Blissfully Yours (Mills & Boon Kimani) (12 page)

Chapter 22

E
d was back and in full form. He flounced throughout the penthouse as if he had springy coils in his orange, high-heeled sneakers. His multicolored chiffon scarf floated in the air as he moved about. Ed appeared to be so happy to be out of the hospital and back at work that he could barely contain himself. All morning, he had been talking to the cast and crew, gesturing at a rapid pace, as if trying to make up for lost time.
Divorced Divas
was losing market share and Ed had devised a plan that would surely get the show back on track.

“I want you ladies sitting on the sofa with Moses Michaels in the middle,” Ed ordered the cast, pointing his manicured finger at the custom-made two-piece white couch.

Saturday and her cast mates were all dressed fabulously in black. Saturday had on a one-shoulder dress, Petra wore a halter dress, Brooke wore a sleeveless dress and Trista had on a peplum-style dress. Ed had informed the stylist that he wanted the ladies in black to make a dramatic contrast against the white sofa. They were also in full hair and makeup. Ed wanted them camera ready.

“Why we all dress up? I thought we no tape show, just rehearse,” Petra said with a puzzled expression on her face.

“Mr. Michaels only has today available. He's flying to L.A. tonight and won't be back until next week. I don't want to wait until then. We've lost too much time as it is.”

“But how we know who to talk about?” Petra asked.

“You mean ‘what' to talk about,” Saturday said, correcting her as usual.

“I not talking to you,” Petra countered.

“Ladies, let's save the bickering for the camera. Now, Saturday, I want you in the center, sitting next to the moderator. Brooke, you're on the other side of the moderator. Petra, you're next to Brooke, and, Trista, you're sitting next to Saturday,” Ed instructed.

“Why I no sit in middle?” Petra whined.

Saturday took her seat, spread her arms across the back of the sofa and said, “Because I'm the star of the show. Therefore, I'm front and center. You're just a sidekick.”

“What is sidekick?”

Before Saturday could come back with an insulting remark, Brandon, who had been sitting on the side in his director's chair watching the entire exchange, interrupted. “Petra, why do you always let Saturday get under your skin? Just ignore her.”

Saturday shot Brandon a look. She wanted to blurt out,
Why are you taking Petra's side?
His remark had taken her totally by surprise, rendering her momentarily speechless.

“You right. I ignore.” Petra took her seat without looking in Saturday's direction.

Once the ladies had taken their places, Ed stood in front of them and said, “While we're waiting for Mr. Michaels to arrive, I want to go over a few key points. Remember this is a reunion-type show, so you guys will be discussing what has happened over the past few episodes. Talk about how you felt about your dates, which men really turned you on and which ones you can't wait to see again. The audience loves to hear about romance. I want you to really spice up the conversation. Any questions?”

“Should we mention your heart attack?” Trista asked.

“OH, ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Ed shouted. “This show isn't about me and my health issues. It's about you ladies and your dating issues. Got it?”

Trista looked sheepish and appeared instantly sorry for asking the question. “Uh...okay.”

“And one more thing. I have a surprise planned,” Ed announced.

“I detest surprises,” Saturday told him.

“Well, I hate to disappoint you, love, but there will definitely be a surprise or two during taping, so be ready for anything.”

Saturday didn't like being blindsided. She certainly hoped that Ed wasn't bringing back any of her former dates. It was bad enough that she had to sit next to Moses Michaels. Even though she hadn't slept with the famous moderator, they still had a brief history. Now that she and Brandon were an item, she didn't want to bring her past into her present. Before he came aboard as the director, she had cozied up to several men via Ed's instruction. The thought of Brandon hearing about her exploits made her sick to her stomach, but there was nothing she could do about it now. As Saturday was sitting quietly pondering what Ed's surprise could be, in walked the moderator.

Moses Michaels was known around the reality circuit as the host that brought drama to an already dramatic setting. He was the ultimate pot stirrer, asking probing questions that got members of the cast in one heated debate after another. Moses's shrewdness had him in high demand, commanding top dollar to moderate a litany of reality shows.

Saturday watched Moses greet Ed and couldn't help but admire him. Moses stood less than six feet, but he was well built. He was an immaculate dresser. He wore a black Gucci suit, black shirt, black tie and black Gucci loafers—obviously he had gotten the same dress-code suggestion from Ed. He was clean shaven, making his café-au-lait skin look as smooth as silk. Saturday and Moses had made a striking pair, and she could understand why the tabloids had spread rumors that she had broken up his relationship.

“Hey, Ed, how are you?” Moses asked in his signature baritone voice.

“Couldn't be better,” Ed replied, shaking Moses's hand. “Thanks for doing this show at the last minute.”

“No problem.” Moses smiled, exposing his perfect white teeth and deep dimples.

“Did you get my email with the list of talking points?”

“Yes, I did.”

That man is still fine,
Saturday thought as she watched him. She hadn't seen Moses since their last date months ago. She turned her eyes away before Brandon caught her staring at the handsome moderator.

“Moses, let me introduce you to our new director,” Ed said, leading the way to where Brandon sat in his director's chair.

“Brandon, this is Moses Michaels, the best moderator in the business,” Ed gushed.

Moses and Brandon shook hands. “Nice to meet you,” Moses said.

Saturday watched them exchange pleasantries and felt a bit nervous. She hadn't told Brandon about dating Moses. Really there was nothing to tell because she and Moses had dated only a few times. They had kissed, as she had told Reese, but it was nothing serious.

“Are you guys ready to get started?” Ed asked.

“Ready as ever,” Moses said, heading toward the sofa. He sat down in his designated seat between Saturday and Brooke. Moses leaned over toward Saturday and whispered, “Hey there, lovely. You sure are looking good. I've missed those sweet lips of yours.” Moses moved his body a bit closer to her as he spoke.

“Hi, Moses,” Saturday said, staring straight ahead, ignoring his comment.

“I'm going to Los Angles tonight. When I come back next week, let's do dinner
and
dessert,” he said, licking his lips. Moses was a serial dater and had a reputation in the business of sleeping with the beautiful reality stars he interviewed. His once faithful girlfriend had had enough and had left the handsome moderator to his own devices.

“I don't think so.”

Saturday glanced over and saw Brandon watching her and Moses. Brandon had an unpleasant look on his face.

“Ready as ever,” Moses said.

“Take one. Action!” Brandon announced.

“Hey, everybody. Moses Michaels here on the set of
Divorced Divas,
” he began, peering into the camera. “I'm here with these lovely ladies for a special divulge-all reunion.” He looked at the cast to his right and then to his left. “Okay, ladies, let's get down to business. You know I don't like wasting time.”

Here we go,
Saturday thought, bracing herself for Moses's direct line of questioning. He was known to go right for the jugular. Her heart began beating faster with anticipation.

“So, Saturday, I will start with you. Last season, you made a love connection with one of your dates, didn't you?”

“I make a connection with all my dates,” she said flippantly, determined not to be ambushed.

“Well, this particular connection had a special meaning. Why don't we roll tape and refresh your memory?”

The moment he said “roll tape,” a huge HD screen dropped down behind them. The screen showed her with Erick Kastell, a high-powered investment banker. Erick was strikingly handsome with thick blond hair and blue eyes. They had had an instant attraction to each other and had gone out on several successful dates. Their last date, a romantic dinner at Jean Georges, had ended with a carriage ride through Central Park.

Saturday watched the screen as they rode with their arms around each other in the back of the small carriage. A tiny video camera attached inside the carriage had captured their every move—her hand resting comfortably on his knee, his arm draped around her shoulders, nearly touching her breast. She was shocked to see this footage because that episode had never aired. Erick had immigration issues and had had to fly back to Switzerland to straighten them out. At the time, Ed didn't know if Erick was ever going to return to the States, so he decided not to air their last date. She had all but forgotten about Erick until now, as she watched him on-screen.

“You are so beautiful,” Erick said, leaning in and kissing her on the lips.

Oh, shit!
Saturday thought, watching the scene unfold. She kissed him back.

“I know we haven't known each other for long, but I feel a deep connection to you and I know you feel it too.”

“Yes, I do.” Saturday had been instructed by Ed to play up the romance, so she had.

“Life is short, wouldn't you agree?”

“Yes, I would agree.”

“When the producers approached me to be on the show, I was hesitant until they showed me your picture. From the moment I saw you, I was smitten. I've begun to fall for you over these past few weeks, and every time we are together, I fall deeper and deeper in love.”

“Ohhh, that's so sweet.”

“It's not sweet—it's the truth.” He reached into his pocket and produced an aqua-blue Tiffany's box. He opened the lid, and inside was a five-carat diamond engagement ring.

The camera showed a shocked expression registering on Saturday's face before dramatically shutting off.

Moses turned his head to Saturday and said, “Is your memory refreshed now?”

“What do you think? I'm not blind. I can see my date on the screen, just like everybody else,” she replied with attitude in her voice.

“Now, now, let's not get testy. You made a love connection with Erick, and that's great. Isn't finding love what
Divorced Divas
is all about?”

Saturday didn't say anything. She was still reeling from seeing that old footage and embarrassed that Brandon had seen it as well.

“You guys at home are probably wondering why you've never seen this footage. It's because this is our first time airing it. Erick had some issues he had to deal with back in his homeland of Switzerland, but he's back now.... Erick, come on out,” Moses announced.

The debonair Swiss banker came strolling onto the set.

Saturday was stunned, alarmed and shocked all at the same time and it showed in her expression. Ed had said there would be a surprise or two during taping, but she'd had no idea he'd bring Erick back.

Erick went directly up to Saturday, knelt down in front of her and took the same aqua-blue box that he had had on-screen out of his jacket pocket. “Saturday, will you marry me?”

Saturday gasped and wanted to walk off the set. She couldn't believe that Ed had blindsided her. She'd known he wanted to breathe new life into the show, but she hadn't known it was going to come at her expense. She wanted to rush over to Brandon and explain, but the cameras were rolling. She glanced in his direction and noticed the pissed expression on his face. No doubt he was upset, and she couldn't blame him. She had to do something and quick. Saturday started coughing uncontrollably and patting her chest as if she couldn't catch her breath.

“Cut!” Brandon yelled. “Let's take five,” he said.

Saturday immediately walked off set, made a beeline to her dressing room and slammed the door. A few seconds later, there was a knock. She looked at the door before opening it. She didn't know who was on the other side. She didn't want to see Erick, Ed or Moses. She crossed the room and turned the knob.

Chapter 23

T
repidation took hold of Ayana and wouldn't let go as she slowly turned the doorknob. She held her breath and eased the door open.

“Are you all right?”

Ayana exhaled. “Yes, Gabby, I'm fine. I just need a couple of aspirins and a bottle of water,” she said to the production assistant. The drama that had just played out on the set had given her a massive headache.

“Okay, you got it,” Gabby said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.

Ayana crossed the room and sat on the leopard-print chaise lounge, leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes. Instantly the image of Erick getting down on one knee and proposing appeared. She quickly blinked her eyes open. Ayana couldn't believe that Ed had arranged for Erick to come back on the show and propose. The whole idea was preposterous. She and Erick had known each other for only a few weeks, not nearly long enough to entertain the notion of marriage. When he'd produced the ring box inside the carriage, she had been taken by surprise. The tape ended right before she'd told him it was entirely too soon for a marriage proposal. She'd told Erick to put the ring back in his pocket, which he had. Of course, Ed had stopped the tape for a dramatic effect, right before she'd told Erick that she wasn't going to marry him.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” she called out to let Gabby know it was okay to enter.

“You can't hide out in here forever. We've got a show to do,” Brandon said, standing in the doorway. His face was void of expression. He spoke in a monotone, displaying no emotion. Ayana had never seen him look this way before, and his coldness scared her.

She rose from the chaise and went over to him. “Hey, baby, I'm so sorry about that. I...”

“About what?” he interrupted. “There's nothing to be sorry for. This is the way you wanted things, isn't it?” His tone was more robot than human.

“Brandon, you know I have to go along with whatever Ed has cooked up. He's all about the shock factor. As far as Erick is concerned, I told him that I couldn't marry him, but that conversation wasn't shown,” she explained.

“You sure did look cozy, hugged up with him on a romantic carriage ride through the park,” he said, giving her a stern look.

Ayana exhaled hard. Brandon was right. She and Erick had been huddled together like two sardines in a can. There was no denying that Ayana had enjoyed Erick's company at that time. He was smart, attentive, attractive and rich—a perfect combination. What was not to like? If Erick hadn't had to abruptly leave the country and return to Switzerland, they would probably legitimately be engaged by now. But Ayana would never admit this to Brandon. Things had changed since then, and Brandon was her man now. She wanted to just forget the past, but the past was alive and well and waiting for her on the set.

“What the clip didn't show was me telling Erick that it was too soon for him to propose.”

“So you're basically saying that if you had spent more time with him, you'd be engaged
or
married to the dude,” Brandon countered.

“No, no! That's
not
what I'm saying.”

“Excuse me. Here's your aspirin and water,” Gabby said, appearing in the doorway. “And, uh...” She looked from Ayana to Brandon and seemed to sense the tension in the air. “Ed is waiting for you guys. He's ready to resume taping.”

“Thanks, Gabby. We'll be right there,” Ayana said. She turned her attention back to Brandon. “Honey, please don't misconstrue what's happening on the set. You know as well as I do that Ed has orchestrated this entire reunion to boost ratings.” Ayana hoped her explanation was enough to soothe Brandon's insecurities. She watched him intently, looking for a change in his disposition, but the coldness was still present. Ayana didn't know what else to do. She had explained the clip, but it hadn't made a difference.

“We need to get back on set,” Brandon said before turning to leave.

Once he left, Ayana took the aspirin and adjusted her attitude. She didn't need to go on set with the feeling of defeat that was lurking in her spirit. She hadn't swayed Brandon and was feeling horrible that her man had to witness her past exploits. She took a few more sips of water and walked out.

“Okay, ladies, resume your positions,” Ed said, standing in the middle of the room and giving directions. “Before the break, Erick proposed.” He turned to face Saturday. “Saturday, I'ma need you to express happiness—no, make that total elation—when Erick shows you that gorgeous diamond ring.”

“Ed, can I talk to you for a second?” Saturday said.

“Can it wait? We're running behind schedule.”

“No, it can't.” She walked toward the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, away from the rest of the cast, and motioned for Ed to follow her. Once the two of them were out of earshot, Saturday spoke softly. “Why did you bring Erick back?”

“You two had chemistry, and his return to the show makes perfect sense.”

“Okay, that might be true, but it makes no sense for him to propose. We haven't seen each other in months. I know you don't expect me to accept his ridiculous proposal,” she said, looking across the room at Brandon, who was sitting in his director's chair and talking on the phone. She wanted to tell Ed that she was in love with Brandon.

“The proposal isn't ridiculous and you will accept his ring. Need I remind you that you are under contract, and...”

“My contract doesn't say I have to be forced into an arranged marriage,” she countered, standing her ground.

“No, it doesn't, and I'm not saying you have to marry Erick, but you will accept the proposal,” he said with clenched teeth. “This twist will hike our ratings. Remember, you are under contract, and the contract states that the show makes the final call on all artistic decisions. And this, missy, is an artistic decision that I'm making. Got it?”

“Ed, I can't believe you're treating me like this after I saved your life...literally,” she said with tears welling up in her eyes.

“Ayana,” he said, using her real name, “I truly appreciate what you did for me, but your administering CPR has nothing to do with the show. It's apples and oranges.”

Ayana couldn't believe that Ed was being so indifferent and cold toward her. “So, basically, you're saying it's all about the show, and you'll do anything for high ratings.”

“Ayana, stop acting so offended. What's wrong with you? You knew what the show was all about when you signed the contract. I need Saturday Knight to show up and show out. Come on. We've got a scene to finish,” he said, walking away, leaving her standing there.

Unfortunately, Ed had total control of the situation. Ayana had no choice but to comply.
I can't wait until this contract is over. I'm leaving the show whether I have a talent agent or not. I can't take this anymore,
she said to herself and reluctantly went back to the set and resumed her persona.

“Before the break, Erick proposed. Let's pick it up from there,” Ed said, full of enthusiasm.

Erick got down on his knee again. “Saturday, will you marry me?” He repeated the exact same words he had used before her coughing spasm forced the break.

Saturday looked down at Erick and then glanced over at Brandon, who wore a blank expression. She could see Ed out of the corner of her eye mouthing, “Say yes, say yes.” She exhaled, put on a phony smile and said, “Yes, I'll marry you.”

Erick took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. He stood up and kissed her on the lips.

Saturday wanted to throw up. She felt sick to her stomach as his lips touched hers.

“Let's see that rock,” Moses said.

Saturday extended her finger toward the camera.

Moses leaned forward, looking at the other cast members, and said, “See, ladies. Love doesn't have a timeline. With some people, it's love at first sight and they don't need a long, drawn-out courtship. Isn't that right, Saturday?”

“Uh...” She stared at Brandon and said, “You're absolutely right.” Ayana only hoped that Brandon knew she was talking about him and not Erick.

“Erick, sit next to your fiancée and tell us if you've made any plans for the big day,” Moses said, fueling the fire.

“As a matter of fact, I have.” Erick turned to Saturday. “My love, I'd like to marry you at The Plaza in a lavish ceremony. We'll take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the hotel as a reminder of where I proposed.” He then turned his attention to the other cast members. “Ladies, we'd love to have you in our wedding.”

Brooke, Trista and Petra smiled and nodded their heads. Obviously, Ed had made them play along.

“I would love to stand up for you,” Petra chimed in, smiling and grinning at Erick. She was blatantly flirting with him and ignoring Saturday.

“So when is the big day?” Moses asked.

“I'm going to need some time to find the perfect dress. You know I have to be the hottest bride ever,” Saturday said, trying to skirt the issue.

Moses directed his attention to the camera. “Well, guys, I hate to leave you hanging, but that's the show for now. Be sure to tune in and follow the ladies as they prepare for Saturday's big day. Moses Michaels signing off. See ya when I see ya.”

“Cut!” Brandon yelled.

“Great show, everyone!” Ed said, clapping his hands.

Saturday was getting ready to make her way over to Brandon when Erick stepped in her path.

“Hello, my love. I hope you're not too shocked at all of this, but Ed said you wouldn't mind the surprise. I know we haven't seen each other in a while, but I think we really made a connection, don't you?”

Saturday was only half listening to Erick. She was too busy watching Brandon watch them. And Brandon was giving her the evil eye. She could just imagine what he was thinking. “Erick, I'm going to need to talk to you later.”

As Saturday was making her way over to where Brandon stood, Ed approached her. “Now, that was GREAT television! If we keep up this type of drama, we'll be sure to beat the competition.”

Saturday barely heard what Ed was saying. Instead, she was focused on Brandon, who gathered his notes and walked off the set. She wanted desperately to talk to him but kept getting waylaid. Their brief conversation in her dressing room hadn't convinced Brandon that she wasn't into Erick, and now she was wearing his ring. She started to go after him but reasoned it was probably better to let Brandon cool off first.
I'll call him later,
she thought as Ed continued to sing her praises.