Say It Ain't So Read online

  “I just wanna get that straight. That little stunt you pulled with your little boyfriend coulda got someone killed. Like I told you, this isn’t a game to me.”

  “What boyfriend?”

  “Scooter. Sending him over to that photographer the way you did,” Landon responded.

  “I didn’t send Scooter over there, he went on his own,” she said, fighting the tears that were now forming. “I tried to stop him from going. You really think I would send someone into a situation like that because I think it’s funny?”

  Landon shook his head. “I don’t know what you would do.”

  “Exactly.” Paisley shook her head.

  You don’t know me at all, and you never will.

  Chester

  I love my cousin, Paisley. She’s more than just my family, she’s my friend. I remember the day her mother brought her to my house to meet her. I was three years old. I looked into the face of that tiny bundle, dressed in pink and white, and my first thoughts were “I wish I were her. She’s sooo pretty,” and Paisley looked right back at me and smiled. It was as if she understood what I was thinking and was saying, “I know.”

  In that instant, our relationship was formed. Growing up, she always had my back. When kids on the street teased me about my femininity or adults gave me those weird looks, Paisley didn’t hesitate putting them in their place. She was definitely my she-ro. And to me, everything about her was perfect.

  She was beautiful, smart, funny, witty, bold, and she commanded attention without even trying to. And for those same reasons, her mother, my aunt, the evil Emma Jean Lawrence, hated her. It was as if Emma Jean had decided that it was her life’s purpose to make Paisley miserable in whatever she did. Paisley was an honors student who excelled in track and basketball. But she was also a loner who didn’t have many female friends. I believe that was partly due to the relationship she had with her mother. Paisley really didn’t like girls at all.

  Paisley’s relationship with her father, on the other hand, was wonderful. She was truly “Daddy’s little girl” and their bond was unbreakable. In that sense, Paisley got along better with guys. The funny thing is that Paisley has trust issues with everyone, including me. The girl can keep secrets from God. That’s why she’s never gonna get a man, because she has this wall built around her and she won’t let anyone in.

  Scooter needs to give it up. Anyone who truly knows Paisley knows that he’s not the man for her. She needs someone who sees her for who she truly is, and not the woman she thinks she should be.

  “So, you think we made the right decision?” Seymone asked Chester as they were preparing to leave. She placed the pictures and resumes of the girls they selected on Paisley’s desk.

  “Yeah, those girls are gonna be fierce, and I like the thought of hiring a couple of guys, too. That’s gonna be hot.” Chester nodded. “I can’t wait to audition them.”

  After careful deliberation, they had decided on the six girls who were soon to be known as the “Dream Angels.” Diesel, Scooter, and Paisley had come up with the crazy, off-the-wall concept for the club. State Streets, the club they were purchasing, was already one of the hottest nightspots in town. But the changes they were about to make, including renaming the club Street Dreams, were going to make it one of the hottest spots in the nation. They were planning a cross between Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club and Coyote Ugly. Chester was glad to be a part of it, and he saw the hard work Seymone had been doing.

  “Seymone, you’re really doing a good job,” Chester told her.

  Seymone turned and smiled. “Thanks, Chester. Coming from you that means a lot. We all know how super critical you are.”

  “I know that was meant to be an insult, but I’m taking it as a compliment,” he told her. “Is Bobby coming to the opening?”

  “Hell to the naw.” Seymone shook her head.

  “You didn’t invite him?”

  “I didn’t even mention Diesel and Scooter buying the club. He doesn’t even know I’m working here.” Seymone sighed. “If he knew I was involved in all of this, Bobby would have a fit.”

  “Why? It’s not like you’re doing anything wrong.” Chester shrugged.

  “You know Bobby wants me out of the spotlight. I think he wants to be the only superstar in the relationship.” Seymone laughed.

  “That’s crazy. Didn’t you all meet on the set of a music video? You were already a successful model when he met you.”

  “But now that we’re engaged, Bobby feels that my image should be toned down, and I feel him on that,” Seymone explained. “I mean, how would it look to his fans if I’m table dancing in Usher’s new video?”

  “Chile, please, you know I wouldn’t give a damn how it looked to his fans. You’re a better one than I am. There’s no way his career should come before yours. What about what makes you happy?”

  “I am happy, Chester. Bobby makes me happy,” Seymone told him.

  “This studio was your dream, too, Seymone. Working here, being here, doing this, makes you happy too. And if that nigga is too stuck on himself to see that, then you need to reconsider being with him. How are you gonna marry someone you can’t even share your dreams with?” Chester touched Seymone’s face. He had wanted to tell her this ever since she had left Paisley high and dry to go and be with Bobby last year. He had noticed the changes in her: the weight gain, the uncomfortable nervousness, the unusual quietness that wasn’t really her nature before she left. Now, a month later, the old, familiar Seymone was emerging and he wanted her to remain that way.

  “Don’t get me wrong, Chester, I can talk to Bobby. It’s just complicated. I have to be careful. You know Bobby and Paisley hate each other. That kinda puts me in a difficult situation also.” Seymone’s cell phone began ringing. She looked down at it and said, “Speak of the devil. Hey, baby.”

  “I’m gonna wait in the car,” Chester said.

  “Okay, I’ll be right there.” Seymone nodded. “Yeah, baby, I’m here. Oh, that was Chester, we are uh, about to, uh, go pick up a prescription for Paisley.”

  Chester shook his head and headed out to the car. If there was one thing he was grateful for, it was his ability to be honest in every relationship he was involved in.

  I am who I am, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Hate it or love it, love it or leave it, I keep it real with it, so deal with it.

  Chapter 15

  “So, what’s the difference between the girls you hired to be Dream Angels and strippers?”

  “There’s a big difference. First of all, these girls are gonna be fully clothed, and they won’t have people throwing money at them. Granted, they’ll be dancing, but they are there to enhance the atmosphere of the club, not be the sole entertainment for the guests.”

  “Are they go-go dancers?”

  “Well, I guess you could call them that. But, we decided last night to bring some guys in, too. It’s gonna be hot. You’ll have to just wait and see.”

  “I don’t do the nightclub thing.”

  “Why not?”

  “That’s just not my life anymore. I try to stay as far away from that atmosphere as I possibly can.”

  “Then how the hell you’re gonna be security for Paisley Lawrence, I don’t know.”

  Paisley stood at the top of the steps and listened as Seymone and Landon laughed and talked. She is such a traitor, laughing with him like he’s cool. If she only knew he was thinking that she’s an immoral slut, she wouldn’t be so quick to be his friend. And he’s just as bad, fronting like he’s interested in what’s going on. I hate him.

  “Good morning.” Seymone smiled when Paisley entered the kitchen after putting the dog outside. She and Landon were both sitting at the table, drinking coffee. “I went to Java’s for you and got your usual.”

  “Thanks,” Paisley said, picking up the lone cup sitting in the middle of the table. Landon had been there two weeks and she didn’t like him any more than the day he started. Seymone, on the other hand, acted as if Landon was th
e greatest thing since sliced bread. Unlike Paisley, she talked to Landon all the time.

  “Morning.” Landon barely spoke. “What’s on your agenda for today?”

  “Working, that’s all,” Paisley said. “I’ll just be at the studio all day.”

  “Paisley, don’t forget Dr. Singleton is coming by this morning,” Seymone reminded her. She looked down at her watch and said, “He should be here any minute with his sexy self. You should try to holler at him.”

  “Yeah, right. I don’t think so. I hope he’ll let me get this cast off,” Paisley sighed.

  “That reminds me.” Seymone reached into her purse and pulled out a set of wooden stirrers, connected together. They were similar to the ones Paisley already had, but these were painted pink and had her initials on them. “Nick told me to give these to you. I don’t know what they’re for.”

  Paisley grabbed the stirrers from her and quickly used them to scratch inside the cast. “God, he’s a genius. And these are fly.”

  “That’s so gross.” Seymone shook her head.

  “It’s better than a butcher knife,” Landon mumbled. Paisley gave him an ugly look.

  “A butcher knife? Who used that?” Seymone asked.

  The doorbell rang and Paisley rushed to answer it. Dr. Singleton smiled, standing in the doorway with his black bag in hand.

  “Well, looks like you’re getting around a whole lot better.”

  “Hey, Evan.” Paisley welcomed him inside. “Come on in.”

  He followed her inside. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m feeling better,” she told him. Seymone walked into the foyer, followed by Landon.

  “Hi Evan.” Seymone smiled.

  “How are you doing, Seymone? It’s nice to see you again.” Evan stretched his hand out toward Seymone and she shook it.

  “Evan, this is Landon Malone. He works security for me now.” Paisley introduced the two men. “Landon, this is my physician, Evan Singleton.”

  “Security, huh?” Evan looked surprised.

  “Yeah, things got a little rough around here,” Paisley explained.

  “I guess your being here makes the ladies feel a lot better,” Evan said. “That’s good.”

  “If you say so,” Paisley commented.

  Seymone rolled her eyes at Paisley and replied, “Yeah, Landon being here makes us feel safe.”

  “Well, let’s see how you’re doing.” Evan nodded at Paisley. “Have you been doing the physical therapy exercises we discussed? And not the retail exercises, either.”

  “No, none at all, and she’s been going to the studio almost every day,” Seymone volunteered.

  Paisley rolled her eyes at her best friend, thinking how Seymone was a straight tattletale.

  “Paisley, I know she has to be exaggerating,” Evan said.

  Landon shook his head and said, “She hasn’t exercised since I’ve been here and that’s been over two weeks.”

  I know like hell he isn’t trying to tell my business, she thought. “I’ve been really busy catching up on paperwork for The Playground, that’s all.”

  “I understand,” Evan told her, “but as a therapist, you should know more than anyone how important getting the proper strengthening activities is.”

  “I do, and I’m gonna do better,” Paisley promised.

  “Well, let’s head upstairs and make sure you’re okay,” the doctor said. As she walked toward the staircase, Paisley couldn’t help noticing the strange look Landon had on his face.

  “Is there a problem?” she snapped at him, knowing he was probably thinking something was up.

  Landon shrugged. “I didn’t say anything.”

  The doctor followed Paisley into her room and examined her.

  “Can I get this cast off? It itches like hell,” she asked when he finished.

  “I know it’s probably uncomfortable for you. It really needs to stay on for another week or so,” he told her.

  “I can’t take another week or so,” she whined. “I swear, I’m gonna use my own damn electric knife and cut it off myself.”

  Evan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Come on now, Paisley. You’ve lasted this long.”

  “Don’t get it twisted, Dr. Singleton, I’ll do it myself, for real, I’m not kidding.” She stared at him in a way that let him know she was serious.

  “I’ll schedule an X-ray this afternoon and if it looks good, we can go ahead and take it off,” he told her.

  “Great.” She smiled.

  “But if that bone isn’t set and healed, we’re gonna have to put another one on there,” Dr. Singleton said.

  Paisley rolled her eyes to the back of her head. “Fine.”

  “And since you’re being such a good sport about this, how about I take you to dinner to celebrate once the cast is finally off?”

  Paisley was shocked by his question. “Are you asking me out?”

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just . . . you don’t want to take me out on a date, really, you don’t.”

  “And why not?” He frowned.

  “Dating me is really complicated,” she tried to explain. “We couldn’t even go anywhere and enjoy ourselves. For real, everywhere I go, cameras are flashing.”

  “So, that just means my business would increase,” he laughed.

  “Now you’re using our date as free advertisement for your practice?” She faked a gasp.

  “Hey, any press is good press, isn’t that what they say?”

  Paisley realized that she really did want to go out with him, but her life was so complicated right now, and she didn’t want to bring all of her current drama into what could possibly be a new relationship. She liked him too much. He deserves more than what I can give him right now.

  “Maybe, when things calm down a bit, and I’m cast-free, we can do that,” she told him.

  “I can respect that,” he responded.

  “Everything good?” Seymone asked when they returned downstairs.

  “Cast is coming off today.” Paisley winked.

  “Maybe,” Evan corrected her.

  “Today,” Paisley said emphatically.

  The doorbell rang again. Seymone peeped out the window and said, “It’s the UPS man.”

  “What did you order now?” Paisley asked her.

  “I didn’t order anything.”

  Landon opened the door and signed for the large boxes the man was carrying. He brought them inside and said, “They’re all for you, Paisley.”

  “Looks like someone’s been doing a lot of shopping.” Dr. Singleton pointed to the packages.

  “That’s crazy. I haven’t ordered anything. Besides, when I order things, I have them sent to the studio.” Paisley was confused. Landon took the boxes into the den and put them on the floor.

  “Open them.” Seymone shrugged.

  “I’m scared.” Paisley hesitated, then turned to Landon and asked, “Can you open them for me?”

  He looked at her like she was crazy, but then, seeing her distress, his eyes softened and he nodded. Reaching into his pocket and removing a small knife, he sliced through the tape at the top of the first large box. He looked inside before pulling out four shirt-sized gift boxes. “You want me to open these?”

  Paisley nodded and braced herself, afraid to see what was inside. Landon opened the first box, ruffled through the tissue paper inside, and pulled out a pink lace nightie with matching bra and panties.

  “Cute,” Seymone said, reaching for the garments.

  Paisley frowned and said, “Yeah, I was looking at that set the other week.”

  Landon opened the next box and removed a pair of red satin boxers and a matching tank top. There was also a black cocktail dress, a pair of 7 jeans, and an Ed Hardy jacket.

  “That’s cute, too!” Seymone gushed.

  As Landon continued opening the boxes and removing items, Paisley felt her stomach begin turning, and became nauseated. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead,
and her lips began to tremble.

  “Are you all right, Paisley?” Dr. Singleton rushed beside her.

  “Paisley, what’s wrong?” Seymone asked.

  Landon opened the next box and took out a large Coach duffel bag, a pair of seven-hundred-dollar Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, a bottle of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, and finally, a Premiere Chanel diamond watch.

  “Wow,” Landon said, looking at the watch.

  Paisley began rocking back and forth. “This is crazy.”

  “Paisley, calm down.” Seymone rubbed her back.

  “I can’t calm down!” Paisley snapped.

  “You don’t know where this stuff came from?” Landon asked.

  “Yes, well, no . . . I don’t know!”

  “What do you mean? Either you know where it came from or you don’t!” Landon’s voice became loud.

  “Why are you yelling at me?” Paisley cried.

  “Because, you’re sitting here having a nervous breakdown over this stuff and we don’t know why!” Landon retorted.

  “Okay, let’s calm down before things get heated,” Dr. Singleton said. “Paisley, do you know anything about these items?”

  “Yes,” Paisley said. “I know about them. They’re all things I wanted to buy. They’re all things I looked at online. They’re all things that I had ‘wish listed’ on Web sites on my computer!”

  “Then there you go. Someone looked on your computer and sent you some gifts.” Dr. Singleton said it like it was as simple as counting to ten.

  Seymone shook her head and told him, “You don’t understand, someone stole her laptop two weeks ago from out of her bedroom.”

  “It’s gonna be okay, Paisley, I promise.” Scooter sat on the side of Paisley’s bed. Paisley hadn’t left the house in days after receiving the package from UPS. Her bed was the only place she found solace. Her friends had all been trying to coax her out of the obvious funk of a mood she was in, but no one had succeeded. Paisley felt like her every move was being watched and the only place she found that she could relax was in her bed, so that was where she had chosen to stay.

  “You can’t promise me that.” Paisley shook her head. “You know what? I realize now that this person isn’t trying to harm me.”