Authors Notes:
Disclaimer: Celebrity appearances in this series should not be, in any way, considered realistic. They are included for the entertainment of open-minded adults only. Their thoughts, words, and deeds are in no way indicative of the real celebrity. They exist here only to build a story around.
*****
Cherry was still in shock as the parade of limos assembled at the hotel. Tourists walked in from the street to gaze upon and photograph the ensemble of succulent gorgeousness awaiting carriage to the banquet. The blue Hawaiian skies only enhanced the color of her gown and the spectacular jewelry she wore. Her hands were shaking as she took Mark's hand. The smile had only grown larger in the few minutes since he proposed to her.
He looked into her eyes and smiled, "Are you alright?"
"I'm shocked, almost paralyzed with fear, and happier than I have ever been in my life. Are you sure you want my crazywhatsisness for the rest of your life?"
"For the rest of this lifetime and all future lifetimes to come, yes I certainly do darling."
She put her head on his shoulder and looked up into his eyes. "You are a very strange man, but I love you with all of my heart. You've made me the happiest girl alive."
The limo rounded the corner and proceeded to drop Mark and Cherry at the start of the Red Carpet. Like last year, the assault of flash units left them nearly blind. The difference this year was simple. Cherry was on Mark's arm and she was electric on the Red Carpet.
They started the long walk down the Red Carpet stopping every few feet to speak with one news outlet or another. Mark looked down the line and saw a familiar, friendly face. He directed Cherry to the spot where Courtney Friel from Fox News was conducting interviews.
"Hello Mark," she said as she leaned over and kissed Cherry. "Girl, you never cease to amaze me. You look positively stunning tonight. I love that dress. I'll be sure to tell Shannon how much I love it. I saw her get out of the limo a few minutes ago."
"Thank you Courtney, I'm so happy tonight, I can hardly express myself," Cherry beamed.
"Well, I know you've been very busy lately. The Honolulu club is amazing. I had a terrific time the other night. I hear you are finally going to take a bit of a break. I think you need it. By the way Cherry, I simply love that necklace, sapphires, and diamonds, what a delicious combination."
"Courtney, I've got a scoop for you. Mark gave me this necklace just an hour ago. It matches this," she said as she held out her hand.
Courtney's eyes widened, and she looked into Cherry's eyes. "Does this mean what I think it means?"
"Yes it does."
Courtney turned to the camera, "This is a Fox News Alert. You heard it here first. Mark Banner, billionaire attorney, sports representative to the stars, and the most eligible bachelor on the west coast has proposed to the most photographed model and dancer in the country today, Cherry Anderson. To be fair and balanced and for full disclosure, Cherry and I are friends, and I have to tell you, I didn't see this coming. What did you say when he asked you?"
Cherry looked at Mark who laughed, "Courtney, for once, she was speechless. She started nodding and I was sure I heard something rattle. I asked her if that was a yes and apparently, it was," Mark grinned. "We are very happy tonight."
Courtney laughed, put down her microphone and hugged Cherry and Mark.
She picked up her microphone and turned back to the camera. "This has been a Fox News Alert. It finally happened; Mark Banner is off the market." She hugged them again and then she turned to Mark and told him she needed to talk to him soon. She wanted him to represent her. He told her he would consider it an honor to handle everything for her.
"Wonderful Mark, now the only question is, will I be a client or a friend?"
"If Gary has anything to say about it, you'll be a friend for sure," Cherry giggled.
Gary and the girls were directly behind Mark and Cherry on the Red Carpet. Gary heard his name mentioned and saw Courtney Friel standing there. He made a mental note to find out what that was all about later. For now, it was his turn to talk to her. Her beauty, as usual, mesmerized him.
Rose, Wendy, and Debbie shone on that carpet. They enjoyed their conversation with Courtney immensely. Of course, the conversation centered on the gorgeous ring Mark had just bestowed on Cherry. Everyone was happy.
Holly followed Gary in the procession down the Red Carpet. Just before she got to Courtney, her micro-cell phone went off. It was Mark. She smiled when she heard what he wanted.
She moved up and Courtney was very happy to see her. They talked about the clubs and the success they were experiencing. Holly was more than happy to fill her in on everything. When the interview was over, Holly told her she knew what she had asked Mark. "Do you know the difference?"
Courtney laughed, hugged Holly, and whispered that two of her best friends were recently 'certified'.
"Ohmigod, Gary is going to lose his fucking mind," Holly whispered. "If that is the case my dear, I expect to see you at our, very private, very wet, after party tonight back at our hotel. You are going to blow quite a few minds but I can guarantee you one thing. Once I get you 'certified', personally, I will know the true meaning of heaven on earth. "
The banquet was fun. The women were amazed at the gorgeousness of all those sexy athletes. The Banner staff was used to being around many good-looking black studs but the D'Orgasmic crowd was simply stuck to their chairs.
"Would I be out of line if I said I wanted to fuck everyone here?" Jill asked Red who sat next to her.
"Well darling, I don't think so. However, you are not alone. I may need you to help me constrain my St. Bernard," she laughed as both women looked at Nancy who, as usual, was drooling immensely. "I really have to take her to the vet and get that fixed."
"As long as they give me a bone," Nancy quipped. "How many of these people are coming back tonight?"
"Only a handful tonight darling," Jill told her. "The big party will be after the game tomorrow. Somehow, I just know you'll have a blast."
The press was all over Cherry and Mark. Courtney's report had been instantly picked up by all the media and they all wanted details. Cherry was happily talking to them, telling them that there were no plans yet. She told them that no matter how surprised they were, it was nothing compared to how blown away she was.
"I love Mark with all my heart. Honestly, I would have been quite content to be on his arm for the rest of my life. I never would have complained a bit but now, I will be Cherry Banner and that hasn't quite sunk in yet. I just know that he is either the dumbest guy I've ever known, or I'm the luckiest woman alive."
