His Diamond_Simone's Story

by D. Camille

  “You play baby dolls?” Kent asked Nick.

  “Uh, no…”

  Kent laughed. “Yeah, I had to learn that.” He looked at his daughter. “Laurel’s a good teacher, like her Momma.”

  “Here Daddy,” Laurel handed a chocolate baby doll with an afro to her father.

  “Here’s yours Nick,”

  Nick slowly took the lighter doll with long hair, and Laurel smiled at him. “She’s pretty,” Laurel told him.

  “Yes, she is…” Nick answered, then looked at Kent.

  “She’s like Simone,”

  Nick looked at the doll and saw that Simone did resemble the doll, as Laurel turned back to Kent.

  “And she’s pretty like Momma…”

  Kent smiled. “Yes, I love me some chocolate.”

  Nick watched the little girl in fascination as she taught the men how to care for her babies. His heart imagined playing with a daughter of his own, as he saw the love on Kent’s face for his little living doll.

  “So what do I do now, Laurel?” Nick asked, giving her his full attention.

  ******

  In the kitchen, Lotus poured lemonade into four glasses.

  “So spill the tea,” she told Simone.

  “Tea? I thought we were having lemonade?”

  Lotus gave her a look. “We have jokes now?”

  “I thought you invited me to dinner,” Simone told her, sitting at the counter.

  “Dinner and tea…” Lotus clarified.

  Simone laughed. “What do you want to know Lotus?”

  “How does it feel?” Lotus asked genuinely.

  Simone sighed and closed her eyes. “Unlike anything I’ve ever imagined, that I could feel,” Simone said shakily.

  Lotus reached across and took her hand. “Simone, that’s wonderful.”

  Opening her damp eyes, Simone sniffed. “He’s amazing…in so many ways.”

  Lotus reached for a tissue and handed it to her friend. Simone dabbed at her eyes then took a deep breath.

  “He’s such a rock, emotionally and um…with the Women’s Center.” She continued to pat her tear ducts. “Sometimes, I feel he’s too good to be true.”

  “But he’s real, Simone. It’s not like you met him on the street and you don’t know anything about him. Kent and I can vouch for Nick…and he’s worked with the Diamonds. You know Ray’s vetting process,” Lotus reminded her.

  Simone nodded. “Ray says he’s a good guy and I believe all of you, but then my mind goes to…why does he want me?”

  Lotus came around the counter and hugged Simone. “Because you’re a beautiful person, inside and out. You’re kind, loyal and strong.”

  Simone blinked, hearing the words that Nick had used to describe the partner he’d loved and lost. Is that what he saw in her, and if so, could he not only love her, but also fall in love?

  “Hey,” Lotus called her back to reality. “You deserve Nick, and don’t you settle for less than everything.”

  Simone looked at her. “I think I’m falling in love with him, Lotus.”

  The men entered the kitchen with Laurel in Kent’s arms, holding one of her dolls, and Nick went to stand next to Simone.

  “Kent, you know she can walk and run…” Lotus said, shaking her head.

  He smiled. “My little milk bandit strikes again. She’s thirsty…”

  “So you have to carry her?” Lotus asked.

  “Yep,” he answered and walked over to the fridge, with Laurel hugging his neck. “It’s what we do…don’t question the process.”

  Simone and Nick watched the couple, before she turned to him and noticed the doll in his hand.

  “You’re into dolls?” she teased.

  “Laurel asked me to carry her in here.” He sat the doll on the counter. “She says this one looks like you.”

  Simone looked at the doll. “I can see the resemblance.”

  “I think she would resemble our daughter more,” he said softly.

  She stared at him. “You think so?” Simone asked quietly.

  He nodded. “And Laurel has taught me how to play dolls with her, so I’m officially trained.”

  “You can add, Trained Daddy, to your portfolio,”

  Nick took her hand, as Kent and Lotus watched.

  “But when you’re ready, I’ll first add, Loving Husband…”

  Chapter 9

  Three weeks later, Simone drove into work with more than a few things on her mind. She’d tried to visit Mrs. Polk, twice, but she hadn’t answered the door. Simone had really wanted to check up on the children, more than anything. Mrs. Polk was right in saying that it was her life, and Simone wasn’t trying to make decisions for her.

  She was also thinking about Nick. He’d had late meetings last night in addition to an early meeting this morning, so she’d not seen him in the last two days, although they’d talked on the phone. Her traumatized mind had immediately jumped to the conclusion that he was tired of her, but she’d seen Dr. Richards today, for her regular appointment, and he’d helped her remain level and not jump to any conclusions.

  Nick was a successful businessman with several businesses, so Simone couldn’t expect him to be glued to her side. He’d helped set up her security and was currently running the program at his gun range, for both her staff and clients, to learn gun use and safety.

  Another thing that had her concerned was her staff. She had walked in on more than one conversation over the week, that had ended as soon as she’d entered the room. Simone wondered if she was being gossiped about behind her back, or if they’d learned something that she didn’t know.

  She’d also discussed this with Dr. Richards and he’d advised her to meet with her staff and get things out into the open, so that’s what she was planning to do at the earliest convenience. Simone was surprised when she saw Nick’s truck parked in her parking lot, since she wasn’t expecting him to be over at the Center.

  In fact, she’d told him that she wouldn’t even be at the building until much later in the afternoon. She’d decided to come over early after her appointment to work on scheduling the meeting with her staff.

  Frowning, she exited her car and walked inside. Stopping at the receptionist’s desk, she asked, “Where is Nick?”

  The woman looked nervous at Simone’s tone. “He’s in the back…”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Doing what?”

  “It’s…uh, a special project?”

  “Oh, I’ve got his damn special project.”

  Simone took off with her mind filled to capacity, with all kinds of negative scenarios. Was Nick seeing someone at her Center behind her back? Oh, hell nah! As she stalked down the hall, Simone saw him exit a conference room and close the door behind him.

  “Nick!”

  He walked to meet her. “Hello Simone, you’re early.”

  She put a hand on her hip. “It’s my damn building. I can come here when the hell I want!”

  Nick looked down at her and waited.

  “What are you doing here?” Simone demanded.

  “I’m here for you,”

  She gave him a look. “You didn’t even know I would be here.”

  “You remember that I can track your GPS?”

  Simone threw her hands up. “Why are you tracking-”

  She paused as one of her counselors exited the room that Nick had emerged from.

  “Aww hell…” Simone shook her head.

  “Simone…”

  She put up a hand as the woman approached with a smile.

  “Hi Simone,” she greeted happily, as if she had a secret.

  Simone turned to Nick. “Why do you want me to kill this woman?”

  The counselor blinked in confusion. “Is something wrong?”

  Nick shook his head. “No, go ahead and finish.”

  She looked from Nick to Simone, then quickly hurried down the hall.

  “Are you seeing her?” Simone demanded. “What are you doing, Nick?”

  “Calm down, S
imone,” Nick told her quietly. “This is your job, let’s talk in your office.”

  He reached for her and she pulled away. “Let’s not…because if you tell me that you’re fucking around with my staff, I’m going to kill you and her.”

  Nick grabbed her. “Stop.”

  Simone looked up into his face. “You know damn well I’m not here doing that,” he growled.

  Nick took a tight hold of her hand and she tried to pull away again.

  “Bring your ass on now, Simone, or I’ll drag you through here, kicking and screaming,” Nick warned. “And you don’t want that here.”

  He pulled her rigid body to her office, where he closed the door and turned to her angry face.

  “Listen, I know that you have trust issues…” Nick began, calming his voice. “And I understand that you are working through them with Dr. Richards.”

  She stood with her heart racing and her chest heaving.

  “Now, I want you to stop and think about what just happened out there,” he instructed. “Then tell me how you got to your conclusion.”

  Simone dropped her purse to the floor and stared at him. “You’re not supposed to be here. I specifically told you that I wasn’t coming until later,” she accused.

  He nodded. “Okay, I see where this is going.”

  “You were out last night and this morning.” She laid out her case. “Why were you meeting with my Counselor?”

  Nick went to her and gently embraced her in his arms. “I’m not fucking around with your staff, so let’s set that straight, right now.”

  With her face against his chest, she whispered, “Just tell me what’s going on.”

  He lifted her face to his. “Your staff asked me to help them out with a special project and I agreed. I was here last night and this morning, helping them to get things in order before you arrived today.”

  She looked confused. “A special project?”

  They both turned at the knock on the door, then separated.

  “Come in,” Simone called, then watched the Counselor stick her head in the door.

  “Uh, we’re ready,” she said, looking at Nick. “Is everything okay?”

  He nodded. “Yes, she’ll be right there.”

  The woman smiled. “Okay,”

  When the door closed, Simone looked at Nick.

  “Nick, I swear…I am not the one for no bullshit.” Simone told him.

  He leaned down and kissed her quickly. “I know. Let’s go…”

  Simone allowed him to lead her down the hall and Nick felt the tenseness in her hand. “Relax, trust me.”

  “We’ll see, because you might get your ass kicked today,” Simone threatened.

  At the door, Nick motioned for her to enter and Simone walked inside ready to do battle.

  “Happy Anniversary Simone!”

  Simone closed her eyes and put a hand to her head. “Oh, shit…”

  Nick bent to whisper in her ear. “You owe me, so get ready.” He stepped away and allowed her staff to congratulate her.

  “Wow, I’m speechless…” Simone trailed off, with emotion. “I was not expecting this at all.”

  “You’ve been here two years and we can’t even remember what it was like before you,” the Counselor told her. “You’ve done so much for the staff and clients, so we wanted to show you how much we appreciate you.”

  “Nick helped us set up and get all the deliveries,” she continued and Simone glanced over at the man standing in the corner. “He also made sure you didn’t show up and spoil the surprise.”

  Simone nodded. “It’s definitely a surprise and you all didn’t have to do this, but thank you so much.”

  “This is your party, from us…so enjoy yourself.”

  Simone looked around the professionally decorated room, with food and drinks. Someone started some music playing and there was a table filled with greeting card envelopes, where Nick was standing.

  She made her way over to him and looked down at the table. “These are a lot of cards.”

  “I told everyone that instead of giving you gifts, to make a donation to the Center.” Nick explained.

  “These are all donations?” Simone asked stunned.

  He nodded. “There are even donations from all the Diamonds, Kent, Lotus and Dr. Richards.”

  She put a hand to her trembling lips and stared at the pile. “When you decide to walk away, I won’t even be mad at you,” she whispered.

  Nick pulled her to him. “One day at a time Simone…I’m not going anywhere.”

  Simone hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry…”

  “It’s okay, baby.” Nick squeezed her. “I’m just glad you didn’t kill your Counselor.”

  She shook her head. “I was really going to handle her.”

  “You don’t have to do that,”

  “I’m glad, because she’s a really good Counselor.”

  Nick released her and smiled down into her face. “Congratulations, you’ve done an amazing job here and everyone knows it.”

  Simone basked in his beautiful smile for a moment. “I only do what I can,”

  “Donating your salary so that the overnight rooms could be created and maintained?” Nick told her. “That’s above and beyond.”

  “I wanted the women to have a safe space at least for a few days, along with their children,” Simone explained.

  “You’re so giving, and I love that about you,” Nick told her.

  She looked away. “I’m still working on trust…”

  “I’m still earning it,”

  Simone was called away to celebrate with her staff and Nick patiently waited in the wings as support. An hour later, after food, fun and cake, it was time for everyone to return back to their jobs. They all congratulated Simone again, with hugs and kisses before heading out the door.

  With the room, empty, she turned to Nick. “I hope there’s a clean-up crew.”

  He looked around. “Looks like you and me?”

  “What?”

  “No, the crew will be here in an hour. I wanted to give your staff enough time to spend with you,” he told her, then walked over to program the music. He put on a slow song, then went to stand in front of her.

  “May I have this dance, Miss Jenkins?”

  Simone smiled up at him. “Of course,”

  Nick took her into his arms, and began to move slowly against her. In her ear, he whispered, “You need to make amends for accusing me of cheating on you,”

  Simone sighed. “I know…I’ll have to think of something.”

  “It has to be something big, not just licking my neck…”

  She laughed. “I hear you,”

  The couple danced together, until it was time for Simone to also return to her job. Nick walked her back to her office, cards in hand. At her door, he stopped.

  “Are you trying to visit Mrs. Polk again today?”

  Simone nodded. “Yes, I have to try at least one more time. I feel like this could be my last chance.”

  “I’m going with you,” Nick told her.

  She looked surprised. “You feel it too?”

  He nodded. “She’s walking a thin line."

  “Let me put these cards away, and then we can go.” Simone told him and quickly went about the task. On her way out, she let the staff know where she would be and headed out to her car.

  “Where are you going?” Nick asked.

  “I’m driving, you drive too damn slow. I want to get there today.”

  He frowned. “I’m an observant driver. I don’t just fly down the damn streets.”

  “Are you coming?” Simone said continuing to her vehicle.

  Nick sighed and followed her. Inside her car, he turned to her.

  “You’d better not crash,” he warned.

  “I know how to drive,”

  Simone started the engine and they headed to the Polk’s home.

  “I wonder what Ja’Traveon’s been up to,” Simone commented.

  “Pretty quie
t,” Nick answered. “Probably because it’s still too hot for him.”

  They arrived at the home and Nick exited the car, securing the weapon on his waist underneath his suit jacket. Simone brought her bag up on her shoulder for easy access to her own pistol.

  At the front door, Nick had Simone stand to the side, while he knocked…hard. Simone frowned at him.

  “They’re going to think it’s the police.”

  He shrugged and knocked again…harder.

  The door cracked and Nick placed his hand on his gun. “Hello?” Simone called out.

  The older woman peeked out. “Ms. Jenkins?”

  “I’d like to speak with your granddaughter,” Simone told her. “I’ve come by before, but no one answered.

  “They wouldn’t let us,”

  Simone and Nick moved closer. “Who wouldn’t let you?”

  The woman peeked out the door again. “Come on in, before somebody see you.”

  Nick stepped in front of Simone and entered the home first. He quickly surveyed the room with Simone right behind him, doing the same. They closed the door and turned to the grandmother.

  “Do we need to get you out of here?” Nick asked concerned.

  “No…and that girl won’t leave either,” she said sadly.

  “Where is Mrs. Polk?” Simone asked.

  “She’s in the back.” The woman answered. “In a lot of pain.”

  Simone took off and Nick followed.

  “Mrs. Polk!” Simone called, and when she heard moaning coming from one of the rooms, she headed in that direction. Entering the room, she froze at the sight of the woman on the bed, then rushed to her side.

  “Mrs. Polk, what happened to you?” Simone asked, knowing the answer.

  “Nothing…I fell.”

  Simone turned back to Nick with anger in her eyes. “You didn’t fall! Stop lying!” Simone told the woman when she looked at her again.

  “I’m calling the police,” Simone told her and Jameka reached for her.

  “No, please don’t do that. You’ll only cause me more trouble,” she pleaded.

  Nick stood in the doorway watching the battered and bruised woman, lying on the bed.

  “Mrs. Polk, you need to go to a hospital,” Simone told her, insistently.

  “I’ll be okay,”