http://fictionalfantasies.tumblr.com/Taurus
*
Taurus
Taurus didnt notice that once she sat down on her couch after Chris left that she stayed in that spot for a good hour. She just stared at the wall, the floor, just overthinking as usual. She mostly reminisced about her week in Cali, how much she loved Chris and how it was too late to not get hurt in this. Would he really leave Kae? She can honestly say she could trust Chris with anything. She could trust him with her life. But something held her back about trusting him to come back to her.
How could she compete with the four years he had with Karrueche when he has only known her for four months? How could she compete with everything Karrueche had to offer him when she will be unemployed and living in this small apartment where the elevator never seems to work? How could she compete with Karrueche at all when she wasnt the type of person to fight for someone? If there was competition she would let them go. Thats exactly what happened with Monte. Why bother when he laid down with someone else? But she had a feeling that Karrueche wouldnt give up without a fight and until she ruined her life.
What has she gotten herself into? Goddamnit Taurus.
Her front door flew open and she jumped in her seat as Danyel walked in with Starbucks. He saw her and smiled widely as he ran over to greet her and hug her. She hugged him back after getting over the shock that she gave him the spare key. She forgot that she asked him to cat sit while she was gone.
Danyel
"You look good. You got a nice tan"Danyel said as he looked at all the bags that were still near the door. "What’s all this?"
"God’s work"Taurus said as she looked at the luggage Danyel gave her and all the new clothes that Chris had given her. Danyel stared at the luggage and back at her with an intrigued look. "The airline lost my luggage and I told them if they found it to send it to the mansion in LA but they sent it here instead. I got off that plane with only the clothes on my back. So Chris bought me some more"she said as she nodded her head to the other pile of luggage. "Im glad it worked out. I was afraid you were going to kill me"
"Yes I would have, there’s some expensive shit in there!"Danyel said. "Wait so you didnt get to wear the catsuit?"
"I wasnt going to wear it anyway Danyel, it was too….revealing" Taurus shook her head. She almost forgot about it. It was a leopard print catsuit. It hugged every curve and then some and it made her ‘tits look great’, to quote Danyel. But it was too tight. It wasnt her style anymore. She and Danyel argued about it until she gave in and let him put it in her luggage but she already decided she wasnt going to wear it. And she didnt.
"I gotta see what Chrez got you!"Danyel said as he sipped on his frappachino and Taurus shook her head as she sipped on her tea. He ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at all the designer clothing. "Ohmygod, this is Rodeo Drive heaven in here. He went all out on you girl. I wonder why"he said cheekily
Taurus wondered why too, especially when he didnt love her. She knew she said that he didnt have to say it back but a small part of her wished he did….
"Taurus Jackson! What is the meaning of this!?"Danyel said with a gasp as he pulled out a couple of g-strings and thongs. Taurus blushed and snatched them from him. "You two fucked didnt you? He wouldnt have bought you all this expensive shit if he thought he wasnt getting any"
"Thats not true. Chris was really concerned. We hadnt even had sex yet when we went shopping"she said and stopped as Danyel practically screamed in response, sending her cat running into her room and under her bed
"YOU HADNT HAD SEX YET?"Danyel repeated. "How many times did you do it?"
"A few"Taurus said shyly. But that was all she was going to say. Being too proactive about telling people what was going to happen didnt work out the first time. She didnt need to have an awkward fight with Danyel either. She also felt if she opened her mouth and was honest again that she would somehow jinx everything Chris promised. Stupid, yeah she knew but she was a little superstitious.
"You cant be shy now because lawd knows girl you were not shy when you were riding that dick!"Danyel said as he sat next to her. "Details"
"No Danyel-"
"Come on. I need something! I know the trip was fabulous. The paps followed you two around quite a lot"
"What?"Taurus asked
"Yeah Taurus, they were right in front of you. How could you miss them?"
"What do you mean followed us?"
"They didnt follow you. I bet Karrueche set it up. Dropped a hint to some media outlets so when you and Chris left those restaurants and meetings she set up, there they were"Danyel said. And Taurus nodded, now remembering that they were outside all the restaurants they ate at. "Yeah she stole his spotlight but she has the decency to let him be harassed by the paps like old times"he said sarcastically
"Thats how Jerrica got fired though. Remember when the paps caught me and Chris a few months ago during his fittings?"
"And where do you think she learned that from?"Danyel asked and Taurus gasped. "Jerrica was boring as fuck but it was kinda fucked up how it all ended. I heard through the grapevine that she and her rich boyfriend broke up so guess who has to work again? But guess who wont let her work in Manhattan ever again?"
"You’re kidding"Taurus said as her throat went dry. And Jerrica didnt even sleep with Chris…
"Mmmmhmmmm heard shes folding clothes and making minimum wage at a little boutique in the Meat Packing District"he said as he shook his head. Taurus wanted to vomit but sipped on her tea instead. "So tell me. Come on. Just give me one escapade please"Danyel said as he jumped up and down in his seat as he clapped his hands. It was like he was a toddler that was begging for ice cream
"Ok ok ok"she said and decided to indulge him. "The night that he and Kid Ink dropped their new song-?"
"Which I love by the way. That is my new Twerk Anthem you hear me?"
"Yeah well at that nightclub we um…we had an escapade in the bathroom"
"In public?"
"In VIP"
"Same difference. OMG!!!! In the stall or on the sink?"
"Sink"
"Mens or womens?"
"Womens"
"Did anyone see?"
"Just Mijo"
"Oh then you’re good, he is ride or die for Chrez but you already know that"Danyel said. "Did he bend you over the sink or were you on top of it?"
"Both"
"Oh goddamn"he said as he fanned himself as he got up and paced. "I fucking hate you"
"Are you ok? Are you sweating? How? Its cold in here"she said with a chuckle as she got up and turned on a space heater.
"Sorry, my boo had to leave to go out of town to do a live show at the last minute and Im horny"Danyel said as he finished the rest of his Starbucks drink. He took a deep breath. "So… what now?"he asked her
"I think I might take a nap. The time change is throwing me off already-"
"No bitch. With you and Chris. You went to LA. You got this glow. You two fucked. A lot. You obviously care a lot about him. He cares for you. What now?"
"I dont know, Danyel. I honestly dont know"she said. "LA was like a dream and New York is truly our harsh and cold reality"she said as she wrapped her cardigan around her
"Well you dont know that"Danyel said
"But Karrueche-"
"Yeah I know, I know"Danyel said but decided to drop it. He could see that question had been on Taurus’s mind and he didnt want to make her any more upset. Her phone dinged and it was a text from Jason.
hope you have a safe flight. lemme know when you land?
"I have a date with Jason tonight"she said as she replied back that she had landed and was going to rest up for their date and couldnt wait to see him
"Whoa. Why?"
"Because Jason and I are friends. I cant have a drink with a friend?"
"Well…because of Chris-"
"I cant burn any bridges because I slept with Chris a few times. I gotta be realistic"
"True. Its just…."
"What?"
"Girl, while you were gone Jason was obsessing over you. Not stalker obsessed or anything because I would have told you but you made quite an impression on him on your first date. He really likes you"
"Really?"she asked with a dreadful look. "Thats what I was afraid of. God my timing stinks"
"So what are you gonna do?"
"Just tell him Im not ready to…well I cant…I just need to be friends right now"she said and Danyel nodded
"Are you gonna cancel?"
"No Im still gonna go"she said and Danyel raised an eyebrow at her. "It would be rude to cancel so late"
"Mmm hmmmm"Danyel said but then his judgment faded. "What time is your date?"
"7 but hes picking me up. Oh God, hes picking me up. I gotta clean up all this shit"she said
"I’ll help you. I’ll also help you pick out your outfit"he said as he helped her take all the luggage into her room. He walked back out into the living room and looked through her vinyl collection and put on some Billie Holiday. "I need me some Billie Holiday in my collection girl. Jazz really gets me in the mood"he said as pulled out the leopard catsuit. "I dare you to wear this tonight"he said to her with a raised eyebrow
*
People who exhibit the physical characteristics distinctive of the sign of Taurus look as if they are well rooted and in touch with the Earth. They may be plump or slim, but either way they will walk with a slightly ponderous gait, as if each step has been carefully considered.
*
Chris
Chris was fuming as the hostess at Shabazzi’s showed him to their table. He got to Shabazzi’s on time as Karrueche requested and she wasnt even here yet. It was 7:10. She was such a fucking hypocrite sometimes and he didnt have the time for it today. When the hostess showed him to their table, it was seated for 4 and of course it was in the middle of the busy restaurant filled with New York’s elite. People whispered as they saw him walk in. He even heard some woman say in excitement,”Oh its Karrueche Tran’s boyfriend, that means she’s on her way”
"There’s gotta be a mistake"he said to the hostess. "This is a table for 4 and…"he said and paused as he felt every pair of eyes on him. He didnt like the attention. Maybe it was stupid of him to break off his engagement here with an audience. That’s why he suggested a place that wasnt so crowded and upscale but you know Karrueche, she couldnt survive without being in a place that wasnt crowded and upscale. He looked around and saw a table for two in the far corner, right next to the tinted windows of the restaurant. No one would be able to see them from the outside but they could still people watch. "Can we have that table over there instead?"
"Sure Mr. Brown, right away"she nodded as she led him over to the table. "Im sorry for the inconvenience there must have been a mixup when the reservations were made. Would you like a drink on the house?"she asked anxiously. He smirked at her a little bit. He could tell that this hostess didnt do well with mistakes that made her look bad. She was a little jumpy. She reminded him of Taurie and he immediately began to miss her. He has missed her all day and she has been on his mind but it was currently clouded with many other things now.
He shook his head, letting her know that he wasnt upset and she relaxed a little and smiled. Her shy smile even reminded him of Taurie. His phone beeped and it was a text from Karrueche. She was running late. Well no shit, it was already 7:15.
"Mr. Brown-?"
"You know what? Can you get me a Crown Royal on the rocks? Since its on the house and all?"he asked her and she nodded. He thought he wouldnt need a drink but who was he kidding? He was about to break his fiancee’s heart. Robyn was pregnant and they sat in her hotel room and talked for hours, like old friends but it was mostly about her situation she got herself in and what she should do….well she didnt get herself in it by herself of course, you know what I mean. And with all that, he wanted to make sure that Taurie’s heart wasnt broken. Her confession she made last night weighed heavily on his heart. He couldnt prove Mijo right. He wasnt going to hurt her. He would never dream of it. However, he had a history of hurting the women he cared about. It was his own curse.
A crystal glass of brown liquid and tinkling ice hitting the glass was set in front of him and it broke him from his thoughts. He nodded at the waiter in appreciation and took a big sip.
'Dont get drunk man, thats the last thing you need', he thought to himself and decided to slow down. He also asked for a water to balance the alcohol but his anxiety didnt want it and before he knew it, the alcohol was gone and the water was untouched. Well, he wasnt going to get drunk off of one drink. He sighed as he looked at his watch, where the fuck was she? He just wanted to get this over with. He looked through his phone and saw Taurie's contact. Maybe he should text her? Let her know what was going on…but he didnt know what to say
hey im at the restaurant now. about to break up with kae can i see you after?
Its best that he didnt say anything. He glanced out the window and saw the many people walking down the street. They were all trying to get out of the cold. Flurries were falling. Limos and fancy cars drove past and one very nice car pulled up to the restaurant across the street. He admired the rims and make of the car and found himself staring at it. He saw the driver get out and tip the valet. He had on a fedora and a scarf wrapped around his neck and it covered the lower part of his face. That was a fly coat, he thought as he watched the guy. He saw the valet get in the drivers seat as the guy opened the passenger side door, he saw a woman get out. She had her hair in a high bun and had on a long peacoat but it was open. He saw the woman turn to the guy and he almost spit out his water when he saw who it was.
It was Taurie.
The fancy car pulled away and he could see her fully. She was wearing a sexy outfit for just a date with a friend. Where did she get that from? He loved leopard print on women. He then realized who this friend was. It was that lame ass Jason. His blood boiled as the two laughed as Jason closed Taurie’s jacket and led her inside the restaurant. Chris shot up out of his seat and then stopped. What was he doing? He sat back down. The foyer to the restaurant across the street was full from where he could see and he had lost them. But a few minutes later, he saw a hostess lead Jason and Taurie to a small table near the window. He watched as Jason pulled out Taurie’s chair for her and she thanked him and then he sat across from her. He watched as the two had a conversation. Jason had a stupid smile on his face and he could see Taurie laughing at every word he was saying. Nigga couldnt be that funny.
He got out his phone and texted, i see you
Nah, what was he crazy? Stalker much?
He looked out the window as Jason held Taurie’s hand in his and Chris felt like he was going to explode. How stupid was he to let Taurie go out with this guy?
hey how are you?, he texted her and sent it. The message was delivered and he sat there and watched. But Taurie didnt move. She laughed and chatted with Jason as she held up a small menu, it looked like a drink menu, she held it out in the middle of the table so that Jason could see and he leaned in close to her across the small table they were sitting at to read it too. If the phone was in her pocket, she was ignoring it or maybe it was in her purse. She didnt move to check it as the two looked over the drink menu. Was she ignoring him on purpose or did she just not hear her phone? Was it on silent? Vibrate? Was it off? Did she leave it at home?
He sat there fuming as he watched them and he was glad that Shabazzi’s had tinted windows.
"Chris…Chris…CHRIS?"a voice said to him and he turned away from the window to find Karrueche standing there. She was wearing a vintage Chanel leopard print dress. It looked nice on her. It was about time she showed up though.
"Hey"he said as he got up and hugged her awkwardly. She smiled and pulled his face to hers and gave him a huge kiss. When they pulled away, he was pretty sure someone took a picture on their cell phone. He glanced their way but was soon distracted by another couple coming toward them. A couple he knew and hadnt seen in quite some time.
It was Draya Michele and Orlando Scandrick. Draya was actually his ex girlfriend but they stayed very good friends and Karrueche was still good friends with her. What a coincidence that they were in the same restaurant. He didnt even know that they were in New York.
Karrueche
"Chris!"Karrueche said as she snapped her fingers in his face. "Are you on planet Mars or something? Come back to Earth Chris"she said to him.
"Im here Kae-"
"Did you hear what I just asked you?"she asked him
"What?"
She rolled her eyes,”I’ll just blame it on jet lag. Where are the other seats?”
"Other seats?"Chris asked as a few waiters brought over another table and put it next to the small table Chris had been sitting at as Draya and Orlando walked up to them
"Your manager will hear about this. My assistant specifically said a table for four in the center of the room and you have given us a table for two near the window"Karrueche said to them. "How hard is it to get a reservation right?"
"We apologize Miss Tran"one of the waiters said to her. "Drinks on the house for the trouble?"
"I guess that will suffice. I just want a Pelligrino. In a glass. Chilled. Three ice cubes"she said as she sat next to Chris as Draya walked up to him and hugged him and her boyfriend, Orlando, dapped him up. "In 20 minutes I want your best Roscato brought over"she added
Chris faked a smile as Draya and Orlando sat across from them. What the fuck was going on? Karrueche didnt tell him that they were entertaining guests. How was he going to break up with her when they actually had an audience? “You didnt tell me they were coming”he whispered to Kae as Draya asked the waiter what their best drinks were as she looked at the wine menu
"I did Chris. I texted you"Kae said as she put one of the white cloth napkins in her lap
Chris frowned and looked through Kae’s texts. He sighed as he showed her his phone. “Look. Nothing”
"Oh. I must have forgotten"she said with a shrug
"Kae, I wanted it to just be us tonight-"
"I know you missed me baby but Draya and Orlando are in town and I have been too busy to see them. They’re leaving tomorrow, you’ll have me all to yourself later"she said with a coy smirk as she flipped her brown hair over her shoulder. Chris sighed. "Dont pout"she said to him. "You arent going to compliment me on my dress? Its new. An early wedding gift from CoCo Chanel herself, well not herself, but her estate. Isnt it great?"
"Its beautiful babe"he said as he faked a smile as Draya and Orlando finally put in their drink orders. Kae didnt wait for the waiter to leave as she apologized for ‘their ignorance’. He fought himself from rolling his eyes at her lack of tact as he glanced out the window and saw Taurie and Jason clinking their glasses. Jason had a glass of beer. Probably a light bitch beer knowing his lame ass. Taurie was drinking some sort of martini. She was still smiling and laughing. What was so goddamn funny? What were they toasting to? Their "friendship"? Were they gonna fuck later?! Was that why Jason was telling so many jokes? To butter her ass up?
"Chris!"Kae said to him and snapped his attention back to her. "Draya asked you a question"
"Sorry-"
"He just got back from his trip to LA. Very…action packed no doubt, he was very busy. I apologize, he’s jet lagged. Right Chris?"Kae asked him. But her eyes said ‘keep this up and i’ll embarrass you. dont embarrass me’.
"I was just asking how you are. Its been a long time since I’ve seen you"Draya said to him as the waiter brought over their drinks.
"Ive been good, busy as Kae said-"
"Its about time"Kae said as the drinks arrived, not to herself and the waiter paused at her comment as he set Draya’s mojito in front of her and gave Orlando and Kae their waters.
"The drinks are on the house man, and you get water?"Chris asked Orlando as he glanced out the window again and saw Taurie and Jason were looking at their dinner menus
"I’ve stopped drinking. I realized I play better when I dont go out on benders the night before a game or at all really"Orlando said, he was a football player and was playing for the Dalllas Cowboys. Which was quite a coincidence since that was Draya’s favorite team.
"But its the off season now"Chris said to him, the Super Bowl was just a couple weeks before. He was still mad that he missed it but Kae wanted to watch The Notebook. Again.
"Cant stop now. I thought I would miss it but the only way for it to work is to cut it out cold turkey. My stats went up because of it so it wasnt all for nothing"he said as he sipped his water and Kae gave him an admired look
"You should try that Chris, a late New Years resolution"Kae said. "I hate it when he drinks" and Orlando nodded in understanding
"Im fine thanks"Chris said, wondering if he should get another Crown Royal
"I feel a lot better, a lot healthier. You should try it"Orlando agreed with her
"He’s telling the truth"Draya said with a loving smile as she kissed his cheek. "I drink for the both of us now"
"Thats not lonely?"Chris asked her
"No. If it helps with his career then there’s nothing lonely about it"
"You hear that?"Kae asked him
"I heard her, shes right there"Chris said to her and she gave him a look. He laughed it off nervously as the waiter came back over and gave them their menus.
"Is there anything else you all needed?"the waiter asked
"Can I get another Crown Royal on the rocks?"Chris asked him and he nodded and checked in with everyone else and when he saw no one needed anything he walked off. He was going to need it having to deal with the three of them, everything that was on his mind and the fact that Jason ‘Lame Ass’ Hart was across the street trying to get into Taurie’s pants…her very tight ones…
Kae glared at him. “We’re talking about how drinking is unhealthy and you order a Crown Royal?”
"On the rocks. Its watered down"Chris said and Draya and Orlando laughed but Kae didnt find it funny
"The key is not to force it. He aint ready. The only way I make it work is because I was ready to make the change"Orlando said. "It wont work if someone makes him do it"
"Thank you"Chris said to him as Kae rolled her eyes
"Oh I must say that I love your new song with Kid Ink. The old Chris is back and Im loving it. Are you coming out with a new album?"Draya asked him, changing the subject, noticing her friend was getting upset that Chris wasnt hopping on the ‘ban alcohol train’ her man was on.
"Yeah the song is hot. Its all I hear on the radio. Classic Chris Brown shit"Orlando said
"Thanks. And we’ll see"Chris said, getting excited that his album was done and will be out in a few months. It was another thing that he and Kae had to talk about.
"Dont you love it Kae?"Draya asked
"Its Karrueche, I dont answer to that now, you know that"she said as she sipped on her water but didnt say anything about the song as she looked at the menu. The table was soon surrounded in awkward silence as Chris’s Crown Royal was delivered
"Thanks man"he said to him as he glanced out the window and saw Jason and Taurie talking to their waiter.
It was going to be a long night.
Meanwhile, across the street at Tao, Taurus was having a great time with Jason. She was glad that she didnt cancel. He made her laugh all night already and he didnt even judge her small apartment. He even called it chic and admired her vinyl collection. He was also a cat person too. It took her mind off the fact that Chris hasnt called or texted her which only cemented her fears that he wasnt going to do what he promised.
She also, surprisingly, felt sexy in this leopard catsuit. When Danyel paired it with a black cardigan, black skinny belt and black boots, she didnt feel so exposed either.
Jason
"Im loving your outfit"Jason said to her as he sat across from her and admired her. "Making a man feel special in here"
"You feel special? Why?"she asked in surprise. She was surprised a man as fine as him was even interested in little old her.
"You wore it for me right? To make up for you not calling me all week"he said with a wink
Taurie laughed,”Um I hate to burst your bubble but one thing you must understand about women is that when we go out we dress for ourselves…not for you”she said with a fake sheepish grin and then covered her mouth and giggled
"Wow"Jason said with a laugh as a waiter walked by. "Excuse me, can I get a quick glass of water? I need to apply it to the burn she just gave me"he said to him as Taurie laughed again
"Que?"the man asked, not understanding what Jason was asking
"Never mind"Jason said as he apologized and waved him off. The man walked away in confusion as Taurie laughed some more. "He ruined my joke, you ruined my self esteem"
"Poor baby"Taurie said as she picked up the drink menu. "Lets order you some alcohol to get over it. On me"
"On you? Like poured over you?"he joked and Taurie gasped. "I didnt know you were that kinky"
"I mean Im paying for it"she said with a laugh as she put the drink menu high so it could cover her blushing face
"I dont know whats better. You covered in alcohol or the fact that you are the first woman to ever buy me a drink"he said in surprise as he looked at her
"Its just one drink, no big deal"she said and he smiled at her as he held himself back from what he wanted to say next. "What kind of guy are you? Beer guy? Wine guy? Hard liquour guy?"
"Im all three Im afraid. How about you? What kind of girl are you? Besides kinky"
She laughed,”Depends on the day. Sometimes Im more wine, sometimes Im more hard liquor but not too hard. I like sweet mixed drinks. Have you ever had a Purple Rain? I had it at a party in LA and it was the best and sweetest drink I ever had”
"I love the movie but never had the drink. Im not into the sweet stuff"he said as she leaned across the table some as she held the drink menu so they both could see it. "I’ll just get the Yuengling for now and maybe I’ll try that Purple Rain later if they can make it"
"But you dont like the sweet stuff you said"
"Im curious now, since you like it and all"he said with a smile
"Beer before liquor makes you sicker"Taurie advised him
"Not in my case"he said,"I rarely get sick. I have good genes"
"Good for you"she said with a smile. He definitely had good genes she couldnt deny that. There was an awkward silence as she put the menu down,"I’ll get the martini"she said as she put the menu in the middle of the table
Jason then reached across the table and grabbed her hand in his. He wanted to hold it all night. He was really into this girl and it has been a long time since a girl has been on his mind this much, its been a long time since a girl could make him laugh and keep up with him and his bad jokes. He wanted to hold her hand as she showed him her apartment and when he turned on her record player and was surprised to hear Billie Holiday come out of it. He had a weakness for jazz music. It was the old soul in him. He wanted to hold her hand as they drove downtown in his ride, he noticed she was a little nervous when she twiddled her thumbs in her lap as they rode in silence which was soon interrupted when he told her to choose a radio station. She turned it to the 90s station and they danced in their seats and laughed as they sang along with Boyz II Men, the awkward silence soon forgotten.
He didnt want to let this moment pass so he reached out and gave in to his desires. Her hands were soft and her nails had a leopard print that matched her outfit. “Look at you. You’re like a sexy Catwoman”he said as he admired her manicure
"Leopard Lady at your service"she said with a blush as she patted the side of her bun nervously
"Leopard Lady, I like that"he said to her as he stared into her brown eyes. But soon their moment was interrupted by their waiter, he let go of her hand quickly and they gave him their drink orders. When he walked away, he said,"Stop distracting me with your powers of seduction, Leopard Lady. I need to order food, Im starving"he said as he winked at her and she laughed as she picked up her menu, covering her blushing face
As she stared at her menu trying to decide what to order, a strange feeling came over her. She looked around the restaurant and back at Jason but he was busy looking at his menu. Why did she have this odd feeling that she was being watched? She looked out the window at the cars that drove by, the many people trying to rush indoors to get out of the cold or to the subway and at the few people who left their fancy cars with the valets outside as they rushed into the restaurant. She shook the feeling off. Who could possibly be watching her?
"You ok?"Jason asked her
"Yeah, just trying to decide what I want"she said as she looked back at her menu
"What are you in the mood for? Or try something new?"he said
"Thats all I been doing in LA. All the brunch, lunch and dinner meetings Chris and I went to I’ve tried every type of cuisine out there. Maybe I will go with an oldie but goodie"she said as she looked at the pasta. You could never go wrong with pasta
"So how was your Adventures in Babysitting?"Jason asked with a smirk. Taurus looked at him. A weird feeling came over her, it was the first time since Jason came over that she has thought about Chris and it was also the first time that she was reminded of their age difference in awhile. It never mattered when they were together. Chris was a solid 10 years younger than she was. Remembering that made her wonder what he saw in her in the first place.
"Adventures in Babysitting?"she asked with an uncomfortable chuckle
"Yea while I was here I kinda felt bad for you…"
"Why?"
"Well I’ve known Karrueche long enough to know why she sent you out there with him"Jason said, besides it being out of spite that he went on one date with her and Karrueche had a twisted way of being jealous after she was the one who left him,"She sent you out there to watch him"
"Watch him?"
"Its nothing new, all her other assistants had to do it if his couldnt or werent up to par. And you cant blame her really after Fashion Week"he said with a shrug and a shake of his head
"Whats with you two?"she asked him in a clipped tone and they both noticed it. She sighed,"I mean…why dont you…it just seems like you dont like him much"she said in a calmer tone
"We just arent friends. I have my opinions of him and Im sure he has his very own about me"
"You think so?"she asked him. "What opinions do you think he has of you?"
Jason sighed, this wasnt the place or time to bring this up. Why did he say anything? “Nothing never mind”
"Chris is a…good friend of mine and you are too, I just…this isnt the first time you’ve said something negative about him"
"And Im sorry about that-"
"What could he have possibly done? I mean all of you people just judge him off of bullshit tabloid stories or rumors. He didnt start that fire at Fashion Week, it was an accident"she said, defending him adamantly. "I would appreciate it if, you know, you would cool off with the ‘I Hate Chris Brown’ parade"
"I have a valid reason"Jason said,"Its not based off of rumors at Fashion Week, we havent gotten along long before then-"
"Why?"
"Fine, I’ll be honest"he said. "He tried to…"he then sighed, wondering if he should be honest but there was no turning back now. "He tried to come for me. To…beat my ass"
"What?"Taurus asked,"No Chris wouldnt do that-"
"Oh yes he would. He was different then. This was before the rehab and the jail time and him breaking his probation. Nigga got issues"Jason said,"He’s toned it down but no one with anger management issues such as that ever changes"
"Chris wouldnt do that-"
"He did. He stopped me outside my place, like a stalker, he had his bodyguards with him and he accused me of sleeping with Karrueche"
"Why would he accuse you of that?"she asked him
"I’ve said too much already"he said with a sigh. He looked at her and her face looked disappointed, as if pleading to him to tell her that this was all a joke. "I dont know how close you two are but he and Karrueche have had their ups and downs-"
"I know, I see it everyday"
"They both werent faithful at one point. Chris found out and thought it was me because we were collaborating on her first summer line for The Kill a couple years back"he said,"We spent a lot of time together and even went to Paris together a couple times, for work"he said
"Im sorry"she said but Jason brushed it off. The truth was, he deserved it. He and Karrueche had been together. She had been cheating on Chris with him but she ruined a model’s reputation to save his. Poor guy. He went back to his small town in the Midwest, his dreams of being the next Tyson Beckford were crushed. Karrueche paid him to take the fall though, so at least he went back home with lots of cash but still. Jason felt partly responsible for ruining someone else’s life being caught up with her and then she left him soon after. "Did he hurt you?"she asked him
"It didnt get that far. He didnt know that I also have a black belt and I was ready to go. But then a cop car came by, rolled down his window and asked if we were ok. A group of black guys standing outside, must have been doing something wrong but they were right in this case. Chris said everything was fine and they walked off, but he didnt hesitate to call me a ‘faggot’ before he left"he said and Taurus gasped,"If it werent for those cops, I would have put him in the hospital"he said,"Im sorry. This is too much for a second date-"
"It is"she said uncomfortably, not believing Chris would be so reckless. What shocked her more was that he called Jason such a derogatory word. A word she hated just as much as the ‘n word’. It made her uncomfortable that Chris used to act that way. Was he still that way?
"Im sorry. Im talking about your bosses in a negative way and you have to go to work tomorrow knowing their dirty secrets. Now Ive made it awkward for you-"
"I knew about it"Taurus said, trying to get over it quickly,"Not the fact that he thought it was you and threatened you but hes told me how complicated their relationship was….is"
"Still…"Jason said,"Thats why we dont get along. Or I dont get along with him. He keeps his distance, pretends I dont exist, and I do the same"he said and Taurus nodded. Their waiter came back with their drinks and they both took a big sip to help with the awkwardness of their conversation, he asked if they were ready to order and Taurus ordered the shrimp alfredo. As Jason had questions about his order, she had that weird feeling again. She looked around. Why did she feel like someone was watching her?
"Chris, what is out that window that is so appealing to you?"Kae asked him as the waiter set their food down in front of them
"The flurries. Its nice"Chris said. "Being in LA all week, made me miss the snow. It was blazing there"he lied as he forced himself to look away from the window
"I cant wait to go back. I hate the cold"Draya said
"Yeah and so do you"Kae said to him with a skeptical look
"Dont know what you got til its gone"Orlando said and Chris nodded at him. Guy has been saving his ass all night. Chris forced himself not to stare at Taurie but he couldnt help it. Why didnt she answer his text??? She hasnt looked at her phone all evening which meant one thing, she certainly wasnt bored. She was actually having a good time with this idiot.
"Look lets start over"Jason said to Taurus after the waiter left with their food orders. "No more trash talking your bosses. I promise. I didnt realize this wasnt the first time. I dont wanna be one of those guys thats still salty over a situation thats long over. Im not that guy. Forgive me?"he asked her with a charming smile and Taurus couldnt help but melt at the sight of it. "Please? Forgive me?"
She hesitated playfully but Jason thought that she was really not feeling him anymore and he had to rectify the situation. He got up out of his seat and got down on one knee. Taurus gasped at him as a few other couples looked over in shock. “What are you doing?”she whispered to him
"Begging for your forgiveness"
"It looks like you’re proposing"she hissed at him but couldnt help but laugh. "I forgive you goddamn it. Get off your knees"she said as a few people started clapping. He smiled and kissed her hand and got up. "She said yes"he said to them and they all clapped
"You’re such an idiot"Taurus said with a laugh as she covered her face. "Now they think we’re getting married. That we’re together!"she whispered to him as he sat down across from her and took her hand in his
"We’ll never see them again"he said with a shrug,"But we can play around a little"he said and winked at her
She just shook her head and blushed as she took her hand away,”Idiot”she muttered again
"I love when you’re abusive"he said to her. "There’s that beautiful smile"he said as he smiled back at her
Taurus paused as she looked down and twiddled her thumbs. Damn it. Jason liked her. Really liked her. He was going so far as to make a fool of himself in front of everyone in this restaurant just over a misunderstanding. She didnt want to break his heart but they couldnt possibly be anything right now. She had to tell him now on their second date before it was too late and they got in too deep. “Stop being so nice and charming”
"What? Would you rather me be a rude asshole?"he asked her. "Oh no, you aren’t one of those girls that are into those stupid thug types right?"
"No"she said with a smile and shake of her head. "And the last thing I want you to be is an asshole"
"But you dont want me to be nice and charming so we are in some 50 shades of grey area here"he said,"What do you want me to be? Say it. Anything and I’ll be that for you"
Taurus blushed again,”You’re an idiot”
"Fine since you want to keep calling me that. I’ll be an idiot. I can be that"
"You’re quoting The Notebook"Taurus said to him
"Oh, am I?"he asked and smirked at her. "I can be an idiot that quotes romance novels"
"You can be whatever you want…as long as you’re my friend"she said honestly
He paused and sipped on his beer. “A friend huh?”he asked her and she nodded. “Im flirting too much arent I?”
"No, you’re fine. I just..its all too soon still for me, you know"
"With your divorce and everything?"he asked her and she nodded and decided to go with that. He couldnt know about her affair with Chris, not now that he has feelings for her and has negative feelings toward him. "Me too. I mean I didnt go through a divorce but I was still very much invested and she dropped me like a bad habit"he said, thinking of Karrueche. He couldnt tell her about his affair with Karrueche, she didnt want to think negatively of him especially since she worked for her and was friends with Chris. But he was still sad that she wasnt ready but he would wait. "To friendship?"he asked her as he lifted his beer up and she lifted up her mostly finished martini glass and toasted him with a smile
"Thanks for being understanding"she said, that wasnt so hard
"I can be that too"he said,"We need to get you another drink"he said as he looked around for their waiter when he saw her almost empty glass. "I need another beer too. What a night. We went from engaged to just friends in less than 5 minutes"
Taurus laughed,”What a night. Who knows whats next”she said with a wink as their food finally arrived
"Shall we get the check?"Karrueche asked them and Draya and Orlando shrugged and nodded, they had all finished their overly expensive cuisine. But Chris wasnt intent on leaving. Taurie and Jason had just gotten their food, he wanted to see if this nigga would try anything with her. Would she let him even though he promised to come back to her? Was her mind changing about him as we speak?
"No lets stay"Chris said as he looked back at them. "Another round on me"
"Ok"Draya said with a shrug
"I think you’ve had enough"Karrueche said to him
"Come on babe. Ive had a long flight and a long day with meetings and such. I just wanna relax, watch the flurries from the comfort of this warm restaurant and look, a jazz band is setting up"he said as he pointed to the musicians setting up across the room
"I hate jazz"Karrueche said. The last time she saw a jazz band was in Paris with Jason. It was romantic and all but jazz music made her bored her out of her mind. She shouldnt be surprised that Jason liked jazz music, he was old as fuck being in his 30s and all. She couldnt listen to it anymore now that they had broken up. She did miss him sometimes but it was the right thing to do. Chris had gotten on his one knee and gave her a ring that cost more than a house in the Hamptons. She couldnt continue an affair with him after that. Besides, Chris soon caught on. She sighed, remembering when Jason called her telling her that Chris tried to ‘kill him’. He was being dramatic of course. She sighed again, wondering why Jason hasnt answered any of her texts today anyway…
"I dont mind staying. Do you babe?"Draya asked Orlando
"I dont mind"he said,"But I dont want to upset-"
"Sir, can we get another water for my man here. Another mojitio for my friend Draya here, a Roscato for my gorgeous fiance and another Crown on the rocks for myself? Pronto. Thanks champ"Chris said to their waiter
Karrueche sighed,”I guess we’re staying”she said as she stifled a yawn, hoping one of them would take a hint. Orlando saw it and he gave her an apologetic look. She smiled and shrugged at him. Damn, if he wasnt with one of her best friends she would totally try him on. She looked at Chris and caught him glancing out the window again, she sat up a little to see what he was looking at but all she saw were people passing by. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
But after awhile, the jazz music even bored Chris and he could tell that Draya, Orlando and Kae were only staying for him. But once Taurie and Jason finished their food, they continued to talk…and talk…and talk. How could they have so much to talk about? But Chris couldnt blame Jason. Whenever he was with Taurie, he felt like he could tell her anything and everything. Thats the effect that she had on people.
"Chris can we go now? The band is taking a break"Kae whispered to him as she nodded her head toward the stage. He looked and saw the musicians leaving the stage as everyone started to clap. "Besides, I havent seen you all week and I wanna take you home"she said as she bit her lip and her hand reached under the table and touched his knee, traveled up his leg and squeezed his inner thigh. Chris looked at her with shock. She actually wanted to have sex with him? He looked out the window quickly and then shook his head and turned back to her. For a second, he was stupid enough to think that Taurie could see this. But now he had yet another dilemma. He had to turn down his fiance’s advances without seeming shady. He had to turn her down altogether. But Taurie still hadnt left her spot. He just wanted to make sure that she was having an innocent dinner like she claimed they would have.
"Dont you want to see their next set? I like the band"Chris said and Kae glared at him, pinched his inner thigh hard and picked up her glass of Roscato. He bit his lip in reaction to her pinch. Ow.
"I like the band too"Orlando said, trying to keep the peace between the two of them
"So, you ready for March Madness?"Chris asked him, trying to keep up conversation to make the time go by.
"Definitely"
"Who you going for?"
"Duke of course"
"Duke? Awww man come on"Chris said
"Dont tell me you like Syracuse-"
"Im a UNC guy"
"Get the fuck outta here!"Orlando said and Kae rolled her eyes at him cursing. "Naw man, I thought better of you. Are you kidding me?"
"Men and their sports"Draya said with a shake of her head to Kae and she only nodded
"I have a certain loyalty to them-"Chris explained
"How? You’re from Virginia right? Shouldnt you at least be rooting for Virginia Tech?"
"Yeah but I went to a few of UNC’s basketball summer camps when I was younger. If the music thing didnt work out, I was gonna go there on a basketball scholarship"
"Really?"Draya and Orlando asked him in surprise
Kae looked at him,”You never told me that. How did I not know that?”
"You never asked"Chris said with a shrug and a smile and Kae sat there uncomfortably
"Hey, dont take it too personal. I learn new stuff about him everyday and we have been together for over 2 years"Draya said to her
"I feel you though. I went to Dallas’s football camps, thats how I became loyal to them"Orlando said
"And now he plays for them. What a success story"Draya swooned and Kae fought from rolling her eyes. Ok girl, we get it. You love your fine ass football player.
"Yeah it is"Chris said as he toasted to him and soon Draya put her drink in. Kae soon put hers in, a little unwillingly
"Well this was great. Learning new things but we should leave before the band sets back up again. If we leave in the middle of their set we’ll look rude"Kae said
"Its early. Its only a little past 9"Chris said
"But I have an early meeting and so do you"Kae said
"Meeting, shmeetings"Chris said with a chuckle and Orlando laughed. Kae glared at him. Was he drunk? Chris glanced out the window and Taurie and Jason were still talking. Goddamnit, were they gonna loiter in that restaurant all night? "Kae, I want to see their next set. Lets order dessert. Lets get you that Tiramisu that you love so much"he said
"Fine"she said as she crossed her arms over her chest
Chris glanced out the window and then was shocked to see Jason standing up and helping Taurus out of her chair. Now they wanted to leave? He then got up quickly. He wanted to see them leave. Maybe follow them a little. Jason had how many beers and now this nigga wanted to drive her home? Or was he planning to take her to his place? Aw fuck naw.
"Chris whats wrong with you?"Kae asked him when he stood up quickly
"Actually. I uh…I am tired Kae. You’re right. Let’s go, before they set up"he said to her
"Good"Kae said in relief as she got up. Draya and Orlando nodded and stood up with them. Chris looked out the window as he texted their driver as Jason helped Taurie put her coat on and they headed toward the door
"It was great seeing you guys"Chris said hurriedly as he dapped up Orlando and hugged Draya. "When will you guys be in New York again?"
"For the wedding of course"Draya said. "I am one of the bridesmaids. I’ll be back for the last fitting and the bachelorette party too"she said as she winked at Karrueche and she smiled back at her. "Congrats again. I cant wait"she said as Chris felt his stomach starting to hurt
"Ok lets go get our coats"Chris said hurriedly as he took Kae’s hand as she and Draya started gushing over the wedding
"Slow down Chris. You didnt want to leave and now you’re in a hurry to leave"Kae said as they walked to the coat check and they got their coats. "Is Franklin outside?"she asked him as she hugged Draya and Orlando
"Yeah"Chris said not listening to her as he threw on his coat and scarf and walked quickly toward the doors. He saw Jason had his arm around Taurie’s shoulder as they waited for his car to come around. Why was he so fucking close to her? He walked outside ahead of Kae, not able to wait for her. Once he stepped foot outside, a burrage of flashing lights greeted him.
Fucking paparazzi.
He covered his eyes but still tried to see Jason and Taurie across the street but the blinding lights wouldnt let him. Goddamnit.
"What are all those flashing lights?"Taurus asked Jason
"Paparazzi of course. Someone hot is eating at Shabazzi’s"Jason said. "I was gonna take you there tonight but they had no vacancies. They have a great jazz band"
"Oh well maybe another time"she said
"Another time? Really?"he asked her and she nodded. He smiled at her. She glanced across the street trying to see who the famous people were. "You wanna see?"
"Im not gonna walk over there"she said but Jason took her hand again and led her down the sidewalk a little so they could see better
"Its probably Jay-Z and Beyonce. Or maybe the mayor. Or one of the Brooklyn Nets"Jason said but they were both shocked at who they actually saw
It was Chris and Karrueche. Taurus could feel her heart sink into her brand name over the knee boots. Chris was covering his face, looking across the street, probably looking for their car no doubt. Karrueche soon joined him and posed a little for the paparazzi. Hamming it up for them as Chris waited impatiently. Another couple joined them and the paps went even crazier. Taurus didnt know who they were but they were just as important as Karrueche and Chris were. The woman held the man close as they posed and then continued down the street. The paps followed them, forgetting about Chris and Karrueche.
But then the unspeakable happened, Karrueche then pulled Chris by the lapels of his coat and kissed him. She threw her hands around his neck and lifted up her right leg as she did and the paps ran back over to them to catch this gushy moment, forgetting about the other couple.
Taurus stared in shock as she saw this. She wanted to die. Sink into the subway grates of the sidewalk and never be heard of again. This was why Chris didnt call her. He was too busy being with his fiance. He wasnt going to leave her. Why was she so stupid in thinking he would?! Her breath caught in her throat and she started to walk away.
Jason sighed as he stared at the “happy couple”. Karrueche was doing it for publicity no doubt. But it still hurt. He was almost over her but seeing her with Chris Brown always made his blood boil. It was a huge blow to his ego that she chose Chris over him. What did she see in him? He glanced at Taurus and saw her walking away.
"Taurus! Taurus! Wait. You’re walking the wrong way"he said as he caught up to her. "You ok?"he asked her
"Yeah just cold. Can we please get out of here?"she asked him
"Yeah, here’s the car now"he said as the valet pulled up with his car. He gave him a tip and opened the door and Taurus got in quickly. He closed the door and got in and they pulled off. They drove in silence and Jason could feel that something wasnt right. He looked over at Taurus. Her fingers were twiddling and she was looking out the window, she looked sad even. "You ok?"
"Yeah"she said shortly
"I wanted to um…take you somewhere else but…its late, you gotta work for the Ice Queen…I mean Karrueche in the morning. You said you wanted to make it an early night"
"No we dont have to"Taurus said. If Chris wanted to have fun, completely forget about her now that they were in New York, then so could she. Yeah it was spiteful and petty but it was either that or go home and cry and she didnt want to be alone now. "Where to next?"she asked as she forced a smile. Jason smiled and kept on driving
"You’ll see"Jason said to her. They drove a little further uptown and then they pulled up right in front of a brick building. "Nice. I got the good spot by the door"
Taurus looked at the building at the lit up sign, it said ‘Allure’. There was a line, velvet ropes and two bouncers checking ID’s. “Jason, I do want to stay out but I dont want to go to a club”
"This isnt just any club"
"All the clubs are the same these days. They play the same misogynistic rap music over and over. I really dont want to get harassed by guys who dont even dance. They expect us to do all the work as they just stand there and feel on your ass"
"You’re right about that"Jason said,"Im not one of those guys though. But like I said, this isnt just any club. And I got the best parking spot. Come on, it was meant to be"he said to her and she shook her head,"Come on Leopard Lady, you gotta break in that catsuit"he said to her
Taurus wasnt in the mood, she didnt know what she was in the mood for but seeing Chris kissing Karrueche broke her heart in two.
"5 minutes. If you dont want to stay after 5 minutes, we’ll go. I promise"
"Dont promise me if you cant keep it"she said as she got out the car. Jason frowned, what did she mean by that? But he got out of the car and locked it. He nodded at the bouncer, dapped him up and they were let in front of everyone else. "You know them?"
"Of course. This is one of my many favorite spots in the city. I also invested a lot of money into the place. So its basically mine"
"Really? You own the place?"she asked as they gave their coats to the coat check lady
"I invested in the place, there’s a difference"Jason said with a smile as they walked through the double doors. Taurus gasped at what she saw. It was a big warehouse filled with dancing people. There were two floors. On the ground floor were 4 bars, girls dancing in cages, flashing lights, bubble machines and a live band playing onstage as a few people crowd surfed. She smiled wider when she saw who was playing onstage.
"Is that Prince!?"she asked him
"Nah just the impersonator. The legit one from Vegas. He had time to fly over and perform for us again"
"Again?"
"We have connections. Maybe one day the real one will come"
"He sounds just like him. Looks just like him"she said as the impersonator sang ‘Little Red Corvette"
"Its 80s month. March will be 90s. April…I forgot what April is..the 2000s? Makes sense. Probably"he said as someone walked over to him and dapped him up. Jason introduced her to him and she soon learned he was the owner of the club. They talked for a little as the owner led them to the second floor. There were two bars up here and space to dance and look at the band from the balcony. "So you like it? Its been 5 minutes, you wanna leave?"he asked her as the song ended and the crowd cheered. Then the Prince impersonator brought out an Appolonia look a like and they started singing ‘Take Me With You’.
"I loooove this song"she said to him
"So you wanna stay?"he asked as a martini and another beer were delivered to them. They both were in purple glasses that glowed in the dark. She looked past him and saw a group of people getting fake, purple, glow in the dark Sharpie tattoos. She smiled as a few girls lifted up their purple tutu’s and got the Prince symbol tattooed on their ass cheeks. This place was crazy but perfect.
"I wanna stay"she said with a smile. Forget Chris. All he was doing now was causing her pain but she couldnt cry over him anymore not when the best Prince impersonator she has ever seen was bringing the house down, and not when Jason was the sweetest guy in the world and only wanted to make her smile.
~
Taurus laughed out loud as they arrived outside of her apartment complex. She was drunk and it was past 2 in the morning, she was gonna kill herself in a few hours when she had to wake up to work but she had so much fun. She didnt want to leave. “Lemme walk you up”he said to her
"No, leave your car out here for one second unattended and it will be gone"
"You’re kidding-"
"I’ve seen it. Dont do it"she said as she got out. Jason smiled and got out and turned on his emergency lights.
"Fine I’ll walk you to this door"he said. "They cant steal it when Im 10 feet away from it"he said to her. "I had a great time with you tonight"
"I had a great time with you tonight. Thank you, I so needed that"
"The food or Prince? Or that fake tattoo you got on your chest"he said with a chuckle as he looked at it. It was right under her collarbone and everytime he looked at it, he couldnt help but look at her breasts. They looked amazing in that catsuit, goddamn.
"All three"she said
"You’re full of surprises, Taurus Jackson"he said to her and she smiled
"You too, Jason Hart"she said. "Good night"she said as she got out her key and opened the door to the lobby
"Wait"he said to her and she paused in the doorway. "I know you just wanna be friends, take things slow but…I would love to see you again. Just let me know when. I’ll wait"he said to her
"Really?"
"Yeah"he said,"I like spending time with you. I really like you Taurus"he said and she nodded and blushed. "Ok good night"he said and walked to his car before he embarrassed himself even further but then he paused. "Wait"he said and turned around. She was still in the doorway. He walked back up to her. "I’ll regret this if I didnt ask you"
"Ask me what?"
"Before I let you go, can I get a kiss good night?"he asked her
"Did you just quote Blackstreet?"
"I did"he said with a laugh. She smiled at him. He was only expecting a kiss on the cheek but she walked up to him, stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close. He hugged her back and when she pulled away, he held her face in his hands and kissed her on the lips. She hesitated but soon gave in and let the door to the lobby close as she pulled him closer to her.
How romantic huh?
But someone didnt think so.
Chris stared in horror as he watched them kiss from a car that was parked discreetly across the street. He punched the steering wheel repeatedly as Jason kissed her. It was 2013 all over again. This nigga had to come after what was his?! Again?! He was about to get out the car when Jason turned away from Taurus and got in his car. Taurie waved to him, walked back in her building and soon Jason pulled off.
Chris’s blood was boiling as he looked up to the windows of Taurie’s apartment. Soon the lights turned on and he saw her shadow travel from the front door to the back of the apartment. He didnt know who to kill first. Her or Jason. In seconds his mind was made up. He then put the car in drive and sped off down the street after Jason. Leaving skid marks in his tracks…
*
All typical Taureans have a presence which emanates solid reliability.
*