One Toe Out (A Complicated Love Story) Read Online Free PDF Page A

raised a perfectly threaded eyebrow.
    “ I’m still checking,” she said smartly.
    “ Bitch!” Simone shot at her.
    “ That’s what it says on my thong,” she quipped.

Chapter 7
     
    J.T. and Simone walked hand-in-hand to the small wedding chapel on the strip, his entourage and her mother strolled a discreet distance behind them. The limo had dropped them off just moments ago. Down the street and barreling towards them was a small cluster of paparazzi, Marcella had tipped them off. Which Simone had quickly learned was her modus operandi. Not only did she play her and J.T. like puppets, but the public too.
    Simone was glad to be off the plane, during the whole ride, she felt like project Simone. Ms. Chanté, who was really, James Johnston from College Park, Georgia, had brought along racks of clothes that she wanted Simone to try on. The exhilaration of riding a private jet was lost on her. Between modeling outfits for Ms. Chanté, Mannie pulling at her hair, and Marcella barking orders at her, she wanted to open the nearest emergency exit and jump the hell out.
    J.T. squeezed her hand but continued walking along as through the group of people racing toward them was invisible, Simone almost stumbled and clung to her soon-to-be husband using him as a barrier against the oncoming onslaught.
    Seven men, bored down on them with their cameras aimed at the couple and microphones attached to six feet poles dangling over their heads, surrounded them.
    “ Where are you going J.T.?”
    “ I heard you were getting married.”
    “ Who is she? I don’t recognize her?”
    “ Where’s that Super Bowl ring?”
    “ Is this because of that video?”
    The questions came at them like darts and J.T. handled it all with aplomb. He came to a stop to address them, by now they had reached the chapel. “I’ll see you in an hour.” With a quick wave, he, Simone, and the group stepped into the chapel, where they were greeted by Moiré the wedding coordinator. She directed J.T. and Marcella to go one way, then she led Simone and the rest of the group in the opposite direction.
    “ Can’t have the groom see the bride before the ceremony, can we?” she trilled before opening the door to a small room. “This is where you’ll be getting dressed. Take your time. Your husband-to-be has purchased the chapel for the entire day,” she said, then lowered her voice and whispered, “he wanted absolute privacy.”
    Lillian dabbed at her eyes. “You look so beautiful, Simone.” Lillian lightly touched her daughter’s arm, the only place she was sure she wouldn’t spoil anything on her daughter’s stunning ensemble. She didn’t want to kiss her because she didn’t want to ruin Simone’s makeup and she didn’t want to hug her because she didn’t want to wrinkle her daughter’s wedding dress.
    “ Thanks Mom. I know this isn’t the wedding you envisioned for me.”
    “ Not exactly, but I always knew that you were going to be beautiful. You’re stunning.”
    “ I think so too. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Ms. Chanté and Mannie did a fabulous job. They made me look like a model.” Fake eyelashes, blush, lipstick and four different colors of eye shadows were expertly applied to her face. Simone had bawled when Mannie had cut off a foot of her hair, leaving it shoulder length and making her feel naked. Over the years, she had used her hair to shield her face from the world. But now three hours later, she could admit that she loved it. Mannie had shown her the different styles that she could wear it. Now it was pulled back into a sleek chignon.
    Marcella stuck her head in the room. “Let’s go,” she barked.
    Simone and Lillian exchanged glances. “Well good luck with that one,” Lillian whispered. “I’d keep an eye on her.”
    Simone snorted. “I got both of them on her.” The wedding march rang out. Simone squeezed her mom’s hand. “Ready?”
    Fifteen minutes later, Simone hugged her new husband. They slipped