Dinner & Dessert
At Starlight mansion, everyone was getting ready for dinner that evening. While the caterers set up in the kitchen and dining room, the ladies were upstairs getting dressed for the girl's arrival. With Bella off for the night, Jerrica was in her room feeding Destini until she fell asleep. Then she got dressed in a Kevan Hall green battenburg lace trim blouse, black pair slim fitted pants complimented by a pair of black Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform heels. She curled her hair tightly so that it was bouncy and full then as she applied the final touches to her makeup she thought about her conversation with Riot. As hurt as she was about his betrayal she still had deep feelings for him.
"He's right about my feelings for him," she thought to herself. "I can't shut them off. What I am I going to do?"
"Knock, Knock," said Raya as she came into her room
Breaking her thoughts, Jerrica turns around in her chair. "Hey!"
"I just wanted to let you know the girls are here," Raya grinned. "So hurry up!"
"I'm on my way down," said Jerrica as she quickly put the finishing touches to her make-up and headed downstairs.
"Well, here she is!" Shana exclaimed. "Now we can eat!"
"I'm sorry. I was busy getting ready," she said.
Kimber looked at her sister and sensed something was up. "Are you ok, Jerrica? You seem a little jittery."
Taken aback, she looks at Kimber. "I'm fine, really."
"Alright," Kimber said as they all began to catch up with the Starlight girls.
"Jerrica!" the girls all said in unison as they ran over to her.
"Hey! Oh my god, look at you all!" she smiled as she hugged each and every girl. Ashley sporting a short bob, Krissy had all her curly hair pulled up in a high pony tail, Deidre sported a pixie cut with brown streaks and Ba Nee's hair was long and straight with bangs in the front. All the girls were wearing True Religion jeans and black and white Three Dimensional promotional fitted tee-shirts that they received after the run through.
"Ba Nee, I can't believe how tall you've gotten," Aja exclaimed as she hugged her. "Look at all of you. You've all grown up to be such women now not to mention that you all look so funky in those shirts."
"Thanks Aja and you said that to us already, remember," said Ashley.
"I know," she said. "But just seeing you guys bring back so many memories!"
"I know right. I was so thrilled when you called and asked us to be in the fashion show. I am so excited about tomorrow," Ashley replied.
"Well we wouldn't have it any other way! You guys were our first choice to model in the show!" Shana explained.
"We're all just siked to be in the show. I know I am. I can't wait to strut down the catwalk tomorrow," giggled Deidre.
"The show is going to be outrageous!" Kimber shrieked. "I can't wait for tomorrow either!"
"Do we get to go to the after party?" Krissy asked. "I know it's at the Diamond 8 club but we're all still underage."
"Don't worry about that. You all are invited to the after party but since you all are underage you'll have to stay in the VIP area with us." Raya replied.
"That's cool. Oh my god, my first party at a real club. How cool is this going to be!" Deidre squealed.
"Oh Jerrica where is Destini? Kimber showed us a picture of her and she's so adorable. If she's up can I hold her?" Ashley asked.
"I want to be next," Krissy chimed in.
"I'm after Krissy!" Ba Nee yelled.
"Girls, you all will get a chance to hold her but right now she's asleep. Let's have dinner first and then if she wakes up you all can take turns with her, okay," Jerrica smiled.
"Okay!" they all said in unison.
"Alright, well let eat!" said Shana.
As the girls all filed into the dining room, Aja comes up to Jerrica from behind. "Just like old times isn't it?"
"That it is. It's so good to see them and having them in the show was a great idea," Jerrica exclaimed. "I can't wait for tomorrow. They are going to look so pretty!"
As they all got settled, they ate and caught up with each other. The girls told them about their families, school and social lives as did the ladies. Each girl was happy to see that they had come so far in their careers and all still strived to be like them one day. After dinner they all returned back into the living room for more conversation and dessert as Aja asked if any of them were still interested in being in the music industry.
"I'm taking guitar lessons," Deidre answered. "Hopefully one day I'll be just as good as you and Shana. Or maybe even like Ri…I mean I hope to become really good."
"Deidre!" Ba Nee said quietly.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean too….it slipped."
Blushing, Jerrica shook her head. "It's okay, Deidre you want to be like whom?" Jerrica asked her.
"I really like the way Riot plays the guitar. He is phenomenal with it when he's on stage," Deidre gushed.
Jerrica felt a bit awkward talking about Riot but tried not to show it in front of the girls. "I'm happy that you're sticking to the guitar. Keep practicing and you'll be just as wonderful as him maybe even better. I know how much you liked playing it when you were here."
"Yes, I really love it. I've been writing some songs as well. Can I come by and share them with you all sometime?" she asked.
"Of course you can," they all said in unison.
"Just because you guys don't live here anymore doesn't mean that you can't come by to see us. You know we don't mind. In fact we would love it," said Jerrica.
"Well we know that but with everything that has happened with you and Riot and then with the press hounding you, we all felt that we would be out of place," said Krissy.
"Plus, I read that you all had to beef up the security here so that the press couldn't get on the grounds," said Ba Nee.
"Girls, listen we did that for Jerrica and the baby's safety. This will always be your home and you can call us anytime you want. We may not answer right way but we'll get back to you as soon as we can," Aja explained.
"Well put, Aja!" Shana teased as everyone laughed.
Feeling bad Jerrica felt she had to say something. "I'm really sorry about everything that is going on girls. As all know, I have had a rough couple of weeks but I'm doing alright. Please know that we didn't want to make you all feel in any way estranged. Like Aja said it was really for my daughter's protection but you all are still our girls and we would love to see you from time to time. Just call before you come!" she laughed.
"Thanks, we really appreciate it," said Deidre.
Hearing faint cry on the baby monitor the girls all gasped in anticipation. "I think Destini is feeling lonely, Jerrica!" Raya gushed as everyone watched her leave. Moments later she came downstairs with the infant dressed in a lavender Chloe jumper.
"Girls, this is my daughter Destini Jade!" Jerrica announced.
"Oh Jerrica she is so precious. Can I hold her?" Deidre asked.
Jerrica nodded as she handed her over to Deidre who was extra careful holding the infant.
"She looks like you Jerrica," said Deidre.
"I think she looks a little bit like Riot," Krissy said looking over her. As the Starlight girls all took turns with the baby, the Holograms smiled as they watched them.
"Ah, they really love her sis," Kimber gushed.
"I know," said Jerrica as she thought about Krissy words as she thought about the morning after Destini was born.
"She looks exactly like you, just with my eyes!" Riot said to her. "She's so beautiful!"
"Jerrica…Jerrica…hello?" Raya said.
"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, Raya. I didn't mean to ignore you. I was just deep in thought."
"Where did you just go?" Raya asked.
"It's nothing! Just thinking," she answered.
Raya nodded and smiled as they joined the girls. After another hour or so, Jerrica took the baby back upstairs and put her back to sleep. Afterwards, she came back to join everyone downstairs.
"Well, I think it's getting late so we're going to leave now," Deidre said. "See you all tomorrow."
"Goodbye girls! We enjoyed you and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow," Each one of them said as they all hugged each and every one of them.
"Yes, it's been fun. We'll see you all tomorrow and thanks for dinner!" Ba Nee smiled.
"You're very welcome girls," Jerrica smiled. "Deidre be careful driving everyone home."
"I will Jerrica," she said as she walked out.
"We'll walk you out," Shana replied as she and Kimber followed them out. Inside, the rest of the group began to clean up.
"Well it was a nice evening but I have to run. I am meeting Craig for a late movie," replied Aja.
"Really, Jeff and I were going to catch one tonight. Do you mind if we tag along?"
"No, not at all. What about you Shana? Kimber?" Aja asked as they came back inside.
"Thanks but I am going to spend the night with my honey, so if you all don't mind I am going to freshen up and I will see you all bright and early tomorrow," Shana replied.
"Oooh! Excuse us. We'll what about you, Kimber? Are you coming or are you going to stay here and babysit Jerrica and Destini?" Raya joked.
"Ha Ha! Very funny!" Jerrica smiled.
"Just teasing you!" Raya giggled.
"Actually, I am going to meet Sean in a few. We have plans for the movies as well but in the park," Kimber replied. "So if we're through, I need to leave to meet him."
"Jerrica, are you going to be alright here by yourself?" Aja asked her friend.
"Yes, I'll be fine. As a matter of fact why don't all go ahead and I will take care of the clean up," she said. "I'm pretty tired anyways and want to get a few hours in before Destini wakes up for one of her feedings."
"Are you sure, Jerrica?" Raya asked.
"Raya, I'm fine really. You all go ahead."
They all looked at each other and nodded. "Alright!" they said together. Once they were all out of the house, Jerrica continued to finish in the kitchen. Afterwards, she headed upstairs to undress and shower. She brushed her teeth then slipped on a Victoria Secrets purple knit nightie and stopped by Destini's crib to check on her.
"Good night my sweetheart," she said to her as she kissed her lightly on her cheek before hitting the sheets herself. Unfortunately before she could get comfortable she heard the doorbell ring. Jerrica quickly jumps out of bed, slips on a robe and heads downstairs.
"Who is it?" she calls out.
"It's me Jerrica. May I come in?"
Confused, she opened the door. "What are you doing here, Riot?" she asked.
"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" he smiled as he walked inside.
"No, you didn't. I was just getting ready for bed," she explained closing the door. "You still haven't explained why you're here?"
"I wanted to see you and Destini. Is that alright? " he asked. "I mean you are here alone."
"How did you know I would be here alone?" she asked.
"I-I didn't. I mean I assumed since I didn't see many cars up front. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd take a chance."
Sighing, Jerrica folds her arms. "Well you can't stay long. Everyone went to a movie so they'll be back later. If you still want to see the baby, she's upstairs asleep in her crib. I just ask that you're quiet. I just put her down a while ago."
"I'll be quiet," he said as he headed upstairs to her room.
Jerrica had her room expanded to include a section for the baby's nursery. She had it decorated in a celestial theme with pink stars that covered the wall followed by a dark cherry colored sleigh bed designed crib with light pink bedding. Against the wall were her dressers all covered with stuffed animals and various other toys as well as a picture of Jerrica holding her on the day she was born. When Riot entered inside he was amazed at what she'd done.
"Do you like it?" she asked as she came in behind him.
"It's beautiful!" he beamed. "Did you do all this yourself?"
"No…well sort of. Everyone helped but I came up with the theme. I had a designer friend of my mine named Barrett to come over and he helped me pick out the furniture and all of her bedding."
"Well, you all did a great job," he complimented.
"Thank you," she said softly as she watched Riot look down at the baby.
"I love to watch her sleep. She's so peaceful. I sometimes wonder if she's dreaming," he grinned.
"Maybe, but I love watching her smile at me. It always makes me so happy," Jerrica gushed.
After he was finish looking at the baby, he turns around and notices a photo album on the coffee table.
"What's this?" he asked as he grabbed the book. Inside were pictures of the baby from the time she was born, with Riot's parents, Minx and Rapture, all of the Holograms and then a candid black and white with the three of them from the People photo shoot. He sighed at the photo as he gently touched it with his fingers.
"This day was so surreal. It was the first time we'd seen each other since her birth," Riot reminisced.
"I know. I thought about that day as I was putting this book together last week. It's one of my favorites," she said to him. "I have it on my desk at the office too."
"It's funny. I have the same one on my desk as well. It reminds me of happier times," he smiled as he closed the book.
"Yes it does," she says as she walks toward her bay window.
"I want what we had again. Don't you want the same thing?" Riot asks out of the blue.
Jerrica sighs. "Can we not talk about this now? It's late. We have a lot going on tomorrow and I think we should focus on that."
"Jerrica, I can't do this anymore. We have to get past this!" Riot argues.
Jerrica quickly turns around and closes the double doors that separate her side of the room from the nursery. "Shh, please keep your voice down. I don't want her to wake up."
"I'm sorry. It's just that I hate myself for what I have done to you, to our family," he explained. "I should have had my guard up when it came to Pizzazz but I didn't and for that I apologize. Baby, I made a horrific mistake and I will do anything to make it up to you but I need you to forgive me."
"Riot, I am getting really tired of this merry go round with you. It's over. Please, we need to move on," she said.
"Dammit Jerrica, you love me and I love you. Please stop fighting me on this," he pleaded. "We belong together."
Frustrated, she looks into his eyes as a rush of feelings that she tried to keep hidden began to overtake her. "Riot, I'm not going lie and tell you that I don't still have feelings for you but what we had is over and in order for you and I to move on you have to let me go. It's not healthy."
"No, whats not healthy is us being apart. You're just as unhappy being alone as I am. I miss you, I miss our daughter. We should be together raising her. I know I said I would respect your decision but I know in my heart that we we're meant to be," he said lovingly. "I just wish you would forgive me."
Feeling the tears forming in her eyes, Jerrica turns away from him. "Please it's been very hard these last couple of weeks. I can't keep having you do this to me," she cries. "It's hard right now just standing right beside you and not wanting to…"
"Not wanting to what?" he said as he turned her around to face him. "What is it that you don't want to do?"
"I don't want to hurt anymore. This break up has been very hard on me and its tearing me apart. Every time I look at Destini, she reminds me of you and what we once shared. When I look at her, I think of you. When she cries at night, I think she is crying for you. I miss you so much and as much as you have hurt me…I still love you Riot and I don't think that I'll ever stop and that is it why it's so hard."
Riot grabs Jerrica's face and kisses her until she breaks free from him. "No…Stop we can't do this again," she gasped. "Please go!"
"I don't think so," he replied as he pulled her back into his arms kissing her once again only to be pushed in the process.
"I said stop!" she yells.
"Jerrica, you don't really want me to stop do you?"
Taken aback, she pushes him. "Fuck you! I hate you for what you've done!"
Riot shocked by her action and response continues to look at her with loving eyes.
"Fuck you!" she screamed as she hit him in his chest.
"I love you," he said to her in retaliation as he embraced her. "I love you! I never meant to hurt you."
Caressing her cheek and wiping her tears, Jerrica caves in and lets him kiss her. "We shouldn't do this," she said as she broke the kiss.
"I don't care. I want you right here and right now," he whispered seductively as he removed his jacket and shirt. He then took off her robe, lifted her nightie swiftly over her head and began to kiss and nuzzle on her neck as while she quickly unzipped his pants pushed them down onto the floor along with his boxers. He then laid Jerrica down on the bed and removed her panties while kissing her belly and thighs in the process. Riot then climbed on top of her, leaned down to kiss her then slowly entered inside her as they both felt the euphoria of being with each other again. They kissed each other passionately throughout their lovemaking like it was their first time all over again constantly touching and massaging one another. Afterwards, they continued kissing each other softly while gazing in one another's eyes.
"I love you," he whispered to her as he kissed her hand. "I never want to let you go."
Jerrica smiled at him as she rubbed his rugged cheek. "I love you too. I can't believe we just did this."
"Me neither. How do you feel?"
"Honestly… wonderful. Like the first time again," she replied as she sat up. "The question is where do we go from here?
"You move back in with me. Plus, I can spend more time with Destini," he said. "I hate having her dropped off at the penthouse every night for a couple of hours. I want both of you home with me. Please say you'll come back."
Enamored by what he was saying Jerrica wanted nothing more than to be with him but still had reservations. "I know you do but I can't…at least not right now." Jerrica responded. "It's a trust issue and I want more than anything to be with you but…"
"But what?" Riot cut off. "Jerrica, we just made love. You trusted me enough for that then you can trust that I will never try to hurt you again."
"Baby, I know but I'm still having a hard time with this situation," she said as a tear ran down her face. "You broke my heart."
Riot put his hand to her face. "I'm so sorry!" he said sadly. "I know I can't take back that night but my feelings for you have never change. I love you, Jerrica with all my heart."
She smiled at him and then kissed him. "I know you do but let's not make a decision about us right now. Focus on tomorrow and we'll go from there, ok."
"Alright," Riot smiled as he pulled Jerrica in for another kiss only to be interrupted by a whimpering cry.
"Duty calls, you get dressed. Everyone will be home soon," she said to him as she put back on her nightie and robe while he dressed.
He nodded and watched her leave. A few minutes later, Jerrica walked back over with Destini in her arms.
"She doesn't like to sleep very much does she?" he teased as he looked down at the baby.
"No she doesn't," Jerrica smiled. "She likes to be the center of attention. Come on I'll walk you out."
As they walked downstairs to the door, Riot turns around and looks down at his daughter then back at Jerrica. "We made a beautiful daughter," he replies.
Jerrica looks up at him and smiles. "She's the best thing that ever happened to us."
"I know. Just like you're the best thing that ever happened to me," he said softly.
"Riot, I…"
"Don't say anything," he said. "What happened tonight was magical. It proved that we belong together. Promise me you will think about what I said."
"I will. It's late and I need to get her back to bed. I'll see you tomorrow," she smiled.
Riot nodded his head and put his jacket on. "Till tomorrow!"
"Goodnight," she whispers to him.
"Goodnight," he answers back. Riot then slowly lowers his head to meet her lips for a soft subtle kiss. When it was over, he gently caresses her cheek, kisses his daughter and turns to leave. Jerrica watches him go leaving her to her thoughts about what happened and what was yet to come.
