Back to Basics
The morning of her return was tough for Jerrica. She knew that leaving Destini for the first time was going to be hard for her yet she couldn't wait to get back to the grind. After a quick workout, she showered, combed her elbow length hair into a ponytail and dressed herself in a Tahari black pencil length skirt, a D&G celestial wrap sweater and a pair of Valentino black flat bow pumps for her first day back at the office. As she came downstairs, Bella was feeding the baby in the kitchen.
"Morning madam!" she greeted her.
"Good Morning, Bella," smiled Jerrica as she walked into the kitchen. "When did she wake up?"
"Just a few minutes ago while you were in the shower. She was crying so I knew it was feeding time. Are you ready to go back to the office?" Bella asked.
"Yes, I am but at the same time I don't want to leave her. This is going to be so hard," she said as she looked down at her.
"Jerrica, she'll be fine. You'll only be at the office for a couple of hours and then back home again. She'll be waiting for you when you get back. Now go to work," Bella reassured.
Jerrica smiled and kissed the baby goodbye. "I'll call if I am going to be late."
"Alright," smiled Bella as she watched her leave for the office. When she arrived at Starlight Music, her secretary Joanie was waiting for her as she got off the elevator.
"Welcome back, Jerrica," she said as she greeted her. "How do you feel now that you're a mother?"
"It's so wonderful! Though it was hard leaving her this morning," she replied as they walked into the office. "I have some new pictures of her to put on my desk so I won't miss her too much. So what is on my agenda today? I know that we have less than a week before the showing and we still need to take care of some last minute details."
"Those are being taken care of as we speak but I do have some good news for you. Andre Leon Talley from Vogue called and wants you to do a photo shoot for their new mother's feature. They also want you for the cover as well."
"Really, that is fantastic! I thought they were going with someone else?"
"No, they want you and they were willing to wait until you got off of maternity leave," she explained.
"When do they need me?" Jerrica asked.
"They need you to fly up to New York the day after the fashion show, which is Saturday," said Joanie.
Jerrica smiled. "Wow! Tell Andre the answer is yes and that I will talk to him later today about the details. Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Well, you have a dozen messages for talk show appearances. I can give you the list if you want to see it?"
"No talk shows at the moment. Not unless it's about the fashion show, any of our new artists or of the boutique and movie. If it's anything regarding mine and Riot's relationship I don't want to do it. Please tell Sharon that, thank you," said Jerrica.
"Will do," her secretary answered as she walked out the office.
After she left, Jerrica began to get settled. She opened up her black Hermes tote bag and took out pictures of her daughter. She smiled at the one when she held her on the day that she brought her home from the hospital and then several others with all her friends. Finally she pulled out one with her, Riot and the baby. It was a candid shot taken during their People magazine photo shoot. As her mind flooded with thoughts of that day they were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Hey mama," Raya said as she and the rest of the Holograms came in the door.
"Hey guys! What's up!" she beamed.
"Working on the new tracks for our new album, which are going to be killer!" Kimber giggled.
"I bet they are. We're working with some of the hottest producers in the business," Jerrica teased as her sister handed her a disc. "Is everything almost ready for the show?"
"Just about. We still have some lighting and sound issues with Starlight Auditorium which Rio is looking into but other than that we're just about ready," Shana reported. "But I was also thinking of using some of our former foster girls in the show. I would love for them to be the first wearing our line."
"Shana that is a fabulous idea! We need to get in touch with them as soon as possible so that they'll be ready for the show," Jerrica gushed.
"Well the truth of the matter is that we actually called Ashley, Krissy, Deidre and Ba Nee while you were on maternity leave and they've agreed to be in the show," Aja exclaimed. "We're having them over for dinner the night before to catch up."
"That's great! I get to see my girls again and show off my little one to them," exclaimed Jerrica. "Well that is some great news to hear to start the day off right. So, let's get the last details of this show straight."
"Alrighty, let's head over to the conference room. We'll have more room in there," said Aja. As they all got up and left, Jerrica took one last look at the picture of her and Riot with their daughter. Sighing, she placed the photo in the drawer closed it and walked out the office. When she got back there was a bouquet of pink roses on her desk.
"They came for you right after you left for your meeting," Joanie replied.
"They're beautiful!" said Jerrica as she looked for the card.
"I know! I'm guessing someone wanted to congratulate you on the baby or wish you good luck on the show."
Jerrica looking down at the card nodded at her secretary. "Do you mind putting them in some water for me? I don't want them to wither," she replied to her. Joanie takes the bouquet away while Jerrica looks out of her window. "Oh Riot!" she thought to herself as tears began to form in her eyes.
At Stingers Sound, Minx and Rapture were in the studio preparing to rehearse when Riot shows up.
"Well good morning, Riot!" they said in unison.
"Morning Ladies, let's get started. I have the baby this evening and I don't want to be late getting home," he said.
"Well, I never thought I would see the day that you would be anxious to change diapers. It's so cute!" Minx giggled.
"I know right," Rapture gushed.
Riot smiled at his band mates. "I adore my daughter. She is my angel and I look forward to spending time with her."
"Really? Well, what about spending time with her mother?" Rapture asked. "Will there ever be a reconciliation in the near future?"
Riot hung his head low before answering. "Listen, I really don't want to get into this right now so let's get this done. I have a couple of meetings to get to as well."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit a nerve," Rapture apologized.
"No worries. I know you're both concerned but that's a sore subject right now," he said as he put on his guitar. After their session, Riot left for his meeting while Minx and Rapture stayed behind to talk.
"So, did you get anything out of Stormer before she left?" asked Rapture.
"No. She wouldn't say anything but she looked like she knew something," said Minx.
"Hmm, Pizzazz must have gotten to her. I guess it's down to plan B," said Rapture.
"That it is. You take care of that and I'll talk to Kimber at the run through."Minx says as she looks at Rapture. "This situation has gone on long enough and it's time expose Pizzazz for the lying bitch she is."
In Beverly Hills, Eric sat in his house alone thinking. With the Misfits back from their promotional tour it left him little time to get the second part of his plan underway especially since Riot made him tag along with the group for most of the tour. He knew that Riot was suspicious of his involvement with the Harriet Horn situation and if he wasn't careful it would only be a matter of time that he would figure out he was the mastermind behind everything. He knew he had to work fast so that Riot wouldn't find out. As he continued with his thoughts, he hears a truck pulling up in his driveway. Pizzazz emerges from her Hummer and walks toward the door.
"Open up Eric! I know you're home!" she yelled.
Sighing, Eric reluctantly opens the door as Pizzazz breezes her way in. "Pizzazz, why are you here?"
"I need to talk to you," she answers. "I meant to tell you before we left that Stormer knows everything."
"She knows what?"
"Don't play dumb Eric! She knows about our plan. The fake romp in the sack! Me drugging Riot and your plan to get the company back in your control!" Pizzazz screamed.
Feeling his stomach drop, Eric maintained his composure. "What does she know exactly? I mean she could have heard that from anyone. You know that there are tons of rumors going around about everyone at the label," he said uneasily.
Pizzazz looking at his demeanor knew something was up. "Bullshit Eric!" she snapped. "She only heard that from us. No one else knows about what we did. Only Stormer!"
"Damn! We have to keep her quiet. At least until I get control again. I need you to keep a tight leash on her. I can't have her going around talking to people," he said.
"I have already taken care of that," Pizzazz said as she walked over to the bar. "I threatened her brother's job if she didn't keep quiet."
"I see that's worked but for how long?" Eric quipped.
"That is has for now but sooner or later the twit is going to say something. I know she is. She is such a softy when it comes to these things," Pizzazz seethed. "Plus, it doesn't help that she is close with Kimber. She could spill the beans at anytime to redhead or worse to Riot."
"I'll take care of her so that she won't do or say anything. Right now I need you to calm down. I scored us an invite to the fashion show through one of our sponsors. So I need you to do what you do best…stir up trouble," ordered Eric. "I need you to get Riot in one more compromising position. One that he can't rebound from."
"What do you suppose I do?" Pizzazz asked.
"Whatever you have to do but make sure you're photographed. I need the evidence to present at the board meeting,"
"What meeting?"
"I have a meeting with Riot and our board of directors later in the week to discuss how we are going to handle this situation that I…well we started. This is a very important meeting because it will determine if Riot continues to run the company or if I get to take his place," Eric explained.
Pizzazz looked at him puzzled. "I thought were going buy him out?"
Eric sighs. "Unfortunately, I don't have the money. My gambling debts have nearly wiped me out so, I will have to do this the politically correct way and get him thrown off and that is why I need you to cause one more commotion to keep him at bay. I don't want him to suspect my involvement ok?"
"Fine Eric, but this had better work. I am tired of not getting what I want," she said as she grabbed her purse. "But promise me you will help me handle Stormer."
"Don't worry Pizzazz. I will make sure that Stormer doesn't ever say a word," he smiled as he walked her out the door.
Later that evening, Jerrica was putting in overtime in her office working on last minute details for the fashion show when Bella stopped by with Destini.
"Madam, I was told you were still here by your sister. So I decided to surprise you and bring the baby over before I headed over to the penthouse. I hope that it's alright."
"Oh Bella of course it is, thank you," Jerrica beamed. "I've been so swamped today. I could use a break."
"I was sure you were since you have so much to catch up on," said Bella.
Jerrica put down her work and picked her daughter up from the stroller. "Oh, I missed her so much today. I hope I didn't bother you with all my phone calls."
"No, you didn't. I expected as much with you being a new mom and all," Bella laughed. "I have her bottle ready since its time for her feeding."
Jerrica smiled as she took the bottle and walked over to the sofa with the baby. For the next half hour, she was caught up in her daughter's presence. Hearing her coo and face light up made Jerrica forget all about her day. While she was playing with the baby, her moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Shall I get it?" Bella asked.
"No, I'll get it." Jerrica replied as she walked to the door. When she opened it she was stunned when she saw Riot standing before her. "Riot, w-what are you doing here?"
Riot staring at how beautiful she looked stuttered with his response. "I-I came over to discuss with you…um about altering the visitation schedule."
Jerrica nods her head. "Well, um…you could have called about it but since you're here, please come in," she said as he walks in. "Bella, surprised me by bringing the baby over."
"I see. Hello Bella," smiled Riot.
Blushing, Bella shakes her head. "Hello, Monsieur Llewellyn," she replied. "Well, I'm going to wait outside and leave you two alone with the baby. Let me know when you're done."
"I will," answered Jerrica. After Bella left the office, she turned around to face Riot. "So, you want to talk about the schedule?"
"No…well the truth is, I wanted to see you," he admitted.
"I figured that much," she said. "I know it's been a while."
Smiling, they looked at each other then down at the baby and then back at each other. Both could feel the intensity of their feelings beginning to rise since they hadn't seen each other in a while. Jerrica noticed that Riot had grown a light rugged beard on his chin which made him even sexier in her eyes along with his built stature. While he in turn noticed that Jerrica had lost all of her baby weight and was still in his eyes the most perfect woman he'd ever seen. The silence was broken when Destini began cooing.
"Here let me take her," he reached out as Jerrica hands over the infant to him. He then walks over to sofa with Jerrica following. "So, how are you?"
"I'm doing ok. Just getting ready for the show Friday which had me busy today," Jerrica replied. "You?"
"I'm good. Better now that I have her in my arms," he grinned down at the baby.
"She is such a good baby," she said softly. "I'm going to have her here with me for a few hours so that way I can spend some time with her during the day. If you want I can arrange for Bella to drop her off with you at the office sometime."
"I would love that. Thank you," he said as he looked tenderly at her. "Jerrica, I…."
"Riot, don't. Let's just enjoy the moment right now," she said to him as she rubbed the baby's head. I meant what I said at the hospital. It's over."
"I heard what you said and I know you don't mean it. I know deep down it's not over for us."
Jerrica froze as she looked down at the baby. "Please don't make this hard. When we discussed this arrangement, we both agreed that it was best thing to do.
"No, you came up with the arrangement and I went along with it because of our daughter," he explained to her. "We need to talk about this."
Looking into his eyes, Jerrica tries her best to fight off the tears. "Now is not the best time to talk about this. I still need time and separating was the best thing for us," she explained. "I just wish…"
"You wish for what?" he asked.
"Nothing," she said shaking her head.
Riot puts the baby in her stroller then turns to Jerrica. "I wish for a lot of things. For one, I wish you would come by and see how I've decorated Destini's nursery. I wish you could see when I play my guitar to her how she smiles and coos at me in her bouncer. I wish you could see when my mother visits the bond that they share," he says to her. "I also wish you knew how much I miss you."
Weeping, Jerrica gets up and walks toward her desk facing the window. "Why are you making this so hard? This situation is difficult enough as it is."
"Jerrica, I can't help the way that I feel. You know that. This whole situation is stupid. For the last two months, we have been shuffling our daughter back and forth which isn't stable for her and the fact is… I can't live like this anymore. I tried doing it your way but I just can't do it," he argued.
"Then what do you suppose we do Riot? I supposed you want me to forget what you did. Well, I can't!" she yells at him. "Don't you think I hate shuffling her back and forth? Don't you realize how hard it is for me to even look at her some times and see your eyes looking back at me? I did what was best for her and for me. I'm sorry that you got hurt in the process but it was for the best."
Frustrated, Riot gets up and touches her shoulders. "I didn't come here to make you upset Jerrica. I just wanted to see you…that's all. I just wanted to let you know how I was feeling. It wasn't my intention to hurt you by coming by. I'm sorry."
Jerrica turns around to face him. "I know it wasn't your intention and I know you didn't mean to hurt me but what happened… happened. There's nothing left to talk about. If you don't like the arrangement we have now we can alter it," she said to him.
"Did you like the flowers I sent?" he asked.
Taken aback that he changed the subject she simply nodded. "Yes, they were beautiful. Thank you," she said. "I think we should…."
Before she could finish her sentence, Riot grabs her face and passionately kisses her. Jerrica takes it in as she embraces him. When they finished, she looks at him and then walks toward the baby stroller and pushes it towards the door. "Bella, please take Destini home. I'll be there later."
Puzzled, Bella grabs the stroller handles. "So she won't be going to the penthouse this evening for her visit?"
"No…not tonight anyways. Her father and I will be rearranging her schedule," she explained.
Bella nods and quickly leaves with the baby as Jerrica turns around to face Riot. He tries to kiss her again but she turns her face. "Riot, please stop. We can't do this," she says breaking free from his arms. "It's over. Please, I need you to respect that, ok!"
Not giving up, Riot walks toward her. "You know I don't give up easy. I know what I did was wrong but we have to move past it…for our daughter's sake."
"Riot, this has nothing to do with her. This is between you and me. She is just…just…"
"A symbol of our love," he cut in. "Baby, I know that you're still hurting but I love you and after Destini was born my love for you intensified. I'm not trying to use her as an excuse but I know you feel the same way. I see it in your eyes and I felt it when we kissed."
Sobbing, Jerrica opens the door. "You have to go. I can't deal with this right now. I'm sorry."
Feeling defeated again, Riot heads toward the door but not before telling her one last thing. "I am going to win you back my love even if I have to spend the rest of my life doing it," he said as he left the office. Jerrica closes the door behind him and falls to the floor.