Playing for Keeps (20 page)

"He's the one who
left
me. He didn't stand up for me. He took his brother's side. He asked me to apologize."

"And you wouldn't?"

"No."

"Why not?"

Stacy felt tears build and this time she let them fall. "Because I'm tired of apologizing. I'm tired of apologizing for being too successful or not successful enough, for being too ambitious, too driven, too aggressive. I'm tired of being the one who no one believes, no one sides with. I thought he was different, but he's like all the rest. He got what he wanted and left me high and dry. I wonder how long it will take him to find my replacement."

Rania sat on the bed. "Tell me exactly what happened."

"I thought you already knew."

Rania shrugged and stood. "You seemed like you wanted someone to hear your side so I was giving you the opportunity, but if you don't want to--"

"It happened like this..." Stacy said then told Rania about the entire day ending with her storming out of Maris's place. "And that's it."

Rania sighed. "You're right. You did screw up."

"I did?"

"Yes. He wasn't asking you to apologize. He was asking you to say 'I love you'."

"What?"

"You said that his stepfather was abusive?"

"Yes."

"Ever consider that what he saw you do may have not made him angry, but frightened him instead? Flip it around. How would you feel if you invited Chance over here and he did something violent to Laurice."

"That's different."

"Why? Because you're a woman? Why couldn't you have just apologized not to Leon, but to him. That's all he needed."

"But he already knows I love him. I said I would marry him."

Rania glanced down at Stacy's hand. "So where's the ring?"

"I gave it back."

Rania nodded. "So you fight with his brother, refuse to apologize, then return his ring and he's supposed to know that you love him? You're all mixed up."

She'd never thought of it that way. She'd never taken the time to see things from Chance's perspective. It had been a highly emotional time, but she'd only seen anger not fear. She sunk down onto the bed. "You're right."

"Talk to Chance." Rania moved in close and held her hand.

"No, I can't go back to him. I've hurt him too much. I keep comparing him to Marshall, even when I don't mean to. I can't hurt him again. I won't."

"Stacy--"

"You were right. I did get a new love life and I don't regret it, it just didn't last as long as I'd hoped. I want Chance to find someone who doesn't hurt or frighten him or…" She swallowed.

"Stacy, that woman is you."

She smiled with sadness. "I used to think so."

"You haven't worn your fourth pair of stockings yet."

"I know. I was supposed to wear them to a special occasion. I was waiting for my wedding day."

"Wear them to the next rehearsal at the theatre."

"But that's not special."

"Isn't it? Remember when getting a play produced was just a dream? Don't ever become so jaded that even small moments mean nothing. Wear the stockings. That's an order."

***

Laurice knew it wasn't her place, but she felt like she had to do something. She wanted to stop Stacy from making a big mistake. Since Stacy wouldn't listen to her, she'd make Chance. She saw him go into his apartment building. She called after him, but he didn't hear her. She rushed up to him and grabbed his arm. "I've gotta talk to you."

He turned and she froze. He wasn't Chance, but Leon.

"You're out of your neighborhood," Leon said with a cold stare.

Laurice quickly released him and turned.

He grabbed her arm and spun her around. "What do you want to see my brother for?"

"No reason."

"Running errands for your lady?"

"It was just about the script. He'll find out later."

"Tell me and I'll pass the information on."

"No, it's private."

He pushed his face close up to hers. "Did you come here for another reason and don't want anyone to know?"

Laurice stared back at him, used to the ugly look in his eyes. He only saw women in one way. "I'm going now."

"You didn't answer my question," he said then glanced up and his expression changed. He quickly released her.

A second later she discovered why. "Hey, what are you doing here?" Chance asked, coming up behind her.

Laurice rubbed her sore arm. She couldn't say anything while Leon was still around. She didn't want to lose this opportunity, but she couldn't take such a risk either. "You're busy. I'll come back later."

"Has something happened to Stacy?"

She sent a significant glance to Leon. "It's private."

"I'm sure it is," Leon said in a nasty tone.

Chance ignored him. "Come on, I feel like getting a drink."

"That sounds like a good idea," Leon said.

"You're not invited so don't even think about following us."

"But I came to talk to you."

"I'll talk to you later." Chance took Laurice's arm and led her away.

Laurice glanced back at Leon, determined that one day she'd get him back for what he did to Rockett.

***

A few minutes later the two sat in a restaurant. Chance rubbed his hands on his jeans feeling more eager than he wanted to. What did Laurice have to say? Why had Stacy sent her? Was she willing to apologize?

"I'll just get straight to the point. You have to be careful of your brother."

"What?" Chance said feeling his heart drop to his knees.
His brother?
Nearly every one warned him about his conniving TV brother, but why was she talking about his show right now?

"He's dangerous."

Chance sat back in his chair annoyed, but kept his voice polite. Maybe since he'd used her for the consulting job she thought she was doing him a favor. Diehard fans tended to confuse truth with reality. "Everyone knows that? It's how the show's written."

Laurice shook her head. "No, I'm not talking about the show. I'm talking about Leon."

He paused. "My brother and I sometimes have our differences, but he's good to me."

"Fine, if that's all that matters."

"What do you mean? What did Stacy say?"

"You're not going to believe me." She stood. "I shouldn't have come."

He touched her hand and gently pulled her back down. "Did my brother do something to her?"

"I don't know. She wouldn't talk to me, I just know your brother. He's got a reputation with the ladies."

"I know that."

Laurice shook her head amused. "I mean the ladies on the street. He's known as the Hands. He's into S and M, which is fine but he takes it to another level. He left two girls nearly dead. One was a good friend of mine named Rockett. I don't know what happened at your house but if your brother is in anyway involved, you don't know the full story. That's all I want to say."

"Did they tell the police?"

Laurice looked at him, deadpan. "That's a joke, right?"

"What about their pimps? Don't they offer protection?"

"Pimps don't mess with one of their own."

Chance stared at her in utter disbelief. "What?"

"He's in with them. He gives them the dope they need. He keeps his hands clean enough and it was only luck that I saw him. He doesn't do business in the city."

Chance shook his head. "I'm sorry, but you're wrong. You must have my brother confused with someone else. He's in a long term relationship and he respects women."

"I know who he is." Laurice lifted up her shirt sleeve and showed him the bruise Leon had left.

"My brother did that?"

"Just before you saw us and he was being nice."

"But it doesn't make sense. I've never seen Leon hurt anyone. He became a doctor to heal and help people."

Laurice stood. "That's right. I'm just an ex-hooker. You don't have to believe me."

"Sit down, I'm not saying that. I mean...tell me what Stacy said."

"I told you, she didn't say anything," Laurice said taking her seat. "What did she tell you?"

Nothing. I didn't give her a chance to explain.
He silently swore. Could his brother have hurt her too? Why? Had he really gotten everything all wrong? His brother was family. This wasn't some TV melodrama. They looked out for each other. What could his brother have against Stacy? He didn't even know her, he'd only met her once. "Thanks," he said.

Laurice's liquid brown gaze turned sour. "You don't believe me."

Chance sighed, feeling frustrated and confused. "Why are you telling me this?"

"In case you get another girlfriend. You need to look out for her. You did me one turn and I thought I'd return the favor."

"Thanks."

She folded her arms and sneered. "You still don't believe me."

"It doesn't matter what I believe. Stacy and I are through."

"Because of Leon?"

"I know my brother a lot better than I know Stacy. My brother wouldn't lie to me. I'm sorry about your friend but, maybe some S&M got out of hand."

Laurice stared at him for a long moment then shook her head in disgust. "I thought I could trust you. I thought you were different."

Chance stood. "Yea, well don't make that mistake again."

Laurice swore. "I was wrong. Julia was right about you."

***

Julia was right about you.
The words stung but he didn't care. He knew his little brother. He knew what they'd both gone through. Two days later Chance rode the elevator to Tyson's office, wishing he could erase the sight of Stacy pulling off his ring. He needed to keep busy. He knew that would be the cure. He walked into the office and grinned at the receptionist then walked into Tyson's office after knocking. He smiled at his friend then his smile froze when he saw who was with him.

He saw a distinguished looking man with spiky white hair, a trimmed goatee that was still brown and laughing hazel eyes.
Heisman. Thomas Heisman his idol, the filmmaker he'd always wanted to meet, sitting in Tyson's office. The older man stood up and held out his hand. Chance shook it, feeling ten years old again. Heisman was shaking his hand.

"Sorry for not making an appointment, but I have to get on a plane in a few hours and wanted to drop by. I've seen some of your work and wondered if you'd ever thought of collaborating?"

This wasn't happening. He was dreaming.

"Chance?" Tyson said.

Chance blinked and turned to his friend, feeling as if everything were happening in slow motion. "What?"

Heisman laughed. "No, pressure. I know your schedule is busy--"

It was real. Heisman was really talking to him. "No," Chance said quickly. "I mean yes...uh...I'd love to work with you on something."

"Send some projects my way."

"But we can't afford you."

He grinned. "Stacy told me you're a great negotiator. I'm sure we can work out something."

"Stacy?" he said, grabbing onto her name as if it were a life raft. "You spoke to Stacy?"

"Yes, about two days ago."

"Stacy Price knows you?" he said just to make sure.

"Yes, we'd worked together before. She couldn't say enough about you." He glanced at his watch. "I'd better get going." He handed him his business card. "I know it's old school, but I still use the phone." He nodded then left.

Tyson took the card from Chance and stared at it in awe. "What the hell just happened?"

"I don't know." Heisman had spoken to Stacy two days ago? But they'd broken up by then. She'd given him back his ring and then made one of his childhood dreams come true? It didn't make sense. But then again it did. This was the Stacy he knew. The woman with a generous heart, who always thought of others. Then why had she attacked his brother? His brother said he hadn't insulted her, Laurice hinted at something more. Had his brother lied? Could his little brother really be the man Laurice talked about? He had to uncover the truth.

***

"He's even better looking in person," Leon overheard a nurse say as he made his way to his office.

Before he could ask who, the receptionist said, "Your brother's here."

Leon plastered on a smile while he inwardly groaned. He hated when his brother came to visit his place of work.

"I'm busy," Leon said when he found Chance sitting in his office. It had been a week since he'd last seen him taking that whore Laurice out for a drink. He wished he'd taken a picture with his phone. Chance Jamison with a hooker would have made great press. "What do you want?" he asked taking a seat behind his desk.

"Why did you lie to me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you and Stacy. You said she came at you for no reason."

Leon gestured to their surroundings. "Does this look like some studio set? I've got work to do." He stood. "I don't have time for this."

"Sit down little brother," Chance said in a cool tone.

"Why?"

"Because I'm asking you nicely."

Leon swallowed, suddenly feeling trapped. What did his brother know? Was he bluffing? Had Stacy gotten to him? "I didn't lie to you."

Chance nodded. "Okay, fine. Let's forget about Stacy. I have two ladies ready to charge you with assault."

Leon started to laugh. "Ladies? Have you been smoking something?"

"So you know who I'm talking about?"

"I know
what
you're talking about. A couple of hookers who want more dough."

"They seemed credible to me."

"It won't work."

"Court isn't much fun. Even if you win, your reputation will never be the same."

"How about yours? You think what happens to me won't affect you?"

Chance shrugged. "Not really."

"You're a criminal and I can reveal that."

Chance nodded unfazed. "That's right you fight dirty. Just like Althea's husband did, but I expected more. Tell me why? Why do you beat up women? Can't you take on a man?"

Leon surged towards his brother and pointed at him. "I can take you down."