All Gold No Glitter

CHAPTER 1

STEPHANIE

It’s Not Over

Stephanie Robinson winced as she sat up in the hospital bed. Her lower stomach pain effectively reminded her of the miscarriage from a couple of days ago. Her eyes landed on the large, colorful bouquet of flowers that Levin left her. She smiled feebly. She hadn’t spoken to him since he’d flown back to Mexico. Contrary to her promise to her friend, Monica Hatcher, she intended to keep after him. She wanted a future with him.

Sure, she could stop now and try to start over with someone new but that didn’t make any sense to her. She’d invested too much time into their relationship to let it all slip away. Levin still belonged to her.

While she’d be the first to admit that she went too far when she spread pregnancy rumors before the news was true, she never expected it to blow up in her face. It all seemed like a good idea at the time. Pure luck would have it that she’d get pregnant for real. The situation would have been perfect, if she could have kept the baby.

Stephanie leaned her head back to keep tears from rolling down her face. Her scheme clearly fell flat but she was not embarrassed about it. Love makes you do crazy things and she did love Levin. He loved her, too. He had to. They’d been through so much together. Even though all of it wasn’t good, sometimes it was the not-so-good situations that could bond people together and, at this point, she was sure they were bonded.

They could talk for hours and they had chemistry. You couldn’t manufacture that. It was either there or it wasn’t. Their only problem was his attachment to singlehood. She needed to change that. She would continue to be a steady force in his life and that would make all the difference. Everyone would see.

She wondered if she could catch him before he left to shoot one of his scenes. She maneuvered over to her phone and dialed his number. Her heart nearly leaped into her throat when he answered.

Levin! Hey. Stephanie managed to coo.

What’s up, baby? How you feeling?

She smiled wide. I’m much better. I only wanted to catch you before you go back to the set to say thank you for the flowers.

You’re welcome. He paused. Even though we’ve had our problems, I still care about you.

Stephanie placed her hand over her chest and closed her eyes, savoring his admission as if she had bitten into a ripe, juicy mango. Aww. Thank you. I really wish you could have stayed. I could use someone to take care of me for a few days. The doctors say it’s better for me to have someone around.

Yeah…I can’t do that. I have to be on the set.

She reopened her eyes and began twirling her frizzy curls around her finger. Well, I’m sure they’d understand if you explained it to them. Anyone would understand.

I don’t think so. They’re spending a lot of money each day. Everybody has to be there on time, ready to shoot, which reminds me. I have to go.

Stephanie frowned. Can’t you at least ask?

No, Levin’s voice became terse. Stephanie lapsed into a wounded silence.

I tell you what. If you’re concerned about being alone, you can go to my house and stay there til I get back, Levin said.

Really? Her excitement bubbled over.

Yeah. I’ll get you a ticket and let my staff know you’re coming.

I knew he still loved me. Thank you. When you get home, I’ll have the house all nice for you. I promise.

You don’t have to do anything but get better.

Stephanie swooned. It warmed her heart immensely that Levin wanted to take care of her. She would have preferred to see him right away but she appreciated his attempt to look out for her. He had forgiven her actions. They were well on their way to working through their problems.

Okay, Stephanie said smiling.

I have to go now. Talk to you later.

Later. I love you, Stephanie said.

Levin had hung up.

I’ll catch him next time. The most important thing was that she would be flying to his home to stay. Suddenly, she felt a rush to get out of the hospital. She reached for her purse and dug for her powder case. Stephanie opened it and looked into the round mirror. She cringed when she saw the dark circles under her eyes and blotchy skin covering her face. The hospital experience had put a damper on her looks. She couldn’t let Levin see her this way. By the time he returned home, she needed to be fresh faced and full of gusto. While she worked on fixing her hair, Monica walked into the room.

Hey!

Stephanie glanced in her friend’s direction. Hey, she said with little enthusiasm.

Are you feeling any better? Monica asked, closing the door behind her.

Yeah. I wish I looked better.

Oh, girl. You can’t judge your looks after being in the hospital for a few days.

Right. Stephanie dropped her powder case down. I’m ready to go home now.

C’mon. Let’s go, Monica said.

Stephanie grabbed several bags and Monica picked up several others that Stephanie couldn’t carry. They checked Stephanie out of the hospital, heading for Stephanie’s condo.

Have you heard from Levin again? Monica asked, pulling on to the expressway.

Stephanie perked up for the first time since the phone call. Yes. I talked to him a few minutes before you came.

Good. Was he calling to check on you?

Actually, I called him. You know, to thank him for the flowers.

Monica nodded. That was a nice gesture.

He invited me to go stay at his house. Stephanie blurted out. Monica wouldn’t want to hear it so she figured she would get it out of the way as soon as possible.

Monica remained silent. Stephanie could already guess her perspective on her announcement because she’d heard it all before. She was moving too fast. She should think things through. Blah, blah, blah. Regardless of what her friends Monica and Dee thought, Stephanie loved Levin. He was the one for her and she intended to hold on to him.

She looked at Monica. I’m going there.

Monica still didn’t say anything. She looked straight ahead. Her silence nearly killed Stephanie.

I know you don’t approve. You think I’m making the wrong choice but I have a chance to make things right with him.

Monica still said nothing.

What I did was really stupid and I deserved everything I got but that doesn’t change the way I feel about him. I still love him.

Monica continued to silently stare at the road.

Would you say something? Stephanie threw her hands up.

I really don’t have anything to say. You’re a grown woman. You do what you want to do.

But I don’t want you guys to think I’m crazy or something.

Monica looked over at Stephanie. It’s a little late for that.

They broke into laughter.

I’m serious, Stephanie said. I’m trying to go after what I want. That’s all. I want to follow my heart.

Follow your heart but take your mind with you. That’s all I’m saying.

Stephanie faced forward and crossed her arms. Fine. I’ll try to be careful but I won’t stop seeing him. He’s mine.

CHAPTER 2

DEE

Trouble in Paradise

Dee Wright trotted to the kitchen in Stephanie’s condo to check on the food−Chips, dip, crackers, cheese, meats and a little bit of cake. If guests wanted anything else, they would have to go sit in a restaurant somewhere. Her man, Dwayne Shoreshire, followed behind her.

Is there anything you want me to do? he asked.

Uh, yeah. Could you open these crackers for me and arrange them around the platter? She handed them to him.

He nodded. Dwayne opened the box and poured the crackers onto the flatware. They scattered all over the glass. Dee held her tongue and observed as he messily set the thin wafers on the plate in some unknown order.

What are you doing? she asked, unable to hold it in any longer.

Dwayne stopped moving. I’m putting the crackers on the platter.

I said arrange them on the platter. Not dump them all over it.

He peered at her.

Okay. How about this? There is the cooler. It already has ice. Put ice in the cups. She turned around and grabbed a silver scooper. You can use this.

He took it from her and reached for the cooler top. Dee opened the refrigerator and pulled out the iced tea, coke, and water when she heard the doorbell ring. Oh, no. I hope that’s not Stephanie and Monica already.

Dee ran to the door and peeped through the peephole. She saw her interior decorator, Antony. Whew. Thank God. She opened the door.

Antony sashayed in. Hello, everyone. I’m here the party can now begin.

Dee rolled her eyes. Hello, Antony. She leaned forward and gave him a hug. Come on in. There’s some chips and dip. Help yourself. More is coming out.

I’ll get to that later. I wanna see who you got here first.

She laughed and shook her head. Whatever, Antony.

Dee headed back into the kitchen. She found Dwayne pouring the coke into a cup with ice in it. Why are you pouring that?!

He stopped again. I was filling the cups.

I wanted the cups filled with ice. That’s all. She scanned the rest of the cups. Almost half of them were filled. We don’t know which drink people want.

Dwayne scowled and placed the coke bottle back on the counter. Forget it. You can do this yourself. He stormed out of the kitchen.

She watched him leave. That’s what I get. Never ask a man to help in the kitchen.

Dee finished arranging the crackers, meats, and cheeses on the platter. Then, she moved the platter and the drinks to the dining room table. While promising herself that she would never agree to work this hard again, she received a short ring on her phone. Monica’s text message said that she and Stephanie were in the condo’s parking lot. They were on their way upstairs. Dee faced the dining room of thirteen people.

They’re coming, y’all! Hurry up and get in your positions.

Everyone followed orders. Dee flipped the light off and shrunk into the nearest corner. The doorknob started to wiggle. When Stephanie opened the door and switched on the light, the small group of people jumped out at her.

Surprise! they all shouted.

Stephanie dropped her bags and stepped backward. Monica laughed and escorted her back into the condo. Stephanie glanced around her living room to see Get Well and Welcome Home balloons floating in the air. A pink and white cake sat on the dining room table. The guests reached out and hugged her.

Dee followed suit. Welcome home, girl, she said after hugging Stephanie.

Thank you. I can’t believe you guys did all of this for me, Stephanie said.

Dee swatted the gesture away. It was nothing. Okay. I’m lying. It was quite a bit but we’re glad you’re feeling better.

Stephanie laughed and began making her way through the crowd of people there to see her. While she conversed with friends, Monica motioned Dee towards the luggage. C’mon. Let’s move these to the bedroom.

Ugh. I already prepared all the food. I have to perform manual labor, too.

You didn’t cook the food. Now, shut up and do it, Monica said.

Dee sighed and lifted the luggage. The two staggered down the hall and dropped the bags in Stephanie’s room.

Monica stood straight. You will never guess what this child told me she’s going to do.

What? Dee leaned on the dresser.

She’s going to Georgia to stay at Levin’s house.

Dee raised her eyebrows. Is she going there unannounced? What if he has another woman there?

Monica shook her head. No. She says he invited her to. Can you believe that?

No, I can’t. What if she’s lying?

Monica pursed her lips. C’mon now. She’s done a lot of things but we can’t assume she’s lying about this.

Why not? You know she’ll do anything to get that man. It’s sad.

Well, I have a feeling she’s not lying about this but I do hate to see her continue to stay wrapped up in him. It can’t be healthy.

No, but what can we do? Nothing. She’ll see after a while.

Dee didn’t have any explanations for Stephanie’s behavior. Her friend had always been the needy type but, with Levin, she seemed to require more and more attention. She’d hoped the disastrous end to her scheme would make her see the error of her ways. Yet, it sounded like she planned to keep making a fool out of herself. It was kind of scary.

One thing though, Dee said to Monica.

What?

If I ever get that desperate, shoot me.

Dee…

Seriously, break a brick over my head or something.

Monica gently nudged Dee back down the hall where the party had picked up. People were spread out chatting and choosing which foods to put on their small party plates. A few people gathered around Stephanie to inquire about her health. Dee walked over to the stereo and turned on the music. Soon, the condo was filled with the melodic sounds of music and laughter.

Dee’s stomach growled. She placed her hand over it and remembered that she hadn’t eaten anything all day. I have got to put something in my stomach. As she edged toward the table, she noticed Dwayne sitting on the couch, muted and solemn. He had become more and more gloomy over the last few days. She suspected it had something to do with the FBI investigation and Bobbie Mitchell but she didn’t want to bring it up. While he watched an old Western movie, part of her didn’t want to bother him but another part of her thought she should at least try to talk to him. Maybe she could at least make him laugh. Dee sat down next to Dwayne.

Whoof. A Western? Dee asked.

What’s wrong with that? Dwayne asked, barely looking her way.

It’s an old and outdated form of entertainment.

What am I supposed to be watching? Reality shows?

To be honest, you should be up and circulating. Talking to people to see if you can generate some business.

Dwayne scowled. I don’t need your help in finding new business. You’re the one trying to start one. He placed his hand on his chest. I’m established.

Dee looked at him. Is he trying to say something? "I don’t know what you’re referring to but I do have an established business. I’m a fashion stylist and I’ve been doing it for years," Dee said, pointing at her own chest.

Good for you. That doesn’t mean you know all there is to know about business.

Fine. Dee stood up from the couch. She didn’t have to take this from him when she was only trying to cheer him up. She would rather spend her time with people who appreciated her company. She walked over to where Monica and Antony were standing, wearing a frown.

Uh uh. What’s wrong with you? Antony asked.

Dwayne. He has his habits on. I’d rather come over here with y’all. Dee grabbed a plate and began piling crackers, meat and cheese on it.

Trouble in paradise, huh? Antony asked. Girl, I know the feeling.

I guess it was never quite paradise but it’s kinda funky today.

Maybe it’s a phase. I’m sure it’ll pass, Monica said.

It better, Dee said, scowling.

Over the next two hours, everyone talked and ate. When it was over, most guests left Stephanie’s condo; all except for Monica, Dee and Dwayne. They stuck around to help clean up.

You guys have done a lot to put this together. You don’t have to stay to clean up, Stephanie said, coming from the hallway. She had her third piece of cake on a little plate.

Oh, it’s no bother. We wouldn’t dream of leaving you with so much to do. You still need to rest, Monica said.

It’s amazing how much of a mess a few people can make, Dee stood in the middle of the floor. I don’t even know where to start.

Monica walked over to her and handed her a big trash bag. Start with this.

Dee sucked her teeth.

All you have to do is throw stuff in there, Monica said.

What are you going to do? Dee asked.

Pack the food away and grab another bag. Don’t worry about me, Monica said.

I’ll help you with it, Dwayne said, grabbing the other side of Dee’s bag.

Dee turned to him. Thank you. I appreciate that.

Dwayne bent and started throwing plates and napkins in the trash. Dee turned back toward Stephanie.

So, I hear you’re going to Georgia soon.

Yep. I should be leaving in a couple of days. Stephanie sat down in a chair with her cake.

Dee nodded. How long do you plan to stay there?

At least until Levin gets back, but who knows? Once he gets there, he may want me to stay longer, Stephanie said, smiling.

Dee rolled her eyes. Monica shook her head at Dee.

Hope it works out, Dee said. Then, she sighed. This cleaning up is taking too long.

That’s because you’re not moving, Dwayne said.

Dee faced him. Excuse me.

He threw a cup in the trash and stood straight. It’s taking a long time to clean up because all you’re doing is talking. If you helped, we’d be done.

Monica and Stephanie exchanged glances.

What is your problem? Dee asked, dropping her end of the bag. Your attitude has been crappy all evening.

Maybe you’re the one with the crappy attitude, Dwayne said.

No. I’m certain it’s you.

Well, why don’t I let you clean up by yourself? I’m gone.

Dwayne nodded to the other ladies, grabbed his jacket and walked out the door.

You see? Dee asked, pointing toward the door. What is all that about? She walked over to Stephanie and Monica.

Ooh, I don’t know, Stephanie said.

Am I missing something? Dee asked.

I suppose so. He must be angry about something. You two need to sit down and talk, Monica said. He could be still stressed out over the situation with Bobbie.

But Bobbie is in jail! He can’t even harass Dwayne any more. Besides, what does that have to do with me? Dee asked.

I don’t know, Monica said.

Neither did Dee but she wouldn’t take this treatment forever. It was time to move on and she would do it with or without Dwayne.

CHAPTER 3

MONICA

Ms. Thing

It had been almost a week since Monica’s husband, Tony, left. She didn’t know how she felt about it. On one hand, she felt a sense of relief that she didn’t have to argue with him so much or worry about what he’d been doing. On the other hand, he was her husband. She couldn’t imagine throwing almost nine years of marriage away. There must be some medium. A way to have what she wanted—a career—and keep what she had—her family.

But she refused to devote her whole life to Tony anymore, especially when she knew he’d been busy with extracurricular activities. He might even have a son to prove it. Bottom line: something had to give. Maybe this break in their marriage was what they needed to get back on track.

It’s almost eleven o’clock. I’d better get out of here. Monica grabbed her keys and her purse and headed to her car. The sun was shining. It was a beautiful day outside. Perfect for a luncheon honoring local business women. Her pink and purple sleeveless dress complimented the weather and her slender figure. She thought about Dee and decided to call her before she reached her house.

Hey, Dee. I’m on my way there. Are you ready?

Uh, yeah. Sure.

Monica tooted her lips up. Are you sure you’re ready?

Yeah.

Alright. Don’t let me come there and you’re still getting dressed.

I said I’m ready. Okay?

We’ll see. I’ll be there in twelve minutes. Monica hung up the phone. Dee wasn’t ready. I’m going to give her five minutes tops. After that, I’ll leave without her.

Monica pulled up to Dee’s townhome and knocked on the door. She heard a little bit of scurrying around in the home. She shook her head while she imagined Dee running around at the last minute.

Dee finally opened up the door with purse in hand. She wore a cream colored vest with matching pants. Her newly cut short hair was strategically tousled at the top and laid flat in the back. See? I told you I’d be ready.

Aww, girl. You know you barely squeaked by in time.

Doesn’t matter. Dee sashayed to Monica’s car.

The two women arrived at University of Tampa. They walked into the conference room as the servers were preparing each table. Before they could reach their table, a tall slender woman approached with two women in tow. She wore a white, blue, and black dress with a white jacket and blue shoes. She also wore a stern expression.

Are you Monica? the tall woman asked.

Yes, Monica faced the woman.

The woman extended her hand. My name is Vanessa Miller. My husband is Brian Miller.

Oh, yes, Monica accepted Vanessa’s hand. Brian Miller was the real estate developer who coordinated the renovation and lease of Janet Lowery’s restaurant, The Open Table. Monica had already started getting emails and calls from people about working with her−just from the amount of PR she gained for Janet. Brian had done a great job and handled Janet brilliantly, even during her nervous breakdowns. Good to meet you. This is my friend. Deidre Wright.

Vanessa nodded slightly and sniffed. Hello.

Hello. Dee narrowed her eyes at Vanessa.

That was some opening you and Janet put together, Vanessa said to Monica.

Thank you. Your husband did an awesome job. We couldn’t have done it without him.

Vanessa shot Monica a self-satisfied smile. I know but I wanted to ask you about planning an event for me.

Monica raised her eyebrow. Really?

The host came up to them and asked them all to have a seat because lunch was about to