Great update.

Ah, didn't Matt just say that he was advised not to come on too strong? So he says, "I'm sorry?" WTH? Please tell me Taylor goes off on him!!

I can't wait to read her response in your next chapter!!

Ha! Pish pa is right. Deal with it Matty boy!!

Oh, how devilish of you to make him suffer like this. Donovan is a trip! And was JC hitting all of Matt's sore spots, or what? That was a great reality check for him.

Matt needs to EARN back everything he threw away... her friendship, trust, love, and belief in him. As someone else mentioned, if this is the woman he so loves and wants a life with, her being black should have been dealt with before they decided o get married.

Yup. They need to stay apart a while longer. Perhaps he should get down to having a serious talk with her with lots of humble apologizing instead of the possessive caveman shit he's pulling confronting her.

I believe she managed her own life, protected her own virture quite well for eight years after he dumped her. She does not need that crap from him.

You are doing great developing the two main characters. I can't wait to read more. 

Hmm. Taylor and Donovan. Yikes! LOL.

Donovan seems nice and charming, but a bit too cocky. After eight years, Taylor picks him to be interested in? I believe that she is running from Matt. Time for their long-overdue talk.

Thanks for the update. looking forward to reading more.

Loved the update!

Angela was rightfully angry. Somehow the more Matt tells his reason/excuse, the worse (not more pausable) it sounds.

I like that Donovan is re-assessing his game plan and slowing his approach. Unfortunately, I still don't see it getting him any more than a good friend in Taylor. O-kay, I admit he may be a nice guy after all. <sighs and rolls eyes>

Matthew, man, alcohol, jealosy, and confrontation are a lethal mix. Unless he passes out drunk before they get back to the condo, I predict that he will make an ass of himself. Alas things will get worse before they get better.

I can't wait for, "Where the hell have you been? It's four o'clock in the morning!!!" LOL 

Oops. You snuck a chapter by me.

O-kay. Matthew has put it all out there... nationwide, no less. Personally? I'd strangle his ass. The public explanation, apology, and regret were okay, but now everyone and her mommy will be weighing in with their unsolicited opinions and advise... in a huge way. It shouldn't be about them, just Taylor and Matt.

You can't let Taylor suffer alone. Matt needs to share the grief. Can't a little old lady call him a jerk and hit him with her purse or something?? Just kidding. I'm conflicted, as I imagine Taylor is too.

What if it's a slow news week and the Internet and other networks pick up the story, raising the issue for public discussion?

Let's see what Taylor does next... how long it takes her to call back her mother. ;) 

I was without internet for a whole week!! I am so behind it isn't funny.

I agree, its a horrible idea for her meeting Miguel at his home. What ever happened to the private room at a five star restuarant?

Yes, thank God he was spared... in addition to being astute enough to sense Taylor's fear and follow her. I hope no one blames her.

Thanks for the chapter!!!

That was very nice!! I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing.

Author's Response: Thank you for reading and responding!

WTF??? Robbed? Kidnapped? What the hell is going on?

Lady, you're good! You got me twice... in a row. I can't wait to see what's going on now.

All I know for sure is that Chase ia a creep, Laila is naive and blind, and she's in the wrong place and business if she's seeking the trust, support, and honesty she needs to survive domestic violence and whatever else is going on.

I'm on to the next chapter, miss cliffhanger.

Perfect!!!

The beach... the clear blue water, crisp salty air, and sandy ground is a perfect setting to relax and reflect and attempt to move on from the end ing of her marriage. And that's what Laila needed more than being out celebrating wiht the girls.

Laila's thoughts about her and Chase's beginnings as children explains a lot about Chase's history of neglect, and his pain, anger and abuse, but he chose violence instead of getting help. And unlike most, he had resources available to him to get the help he needed.

Laila, naturally, would claim some of he blame. However, Chase was a grown man in control of his own destiny.

It always amazes me the time, energy, and emotion people put into being jealous and envious of the success of others, instaed of simply redirecting and expending all that trying to get their own shit together, make their own success.

Anywho, Jamison and Jade... I like the potential of this relationship for her. They are sweet together and Mister Coltrane-playing Jamison is definitely interested. I should be nice, refreshing... real... for Laila... until the greedy manipulators of her career step in. 

P.S. Oh, Mari, welcome to The Chamber.

Nice update! Too short, but nice.

Wow. To be able to slip away and have two whole weeks alone, living a "normal" life with two great "normal" people. It was just what Laila needed. As well as Jamison and Jade.

I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Hmm. Nice... until the psycho ex crashed the party.

Oh, so that sick f--- is threatening an innocent 5 yo child, huh? I can't even imagine the fresh hell he intends to bring to poor Laila's life.

Unless there is some confidentiality clause in the divorce settlement (I'm sure she has to pay him off), she should play the media with her story. Beat him to the punch and threaten to cut his money off if he doesn't stay away from her and Jamison and Jade. Also, with all the trifling sleezy crap that goes on in Hollywood, her life after an abusive ex isn't that shocking.

Can't wait to read more.

Damn! Maria? I didn't see that one coming.

Hmmm... Jade's mother, eh? Some people need to learn the difference between being a mother and being an incubator. I believe she split and left Jamison with the responsibilities of raising and caring for Jade, dealing with her illness alone. So what does she want and why is she doing a school stalking act instead of calling her ex and arranging something like a sensible, responsible adult?

Poor Laila... and Jamison... and Jade. I hink they were starting to mesh like a family. Say, does Laila's psycho ex have something to do with this by chance???

Great chapter. This is an intriguing new twist that you've added. I can't wait to see what sob story Maria has.