On the day Jared was to arrive, Yancey had a surprise for Nicole. After their morning coffee and bagels, Yancey announced she had a day of beauty planned for the two of them as a way of celebrating her getting a little something-something from Devin and the arrival of Jared.
“Yancey, how much are you spending for this?” Nicole asked when they were greeted by a uniformed driver in the circle of the hotel driveway.
“Now, Nicole, being a good Southern girl, you know better than to ask someone how much a gift is costing. I just want you to be relaxed and looking beautiful when your husband arrives,” Yancey replied.
“You are too sweet, just like your coffee,” Nicole gushed. She was surprised and deeply touched by Yancey’s generosity.
After a short drive to Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit, Nicole and Yancey began their day of manicures, pedicures, seaweed facials, and a deep-tissue massage. They passed on the hairstyling when they didn’t see any black faces at the posh day spa located at the equally posh Ritz Carlton Hotel.
“I haven’t been able to trust a white lady with my hair since the Miss America pageant,” Nicole said when both of them decided against getting their hair done.
“What happened?”
“Child, all my hair almost fell out after I got back from Atlantic City. This stylist permed my hair with some product I know hasn’t ever seen the insides of a black beauty salon. My hair came out in large clumps,” Nicole said.
“What did you do?”
“I bought me a wig and then I just cut it short. Thank God short hair ended up being popular that year!” Nicole laughed.
“So you were a trendsetter. Ahead of Halle Berry and Toni Braxton,” Yancey said.
“I guess so,” Nicole smiled. The mention of Toni Braxton reminded Nicole of two questions she had wanted to ask ever since meeting Yancey. Why didn’t she talk about her famous cousin more often? And was she ever coming to see the show? Nicole jumped at the opening.
“Yancey, do you talk to Toni often?”
“Toni who?”
“Your cousin, Miss Girl. The one with all the Grammys and that fabulous body,” Nicole added.
“Oh, you know how it is when people get famous … they suddenly don’t have time for the little people,” Yancey said as she hung her clothes in the maple locker provided by the spa. They put on thick white terry-cloth robes with cobalt-blue piping and walked to the nearby massage room for their first pampering treatment. Shortly after their massage started Nicole resumed the Braxton family conversation.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Nicole said.
“Sorry to hear what?” Yancey asked.
“You know, what you said about your cousin. Toni struck me as such a sweet person. She’s always talking about her family and what have you in the interviews I’ve read.”
“Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying I don’t talk to her often. I’m sure she still talks with her immediate family on a daily basis,” Yancey said.
“That’s good to hear. Now, how are you girls related?” Nicole was still curious about the famous cousin, even if Yancey was out of the family loop. Yancey didn’t answer because she started coughing, her throat feeling scratchy and painful, then leaped from the table to get a glass of water. She moved so swiftly it startled the massage attendant and Nicole. A few minutes later she returned, hoping Nicole had finished her little examination of Yancey’s family tree.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I drank a little water and squeezed a little lemon into it and I feel wonderful. Let’s go and get our lunch, then talk about what you and Jared are going to do,” Yancey suggested.
“That sounds great. I can’t tell you how excited I am to see him, but I must confess I’m a little nervous,” Nicole said as the two of them walked toward the dining area. The hostess offered them a seat on the terrace, but not wanting to risk her voice to the early morning fall chill, Yancey pointed toward a small table in a secluded area. When they sat down, Yancey returned to their previous conversation.
“You said you were nervous about Jared’s visit. Why?”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not nervous about seeing him. I can’t wait. But when I talked to Jared this morning, he said he had some exciting news. Now, with Jared that means one of two things,” Nicole sighed.
“What two things?”
“Either it has to do with his job, which means he’s gotten some kind of promotion that might mean leaving New York, or he’s unhappy with his new boss and wants to go back to Atlanta,” Nicole said. “Or it could be the baby thing again. I don’t know if I told you, but one of the first things Jared did when we got to New York was look up all the adoption and surrogate agencies. But I just can’t get my hopes up again for a child.”
Yancey looked confused at the mention of the agencies, so Nicole explained that she had lost two babies to miscarriage and had explored the possibility of hiring a surrogate.
“Have you given up the hope of having your own child? I mean your doctor didn’t say it was impossible, did he?”
“No, he didn’t, but after my last miscarriage I don’t know if I could go through it again. And as much as Jared loves me and says he understands, I know how bad he wants a child.”
“The miscarriages must have been really difficult, huh?” Yancey asked softly.
Nicole was silent for a few moments as she looked off into space and recalled her last pregnancy. Her eyes welled with tears, but she felt comfortable sharing her tragedy with Yancey.
“The last time was pretty bad. It happened only after a couple of months. I was on my way to an audition for a limited run of a Pearl Cleage play at the Alliance. About a half mile from the theater I felt an awful pain and then I noticed a pool of blood in my car, all over this yellow cashmere sweaterdress Jared had given me. The amount of blood scared me so much that I wasn’t even thinking about my unborn child, but my own life. Later that evening in the hospital, with Jared holding my hands, I couldn’t help but think of my reaction,” Nicole said sadly.
“What reaction?”
“That I wasn’t really worried about the child. I mean even though I was only a couple of months pregnant, it was still a human being. I began to think the reason I haven’t been able to carry a child full-term was because subconsciously I’m not ready for a child.”
“I couldn’t. But I often think about that day and how I felt. Especially when my mother and Jared and Jared’s mother speak of the children and grandchildren they are looking forward to.”
“What are you going to do?”
“About what?”
“I mean, are you on birth control?”
“Naw, I gave that stuff up. My mother has hinted that that might be the reason I’m having so many problems.”
“I’m not trying to get personal, but does Jared use protection?”
“No. And I must tell you, Yancey, sometimes I worry more now about getting pregnant than when I was in college and trying so hard to win Miss Arkansas and get to Broadway. What about you? You are using protection, aren’t you?”
“Honey, you betta believe it. Matter of fact, I made Devin put on two condoms the other night. I’m convinced he’s one hundred percent hetero, but I don’t need no little Devins or any STDs while I’m doing this show. Now, if it was some multimillionaire, then I might reconsider,” Yancey said.
“You mean you’d give up the business for a rich man?”
“Who said I would give up the business? Honey, I’m still young. If it was the right man and the money was right, I’d take a little vacation, drop that load, and pick up right where I left off. With a rich husband in tow, show business would be a whole lot easier.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, with the kinda money I’m talking about for my future husband, I wouldn’t have to audition for a show. I’d just have him produce it,” Yancey said confidently.
“That would be wonderful,” Nicole sighed.
“What? Having a rich husband?”
“No. Never having to audition for another show,” Nicole said.
“You got that right! But you’re pretty much at that level now. I mean, you didn’t have to audition for this show,” Yancey said as she signed the tab for lunch.
“This was different because the producers and director wanted me and had seen my work. I’ve still got to audition for shows, workshops, but in private, usually just before a few key people. I don’t have to do any cattle calls, where every member of SAG and AFTRA are standing in line with sheet music in hand,” Nicole said. She took the linen napkin and wiped her mouth.
“I look forward to that time in my career. You ready to get those nails done?”
“Let’s do it,” Nicole said, placing the napkin on her empty plate and gracefully raising herself from the chair.
Nicole couldn’t wait.
It was Saturday, and the company’s last performance in Detroit. The cast would have a rare Sunday off, giving Nicole two nights to spend alone with Jared before traveling the hundred-plus miles for the Monday night opening in Grand Rapids.
Before leaving for the theater, Nicole packed her bags and had them transferred from the room she’d shared with Yancey to the suite where she hoped to be making mad, passionate love to her husband in a few short hours.
Jared arrived at the hotel a little after eight. The concierge had taken care of everything just as he’d requested. Two dozen peach-hued roses decorated the bedroom. Another dozen roses had been placed on the coffee table in the living area, along with fresh strawberries, smoked salmon, and thin triangles of toasted bread. A bottle of chilled champagne was nestled in a silver ice bucket on the wet bar.
Jared reached into a zippered compartment in his garment bag and pulled out a small bag that contained some of Nicole’s favorite lilac-scented candles, which he placed on either side of the bed. Jared lit the candles and dimmed the lights to a soft, seductive glow. Perfect, he thought, anticipating Nicole’s reaction to the romantic atmosphere he’d created. Jared had tried to think of everything. He wanted this precious time with his wife to be special, memorable. He knew that keeping their relationship tight meant never stopping the chase.
At intermission, Nicole was surprised to find a dozen of her favorite peach roses on her dressing table, along with a box from Victoria’s Secret tied with a lavender silk ribbon. The card on the package read: “Call me at intermission. I’ve got a secret to tell you.” It was signed, “The Man in Room 906.” Nicole picked up the phone in the dressing room and called the hotel.
“Is this the man in 906?” Nicole responded to Jared’s husky, whispered “hello.” “I understand you have a secret to tell me?”
“I can only reveal the secret to the right woman,” he teased. “You’ll have to show me your credentials first.”
“My credentials? You mean like a driver’s license?”
“No,” Jared said, his voice low and sexy, “a license can be easily forged. This is what you must do. Immediately after the final curtain, come to the hotel and knock just once on the door of room 906.”
“And how will you know it’s me? How will you know I’m ‘the right woman’?”
“You must wear only the contents of the package that was delivered to you. I believe you have a black coat you can wear en route. But that’s it. Nothing more. Your credentials will be evident and then, and only then, will the secret be revealed to you.”
Jared placed the receiver back in its cradle before Nicole could respond. He had heard the breathless excitement in her voice and knew that his intended effect had been achieved. But the chase worked both ways, and Jared’s sex was as hard as marble when he stepped into the shower.
It was all Nicole could do not to rush her lines. Her performance was more seductive than usual, fueled by her secret passion. The closing night audience was enthusiastic and showed their appreciation with not one, but three, standing ovations.
After dressing in record time, Nicole and Yancey shared a cab from the theater back to the hotel.
“Don’t forget this,” Yancey said as the cab pulled up in front of the hotel. She handed Nicole a flat, silver-colored box.
“Yancey, you never cease to amaze me.” Nicole peeked under the lid at the nut-filled chocolate brownies.
“You didn’t make these, did you?” Nicole asked.
“No, honey, even I ain’t that good. A good friend sent them, but I thought maybe you and Jared could share them after you get your groove on.”
“That’s so thoughtful of you, Yancey. Remind me to send your friend a thank-you note.” Nicole put the box in her bag and took out her wallet.
“I’ll take care of the taxi,” Yancey said. “You were fantastic tonight. Now, you just go along and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”
By the time the elevator reached the ninth floor, Nicole had dabbed an expensive scent behind her ears and on her wrists. She tightened the sash on her coat and slipped her stockingless feet out of her three-inch-high heels.
She followed the plushly carpeted corridor to room 906. Arriving at the room, she set her bag down beside her and placed her shoes on top. As she raised her hand to the door, her heart was pounding and her body throbbed in all the right zones. She took a deep breath and knocked once on the door.
“Who is it?” Jared asked, opening the door a crack.
“It’s me,” Nicole whispered, “the right woman.”
“Prove it,” Jared said, opening the door full, but barring her entry into the room with his muscular arms.
The sight of Jared’s glistening body, covered only at the waist by a soft blue towel, sent a shivering thrill through Nicole.
“Let me in and I’ll give you all the proof you need.”
A young couple holding hands passed behind Nicole and giggled as they caught a glimpse of Jared in the doorway.
“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to show me your credentials first.”
Nicole looked anxiously to her right and to her left. The couple had disappeared around the corner and no one else was in the corridor. She loosened the sash and pulled her coat open and back, letting it slide off her shoulders to the carpet.
Jared took in every inch of Nicole’s firm, curvaceous body. Her erect nipples pressed invitingly against the lace of her champagne-colored bra, and her long, smooth showgirl legs extended from the daintiest matching panties.
“Oh, yes,” Jared said, “you are most definitely the right woman.” He took Nicole’s hand and led her into the room. He brought her coat, shoes, and bag inside and dropped them near the door.
“My mystery man,” Nicole said, looking around the living room of the suite. “Everything is so beautiful!”
“You’re beautiful, Nicole.” Jared pulled her to him in a long embrace. His familiar clean, masculine scent excited her. He tilted her chin down and kissed her lightly on the forehead. He brushed her cheeks softly, slowly, with the backs of his hands and let his fingers slide down her arched throat to the round fullness of her breasts. Continuing down Nicole’s body, Jared cupped her perfect butt in his hands and gently kissed her top lip, then her bottom lip, before parting them and entering her mouth with his tongue. They deeply explored each other’s mouth until Nicole thought she would reach total satisfaction from the kiss alone.
Jared led Nicole into the candlelit bedroom. He shut the door and positioned Nicole so she faced the full-length mirror affixed to the back of the door.
“Look at yourself, baby. I must be the luckiest man in the world.” Jared stood directly behind Nicole, the hair on his broad chest tickling the smooth curve of her back. His arms encircled her waist as he ran his tongue along the nape of her neck. She watched as he moved his hands slowly up her body and unclasped the front of her bra, letting her breasts fall free. He ran his fingers up and over her nipples, then back down to her hips. Nicole watched his every move. She felt like an actress starring in an erotic movie. The effect was titillating. Jared saw the pleasure in her eyes reflected back at him.
“Are you watching, baby?” he asked as he slid one hand down inside her panties and caressed her left nipple with the other. She watched as he parted the soft, downy hair between her legs and found her deep, pink, throbbing core.
Nicole moaned as Jared massaged her ever so slowly until she was slippery wet, and her moaning grew more intense. Nicole’s breath was coming now in quick, short pants. Jared’s fingers rubbed gently, but faster and faster as he sensed Nicole approaching ecstasy.
Nicole closed her eyes and reached behind her to hold on to Jared’s hips for support.
“Open your eyes, baby,” he whispered. He slid her panties down over her ankles, then knelt down in front of Nicole, between her and the mirror.
“I want you to see me do it to you.” He placed his hands on her ass and pulled her to his full, wet lips. Jared ran his tongue slowly over her mound of swollen hardness, lingering at the tip until Nicole grabbed his shoulders, arched backward, and screamed his name. He thrust his tongue inside her until he felt her shudder from the release.
Jared rose and scooped Nicole up and carried her to the bed. He stood over her trembling body and announced that he was now ready to reveal the secret. He then let the pale blue towel fall, exposing his enormous erection, then said, “I’m all yours, baby.”
Yancey spotted Cedric in the hotel lobby and joined him for a drink in the bar before retiring to the solitude of her hotel room.
Yancey enjoyed gossiping with Cedric. They seemed to have a lot in common, like their interest in old movies and men. Cedric said his all-time favorite movie was The Women, while Yancey favored All About Eve because she loved the Eve Harrington character. And on this evening, Yancey took the opportunity to pump Cedric for information about Devin.
“Why all the questions about boyfriend?” Cedric asked.
Yancey was annoyed at herself for being so obvious. She shrugged her shoulders and looked away.
“It’s okay, Miss Girl,” Cedric said. “I share a dressing room with him, and I’ve seen the goods, not totally full frontal, mind you. Ole boy should be required to carry a warning with that fat piece he’s packing! And I know he loves the ladies!”
Yancey couldn’t prevent the huge grin from spreading across her face as she suddenly picked up her drink and headed to her room. She couldn’t wait for Devin to knock at her door.
As soon as Yancey shut the door to her room, she removed her watermelon-pink sweater and thought how nice it was going to be to walk around the room nude without worrying about what Miss Pretty would think. She thought of possibly meeting her new fling in her birthday suit. She set her glass of wine on the nightstand and was removing her gold necklace and earrings when the phone rang.
“Hello,” she said in a deep, trick-me-fuck-me voice, thinking it was Devin.
“Hey, darling, it’s Ava. Did you give her the treats?”
“I sure did. I even made it look all pretty in a silver box with a big ribbon around it. Are you sure this stuff is going to work?”
“It should. There’s enough Ex-Lax in those brownies to keep her running for days even if she only eats a couple of them. But if you want to be certain she won’t be in any condition to perform on Monday, then put a couple of drops of that other stuff in her coffee or whatever she drinks Monday.”
“That might be hard, you know. Her husband is here, so I won’t be bringing her coffee in the morning.”
“How long is he going to be there?”
“I think until Monday.”
“But you are going to be her roommate in Grand Rapids, aren’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Then give it to her Monday afternoon. Go out and get her one of those cold, flavored coffee drinks.”
“Ava, this shit isn’t going to kill her, is it?”
“No, but for a few hours she’ll wish she were dead. In the meantime, you’ll be on stage dazzling those producers.”
“Oh, guess what, Ava? I heard a great rumor tonight.” Yancey’s voice was laced with excitement.
“What did you hear, child?”
“Well, I had a drink with Cedric in the bar before I came to my room. We’re becoming good friends, you know. He’s just as devious as I am. Anyway, Cedric told me that he heard from a reliable source that our director might be leaving real soon to go to Paris or somewhere to direct a new play.” Yancey took a long swallow of her wine.
“So why is that good news?” Ava asked.
“Because he’s the one who picked Nicole. He hasn’t been feeling me at all. I mean, he’s cordial enough, but he thinks Miss Pretty not only hung the moon but makes it shine as well.”
“What if the new director likes her too? She has been around a long time. And Broadway is like the rest of the world—it’s all in who you know.”
“Well, unless it’s somebody she knows, we’ll be on equal ground,” Yancey said.
“I see what you’re saying. But if our little plan works and you go on Monday night, it won’t matter who’s directing Dreamgirls. You’ll be on your way to stardom!”
“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Yancey said as she swallowed the last of her wine. She was confident she could not be denied if she got the opportunity to play Dena Jones just once.
“Now remember: all you need to do is to put a few drops in her drink. It’s tasteless and she’ll never know what hit her.”
There was a knock at Yancey’s door.
“Somebody’s at my door, sweetheart. I’ll call you tomorrow, or you can call me, since Miss Pretty won’t be here.”
“Good night, darling. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.”
“Night, Ava,” Yancey said as she rose from the bed and hung up the phone. She greeted Devin at her door and took the bottle of wine and the street-vendor flowers he offered. At the sight of Yancey without her sweater, Devin’s boyish grin broke into a lustful, hungry smile.