No, and she didn’t want to fly on a plane alone with Morgan, either, but in reality he was the lesser of the two evils. She really didn’t want to deal with LaGuardia. “Sounds good.”
Morgan looked as if he wanted to appeal the plan, but she ignored that and said to him, “We’ll meet you there in an hour or so. Now, both of you out, so I can get dressed. Arthur get his number just in case we run late.”
“Will do, doll.”
Morgan appeared to be frustrated but Dina ignored that, as well.
Chapter 2
With Dina’s hastily packed bag in the trunk, she and Arthur rode in the backseat of his black town car to the airport. Arthur had never been much of a conversationalist but he was unusually quiet even for him. “You okay?”
He’d been staring out the window for most of the nighttime ride, but in response to her query he finally turned and intoned softly, “And so it begins.”
Dina was confused, “What begins? Sounds like a line from a sci-fi movie.”
A small smile crossed his brown face. He snapped on the light above their heads and reached down for his briefcase. After placing it on his lap, he opened it and took out a green file which he handed to her.
“What’s this?”
“Open it, please.”
Inside were a stack of pictures. On top lay a black-and-white glossy of Morgan standing in front of a building sporting the name of a nationally franchised gym. He had a smile on his face and was wearing a tank top and shorts. She glanced at Arthur. “Why do you have pictures of Morgan? When was this taken?”
“Last fall. He’s been working out.”
Apparently he had, because the last picture she’d seen of him dressed casually had been in one of the tabloids a couple of years ago. He’d been romping in the surf with his bonbon du jour and she’d noted that he’d gotten a bit soft around the middle. This photo more resembled the trim hunk she’d seen at the theater and the man she’d been engaged to.
She pored through the rest of the photos and stopped at one taken of Morgan’s beautiful Spanish-styled mansion in South Beach. “Why the picture of his house?”
“It’s up for sale.”
That shocked her. “Is he dying?” The mansion was his pride and joy.
Arthur chuckled, “Not that I know of. He’s also sold off a bunch of other properties, and a lot of his classic cars, too.”
Dina picked up another photo. This one showed him standing with a small group of girls and boys. He and the kids were wearing chef whites and smiles. “And these kids?”
“Students at his charter school in California. He’s partnered with a neighborhood organization in the Bay Area called the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and runs a culinary school for the children there.”
Dina found that impressive. “He’s always had a soft spot for kids, but he’s never done anything like this that I know of. So where’d you get these pictures?”
“From a P.I. I hired.”
Her jaw dropped.
“After I met your family and learned how close you were to marrying him years ago, I decided to check him out. I’d been hearing rumors that something was going on with him, so I had him investigated.”
She’d never imagined Arthur in such a role. “And what did you learn?”
“It appears as if he’s changing his life. He been selling off all the toys and houses in the way rich young men do sometimes when they decide to grow up. Take it from someone who’s been there.”
“You collected cars and houses?”
“And women,” he added, looking a trifle embarrassed.
Dina was suddenly seeing her staid old investment banker in a brand-new light.
“His cable network threw him a birthday party in the Bahamas last year. According to the P.I., Morgan closed the place and left the premises with a set of twins. They were seen leaving his suite the next morning.”
“That’s way too much information for me.”
“I understand, but I only bring it up to make a point. Since that party, there have been no women, at least not in the quantities he’s been known to consume in the past.”
“Then he is dying.”
Arthur shook his head in amusement.
But Dina came to her own defense. “Why else would he sell the cars, the house, ditch the tarts and start a school? What other reason could there be?”
“You.”
“Excuse me?”
“You, Dina. I think he’s grown up and changing his life for you.”
Dina stuck the pictures in the file and handed it to back. “Thanks for my laugh for the night.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“If I did, I’d have to believe in fairy tales and Santa, too, but I’ll bite. Why would he change his life for me?”
He replaced the file. “He wants you back.”
“Please. So he can play me again? Pigs’ll fly first. And I can’t believe you hired somebody to snoop around in his life.”
“The first rule of business—know thine enemy.”
“Morgan isn’t your enemy.”
“He’s mine if he’s trying to get back into your life.”
“Aww.” She leaned against his shoulder. “That’s so sweet, but I’m done with Morgan Todd. Period.”
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“You’re safe.”
He turned off the overhead light and as the darkness resettled Dina weighed Arthur’s theory. Morgan growing up and changing his life? For her? He had to be wrong, but even if he was right it would be a cold day in hell before she’d let herself be sucked in by Morgan again. Once had been more than enough.
Standing inside the hanger, Morgan looked at his watch. Dina and Arthur should be arriving shortly. He wasn’t usually an impatient person but the excitement of sharing Dina’s company during the flight to Detroit was starting to get to him even though he knew the feelings weren’t reciprocated. Just the thought of being alone with her and maybe getting the chance to tell her of his decision to put his life in order was enough to give him hope that it might be a first step in his quest to re-earn her love, respect and, most importantly, her trust. It would be a Herculean challenge and he had a long way to go. He knew that, but Dina was the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with and he’d walk to hell and back if that’s what it took to get him a hearing. Arthur’s presence was a wild card however, because Morgan had no idea how serious their relationship was or was not. For the past few months he’d been pumping his sister Jas for information on Dina’s love life but Jas had played naïve, as had his mom. They loved him but had been as disappointed with how he’d treated Dina as her parents, Lynne and Anthony, had been. He could only imagine their responses when they learned he was trying to win Dina back, but he’d cross that bridge when he got to it.
Right now all he wanted was to be with her any way he could for as long as she allowed, and to count his blessings that she hadn’t called security and had him tossed out on his ass when he’d showed up at her dressing room.
“Morgan!”
He froze at the call from the feminine voice behind him and closed his eyes and prayed hard that it didn’t belong to the person he thought it did, but as he turned he saw that he hadn’t prayed hard enough. “Eunique,” he said with false delight. “What are you doing here?”
She came to him tottering on stiletto heels and black tights beneath her long fur coat, enveloping him in a thick cloud of cloying perfume. “Hello, darling. No kiss?” she pouted.
He sighed unhappily but didn’t kiss the offered cheek hidden beneath layers of makeup. “Good to see you again,” he lied. “You flying tonight?”
“Yes, and with you. Didn’t you get the call. The network asked me to be one of the judges for your contest, and since they said you were flying out tonight, I thought I’d catch a ride.”
He pulled out his phone and opened the message he’d apparently missed while in Dina’s dressing room. It verified wha
t she’d said. He pocketed his phone. This was not going to help his quest. If anything, Dina would probably wind up not speaking to him for another four years once she got a look at Eunique Steel and her antics. He swore the angels were punishing him for his past bad behavior.
“So are we ready to go?”
“No, I’m waiting for someone.”
“Who?” she asked while checking her makeup in the mirror of a small compact.
“Dina Caldwell.”
“The actress?”
“Yes.”
She viewed him silently for a long moment. “She’s your ex, right?”
“Yes.”
“You two back together?”
“No.”
“Good.” Done with her check, she snapped the compact closed. “I’m hoping you and I can get reacquainted while we’re in Detroit, if you know what I mean.”
He did. “I’m flattered but I’ll decline.”
She sidled close. “Bet I can make you change your mind.”
He looked into her eyes. At one time she’d been at the top of cooking’s food chain, beautiful, too, and every young chef from the States to Paris had vied to be chosen for her bed. Not anymore. Hubris, her famous temper and her penchant for firing her restaurants’ chefs every five minutes had factored into the establishments’ closings. She’d also been one of the first chefs to have her own network show but terrorizing the staff and the audience hadn’t played well. He’d heard she’d been trying to resurrect her career, but he wished the network had sent her somewhere else to start her comeback.
“Morgan?”
The voice belonged to Dina and he’d never been so glad to hear her call his name. Arthur was beside her and pulling her wheeled suitcase. Walking up, she looked between him and Eunique.
Morgan made the introduction. “This is Eunique Steel. She’s going to be one of the judges at the cake competition, so she’s flying with us.”
“Nice to meet you,” Dina said and introduced Arthur.
“Pleasure’s all mine, I’m sure. I hope you don’t mind me tagging along?”
“Of course not. I’m just hitching a ride myself.”
The lady chef smiled. “Good, but I’m going to apologize in advance for monopolizing all Morgan’s time on the flight. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.”
He saw Dina shrug as if she didn’t care before she turned away and addressed Arthur. “Thanks for the ride. You keep yourself safe in Copenhagen, and I’ll see you when you get back.”
The two shared a hug. She gave him a peck on the cheek. In response, Arthur smiled, said his goodbyes and strolled away.
Morgan watched him leave and wished he could send Eunique with him to Copenhagen. “I think the pilot’s ready. This way, ladies.”
Eunique linked her arm in his as if he were her personal escort. Hiding his displeasure, he offered the free arm to Dina.
She declined. “I’m good. You two go ahead and reminisce.”
He gave her a quelling look and she beamed back an innocent smile. Pulling her case, she fell in behind them.
When they entered the small jet they were greeted by the young male pilot. He introduced their flight attendant, Carol, who led them into the main cabin with its plush navy blue seats. She indicated the lavatories and the small kitchen, which she said held a refrigerator stocked with beverages; plastic-wrapped, freshly made sandwiches; a variety of fruit and appetizer-size desserts.
Morgan and Eunique chose their seats. “Come sit with us,” he invited.
“No, I’ll sit back here. I need to come down from working. You two have fun.”
Dina saw his disappointment but she couldn’t help that. She chose a seat near the very back of the cabin and settled in.
A few minutes later they were in the air winging their way west. Up front she saw Eunique doing her best to pull Morgan into her gay mood but he didn’t look every engaged. In fact, every once and a while he glanced back to where she was seated, and she met the silent inquiries with a neutral nod. To be truthful, she was glad that the Steel woman had come along, because now she could concentrate on getting herself ready to be around him. It was Monday night. Thanksgiving was Thursday and the wedding was scheduled for Saturday morning. She’d be flying home Sunday morning, which meant she and Morgan were going to be together for almost a week. She told herself she was up for the challenge but the way her heart had pounded back in the dressing room gave her pause. She was over him, she reiterated. She was.
They landed a little over an hour later. As they left the plane and headed into the hanger, Eunique said to Morgan, “Do you think it’s too late for us to get a shuttle to the hotel?”
“I’m not going to the hotel.”
She stopped. “Why not?”
“My parents live here. I’m staying at home until after my sister’s wedding this weekend. I’ll be at the hotel on Sunday. I already reserved my suite there, though.”
“I see.” She glanced Dina’s way. “Are you heading to the hotel?”
“No. I’m here for the wedding, too. Morgan and I have been next-door neighbors since we were in elementary.”
Eunique raised a drawn-on eyebrow. “I wasn’t aware of that. The boy and girl next door. How quaint.”
Dina overlooked the condescending tone. There was no sense in getting upset by someone she’d never see again if the fates were kind. “I’ll leave you to figure out whatever you’re going to do,” she said to Morgan.
“I was going to rent us a car. How’re you getting home?” he asked with concern.
“I figured you’d want to reminisce so I sent Jas a text when we were taxiing to the hangar. She’s going to be out front.”
Eunique said, “So, Morgan, you have no excuse not to escort me to the hotel. Detroit’s a very nasty place. I may need protection.”
Dina told her, “If you repeat that within earshot of the folks who live here, you’re going to need protection.” She walked away, pulling her case behind her. “See you later, Morgan.”
Morgan watched her moving off in her black leather pants, bomber jacket and suede high-heeled boots. She had a walk like a samba and the rhythm was hitting him hot and hard. The sway of her hips mesmerized him until she rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. He turned chilly eyes on Eunique. “Let’s get you to your hotel.”
Chapter 3
Morgan’s sister Jasmine rolled up in her silver SUV and a happy Dina hurried out to meet her. After they shared a long, rocking hug, Dina stashed her luggage in the back and got in. They hadn’t seen each other since the summer so after a few more moments of giddy grinning, Jas headed for the freeway and the ride back to Detroit. “Now, what happened to my brother?”
“Eunique Steel flew in with us.”
“Crazy Eunique Steel? The one that threw the mandolin at the women in her audience?”
“Same one.”
“How long has she been out of the loony bin?”
Dina loved Jasmine. “Not sure, but she said she and your brother had reminiscing to do.”
“Did he look like he wanted a stroll down memory lane?”
“No.”
“Well serves him right. Knowing him, he probably slept with that nutcase once upon a time. Payback is a bitch.”
“Amen.”
Jasmine looked Dina’s way “Oh, Dee Dee, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to talk about my brother’s canine days.”
“I’m okay. No one knows better than I how he was.”
“Still.”
Dina patted her on the arm. “We’re good.”
Jas drove awhile in silence and Dina wondered if Morgan had managed to escape Eunique’s clutches.
“So, how’s Arthur?”
“Fine. He’s on his way to Copenhagen tomorrow, but he’ll be here in time for the wedding, though. He said to tell you hello.”
“Is he still crazy?”
“Be nice.”
“Well, is he?”
“Yes, if you just have to k
now.”
“You know you can do better, right?”
Dina sighed. They’d had this discussion before.
“He’s fifteen years older than you, Dee, and loony to boot.”
“But he’s nice.” He and his hand sanitizers, antibiotic sprays and latex gloves were far closer than he and Dina would ever be.
“Nice and nuts.”
“You know you’re not right,” Dina accused with a laugh.
“Okay, but if he starts handing out sanitizer at my wedding, I’m calling security.”
Dina loved Jas’s wicked sense of humor. “And how is your professor?”
She responded with a dreamy sigh. “He’s so wonderful. I can’t wait to be his Mrs. Professor.” She was marrying Dr. Rick Lawrence, a leading authority on precolonial African civilizations. “Who’d ever thought I’d wind up with someone as nerdy as Rick?”
“Not me.”
Jas turned her way and stuck out her tongue. “Mama said the same thing. Morgan thinks he’s boring, but who listens to Morgan?”
“Not anybody I know. But what is this about him selling off his houses and starting a school?”
“Isn’t that awesome? It’s been open about six months. Mama and I flew out to Oakland for the dedication. The kids love the program. He’s teaching them how to cook, which helps them with their reading, their math and their concentration. They’re also learning about proper nutrition. Brother man has everything hooked up. A woman named Regina Jackson heads up the center and she said Morgan’s a blessing.”
“So why’s he doing all this?”
Jas shrugged. “Getting religion in his old age, who knows. But it’s about time he started settling down, don’t you think?”
“My opinion doesn’t matter.”
“Sure it does.”
“Why?”
“Because I still want you to be my sister-in-law.”
“Oh, no. Your brother broke my heart once. I don’t do twice.”
“But what if he’s changed?”
“Doesn’t matter. He’s got his Pop-Tarts and I have the stage. I’m good.”
“He still loves you, you know.”
Baby, Let It Snow: I'll Be Home for ChristmasSecond Chance Christmas Page 2