saying she deserved better. Maybe he was right, but what if he was wrong? What if Trevon was as good as it got.

She needed to talk to her mother but it would have to wait. Brenda knew far more about her than she wanted anyone to know. Brenda didn’t need to know that she, of all people, couldn’t hold on to one man—a man that happened to be one of her bosses. A few tears ran down her cheeks and she gently wiped them away; hoping Brenda didn’t notice the tears.



***



“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Garrett said, as he paced the floor; waiting for Hailey to answer the door. He knew she was ready because she buzzed him into the premises.

“Sorry, but I couldn’t find my clutch,” Hailey said, as she opened the door. They both looked at each other and stared.

Garrett was mesmerized by the woman that stood in front of him. With her hair pulled back in a bun and a few tresses falling into her face, her eyes sparkled just as bright as the long diamond earrings dangling from her ears.

Someone cleared their throat. He looked behind Hailey and noticed Brenda standing there for the first time.

“Looks like you got this all under control Boss man, so I’m going to head out,” Brenda said, breaking the trance.