The Bad Twin (29 page)

She smiled.  Earlier she had come to a conclusion on what she needed to do about her situations. She took the opportunity to clear things up with David. Before they were always in a business setting, but tonight they were in the comfort of her home. “David. I think we should talk. Let me clear the table and I’ll be back.”

When she walked back into the living room, she saw him admiring her newest collection of Egyptian artifacts.  He commented, “These are nice. I see you’re still a collector.”

“Yes, I may donate some of my items to the Egyptian museum here in San Jose. If you haven’t made it by to see their exhibits, I would suggest that you do so.”

“I will.” He walked over and sat down on the couch. “Now what did you want to talk about?”

Violet paused before speaking, “I don’t know where to begin. I guess, I’ll just come out and say it. We’ve been dancing around this thing, since we’ve come back in contact with each other.”

David in a seductive voice said, “You mean the attraction that seems to still be there between the two of us?”

She crossed her legs. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m talking about.”

“What about it?”

She uncrossed her legs and looked him straight in the eyes. “I know I’m still attracted to you. Let’s face it; you’re a handsome man; however that’s all it is.”

David’s smile faded. “So you’re saying you don’t feel anything else but a physical attraction?”

“Correct. I forgave you years ago; however I also know that a relationship with you is doomed to fail, because there will always be that little doubt about your trustworthiness in the back of my mind.”

He cleared his throat. “I see. So you’ll turn down any advances I make towards you?”

“Basically David. Please don’t even try. I don’t want to sound cold, but this is my life and I don’t see you being a part of it. I will admit, I did entertain the thought of it before my trip, but I can’t subject myself to being involved with you personally again.”

David started begging. “Violet. Baby. I was trying to take it easy. I’m sorry, I thought maybe us working on this project together would bring us back together.”

 Violet responded, “A part of me wants to jump back into your arms and allow you back into my life, but the other part, is telling me to let it rest. I loved you then and will always love you; however I am not in love with you and quite honestly I don’t think I ever could be in love with you again.”

David respected Violet’s honesty. He was no longer in a sociable mood, so he got up and headed to the door. Violet gave him a good-bye kiss.  He poured out his heart before leaving. “Violet you are special and any man that gets you is lucky to have you in his presence. I wish I could be the man to put a smile on your face, but you’re probably right. Our time together has passed, and I will go to my grave, regretting the fact I caused you so much unnecessary pain.”

 “Thank you David. I think we needed to talk, so we both could move on.”

He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek. He hugged her tight before saying, “Good-bye.”

Violet closed the door behind him and wiped tears from her eyes. While unpacking, she recalled the conversation with David. She was now ready to move forward with her life. 

ROSE

“Carmen, can you please tell them I will be there as soon as I can. I’m stuck in traffic and I can’t run everyone off the road, just to get to their stupid photo shoot.”

Carmen in her normal calming voice said, “I swear you’re going to give yourself a heart attack girl. Calm down. Just get there when you can. They will be there. I want you to relax.  What I need to know from you is how many tickets you need for next week’s movie premiere?”

Rose got off at her exit. There was a long line to turn at the light, so she tapped her left foot as she waited for her turn. “I don’t really have anyone else I want to invite. Well on second thought give me ten. What I don’t use, I’ll give back and you can give them to somebody in your office.”

“I’ll do that. Get back with the names.”

“I will. Well I’ve finally made it, so let me go. Talk to you later.”

Since being back in Los Angeles, Rose had spent days promoting her soon to be released movie. She was also taking photos for her next movie that was due soon.  Although she finally admitted to herself that she loved Lance, she had managed to dodge Lance and the only time she spoke with Trey was during their promotional setups. This photo shoot would wrap up her commitment for the movie and she could then relax before taking on another project. She was considering doing another music CD.

After the photo shoot, she saw Trey waiting in the lobby. Before she could pretend not to see him, he came up to her and blurted out, “Why have you been avoiding me?”

Rose put her shades on and threw her scarf over her left shoulder. “I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve seen you almost every day since I got back.”

He ran in front of her and opened the door. “You know what I mean. I’ve missed you. I need you.”

Rose gave out a hearty laugh. “Trey baby. You’re so cute when you’re like this; however I have things to do, people to see, so I’ll call you later okay.” She brushed him to the side with her hand and continued to walk toward her car.

He yelled behind her, “I’ll be waiting.”

She responded out of earshot, “Don’t hold your breath.”

***

I can’t believe some men. That’s why I’m the way I am. If you don’t fit into my agenda, then keep on keeping on. Trey thinks I’m stupid. He doesn’t call me until he hears I’m back in town. When I called him from Louisiana he had some skank in his bed and forgot all about returning my call.

Look at Lance sitting outside of my house.  If I could trust him, he would be a good man, because he spoils me.

***

Lance walked up to Rose’s car and opened the door. “Baby. I couldn’t wait another day without seeing you.”

He leaned down and hugged her. In her fake happy voice, she said, “Nice to see you too, but you should have called first.”

Lance followed her inside. “I have called you all week, but you’ve been too busy to talk with me.”

She sat on her sofa and started going through her mail. “I had to make up for being gone.” Tuning him out, because he wasn’t saying anything she wanted to hear, she asked, “By the way, are you going to be in town next Tuesday, that’s when my movie premiere is and I need an escort.”

“Is all I am to you is an escort?” Lance asked sounding frustrated. “Look at me.”

Rose continued to go through her mail.

Lance sounded really upset. “Rose, look at me.”

The sound of authority in his voice caused Rose to stop what she was doing and she gave him her undivided attention. “What?”

“I need to know you feel something. Why are you the ice princess? Why can’t you allow yourself to feel?”

Rose took her time responding, so they sat in silence until she did. “Apparently I feel something since I’ve let you hang around me all these years; however you hurt me and I don’t want to take the chance of you hurting me again.”

“Baby, that was years ago. I can’t even remember her name. That’s how unimportant she was to me.”

Rose moved from where she was and looked out the patio door. She kept her back toward Lance and spoke, “That’s just it. I know about the other women, but you’re off the hook for those, because we don’t have a real commitment.”

He came up behind her and gave her a hug. “Baby, if you just say the word. I promise I will leave all those other women alone. I don’t really date anyone besides you, and you keep pushing me further and further away. A man needs to feel like he’s needed and loved too. That’s all I’m saying.”

Rose started sobbing letting out years of hurt and frustration.  She turned around allowing Lance to cradle her in his arms. He led her to the couch and ran his hands through her hair and held her until she gathered her composure. She glanced up and asked, “So where do we go from here?”

Lance moved off the couch, got on one knee and then took something out of his pocket.  “I’ve been carrying this around waiting for the perfect money. I didn’t plan on doing it like this, but there is no better time than the present. Rose Purdue will you take me, Lance King, as your husband. I promise to love you unconditionally and be faithful to the end.”

Rose wiped the tears of joy from her eyes.  He opened the box and placed a four-karat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. “Lance. I don’t know what to say. I want to say yes,” Rose said.

He kissed the palm of her hand. “Then what’s stopping you?”

 “Nothing,” she said as she looked at him and then at the ring. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He took her in his arms and that night, for the first time in a long time, Rose felt as if she had a chance at real love and happiness.

VIOLET

Violet pulled the covers over her shoulder, while cradling the phone with the other hand. She said, “I hate to end this conversation, but you’re about to hear me snore in a minute.”

“What makes it different than the other two or three nights?” Pierre laughed.

“Pierre, I will get you back for that comment. I don’t snore.”

“Says who? If you ask Alexander Graham Bell, he’ll tell you that you do.”  They both laughed and said their good-byes.

***

Pierre is something else. He has kept his word about communicating with me every day. If he doesn’t call me, he’s sending me an email. We have even setup instant messaging, so when we’re both on the computer we can chat.

After David and I had our little talk, I felt like a new woman. I guess all of those times he wanted me to meet with him to talk, I should have. I would’ve been able to move on long before now.  It’s been done and now I’m open to receive and most importantly give love again. I’ve met some nice guys over the years, but they never stood a chance. Pierre is a sweetheart, but I’m going to take it slow with him. If he’s all that he seems to be, then we’ll be together; otherwise, I’ll move on without him.

***

Violet slept peacefully. The following morning she met the builders at the site to assess their progress. She was impressed and made notes on her notepad with some decorating ideas.  She saw David as she was leaving and waved. He waved back and Violet continued on to her car.

When she got back home, she had several messages on her answering machine. Several were from Rose and she laughed as she listened to them. “I see you’re still using that ancient answering machine, well anyway. I have some good news and just wanted to share it with you. Also, hold on. Well just call me back.” 

A couple more messages were from solicitors and then another from Rose. “It’s been a few hours since I left the last message, I’ll try you again.”

She decided to call her new employees first to see how they were coming with the new employee selection process and then she made a call to Rose. Rose answered sounding out of breath. “Hello.”

“It’s me. I got your messages. Everything okay?”

Rose panting said, “Yes. Everything is just lovely. Hold on a minute, let me turn this fan off.” Violet waited. Rose said, “I’m back. How are you?”

Violet sat in her favorite chair in the living room. “I’m doing great. What’s going on with you?”

“First things first. I want to invite you and a guest to my movie premiere next week. I know this is short notice, but I’ll pay all expenses, just give me the okay.”

Violet opened her mouth to decline, but changed her mind and instead said, “I might just take you up on the offer, but the guest I would like to invite may not be available.”

“Why don’t you call and ask Pierre if he’s available and his travel arrangements will be made as well.”

“How do you know it’s him? I could be talking about a friend here.”

“Last time I saw you two together, the chemistry between the two of you was enough to light a fire.”

They both laughed. “I’ll ask him and let you know.”

“See I knew I was right. You go girl. Two snaps.”

Violet laughed. “You’re so silly.”

“I also want to know if you will be my maid of honor.”

Violet’s mouth dropped wide open. “What, when did this happen and with who?”

Rose told her about Lance and how he proposed and how she felt about him. “I can’t think of anyone else I would like to be by my side as I embark on a new chapter of my life.”

“Thank you for asking. I’ll be your maid of honor and congratulations. Have you told Mom?”

“No. I wanted to tell you first and ask you about being my maid of honor. Now that you’ve confirmed you’ll do it, I’ll call her. I’m also inviting her, Aunt Mae, Audrey and her man to come out to the movie premiere. Everyone can stay here. I have plenty of room.”