*I am so so sorry for the delay with this story but I unfortunately fell upon hard times do to the economy but I am getting back on track (YEA!). I will be posting all throughout these last few months of the year. Thanks for all your patience and I hope you all likey this last chapter. *
Sincerely,
Sdalynn
Prelude
Two months has passed since the birth of baby Destini and everything was still in turmoil. All the bad publicity circulating around Riot about his alleged affair with Pizzazz had caused everyone a lot of grief with everyone that was close to him. After the break-up, he grew more and more suspicious of Eric and Pizzazz involvement but kept his cool about it so that they wouldn't pick up on it. He along with his band mates believed that there was more to the story and were determined to find out what it was.
With the boutique almost done and LA Fashion week coming up, the Holograms had their plates full as well. Though nothing had affected them negatively in regards to the entire Riot and Pizzazz situation, they still had ill feelings toward him and were very protective of Jerrica and Destini.
The Misfits on the other hand were on top of the world. The group was in high demand especially with the upcoming release of their new album and make-up line. Though most of the publicity was because of how Pizzazz milked her affair with Riot. Yet she was unaware that her secret had been discovered by someone she least expected while Eric, still on his crusade to be in control finds out that being greedy can get you into trouble. Secrets exposed and a long awaited reunion all take place in this final chapter of A Love's Triangle.
After the Storm
The first few weeks were tough for everyone with the paparazzi swarming the mansion trying to get photographs of the baby. This led to the house being under tight security to make sure no one was allowed on the grounds unless they were invited. Despite all the mayhem, the Holograms continued to work diligently on the Three-Dimensional line for LA Fashion week especially since it was about to make its debut. The group wanted everything to go well since it was a new venture for them and everything was riding on its success.
The week before her return, Jerrica was in her room rocking the baby to sleep. She never thought that being a mother would bring so much joy into her life and loved spending time everyday with her daughter. Whether it was watching her sleep, playing with her or watching her eyes light up when she sang made her day. Even though she and Riot weren't together they were able to work out a visitation schedule with Destini. The agreement was that he would have her for a few hours at the penthouse during the evenings and overnights every other weekend. Bella, their nanny would shuffle the infant between the parents so that they wouldn't have to see each other. Jerrica felt that seeing Riot would be awkward for her because of the unresolved feelings between them. Both were saddened by what happened to their relationship but for their child's sake they were able to make the arrangement work. Yet underneath it all, both hoped that one day they would be the family that they are supposed to be.
When the baby fell asleep, she placed her down in her crib and left the room to shower. Afterwards she put on a violet Juicy couture velour tracksuit and a pair of silver ballet flats then headed downstairs running into Shana.
"Hey mama!" Shana teased as she came inside the house. "Where are you off to?"
"Into the kitchen for something to eat," Jerrica answered. "What are you doing here? I thought that you would be at the boutique or Starlight Music."
"I was at the boutique this morning but had to run some designs by the label today for the 5th Avenue boy's new album," she answered.
"Oh yes that's right. You did show me those designs. Will they be ready in time for their album cover shoot?"
"Yes they will be boss lady!" she laughed.
"I see you got jokes!" Jerrica teased.
"No, it's just that we miss you. Miss you delegating and such," joked Shana. "So are you ready to come back?"
"I think so. As much as I'm going to miss being home with my baby, I do miss the hustle and bustle of the business. You all have done a great job of keeping me informed of all that is going on at the label and the boutique construction so I should be able to ease back into the swing of things," said a confident Jerrica as they entered the kitchen.
"Um, you might not find anything to appetizing in the refrigerator. All that's in there are Destini's bottles," said Shana. "Because of all the long hours we've eating out a lot lately. As a matter of fact, I just picked up some Chinese takeout and there's plenty so you're welcome to have some."
"Oh thanks! I figured you all were getting takeout. Especially when Kimber brought me some dumplings the other night and she tried to claim that she made them," Jerrica laughed.
"She is so silly," Shana giggled. "Well while I set the table I want you to look at the designs for what we're all wearing for our showing."
Jerrica nodded as she looked through the portfolio. She was impressed at what they all would be wearing that night especially the dress she had designed specifically for her.
"I'm glad that you like what I have you in. I figured you would want to show off your post pregnancy look to the press," said Shana.
"Thanks Shana. My trainer Cidney is really good. I'm working hard and it's coming off pretty quickly," she exclaimed.
"And it shows. You look great girl!" giggled Shana. "So what are your thoughts about the show?"
"I'm really excited. I hope everyone loves it. I know in New York they were thrilled about it," she replied.
"They were and I think everything will go smoothly here too but I do want to let you know that Misfits will be attending our show."
"What?" Jerrica gasped. "How did this happen?"
"One of our sponsors is also involved with their makeup line and felt that it would be good publicity if they attended our show. We were all against it but we had no choice in the matter. I hope that you won't be too uncomfortable," replied Shana. "I've made sure that we have extra security at the show so that there won't be any drama with Pizzazz."
A frustrated Jerrica looks down at the ground and then back up at Shana. "After everything that has happened, I'm sure I will be able to handle it…at least for that night," she sighed.
"Are you sure?"
Jerrica nodded. "Yeah, I think so. You know I am still getting calls from the press about the situation. They keep asking me how I am dealing with it. What is Pizzazz's relationship with our daughter? Will Riot and I ever reconcile? It's been months since I have seen or even been in the same room with her. I just hope that she doesn't start anything because it will not be a pretty sight if she does."
"I feel you on that J, but just know that we've taken the proper precautions so that won't happen," Shana explained. "If you want, I can make arrangements for you to leave after the showing. You don't have to go to the after party if you don't want to."
"No, that's not necessary. I need to get out and mingle with everyone. I've been so coped up in this house for weeks. I'm dying to get out and join the world of the living again," she smiled.
"I'm happy to hear that," Shana gushed but she like everyone in the house was still wondering about her harboring feelings for Riot. "So what's going on with you and Riot? This visitation schedule that you two have is really…something. Do you guys even see each other and or talk?"
Feeling uneasy, Jerrica walked toward the window of the room and stared out. "I know, I know. But to answer your question, we haven't talked much since the People magazine photo shoot and when we do talk it's only about the baby," she explained. "This is a really complicated situation that I'm in and that is why I came up with this schedule. I felt it was better this way but at the same time it's hard not to want to see him especially when I look at Destini. When I look down at her I see his eyes. Sometimes at night when I'm in bed I want so much to have him hold me in his arms. I know that he loves me as much as I love him but then I think about his affair with Pizzazz and then I…"
"You can't forgive him can you?" Shana said cutting her off.
Jerrica turns around and holds her arms. "Shana, I want to. I want to so bad but I don't know if I can. Despite what he did, I still love him but it's a trust issue and I have someone else to think about now. I know it sounds crazy but deep down I know I'll never love anyone more and I know he feels the same way about me. It's just I-I can't get past his lies and continual denial of not knowing what happened. I mean you saw the pictures... how can you explain it?" said Jerrica sadly.
Concerned, Shana embraced her. "Well J, it does look and sound bad but you love him and even with this visitation arrangement things have a way of getting off schedule. What happens then? Eventually you'll have to see him at some point. Remember you two share a daughter."
"I know I will but right now it's working for me. I know that eventually I will run into him when I return to work and I will deal with it then. But right now I want to just focus on Destini. Riot…I will deal with later on," replied Jerrica.
"Well, we have your back and we'll support you no matter what decision you make. We just want you to be happy," Shana smiled.
"I know you all do but I'm okay. The best thing that came out of my relationship with Riot is Destini and I will always love him for that but I made my decision and that is something that I will have to live with," said Jerrica.
Giving in Shana shrugs her shoulders. "If you're happy then we're all happy," she grinned. "Now let's eat, I'm starved."
"I'm with you!" laughed Jerrica.
As they bonded over dinner, downtown at Stingers Sound, Riot sat in his office looking at the picture of Jerrica holding their daughter. She was only a month old at the time but it was one of his favorite pictures to look at. Since her birth, he was taking the separation between him and Jerrica hard because he knew his heart would never stop loving her. The only hang up was Pizzazz, who was constantly blasting the affair for her advantage which in turn gave the Misfits a dozen endorsements and countless interviews and magazine covers. Good for the company but bad on Riot. The handsome heartthrob suffered a lot of backlash from the show in dealing with the alleged affair with Pizzazz, therefore a week after Destini's birth he arranged for the Misfits to do a promotional tour for their album and new make-up line. He also arranged a documentary of their trip be filmed for a television special for MTV and had it directed by his best friend Anthony Julian. The group was expected to return next week and Riot knew he was going to have to deal with not only Pizzazz but Eric as well because of the impromptu trip and his reasons behind it. Deep down he knew they were behind the Harriet Horn fiasco and he was determined to find the truth.
"I see we're still daydreaming in the office," Anthony said as he walked toward Riot's desk.
"Hey, I didn't hear you come in," Riot said as he greeted his friend. "How was the trip?"
"Man, the Misfits are crazy but I think this documentary is something that their fans would like. I brought you an advance copy of what is going to air on the network," said Anthony as he handed him the disk. "So what were you thinking about just a minute ago?"
"Nothing…just thinking about…"
"Jerrica?" Anthony cut off. "I saw you looking at her picture. You miss her don't you?"
"More than anything! I haven't seen her since the People magazine shoot," he responded. "I don't know how we got to this point and I still can't believe it's over, Ant. I was hoping that when the baby was born we would reconcile but she ended it and I didn't fight her on it. We then made arrangements for visitation with Destini and here we are."
"I'm sorry man. I know it's been rough for you but hang in there," encouraged Anthony.
"I hope one day that you two find a way to reconcile. I know you two still love each other and Destini is evidence of that."
Riot smiled at his friend. "Thanks. I know we will when I expose Eric and Pizzazz. I know that they're behind this."
Anthony sighs. "You know, I've always believed that they were. As a matter of fact after following them for these last few weeks I don't things with the group is going so smooth."
"What did you mean?"
"Take a look at this disc. There's something I want to show you," said Anthony.
"Alright!" Riot replied as Anthony placed the disc in the player. The two men watched the footage that he shot of the group during rehearsals, at a signing and various other places like them interacting with the fans and private moments. When it was done, Riot turned off the player and turned to his friend.
"What is going with Pizzazz and Stormer?" he asked. "Every time they're together there seems to be tension."
"You saw it too! Man, I don't know. It was like that the whole entire trip. Stormer barely said two words to her and whenever they finished a set, she would leave and go off to be by herself. I don't know what was going on. It was just a weird situation."
"Hmm interesting! I sensed that as well even before they left. Stormer is usually very vocal but lately she has been very quiet. Speaking of quiet, where was Eric on the trip? Didn't see much of him on this documentary?" Riot asked.
"It's funny that you mentioned him. He spent a lot of time away from the group. From what I hear, he was mostly at the track or at a casino…gambling. Rumor has it his funds aren't looking to hot these days and that he owes a lot of people. If I were you I would watch him closely. You know the man has had it in for you ever since you took over majority stock of the company and I got a gut feeling that he is up to something. Like I said before I think he was mastermind behind the whole Harriet Horn situation and everything after that. I mean Pizzazz is smart but she is sloppy when it comes to scheming and you best believe that he was behind her pulling the strings. I bet my life on it," said Anthony.
"I've always had that feeling too but could never prove it. Eric has the ability to hide his tracks well but it's news to my ears that he is having financial problems. I know he likes to gamble and now it has me wondering what he is up to as well," Riot replied. "I'll keep my eye on him more closely."
"I would advise it. Eric is very sneaky. You need to stay two steps ahead of him but I'm sure you know that already!" Anthony smirked as he started to gather his things.
"That I will be doing," smiled Riot. "Well great footage. It should get great ratings for the network and boost their album sales even more."
"Hey, controversy sells!" replied Anthony. "So what are you going to do about Jerrica?"
Riot hesitated before answering. "I don't know. I love her so much but I want to give her time. Time to heal."
"Well, if it were me, I would continue to fight for her," answered Anthony. "She is the mother of your child. You're a family! Make her realize that you two belong together."
Riot laughed. "I just might do that my friend, thanks!"
"No problem. Listen, I gotta run to Cartier before it closes. So I'll see you at the show next week," said Anthony.
"Cartier? Why are you going to Cartier?"
"I was going to tell you later about it but I guess this would be as good time as any. I plan on asking Shana to marry me after the fashion show," Anthony beamed.
"Congratulations Ant, that's wonderful," replied Riot.
"Thanks! But don't forget about what I said about Jerrica. You two belong together. Keep that in mind," Anthony said as he fisted bumped his friend. After that he left Riot in the office to his thoughts.
"What the hell are you up to Eric?"
At the Gabor Estate, Pizzazz was getting settled after coming home from her group's promotional tour. It had been two of the most grueling months that she'd ever experience. For one thing, they were being documented for an MTV special then on top of that they not only promoted the new album but the make-up line as well. There were also a series of television interviews, talk show appearances and a magazine covers shoots. Despite being tired, she was starting to get agitated with everything that had gone on with the Riot/Jem situation. Though she and Eric painted a nasty picture of him to the press as a womanizing playboy, he still wouldn't give her the time of day. He continued to pine for Jerrica which made her even more envious and angry. The day after the news broke about the couple's baby arriving, Riot immediately made arrangements for the Misfits to leave town. She had a gut feeling that something was going down when Eric came over to the house later that day to meet with the group.
Flashback
"I have some good news. You all are going on a promotional tour for the new album," said Eric. "Plus, you all will have a film crew documenting the entire trip. It's for an MTV special. What do you all think?"
The Misfits looked surprise. "This is totally awesome! A tour and a documentary, when do we leave?" asked Roxy.
"We leave at the end of next week. So we have a lot to do before then," answered Eric.
"Wow, when did you and Riot decide this venture?" Jetta quipped.
"Actually, it was all his idea. I had nothing to do with it. Well, not to this extreme but this will be great exposure for you guys. Anthony Julian will be directing the entire documentary capturing every aspect of your daily schedule. So look fresh and watch yourselves, especially you Pizzazz."
Pizzazz gave him a scathing look, turned her head and stared out the window.
"Well this sounds great Eric, I think we all need to get away and focus on our music. With everything going on right now, we could really dominate the scene," Roxy replied.
"My point exactly," Jetta chimed in.
"Glad to see some of us our grateful for this opportunity," Eric said sarcastically. "Now if you all will excuse me. I have to get back to the office to meet with Riot about the specifics."
"I'll see you out Eric," Pizzazz offered as they walked out the house.
When they got to his car, Pizzazz let him have it. "What is this nonsense about us going on tour? I know Riot did this to get me out of town so I won't be anywhere near him or miss kill joy over there. What's the deal Eric? You don't seem fazed by it at all," she argued.
"Pizzazz dear, this is a great opportunity for you. It will show you in a positive light because right now, you are looked at as the home wrecker. Remember, you broke up the golden couple of music and the public didn't like that too much."
"Hello, they didn't like him cheating on Jem either but he did. Now the baby has arrived and I really don't have a chance with him at all," she pouted.
"Well cheer up. Maybe this distance will make his heart grow fonder for you," he smirked.
"This isn't funny Eric. I am back to square one. What are we going to do?"
"We? We aren't going to anything. You want him, you go after him. Leave me out of this love triangle. I have better things to do and conquer if you know what I mean," Eric said smugly.
"You don't have control over anything yet, Eric." Pizzazz argued. "Besides, Riot doesn't even trust you! It's only a matter of time before he finds out about what we did. He's been suspicious about why I was on the show that day."
"Pizzazz, he will not find out. I promise you. Just keep quiet about it. Now I am going to meet with him today to go over the specifics. So, if you are done pouting about losing your one true love, tell it to your girls while you're packing for next week. Bye!" he said to her as he got into his Rolls Royce Phantom.
Pizzazz watched the car leave and then walked back into her house.
"What's wrong P? Lover's quarrel?" teased Roxy.
"Yeah yank, you look like you lost your puppy or something. What gives? Jetta quipped.
"Nothing is wrong, let's get down to Millennium Dance Complex. We need to start rehearsing for this mini tour. I'll meet you all there in an hour," she replied as she started up the stairs.
"Alright, we'll see you there," Roxy said as she and Jetta started for the door. Stormer however ran towards the stairs to catch up with Pizzazz.
"Pizzazz, I need to speak with you," she called out.
"Not right now Stormer. I'll talk to you when we get to the studio, alright!" Pizzazz yelled.
"I know what you did to Riot and Jem!" Stormer blurted out.
Pizzazz stopped dead in her tracks and turned around to face her. "What did you say?"
"I said I know what you did to Riot and Jem," she repeated.
Livid, Pizzazz comes back down the stairs and gets in Stormer's face. "If you know what is good for you. You won't say anything."
"Pizzazz, you caused a breakup. How could you live with yourself? They have a baby now. Did you even think about her?" Stormer asked.
"Look, I am not going to discuss this with you now. We have this tour to get ready for so I need to get ready for practice. You on the other hand need to drop this foolish accusation. I never did anything to Riot, it was all him," she argued.
"I heard you and Eric talking after you got punched by Minx in his office. I know that he threatened to expose you as the culprit. I know everything."
Furious, Pizzazz gets in her face again. "Stormer, you fail to realize what I just said to you. You will not say a word to anyone and I mean no one. Not even to that little twit Kimber," Pizzazz threatened. " If you do, that comfy little job that your brother has producing for the label and whatever else we have him doing will end and I will have his ass sent back on the first flight back to Europe. Now we wouldn't want that now would we especially since he and Aja are so close. Hmm?"
On the verge of tears, Stormer gives in. "I will keep quiet… for now but this is a secret that will eventually blow up in your face. You might have painted a nasty picture to the press about him but what about you? Do you not realize what people think of you?"
"I could care less. Besides, after this documentary airs, everyone will think I'm a saint. Trust! Now I need to get changed and so do you. Not a word about this anymore. Understand!" she said to her as she walked back up the stairs.
Stormer turned around and walked out the house. She got into her Porsche and drove off thinking about Pizzazz's words. She had a lot at stake and didn't want to see her brother leave because of her. She could easily tell Kimber or one of the other Holograms what she knew but since her brother's job was on the line she decided not to say anything. Instead she played the game while they were away but in the back of her mind she knew that when they got back to LA, the walls would soon close in on Pizzazz and Eric.