Star Struck(74)

It immediately became quiet. Hailey cleared her throat and spoke. “I’m so fortunate to be able to stand before you. Less than an hour ago, my life was in danger. I pray that the woman who attempted to take my life can now get the help she needs. A lot of things will come out over the next few weeks I’m sure. Some will be true and others might not be. I will be as honest and forthcoming as I can through my publicist from this moment forward. Before I go, I want to thank GT Securities because it was the owners Garrett Morgan and Trevon Swint who were instrumental in me still being alive at this moment. Thank you Trevon for what you did and thank you Garrett.”

Hailey turned around to walk back inside. Garrett followed her. The reporters were not satisfied with her statement, they wanted more, but Hailey kept walking as the questions kept coming. “Thank you for what you said about GT Securities,” Garrett said.

“I meant it.”

“I feel guilty because Caroline was my secretary. I should have figured it out. It should have never come to this,” Garrett said, as he wiped the hair hanging in front of her eyes.

The police didn’t clear out from Hailey’s place until later that afternoon. They wanted to make sure they had enough evidence and information for their case against Caroline. Trevon had remained behind to filter any questions concerning GT Securities freeing Garrett up to remain by Hailey’s side.

Hailey closed her eyes and enjoyed the massage Garrett was giving her. She turned over and said, “You know there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you but put off.”

“What’s that beautiful?” Garrett said, through loving eyes.

“As my life passed before my eyes, the only thing I could think about was that I never got to tell you how much you mean to me…how much I love you,” Hailey said.

“You’re not just telling me that because of the stress of the situation are you?” Garrett asked, as if he was holding his breath.

“Garrett, I’ve been in love with you for awhile. It just took me this long to realize it. You bring out the best in me. I want to be the woman you need…the woman you want. I want to be your babies mama.”

Garrett laughed. “I love you too Ms. Barnes.” He pulled Hailey into his arms and they kissed and kissed.

Their kisses were interrupted by a knock on the door. “It’s me Tre,” Trevon said, from the other end.

“It’s unlocked,” Hailey yelled, as her and Garrett sat up in the bed.

“Everybody has cleared out,” Trevon said.

Hailey said, “I don’t know if you heard me when I told the officer that she had planned on killing Shareeka next.”

Trevon shrugged his shoulders. “She should consider herself lucky then.”

Hailey crossed her legs. “As much as I don’t like her, I don’t wish death on her or anyone else.”

“Ask me that in a few months,” Trevon said, as he attempted to laugh.

“This has been a long day,” Hailey said, as she stretched her arms up.

Trevon said, “I know I’m beat. Well you two, I’m about to go. I just wanted to let you know so you could lock up.”

Garrett said, “Tre, man I owe you.”

“Yes, you do. But since I’m a good friend, I’ll give that one to you,” Trevon said, as he walked out the room leaving them by themselves.



***



A week later, Hailey sat in her office at the studio and her agent Carmen who also had a dual role as her publicist, sat across from her. Carmen, dressed in a cream colored suit, said, “All you need to do now is decide who you want to grant an exclusive interview with.”

“Whoever I go with, make sure it states in the contract that the money received will be donated directly to NAMI,” Hailey said.

“Okay, I’ll make sure that the National Alliance of Mental Illness gets the check.”

Someone knocked on her door. Hailey responded, “Come in.”

Garrett walked in. “I didn’t realize you had company. I can come back.”

Carmen stood up. “So this is the man who has stolen Hailey’s heart. You’re even better looking in person than you are on television.”

Garrett blushed as he shook Carmen’s hands.

“We’re through here. Hailey’s all yours,” Carmen said, as she left them alone in the office.

“You know you don’t have to keep popping in, now that Caroline is in custody,” Hailey said, as she now stood in front of Garrett.

“I’m not on official business. I’m here as your man.” Garrett pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Their lips were locked until they heard someone behind them clear their throats.