http://fictionalfantasies.tumblr.com/Taurus
*
Taurus
Chapter 24
Appearance
The typical Taurus man:
* has a stocky body, which is muscular if he does a lot of physical activity
* may be plump
* will bear the discomfort of an injury or disability with extreme stoicism
* has very clear skin
* is likely to have plenty of hair and can grow a substantial beard
* walks with determination
*
With two more people being added to Taurie and Chris’s little duo, the trip changed substantially. Meaning Taurie and Chris were on their best behavior.
Taurus was paranoid. Did Karrueche know what they had been doing? Did somebody see and tell on them? But wouldnt she have fired her by now? No, maybe she was waiting to ruin her life when she got back to New York. Maybe she wanted more evidence, which is where Reagan and Dan enter.
Not being able to have Taurie when he wanted did damper the mood on things but Chris wasnt as depressed as he thought he would be. He still had his secret meetings in the studio with artists he called in to collab with for his album and worked on theirs too. He worked with Pharrell, T-Pain, Pusha T, Tyga, Kendrick Lamar and even sweet little Ariana Grande. Taurie swooned when she saw her. She was the cutest thing in her little party dress and heels and when they sang together in the booth, she swooned even more. She was too adorable. He also did a late night filming of ‘Fine China’ and filmed Dont Think They Know’ in downtown LA with some very lucky kids, as well as attending actual meetings and events that Karrueche had planned. They didnt really have the time to be alone but when they did, it was for maybe 5 minutes and Taurie would freak out. He thought she was overdoing it as usual. But she had a point. Kae would be the type of person to know you were lying and just let you do it until she had enough evidence to punish you with it. He knew that all too well.
Getting home on Sunday was going to be interesting.
On their last day in LA, Chris accomplished a task that was the most important to him. He finally had a reopening date for Black Pyramid. Everything was squared away and he wanted to open the lounge up on his birthday. May 5th. It was also Cinco de Mayo and he wanted a Mexican theme.
He also wanted it to be the release date of his new secret album, X.
Beyonce did it. Why cant he? And he wanted to use all the album sales to go to Black Pyramid. To pay all his employees who had to go on unemployment, take out loans or anything else dire while he tried to clean up his mess and the rest he would donate to his Symphonic Love charity in LA. The kids were all cast in his video for ‘Dont Think They Know’ and being in a music video and meeting him were probably enough but he always wanted to give back. To give more. He had enough money. He didnt need anymore.
Taurie thought it was a great idea but as usual, she was apprehensive about Karrueche.
Chris
"Will you stop worrying about her?"Chris asked her. He found it weird that everyone who worked for her was scared to death of her. Granted, they all met her after she turned into the ‘Devil Wears Prada Karrueche’ but he first met her when she was just the ‘Angel’ she used to be. "Look she was the most upset about the BP Fire. This will pay for all the damages and then some. Hence paying the employees and donating to the kids. She loves BP. She’ll be happy. Granted, she somehow hates the whole new album thing but she’ll get over it"
Taurus
Taurus sighed, how naive he was. She knew for a fact that Karrueche hated Black Pyramid. Both the lounge and the tattoo shop, Black Pyramid Ink. On various occasions when Chris suggested they eat lunch there, she would always say, she already made reservations at a more upscale restaurant, which wasnt true. Taurus would have to usually call in a late registration after they left. She just didnt want to be seen there. Too many fans asking for pictures while they ate, she claimed. She would say that the food was fattening or could give her diabetes. Soul food was the reason why everyone in America was obese. And dont get her started about Valentines Day. Remember when Taurus suggested they have the after party there instead of 14th and Park? She still blamed her for the fire but Taurus kept her mouth shut. ‘If we had the party the way I planned, none of this wouldnt have happened’, she had said.
'Fine no more party planning for me then', Taurus had said back and Karrueche said nothing. Karrueche once said that she was glad that the lounge even burned down. Chris could focus on better things.
"Lets hope she does"Taurus said as they arrived back at the mansion. Reagan and Dan following close behind in their black SUV’s. Taurus’s business cell rang and she answered. "Taurus Jackson speaking?"she asked and Chris smirked at how professional she sounded. Her ‘white’ voice was in full effect and he was gonna tease her when she hung up. "Yes…..yes….alright….I understand….I’ll let him know"she said and hung up.
"Sure your name isnt Becky Jackson?"he joked
"What?"Taurus asked him, not getting it
"You sound white when you answer the phone. Stop it"
"I sound professional. Stop being racist"
"Im not racist!"
"You’re implying that black people cant sound educated so yes you are"
"Uh….no…no I didnt"he stammered
"Er uh uh uh yes you did"she cut him off. "Usher is running late. Freeway was jammed"she said with an excited smile
"Why you so excited?"
"Because its Usher"she said. “‘Nice & Slow’ is my jam"
"Everything is your ‘jam‘“he said
"You jealous or nah?"she asked him with a smirk and a roll of her neck
"Please, stop with the ratchet shit. Dont say ‘or nah’ ever again"
"Oh would you rather me sound white again?"she joked,"Christopher, is thou envious of Usher or not?"she asked in a theatrical voice as she threw her hand in the air dramatically
"Oh you got jokes?"he asked her with a laugh. He wanted to kiss that smug smile off her face but Reagan and Dan had them surrounded. One at the front door and the other near the balcony surveying the backyard. He held himself back. "Im gonna go get changed outta this suit"he said
'You want help with that?', she wanted to ask but the Secret Service was here. “Ok I got emails and things to do. I'll be down here….if you need me”she said as she kicked off her gladiator sandals and laid on the chaise lounge in the living room.
"Can you warm me up some leftovers first please?"he asked her with a pleading look and she rolled her eyes. Of course he had to ask as she sat down,"Or nahhhhhh?"
"Fine I’ll do it"she said as she got up and walked into the kitchen with a shake of her head
"See its not so fun when I say it either huh?"he called over his shoulder as he walked upstairs
"NAHHHHHHHHH"she shouted back and he shook his head and laughed as he continued upstairs.
Taurus heated up his plate and he ate it in the living room as he played the Xbox as Taurus answered emails and phone calls while relaxing on the chaise lounge. Chris smirked as he put the finished plate on the coffee table as he glanced at her typing quickly on the iPad.
For a second he fantasized that this was what life would be like if he and Taurie were together, they would live and work in LA. Doing most of his work here or in the office downtown. Mostly here though so they could have their alone time. They would sit here in the living room like this. In silent bliss like this. Or laughing and joking with each other. Fooling around on the couch with no nosy bodyguards spying on them. She would assist him, helping him out with all the admin shit while he played Halo to calm himself down, even if it was just for 20 minutes.
No, she couldnt just be his assistant. She had to have her own dreams too. She loved photography. She was like Wonder Woman. She could do both. Shes been taking pictures on her Instagramera all week. He would buy her her own gallery. She could sell her photography there. He would buy her best ones and they would hang here in the house. Mama’s house. Dad’s. Tootie’s too.
"What?"Taurus asked him and he realized he had been staring at her the whole time
He blushed,”Ugh nothing just thinking about stuff”he said as he realized he lost the level he was playing and died, he was so distracted with his daydreams. Shit. He would have to start all over.
Taurus wanted to ask what but then the doorbell rang. “Oh thats him”she said excitedly as she jumped up. She ran her fingers through her hair and had the nerve to adjust her bra as she walked to the door. He sighed and turned the game and tv off. He walked up to the front door as Taurus shook hands with Usher’s assistant, Arlene, and blushed when she shook hands with Usher Raymond himself. Chris shook his head. It was cute how star struck she was. When they were together, she would meet people that she would only dream about meeting. Hell, they would have them over for dinner.
Usher
"Nice to meet you Taurus. Heard a lot about you from Chris here"Usher said
"Really?"Taurus asked, she practically had ‘heart eyes’ right now
"Yeah"Usher said,"Oh Chris you havent met Arlene. Arlene, the infamous Chris Brown. You arent the only one getting a new assistant"he said as Arlene gave him the same ‘heart eyes’ look that Taurie was giving Usher. He smirked as he shook her hand. Taurie noticed Arlene’s excited look and gave her a slight side eye.
Was she jealous now? Or nahhhh?
"I wouldnt say infamous"Chris said sheepishly
"She would"Usher said with a smirk
"I have all of your albums. Been to all of your concerts"Arlene said
"Shes obsessed with you. More than with me"Usher said as he winked
"Same with her when it comes to you"Chris said as he nodded his head at Taurie. "You should have seen her face when she knew you were coming over"
"You’re a liar!"Taurie said with an open mouthed gasp
"You wanna switch assistants?"Usher asked and Chris laughed
"Sure"he said and Taurie glared at him. What? Arlene was cute too, in a mousy white girl kinda way.
"Anyway, lets get out of the foyer"Taurie said, changing the subject quickly. "You want something to drink Arlene? We….Chris has everything"
"I cant stay. I have so many errands to run before we fly back to Atlanta"she said sheepishly. Taurus nodded and Chris ‘aww’ed’
"Aww you cant stay? I wanted to interview my new assistant"Chris said, not letting the joke go since it seemed to piss Taurie off some. "How would this work? When do you fly back to the A?"
"Tomorrow"
"What a coincidence, I gotta go back to New York tomorrow. We’ll switch off tomorrow morning"he said to Usher
"Um what are we? Objects or people?"Taurie asked
"Assistants"Usher and Chris said at the same time and they looked at each other and laughed. "We only playing sweetheart. Actually, if I can have some water, that would be great"Usher asked her and Taurie nodded and went into the kitchen
"Well Im gonna head out. You sure you’re gonna be ok here?"Arlene asked him
"Yeah Arlene. I’ll be fine. We’re just gonna be in the studio"he said and Arlene blushed. She told Taurie it was nice to meet her and let herself out. "She’s so overprotective"he joked with Chris and he winked at him. "Lets hit this studio. Im glad you’re coming back with an album man. Music aint the same since you left"
"Shit I havent been the same since I stopped"Chris admitted as they went downstairs into the studio
"Your assistant is cute though"Usher commented and Chris glared at him. "What?"
"Nothing. I was just joking about stealing assistants though. You cant have her. Didnt Arlene used to be Justin Timberlake’s assistant?"
"So?"Usher asked him and smirked. "As you can see, she’s better off now"
"Cant believe you still salty"
"I aint salty. Its just good old competition. Just like you. All you niggas are coming out for my spot"
"Nigga stop"Chris said. "I took your spot plenty of times"
"Ok yeah, where the rest of your Grammy’s at?"Usher asked him and Chris punched him in the arm playfully. Taurie smiled at them as she brought down a tray of bottles of cold ice water and some hot honey tea. "Well isnt that sweet. You made tea too"
"You know just in case your throat gets dry or whatever. Tea is good for the chords"
"That it is"Usher said as he smirked at her and she blushed. Chris glared at him. What was up with all his boys trying him when it came to Taurie?? Pharrell invited her to Virginia Beach for his Beach Week party and had the nerve to say, ‘you can bring Chris if you want’. Tyga took her out on his new motorcycle, almost killing her. Chris didnt like how she had to hold onto him for dear life. Kendrick’s slick ass slipped his number in her business cell when she left it unlocked. Slick ass. T-Pain practically hired her to be his babysitter when he brought his daughter to their session and the two got along great. Poor thing cried when they had to leave and asked her to be her babysitter. Really? Using kids to get to a girl though?
Taurie saw the look on Chris’s face and said,”Well I’ll leave you two to make your magic”
"You sure you dont wanna stay?"Usher asked her, ignoring Chris
"No, I got work to do. Call me when you’re done. I would love to hear the track though"she said as she glanced at Chris and he nodded in approval
"Bet. We’ll do that"Usher smiled at her and she smiled and went upstairs. She sighed as she closed the door and the light that said ‘Recording’ above the door turned on.
Great, now what was she going to do? Chris’s jealous ass got her kicked out. She finished all her emails and phone calls. He can joke about trading assistants but God forbid if Usher Raymond smiled at her? Boys. She blushed as she shook her head as Dan came inside from the backyard. He wiped his forehead.
"Is it hot outside?"she asked
"Blazing. Temperature rose since this morning. Perfect beach weather"he said
"And its only February. Dont you love California?"she said and he nodded. She then had an idea. It was their last day here in Cali and they had no time to go to the beach. She wished they did. But Chris had a hot tub on his back balcony. She could return to dreary and cold New York with a nice tan. She shuddered at how cold New York was now. She missed California already just thinking about it. She went upstairs and put on a bikini that Chris got her from Victoria’s Secret. She wrapped a towel around her waist and put on her Gucci shades. She made herself a cocktail and picked up her iPad and phone and went outside. She nodded at Dan and he nodded back and quickly got a look at her ass as she slid the balcony door closed behind her. He caught Reagan’s eyes from across the room and he held up his thumb in approval. They both had agreed when they first met her that she had a banging body.
Taurus opened the hot tub up, turned it on and hung her towel on the side of it. She put the cocktail in the cup holder and put the iPad and phone on the ledge. She waited for the hot tub to get ready and she sighed as the California breeze blew past. She was going to miss this place. Always will.
The tub beeped and she got in slowly, putting her toe in, then her whole foot, then leg and soon her whole body was submerged into the bubbling water. She sighed out loud contently as she settled back. She took a few sips of her cocktail and relaxed. She picked up her iPad and started reading a romantic ebook. She was so lost in the book she was reading, she didnt pay attention to what was around her and she jumped when the balcony door opened an hour or so later.
"Shouldnt you be working? Who gave you permission to get in that hot tub?"
Taurus laughed,”Hey Mijo. I didnt know you were coming over”she said as she put the iPad down
Mijo
"Last minute. Thats how I do shit"he said as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Besides my boy Ush is here too so I figured I’d stop by"he said
"Usher is great. Really nice"she said
"I bet"he said and smirked at her. He noticed the glass and nodded at it. "Drinking already?"he asked and looked at his watch. "Meh its 1:30. Not as bad as Christmas. What was it? 10 in the morning when you started drinking Henny with Pops?"
"Ohmygod just let that go"she said with a shake of her head,"You wont let me live that down will you?"
"Never. Thats how I do shit"he said. "What you drinking though?"
"Its called Purple Rain"she said and Mijo widened his eyes. "Chris’s friend. Jake? The Australian one? He taught me how to make it at the Mechanical Dummy mixer the other night"
"Damn Im mad I missed that"Mijo said. "Whats in it?"he asked her as she handed it to him and let him try it. "Oooh damn got enough alcohol in there?"
"Theres maybe a double shot of vodka in there you weak ass"she said and he chuckled. "Its also got Blue Curacao and more cranberry juice than anything. All the ice melted too"
"Jake knows how to make some drinks with his alcoholic ass"he said,"You know he brews his own beer?"
"Yeah told me all about it. He invited me to his house where he makes it if Im ever in Australia"she said remembering their conversation. "Like that will ever happen. He was really nice"
"Yea thats my boy too"Mijo said as he handed it back to her
"Theres more in the kitchen if you want"she said and he looked toward the door. "Come on you know you want to"
"Fine, only because you peer pressured me"he said as he got up. "Promise me that you’ll go to rehab when you get back to New York? I think you really have a problem and….I only want whats best for you. I feel like when you drink, its tearing our friendship apart"he said pretending to cry
"Stop being a pansy ass and refill my cup too"she said as she handed hers to him, holding in her laugh. Mijo laughed and went inside. Taurus felt like she was pruney so she lifted herself out of the tub and laid the towel on the ledge and sat on it. She fanned herself with her hand as she looked out at the nice scenery. LA had the best view. Especially from here.
"Purple Rain for you ma’am?"Mijo asked as he brought two glasses out.
"Dont call me ma’am"she said as she snatched it from him playfully
"Thats no fun"he said as he sat on the ledge and put his hand in the hot tub and splashed her
"AND NO SPLASHING ME! YOU GONNA GET MY HAIR WET!"she called out as she put her drink down quickly and covered her face
"Thats the only way that I can get you to put the alcohol down?"he said. "You really have a problem"
"I havent had a drink since…..the 90s party"she said,"Oh well besides the MD mixer last night"
Mijo raised his eyebrows,”Yeah….that 90s party was something interesting wasnt it?”he said and looked at her
She blushed but covered it up by taking a big sip of her drink. She forgot that he knew. She hasnt seen him since the party. “It was fun”
"I bet"he said,"Dont remember much though. We all were fucked up"
"Yeah we were"she said with a nervous chuckle
"It all got blurry after a certain point"he said and then snapped his fingers. "Oh! The last thing I remember was seeing you and Chris come out of the womens bathroom. It all got….hazy after that?"he said as he looked at her with a huge smirk. Would she be her usual uptight self and just deny it, stress her innocence?
Taurus sighed and shook her head. No this nigga didnt. Chris wasnt lying when he said Mijo was messy as fuck. But he was only messy if he really liked you. Which didnt really explain why he was extra messy when Karrueche was around. Chris had said,’oh thats because he hates her’
"What do you want me to say?"she asked as she shrugged
"Refresh my memory"
"I have a feeling you know what happened"she said as she swirled the straw in her drink, letting the ice cubes clink against each other
"You do?"
"Yeah"she said and they had a staring contest. Who would look away first? Would she admit what happened? She sighed and looked away first. Score for him. "Fine. Remember when you said Chris and I should get together? We did. In the bathroom. You happy?"she asked him. Score for him again.
Wait…
Mijo stared at her with wide eyes and an even wider mouth. She admitted it? He thought for sure she would take it to her grave. “Word?”
"Dont act like you dont know"she said with a shake of her head. "So you happy now? You wanted this to happen"
"It was merely a suggestion. You know to loosen his ass up"he said in shock as he got up and paced. "You…..really?"he asked her and she rolled her eyes,"Taurie Im surprised at you. You really need to go to rehab. Alcohol is turning you into a different person"
"No I just…let go of my inhibitions. We both did"she said and that surprised him even more. Who was he talking to right now?
He sighed, he didnt want to be the one to have to break it to her but he felt he needed to. “Taurie…you know that hes getting married in 7 months right?”
Taurus looked at him. “I know. I was practically planning the damn wedding-“
"So just…I hope you dont expect anything-"
"Says the guy who told me to do it in the first place-"
"Dont put this on me. You grown. You knew what you was doing-"
"Whatever. He said he was gonna call off the wedding when we get back"she said
"WHAT!?"
"Im sorry. I should have let Chris tell you all this but since you asked-"
"I have a feeling that if I asked, nigga would slap me"he said and that hurt her. Was she really just some secret? Some little vacation fling? She would think that he would at least tell Mijo since they were so close. But then she remembered their small fight at the house during Christmas. How they werent close anymore due to Karrueche coming between them and Chris missing his grandfather’s funeral. "He said that to you?"he asked her and she nodded, not looking at him. "Taurie…."
"What? Come out and say it"
"I just…"
"WHAT MIJO?"
"Yo stop yelling"he said to her. "I just. I care about you. You’re cool peoples. I like how Chris is around you. Hell I like being around you. You’re awesome-"
"But?"she asked,"Get to the fucking point"she said, not believing he wasnt happy for them
"Just dont expect anything, you’ll get hurt. Dont have any high expectations. If Chris is really gonna do this, do you know how much Karrueche will make his life hell? How she’ll make your life hell? She chased that other assistant to DC for even flirting with him and shes homeless now or something"
"Shes a waitress"Taurus said with a shake of her head
"Who told you that?"
"Danyel"
"The gay one?"
"Yes the gay one"she said with a sigh
"You wanna go to DC Taurie? I mean I hear its nice there but wouldnt you rather be in New York?"
"I’d rather be here to be honest"she said
"Not when Kae’s done with you-"
"Hes not gonna tell her what happened. They arent on the same page anymore. He sees that now"
"You would honestly let him break off his engagement with her and let him lie about it?"
"It will save both of our asses"she said and Mijo shook his head. "What now? What? I thought you would be happy. You supposedly hate her so much. Hes gonna break up with her. I thought you would be happy for him"
Mijo shook his head and chuckled a little,”Taurie…sadly….Ive been here with him before”he said and she looked at him. “Hes done this kinda thing before with Rih. And it fucked everything up. It was ok for a little bit, when he actually did what he said he was gonna do. But somehow he went back to Kae and broke Rih’s heart again. Rih was my best friend man. Kae used to be my friend too. And that stupid shit he pulled. Cheating on Kae with Rih and then going back to Kae and cheating on Rih….I cant call either of them my friends now. It fucked Rih up and it was hard to watch. It fucked Chris up too….its like he didnt care what happened. He was fucking up again, thinking everything would be ok. That he was invincible and when he started thinking that shit, he would always get into trouble. Big trouble”
"Who is Rih? You mean Rihanna?"
"No Rih is short for Rico Suave. Yes Rihanna. Did he not tell you about what happened to them?"
"I know what happened"she said and he was surprised that Chris opened up to her about that too.
"I just dont want you getting hurt. I love Chris, thats my boy but he be doing stupid shit and Im the only one that tells him. Well besides you. And Kae, but she takes it too damn far. And to her, everything he does is stupid"
"And isnt that the very reason why he shouldnt be marrying her?"she asked as she got out of the hot tub and wrapped the towel around her waist. "You know what? Thanks for the advice but Im a big girl. I can take care of myself"
"Im just trying to be a friend-"
"You’re being an asshole quite frankly"she said honestly as she downed her drink and slammed the glass on the ledge of the hot tub
"Im being the asshole? Im just being honest! You guys had sex once in the bathroom and you honestly believe hes gonna fly to Kae and say ‘hey we are two different people now bye’ and come running back to you? Taurie, you’re smarter than this. Open your eyes. Dont be so naive and lovesick-"
"It wasnt just one time"Taurus said angrily. "We kissed in the elevator. We fucked in his office in New York. We fucked in the bathroom yes and we fucked in the bedroom upstairs and in the studio. Im not being some stupid love sick girl Mijo. I truly care for him. I love him! Ok? Im in love with him and I think he loves me too. This is more than just some fling and Im gonna prove it to you"
"You aint gotta prove shit to me. Not if its real"he said to her and she shook her head. "You’re in love with him?"he asked her. She didnt answer. She couldnt even look at him. "Taurie, you’re in love with him?"
"Did I fucking stutter?"she asked him
"Yo watch your fucking mouth. Why you being so rude and defensive?"
"Cuz you’re being an asshole! Just let us be happy!?"she said to him and Mijo sighed.
"Does he love you?"
"I….I think so"
"Has he said it?"he asked her
Her heart dropped to the floor. He hasnt said it. What if Mijo was right? What if Chris made all these promises because he was high off of their week here? The warm weather? The clear California breeze? Being away from Karrueche? Or because he was actually high? What if Mijo was right? What if she was just some stupid girl in love? Again?
"Fuck you Mijo"she said as she stomped inside
"Taurie. Im sorry. I was out of line. That was out of line-"he said as he followed her inside and stood in the open doorway
"Yeah you got that right. You’re out of line and a fucking asshole"she said as she glanced at the light above the door of the recording studio. "The light is off now. Go downstairs and bother Chris now with all your fucking negativity because this conversation is over!!!"she practically screamed at him. Mijo stared at her in shock and so did Reagan and Dan.
And so did Chris as he walked upstairs and heard her screaming at Mijo. He looked at her in shock and she looked at him in shame and ran upstairs.
"Taurie, come back"Mijo called after her
"What the fuck happened?"Chris asked him as he walked up to him, closing the door to the studio behind him. Glad that Usher didnt hear what was going on.
"We were just talking-"
"About what?"Chris asked as he glared at him.
"Yo check your fucking tone my nigga. It was all a misunderstanding-"
"The fuck it wasnt. What did you say to her?"Chris asked through clenched teeth. Mijo sighed and pulled Chris outside and slid the balcony doors closed. Chris pushed him off of him. "Yo what the fuck!?"
"How can you be so stupid?! For all you know, Kae may already know and thats why those two goons are staring at us like we crazy"he said as he nodded his head to Dan who was standing by the balcony door. Making sure that Mijo wouldnt hurt his client. Too bad the doors were soundproof. He wanted to know what he and Taurus had been arguing about and now he pissed Chris off.
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"She told me. She told me everything"Mijo said
"Told you what!?"
"EVERYTHING NIGGA! EVERYTHING! LIKE ARE WE BACK HERE AGAIN? HUH? KEEP THAT SHIT IN YOUR PANTS BRUH! ITS LIKE THE KAE AND RIH THING ALL OVER AGAIN! YOU WERE FUCKED UP AFTER ALL THAT. YOU WANNA GO THROUGH THAT SHIT AGAIN!?"
"Check your fucking tone man"Chris seethed. He couldnt believe Taurie told him. Why would she? "Why did she tell you?"
"Thats the first thing that comes out of your mouth? Why would she tell me? Because my boy doesnt have the balls to. And Taurie is a great girl. A great person-"
"Its Taurus to you man. Stop that shit. You know that pisses me off"
"And you know what pisses me off!? When you fuck up shit thats good for you and Im the one who has to clean it up. Im the one who gets yelled at. First from Rih, then Kae, now Tauri….Taurus. Ive never seen chick so angry. You’re driving her crazy already man. Do you know what you’re doing?!"
"Dont fucking talk to me like Im fucking 4 years old"
"She honestly believes that you’re leaving Kae for her"
"I am"he said and Mijo laughed out loud.
"You’re gonna fucking hurt her man-"
"Fuck you Mijo"he said. "Why you mad? You wanted this"
"I wanted this but not like this"
"Well like I told you in 2009….and two years ago….and Im gonna say it again now. Its my fucking life. You aint got shit to clean up but your own shit. Butt out of my fucking business. If I wanna call off my own fucking wedding, I’ll fucking do it"
"Fine. I’ll clean up my own shit"Mijo said as he threw his hands in the air. He downed his drink. "Starting with this glass. Ima put it in the dishwasher and I’ll be on my way"
"Good"Chris said
"Tell Ush I said whats up. I’ll see you around….or never, whatever comes first"
"Good. Bye"Chris said, not looking at him as Mijo walked inside and slammed the door closed behind him. He clenched his fists and took a few deep breaths as he looked out at the LA skyline. Once he was calmed down, he walked over to the hot tub and turned it off. He picked up Taurie’s phone and iPad and walked back inside. "Mijo left?"
"Yeah sped off like a bat outta hell"Reagan commented
"Is Taurie ok?"
"You want me to check on her?"he asked him
"Nah I got it"he said and went upstairs
*
Like Venus, Taureans can be very affectionate and fond of the good life, as long as it is a peaceful, secure life. Taureans rarely detract from their personal code of what is right.
*
Taurus went upstairs and closed her bedroom door and paced angrily. She then stripped off her bikini as she walked into the bathroom. She lotioned up and searched through her clothes and put on a maxi dress. She sighed when she realized it showed a lot of cleavage but it would have to do. She adjusted the top part of the dress as best as she could and brushed her hair. But keeping herself busy couldnt stop the few tears from falling.
A part of her was telling her that Mijo was right. He was everything her head was saying, in the flesh. But she defended her heart all the way. She didnt have to yell at him like that though. Nah, she did. He was being an asshole. He had to learn to keep his mouth shut. Not joke around so much. Not be so fucking honest. It could really get on people’s nerves.
The truth always hurt though.
"Fuck!"she said as the threw her brush on the ground and wiped her tears
"Taurie?"she heard him say and she paused. She didnt answer. She felt embarrassed that Chris saw her in that light. Screaming at Mijo like a crazy bitch. Who knew what he was thinking. Was he gonna yell at her now? "Taurie? You in there? You good?"he asked again and she didnt say anything. "I know you’re in there. Say something"he said. He then knocked on the door and tried to open it but it was locked. "Taurie? Why’d you lock the door-?"
"Cuz I wanna be alone. Take a hint"she said
"Look. Mijo was out of line. Come out and talk to me"he said to her
"Just go back to the studio-"
"We’re taking a break. Usher can wait. I gotta make sure you’re ok"he said.
Taurus swooned at that but then caught herself. It didnt matter because even though he cared about her that much, he didnt love her. Someone once said, never be the one that loves too much. Who said that? She used to think they were crazy. Why bother being with someone if they love you more than you loved them? But as she got older, she slowly realized they were right. Whoever they were. But God, she loved more. Thats how she always will be. She couldnt help it. She probably loved Shay more than he did her but damn it, he sure acted like he loved her just as much. Loving him put her in a depression and wanting to commit suicide. She definitely loved Monte more. Loving him put her on the brink of alcoholism and suicide. And now here she was again. Loving Chris more.
For the third time, here she was loving someone else more than they loved her and it wasnt a charm. It wasnt shit.
"Fine, I’ll wait"Chris said as he backed away from the door and she sighed. "Im patient but I hear Usher isnt as patient as I am"
"You aint patient, dont kid yourself"she whispered to herself. She looked at herself in the mirror. Looking at her red eyes, the frown lines on her face, the depression overcoming her. She turned on the sink and splashed water on her face.
Chris sighed as he walked over to her chair near the window and sat down. He realized he sat down on something and pulled it from beneath him. It was a book. He was curious and opened it to where the satin slip bookmarked where she had left off. He read the poem and smiled. Wondering if it was about him. It was dated just a couple days ago. At 6:30 in the morning. Was it about him?
He flipped to the front page and skimmed through the pages. This book was filled with poems. Poems that werent finished and poems that were. The poems that were finished had her initials at the end.
Here we are just you and me
Got something for you baby
Wait and see
No need to worry, come follow me
I don’t want you to think about anything else
Tonight
We’ve been together for quite sometime
Now I know that your love is mine
No more fantasizing of how it would be
Cause tonight all your dreams come true
Ready to give all my love
Won’t hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don’t hold back
Someday is tonight
You know I promised
I’d be worth the wait
Now the wait is over baby
Please don’t hesitate
Boy you make me tremble
With your warm caress
I never knew I could feel this way
No more fantasizing
You’ll never have to
Cause tonight baby
All your dreams come true
I want you so bad I can taste it
I’m yours if you want me
Ready to give all my love
Won’t hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don’t hold back
Someday is tonight
tj.
TJ? That was a cute nickname. He should call her that too, though he has grown quite an attachment to ‘Taurie’. He smirked as he read the poems. He blushed as he read some of them. A lot of them have been written in the past few months and he wondered if they were about him or if she just got inspired.
Then Mijo’s words haunted him. ‘You’re gonna fucking hurt her man…’
He then heard the doorknob to her bathroom jiggle, he put the book down and hopped out the chair and shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to look innocent as she opened the door. “Hey”he said
"Hey"she said sadly
"Why didnt you keep the bikini on? I wanted to see it"he asked her but she said nothing as she adjusted the top of her dress and walked to her suitcase and opened it. "I mean the dress is nice too though"
"Thanks"she said softly
"Taurie talk to me-"
"There’s nothing to say"
"What did Mijo say to you? Huh?"he asked as he walked up behind her. He kissed the back of her neck and wrapped his hands around her waist as he always did. She loved when he did that and sadly, she realized, after tomorrow it wouldnt happen again.
"Nothing. Dont worry about it"she said
"Im worried about it. He made you upset-"
"Hes gone though right?"
"Yeah-"
"Then I’ll get over it"she said as she turned around and took his hands off her waist. "He was just being more of an asshole than usual"
"What did he say?"
"I dont wanna talk about it"she said as her phone dinged. She picked it up and opened the text message.
"Taurie just put the phone down and talk to me"
"No its important. More important than this conversation right now"
"Oh really? Who’s more important right now huh? Is that Jason guy texting you again?"
"Yeah actually it is him. Wondering if we’re still on for our date tomorrow"she said in a clipped tone as she started typing
"WOW. Fine. Obviously you’re still feeling some type of way. So I’ll just fucking leave you alone"he said
"Thank you"she said, not looking at him
She heard him scoff and then he slammed her door behind him and she jumped when it did. She immediately regretted it. What was wrong with her? Pushing him away now wasnt going to help, not when it pained her even more to make him angry.
She sighed as she sat on her bed and read Jason’s text: damn girl you must be having a great time in LA cuz i havent heard from you. is this another rain check?
She sighed, poor Jason.
She then paused. She didnt love Jason. Well it was way too soon but she didnt love him. And he didnt love her but he was interested. Like she said before she left to come here, he was the safer choice. She wouldnt get hurt with him.
sorry jason ive been so busy chasing after chris
Literally…
this isnt a rain check. i’ll see you tomorrow night. what time should i meet you?, she replied
He replied immediately: meet me? lemme come to you. you’re in the bk right?
yeah but not the good part
idc. text me your address or no go
you’re such a tease, she replied back and sent him her address
knew you would see it my way, i’ll pick you up at 7
cant wait, she typed and put her phone down and sighed as she laid on the bed
Her phone beeped again and she picked it up thinking it was Jason but she sat up when she realized it wasnt.
Im sorry :( ,the text read. It was from Mijo.
That was a first. Shes never heard him apologize to anyone when he was being difficult. She didnt say anything. She just wanted to forget their argument even happened. She wished she never told him. She laid back down on the bed and soon all the drinking and sitting out in the heat got to her and she fell asleep.
Chris’s soft voice woke her a few hours later, she blinked her eyes open and saw that it was a little past 5:30. “You ok?”Chris asked her as he sat on her bed
"Yeah sitting in that hot tub made me tired I guess. Do you need anything?"she asked as she sat up
"No"he said,"Usher just left. He said it was nice meeting you"
"Oh no. Sorry I missed him"
"Its ok. You needed your rest"he said to her
Her eyes widened when Chris’s calendar flashed through her mind. “Oh you have that benefit to go to. Do you need help-“
"I got it Taurie. I can dress myself"he said as he stood up. When he did, she saw a cocktail dress laying on the bed. She couldnt see it before because his body blocked it.
"Whats that?"she asked
"Your dress"he said,"You’re coming with me. Be ready when I come back"he said and winked at her as he walked out and closed the door.
She would love to go with him. But as she pulled her knees up to her chest and stared at the dress, all she could think of was: what was the point? Being on Chris’s arm tonight will only hurt her even more. She would just be smiling in peoples faces. Pretending that he was just her boss and that she was just his assistant…..when he really was the love of her life. She didnt feel like hiding in plain sight. If she had to hide her feelings, she would rather do it here. Not in front of LA’s elite. She was so lost in thought that she didnt realize she sat there staring at the dress for over 15 minutes.
Chris walked in, dressed in a nice suit and her heart fluttered when she saw him. What an Adonis he was…
"Taurie, why arent you ready?"he asked her
"Im not going. Thanks for the dress and for the invite but….Im not going"she said
"Why not? Its our last night here, we gonna stay an hour tops and I wanted to take you out-"
"But you’re not really taking me out. We’re just acting like we just work together. Holding back how I feel and I dont have the strength to do it"
"Taurie what the fuck are you talking about?"
"Just go on. You’re gonna be late"
"Are you kidding me right now?"
"I wish I was"she said as she laid back down and rolled over so her back was to him. "Just go. I have a headache anyway"she said. But that was a lie, it was her heart that hurt.
"Fine. Whatever"Chris said and closed the door behind him, she was glad he didnt slam it this time but him walking away from her would always deplete her. She sighed as she heard Chris leave out and she stared at the clock. As every minute went by, the countdown got smaller and smaller. By this time tomorrow they would be back in New York and she would be just as confused as she was when she left last week. This wasnt how it was supposed to go. She was supposed to come back with answers. Not more doubt. As every minute passed, the lesser the time she would have with him and she soon regretted not going with him to the benefit. Yeah they would be holding back but at least they would be together.
She finally dragged herself out of bed and decided to make herself some dinner. Chris gave Vivian the night off to be with her mother for her birthday so she was left to fend for herself. She was fine with it though. She needed the space. She walked downstairs toward the kitchen and jumped in surprise when she saw that Reagan was still there. So much for space…. “Sorry didnt mean to scare you”he said
"Shouldnt you be at the benefit with Chris?"
"Dan’s with him. He instructed me to stay with you if you needed anything. He said you werent feeling very good. There’s aspirin and a glass of water on the counter in the kitchen. For your headache"
"Thanks"she said to him. She walked into the kitchen and took the aspirin for the hell of it. Her head was actually starting to hurt from all the thinking. She made herself dinner and took it upstairs. She got in bed and decided to watch a movie and wait up for Chris. She saw that ‘Juice’ was on and decided to watch that.
When the movie finished, she checked her phone and replied to a few emails and then realized she never answered Mijo’s text. ‘its ok’, she replied back
you sure?
im really sorry
its fine
you were just trying to protect me…in a weird way
but i was still out of line tho and im sorry for that
wow our first fight….
this means we are best friends now ;)
Taurus smiled as she shook her head, i guess so, she replied back
have a safe flight back to ny
call if you need anything
i mean it
i got your back
thanks take care of yourself
She sighed as she put her phone down and took her plate downstairs and put it into the dishwasher and turned it on. Mijo’s apology made her feel better but she realized that Chris still wasnt back. He said he was only going to be there for an hour, but now he had been gone for at least three. She sighed and decided to take a shower so she wouldnt have to in the morning. They had an early flight. When she was done, she packed all of her things and when she was done with that, Chris still wasnt back.
Great, she pissed him off so much that he didnt want to come home. Great.
So she gave up waiting and laid down and set her alarm. She grabbed her small little book and read through some of the poems, wrote a new one and then she felt herself nodding off. But then she heard the front door open. It was him! She practically leaped out of bed and walked down the hallway and stood at the top of the stairs. Chris was laughing with Dan and dapped him up. He told them good night and headed upstairs, he caught eyes with her as he walked up to her. “Hey”he said as he unclasped his cuff links
"Hey"she said. "Did you have fun?"
"Yeah more than I thought I would have"he said as he walked to his room and she followed him. He put his cuff links away and she tapped him on his shoulder and he let her help him take off his blazer. She hung it up for him and then walked to the door.
"Im sorry about being a bitch"she said
"You werent"he said,"You’re feeling better now?’he asked and she nodded. She then closed the door behind her and walked to her room to give him his space. She laid back down in bed but a few minutes later, he snuck into her room and closed the door softly behind him. She smiled softly at him as he got in bed with her
"What do you think you’re doing?"she whispered playfully
"Sleeping with you"he said
"Sleeping in bed with me or….sleeping with me?"
"Both"he said as he got under the covers and got on top of her
"Chris….Reagan and Dan…."
"Reagans in the room next to yours. But hes on nightwatch duty. Dan’s a nightowl. Hes downstairs playing Xbox. No one will hear"he said as he kissed her. "Unless you start moaning like a damn porn star again"
"I dont moan like a porn star!"she hissed
"Yeah you do, I like it though"he said as he kissed her again
She hesitated but soon melted into his kiss. She wrapped her legs around his waist and soon he was lifting up her silk nightgown and sliding inside of her. Soon her emotions were riding high as she made love to him. She was feeling so many things, but most of all he was making her feel good….oh so good….
She didnt want this to end. None of this…but she felt her time with him was winding down. This may be the last time. Tears started running down her face and she reached up and held his face in her hands and looked him in the eye.
"Taurie…what-"
"I love you"she said honestly. If this was the last time they would be together like this, she wanted him to know. He stared at her in shock. "You dont have to say it back. But thats…thats how I feel. Im in love with you"
Chris looked at her in shock as he laid on top of her, he was still inside of her midstroke and her confession made him stop moving. She loved him? His Taurie…..loved him?
‘You’re gonna fucking hurt her man….’, he heard Mijo’s voice in his head
No. He cant. Not now. He would never dream of it. But now everything that would happen once they landed in New York tomorrow was crucial. Taurie’s heart depended on it and he wasnt intent on breaking it.
"And just dont hurt me. If….if things dont work out, just dont hurt me"she added
"I’ll never hurt you Taurie. Never"he said as he started moving inside of her again. He lifted her legs so that her knees were touching her chest. He went inside of her deeper and she moaned out loud. "I’ll never hurt you"he said to her. He kissed away her tears as they made love and soon they climaxed together. He collapsed on top of her, laid next to her and she laid her head on his chest. He kissed her forehead and they laid there in silence. They didnt need to say a word, they understood each other now.
But he found himself staying up later than she did, she was soon fast asleep and he was wired from all the feelings running through him.
He didnt want to hurt Kae. But he especially couldnt hurt Taurie. He wouldnt be able to live with himself if he did.
~
Chris and Taurus barely spoke as they got ready to leave California. They both would miss it and they both knew why. They rode in first class silently. Chris caught up on his sleep on the flight but that didnt stop him from holding Taurie’s hand in his. He also did the same once they landed in New York and drove to Brooklyn in the towne car to drop Taurie home. When they arrived at Taurus’s apartment, she sighed, let go of his hand and looked at Chris. She was going to see him tomorrow but why did this feel like some sort of goodbye? “Let me help you with your bags”Chris said as he got out of the car
"You dont have to"she said
"Dont bother trying to talk me out of it. I wanna see your place"
"Ok dont say I didnt warn you"she said as she got her two carry ons and wheeled one suitcase. Chris’s driver stayed and watched the car as Chris carried the others. They walked inside and Taurus sighed. "The fucking elevator’s broken again"
"How far up are you?"
"5th floor"she said sheepishly
"Beat you to the top"he said and went up the stairs
"Miss Jackson! You got big package, I put in apartment for you!!!"her landlord shouted at her from his office. She nodded and thanked him and followed Chris upstairs. Chris set her bags down by her door and helped her with her last suitcase as she searched for her keys and opened the door
"Here we are"she said
"Its cute"he said as he brought her bags in and they were both surprised to see another pile of luggage waiting for her.
"I specifically told them to send my lost bags to your place in LA!"she said but she wasnt mad for long. She finally got her stuff back. "Thank God they’re here though"she said as she opened them and rifled through them
Chris’s eyes and smile widened as he looked around the place. It was small and eclectic. It fit her but she deserved better. Like a loft uptown. Maybe a small little luxury apartment. Or maybe a small house on Long Island.
Well once everything with Kae was over and done with…
Taurus smiled as her cat ran up to greet them. “Hey there precious”she said as she petted it
"I didnt take you for a cat person"Chris said in surprise
"Im an animal person period"she said as the cat walked up to him and sniffed his shoes. "Michael and I shared so many animals when were little. We had two bunnies, gerbils, hamsters, we found a chicken and adopted it. Fed all the squirrels in the neighborhood"she said and he smiled at her. "Cats can take care of themselves though thats why I love them"
The cat rubbed her body up against Chris’s pant leg and Taurus snatched her up. “No”she scolded it. “Chris has an important meeting”
"Its ok. Its just cat hair"he said with a smile as he walked up and petted the cat and she immediately started to purr. "She likes me?"
"Yeah but only because you’re petting her spot"
"No comment"Chris joked and he shoved his hands in his pockets, he hesitated because he didnt want to leave but he had a lot of things to do. "Taurie…"he said as he pulled her by her waist so she was close to him. The cat noticed its personal space getting smaller and scrambled to escape and Taurus let her down. He pulled her even closer and hugged her. As he did, he whispered in her ear. "I have a lunch date with Kae at 1 o’clock. Im going to tell her everything then"
"Yeah?"she asked nervously
"Yeah. I’ll call you tonight, to um….talk about it"
"And you’re sure this is what you want to do?"
"More than anything. Im not gonna hurt you Taurie. I promise"
"Its just gonna be hard-"
"I know it will be"he said and kissed her. They soon melted into each other’s arms but Taurus was the first to pull away.
"You should go, you’re gonna be late for your meeting"she said as she brushed some cat hair off his lapels
"Im gonna call you later. I promise"he said as he walked to the door. He looked at her one more time. He hoped that the next time he saw her, he would be a free man. Things will be different now. They had to be. "Have fun with your little non date thats a date"he smirked
Taurus blushed. Jason. Right…. “Thanks. But I’ll be waiting for your call”she said to him
He winked at her and then slowly left out. Taurus sighed as she sank herself down into the couch, wondering how today would go.
Chris thought the same thing as he rode to Waldorf Astoria for his meeting. He was in the middle of texting the person he was meeting that he was on his way when Kae sent him an email.
Chris,
Cant meet for lunch at 1. Something came up. Dinner at Shabazzi’s at 7.
Chris sighed, damn it. He was hoping to be done with all of this by dinner. But maybe this was God giving him more time to think of what to say. Should he rehearse something? He felt he should just speak from the heart and just prepare for the harsh words that would come his way. He didnt know what to expect from her. He replied that he was fine with that, though he hates Shabazzi’s….
They pulled up to the hotel and the driver opened his door. He tipped him and told him he would call when his meeting was done. He sighed nervously and pulled the collar up on his trench coat. It was fucking freezing out here. It was cold enough for it to snow again. He walked in and went straight to the elevator and pressed the penthouse suite button. He waited patiently as the elevator ascended. It paused and then the doors opened. He walked down the hall to the door and knocked and realized it was open when he saw the door stop sticking out.
He pushed the door open and stepped in and closed the door behind him and locked it.
He smiled when he saw them. “Long time no see Robyn”he said to her
She was facing the window, looking out over the city. She was still as tall as ever. But she wasnt model thin like she was when he last saw her two years ago. She was actually kinda thick. She must have went back home to Barbados and had some good food. She smiled and sighed as she moved her long dark hair over her right shoulder and she turned to him.
"Hey Chris"she said in her exotic island accent
Usually just the sound of her voice or just seeing her face or just being in the same room would make him stop breathing, but something else made it feel like the wind had been knocked out of him.
He didnt see it when her back was facing him but now that she was turned around, he could.
Robyn was pregnant.
*
Taurus, like the mythical Venus, has an idealized concept of beauty, and may, especially in early life, be very self-conscious about his or her body.
*