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  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, and events are products of the author’s own thoughts. Any resemblance to actual events, persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. All imaging rights go to respectful owners. All rights reserved. Copyright. 2013 by Ashley Shavonne.

  Excerpts from:

  The Wait

  Everybody has a secret

  Duchessa

  The Wait

  The room was still. So many emotions. The distance between the three bodies still wasn’t enough. Not now. I stared at him while he stared at me. She looked at him. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I glanced at her then back at him. The anguish in his eyes let me know what she said was true and what they did together was true. Just seeing his eyes, made my heart break into two. This man that I loved for eight years, this man who just proposed to me in the most perfect way, this man who this whole time had betrayed my trust all this time. She opened her mouth to speak this time and he held his hand up to silence her. Her hand tightened around the white paper she had. My heart thumped loudly. There had to be two possible results on a paper like that: pregnancy or a disease. I prayed it wasn’t a disease. For the life that I carried in my body would be in danger. I was just telling him that I was pregnant with his child when she barged in. Still in the back of my head, I wonder how she found us. He had taken me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant and we went to his suite he rented for the night. I closed my eyes, hoping it would go away but when I opened them she was still there. The pain began fresh all over again. She stomped forward and smacked the paper into his chest.

  “I’m pregnant!” I dropped my head, and then snatched off the ring he just gave me a few moments ago.

  “Please don’t take that off!” he protested. I walked by him, smacking the ring into his chest on top of that paper. I grabbed my coat and purse then headed towards the door. “Ramona! Stop!”

  “No she can go. You have to take care of your child. She is the other woman.” I stopped and turn around. To be called the other woman to a man I’ve been with for eight years was way out of line.

  “No Monique. You’re the other woman.”

  “You told me you love me!’’ she screamed.

  “I don’t love you okay now you got to get out here.” He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the door.

  “No stop lying. You do love me. You’re just saying that because she is standing there.”

  ‘GET OUT!” he yelled, flinging her out the open door.

  “Ray!” He slammed the door and look at me with the most pitiful face ever.

  “Ramona listen..I..I. didn’t mean for you to find out this way. I’m so sorry.” I shook my head.

  “If she didn’t showed up you were never going to tell me were you?”

  “Ramona..”

  “Thought so. By the way I’m pregnant too.” I turned and left the room. Once inside the elevator, I felt as if I couldn’t breathe. The door opened and I walked quietly to my car in the garage. I snatched open the door and stopped. “What the hell? You have a lot of nerve.”

  “I don’t care what you two had it’s over now. When he comes to his senses, we are going to be together and raise our child.”

  “Well I got news for you honey. You and your baby won’t be the only ones in the picture,” I patted my belly and continued “I got his baby.”

  “Not before me. September 6th.” She shot back.

  “Oh..”

  “What?”

  “August 5th” I sneered, “You have a nice day.” I got in my car and slammed the door. I started the car and pulled out fast. She jumped out of the way and I sped off. I pulled out the garage and went the opposite way of my house. If I knew Ray like I did, he would be sitting on the couch waiting for me, with that damned key I gave him a few years ago. Anywhere but home sounded so nice right now. I also knew I wouldn’t see the last of this Monique and her child. I sighed aloud. How the hell was I going to get through the next seven months with her in the picture? What Ray did was unforgivable and I really won’t have anything to do with him if her child turned out to be his…..

  Everybody has a secret

  This affair was going on for far too long. When would he tell her that he didn’t want to be with her anymore? Words of love wanted to pour out her mouth but he was married. Why was he still married? Skin like milk chocolate. 6’3. He was fine with his clean hair. His name, Sutton Jackson. He pumped solidly away to the girl he was on top of. The girl on the bottom, Madison Ann Parks, who had caramel skin with clear blue eyes with an hour glass body. Her blond streaks that were natural form went good with her light brown hair. She was the mixture of her beautiful Cuban mother and her white father.

  “Ohh!” She simpered.

  “You like that?” Sutton grinned. He like the fact, he was screwing her. Nothing better but to brag about how he, Sutton fucked Madison’s brains out, with Madison being an actress and all. His wife, Victoria waited faithfully in bed. The climax was reaching its peak. Sutton shuddered and came inside the condom. It was playing it safe all the way. He withdrew, tossed the rubber, and started to dress.

  “Wait!” Madison called from the bed.

  “I have to get home Mattie.”

  “You should shower first. After all you don’t want her getting jealous coming home, smelling like sex and me.”

  “You’re right babe.” He disappeared into the bathroom and the shower went to work. Madison stayed in her bed and thought about her life. She was in the middle of shooting a movie. Lived in this huge house by herself except with her cat, Brian O’Conner, which she named lovingly from Fast and the Furious. She did her best to hide from paparazzi when she out with Sutton didn’t want Victoria picking up a tabloid and seeing them together. Madison knew Victoria well. They used to be college roommates after all it was her, who introduce them to each other. She soon fell asleep but knew when Sutton left when he kissed her goodnight and pinched her on the ass.

  ***

  Madison stood on her movie set during takes, when the biggest surprise walked past security.

  “Madison!” Victoria called. Reluctantly Madison walked over to them.

  “What are you doing?” The question was meant for Sutton but Victoria answered.

  “Visiting you of course. Last night Sutton said he saw you and you invited us here.” Madison cut her eyes at him.

  “Yeah I remember. Well we’re between takes right now so let me show you around.” She showed them the entire the set. Halfway through the tour, Victoria had to leave.

  “Sorry. I have an appointment.” She gave Madison a hug and Sutton a kiss then left. Once she was gone, Sutton pushed Madison behind a trailer and kissed her.

  “What were you playing at bringing her here?”Madison snapped.

  “She was questioning me when I got home so I had to lie so don’t worry baby.” He whispered.

  “Alright.”

  “Ms.Parks you’re needed.” She pushed him away and took her place on set.

  “Action!” Rapid knocking came from the door.

  “Lisa open the door,” Actor George Williams called. Madison crossed to the door.

  “Sorry I’m not here right now.”

  “Lisa please” he begged. She opened the door.

  “What?”

  “You should come with me now. There’s been an accident.” They exited through the door.

  “Cut! That’s a wrap for today” George and Madison left the set.

  “Madison you know the Oscars are coming up.” She nodded.

  “Can’t wait”

  “Congratulations on the nomination.”

  “Thank you.” Madison waved to everyone on the set and got inside her waiting limo.

  “Where to Mattie?” her driver, Ty asked.

&nbs
p; “To Tammy’s house then out for some shopping please.” The limo started moving.

  “So how was work?”

  “Really good.” Madison rumbled through her purse. She dumped all the contents out. Her lipstick tube rolled off the seat. As she went to grab it, her cell vibrated.

  “Hello?”

  “Ms.Parks, its Jill. I’m calling to deal with your things to be prepared for the award night.” Jill, her agent for seven years. Always dependable.

  “How about I come in tomorrow to get everything all worked out?”

  “Sounds great. See you then.” Madison ended the call, then hit the speed dial number for Tammy. She answered in the third ring.

  “What do you want?” Her heavy accent filled the line.

  “I’m on my way to you and good morning to you sunshine. Get ready.”

  “Okay but I’m bitchy. I’m on that curse.” She complained.

  “Take some Midol. Be there soon.” She hit the end button and put the phone back in her bag with all her other things. She sat back and studied her driver through the mirror. He been working for her for several months now and the usual limo small talk was all they had. She bit her bottom lip, studying his profile. The creases in his smooth skin around his kissable mouth. Madison shook her head and gave a little laugh. Here am I messing around with someone’s husband and checkin’ out Ty, she thought. She turned her attention out the window, when Tammy’s townhouse complex came into view. Tammy was already standing outside. Madison lean over and open the door. Tammy slid in next to her and they were on their way. “Girl you won’t believe what Sutton did today.”

  “Mattie I don’t understand why you keep messin’ with that man. He’s freakin’ married but what happen?” Tammy asked. Tammy, her best friend, was born Tamela Reya Morrison. She stood at the same height as Madison, a fact that never changed since childhood. Her silky black hair fell in a bob and her brown skin complimented her green eyes. They grew up together, having each other backs and being a shoulder to cry on through each heartache and heartbreak.

  “We were together again last night then he goes home to his wife, who he brings to my job by the way. I’m tired of being the other woman. I’m tired of his promises. Can you believe that?”

  “I can believe it. That’s who he is. I’m tellin’ you he on some other shit real talk. I see him all the time with his boys. All of them dressed up and ain’t doing nothin’ but standin’ on the corner, sellin’. He’s a drug dealer and you don’t need to be tied up in that kind of mess.”

  “No he’s not.” Madison remarked.

  “Yes he is.” Madison rolled her eyes at Tammy, and then looked towards the window. Sometimes she couldn’t stand when Tammy would dog talk Sutton. He was good to her and treated her right. She knew she was being naïve about him leaving his wife but he still wanted her so that had to count for something. They got to their destination and climbed out the limo.

  “I’ll touch base in a good hour or two. I’ll call. Thanks.” Madison said to Ty. He nodded and pulled off.

  “Why can’t you mess with someone like him? He looks nice. Sutton a playa. He ain’t worth it. Why would he talk to you and stay with his wife.”

  “It’s an affair not a relationship.”

  “Then open your eyes friend because you catchin’ feelings and it’s about to turn ugly.”

  ***

  Across the street in a different store, stood Victoria Jackson, deciding on what outfit she wanted to wear to dinner.

  “What were you saying?” her friend, Maxine asked again.

  “I think Sutton is cheating.” She replied calmly.

  “You’re not pissed because I would be. That nigga trippin’ big time. How you know?”

  “He told me he ran into Madison, they talked for a bit then she invited us to visit her on the set. He went clubbing and came home smelling like strong soap.”

  “Uh-huh. He just ran in to ol’ girl huh?”

  “Who? Madison? No we use to go to school together. She was the one who introduced us.”

  “If you say so. So what else?”

  “When he got in to bed, I tried to get him to have sex with me. He claimed he was tired although I tried, he couldn’t get it up. I knew them. It’s a curse about him. I can tell if he’s been doing the nasty.” She explained.

  “Well damn. Do you think the fact that you are carrying his child will change your suspicious?”

  “I hope so. I really do.”

  “Okay then. Pick the white one.” Victoria smiled and grabbed the white dress off the rack.

  “Thanks. I was about to lose my mind on which color.” She paid for her dress and kissed her friend good-bye. When she got home, she hung her dress up on her closet door and stared at her reflection in the mirror. What stared back at was a twenty-six year old woman. A married twenty-six year woman, expecting her first child. She took mental snap shots of her body. Once she starts to carry big and gain weight, her body was out the window. She turned side to side, admiring her hips and firm stomach.

  “Girl what are you doing? I swear if you ain’t conceited.” Sutton appeared behind her in the mirror.”

  “I’m just remembering this body as it once was.” She said, turning towards him.

  “Why?”

  “We having a baby!”

  “For real?”

  “Yes. That’s why I had to leave earlier. I had an appointment. Did you stay long after I left?”

  “Naw. Not even five minutes after you left, they called her back to the set.”

  “I’m so happy baby. Aren’t you happy?” He nodded while she turned back to the mirror. Inside he felt like shit. A baby. How they hell was he supposed to get around this if he wanted to still see Madison? He knew she would get tired of his lies of him leaving Victoria. He wasn’t ready to let go but he couldn’t avoid her. He couldn’t stay away. He knew he couldn’t.

  ***

  “Tammy he’s been avoiding me! He hasn’t returned any of my calls.” Madison screamed into her cell phone. She paced her trailer furiously.

  “Calm down. I’m sure he has a good reason. You did say he’s obsessed with you.”

  “Yeah I did.”

  “So don’t worry about it. If you follow my advice you wouldn’t be on this phone screamin’ at me.”

  “Alright Tammy bye.” She tossed her phone on the couch. She was coming off as needy and she hated it. She was Madison Ann Parks, A-list actress, and was going crazy with that “will he call me?” mode. But she hasn’t heard a word in months. Two to be exact. She checked to make sure the door was locked and found her stashed vodka. Taking two big swigs, she tried to calm her nerves. She tried so hard to maintain that clean girl image especially after what happened to her long ago. Shit why they hell did I even think about it? She set down the bottle and tried to forget her past. Going back to it would do nothing but cause trouble. Her phone buzzed, being muffled by the couch. She snatched it up in a hurry. “Hello?

  “Hey Mattie.”

  “I don’t hear from you in two months and all I get it a “Hey Mattie”. You better have a good reason.” Silence from the other end.

  “Victoria’s sick.”

  “How sick?”

  “She’s pregnant.” Madison felt as if she was punch in the chest.

  “You told me you were leaving her?”

  “I know I was but baby listen things change.” She pulled the phone away, smashing her finger into the screen to end the call as quick as she could. Excuses and more excuses. She was tired of them. That’s all she got lately was excuses and ass-kissing.

  “I could have any man I want but I settle for this.” She yelled at her reflection in the mirror. She looked like a wild woman with her hair out of place and red eyes. She knew make up would kill her when she got back to set. She went to reach for her bottle when she heard as knock on the door. “Who is it?”

  “Carle, your assistant. Are you alright? I heard yelling Ms. Parks.”

  “Yes I’m fine
thank you.” The footsteps went away and Madison slumped against the door.

  ***

  Ty was waiting outside the gates in the limo. He constantly checked the rearview mirror, waiting on Madison. This morning she seemed upset. He clocked her, coming out of the gates with her dark shades over her eyes. Ty jumped out the car and opened her door. He closed it after she got in, then running back to his side. He pulled away from the lot. She got on her phone and had a hushed conversation with someone. Half watching the road, he kept stealing glances at her and she would smile at him every time. He turned his eyes back to the road, smiling to himself.

  “So where to?” She ended the call and scooted towards the down window that normally separated them.

  “I don’t know.”

  “How about home? You look like you could use some down time.”

  “You know home sounds nice with the day I’m having.” He didn’t want to push his luck.

  “How come?” She gave a sad smile.

  “Living this life is not all that great.” She said. He nodded and headed the limo towards her place. He wondered what she meant by that. She was so secretive about her life that he didn’t know anything outside driving her around. When he first got the gig, he was eager to jump at the chance to be her personal everything but respected her privacy. Now he could clearly see her hurting, he wanted to say something.

  “Money doesn’t buy happiness?”

  “Something like that.” She sat back. He pulled into her secluded townhouse driveway.

  “Here you go.” Madison climbed out the limo and stopped by his passenger window.

  “Thanks. I really appreciate what you try to do for me. I look like shit huh?”

  “I’ve seen worse.” He joked.

  “Come in and chill with me for a bit.” He got out and followed her into her house. She closed the door after them.

  “You live here by yourself?”

  “No. I have my cat, Brian. Here is he.” The cat ran forward and rubbed against her legs.

  “Nice cat.”

  “Thanks. Want a drink?”

  “Naw. I’m fine.”

  “Suit yourself” She disappeared into her kitchen and the sound of bottles clanging together filled the air. He shook his head and walked out onto her balcony. His eyes took in the nice view. The sun reflecting off the water gave the yard a shine. “Like the view?” She came out and stood next to him.