CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Ramona woke the next morning in bed wrapped in Nick’s arms. “So, last night wasn’t a dream?” she asked staring at her engagement ring. She hadn’t removed it from her finger since he placed it on there. She turned over to face her fiancé, who was smiling from ear to ear.
“What’s the smile for?” she asked
“After the gala, you made it your mission to stay away from me.”
“Lisa had insisted I give you a chance, but I was stubborn. I thought being with you meant going backwards.”
“If only she was here to see us now.”
“She’s here, Nick. I feel her every day and I know she approves.”
He sat up with the pillows propped behind his back. He reached for Ramona’s left hand and stared at her ring.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was nervous to give this to you.”
“Why?”
“Because I wasn’t sure you would like it. I designed it and sometimes our taste differ.”
“You designed it?” she asked, surprised at the revelation.
“Yes, I worked with a well-known jeweler in Florida.”
Ramona sat up in the bed. “Your trips out of town were about this ring?”
“Mostly, I was scouting for a property in Miami and I mentioned to a guy about finding a jeweler that does custom pieces. He suggested someone and when we met, I already knew I wanted an emerald cut. My only major decision was the carats. I didn’t want to get anything too big that would look gaudy on your delicate fingers. I thought a five carat solitaire was perfect and to enhance the center stone, I surrounded it with smaller round diamonds.”
“It’s perfect,” she beamed.
“Like you.” Nick leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. “It’s a beautiful morning. What would you like to do today?”
“Not sure. I have to call Amber because we’re having dinner tonight. Remember?”
“I do. What about before then?”
“Let’s spend the day without an agenda.”
Nick nodded in agreement. “Okay, what do we do first?”
“Get in the car and drive.”
“First, I have to stop by my house to change.”
“Why? You have clothes in my closet?”
He shot her a you’ve got to be kidding me look. “Those clothes are for lounging only.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I forget how much of a male diva you are.”
Ramona and Nick drove to his house while she impatiently waited for him to change into what he felt was the appropriate attire. She was eager to get their day started, and he was taking his sweet time. Thirty minutes later, he emerged at the top of the stairs wearing a pair of knee-length khaki cargo shorts, an untucked crisp white buttoned-down shirt, casual slip-on shoes, and black-rimmed aviator sunglasses. She had to admit he looked damn good. But to drive forty minutes to his house when he could have worn an outfit he already had at hers was a bit much. “You had an outfit similar to that at my house,” she snapped, annoyed at the time wasted.
Nick ignored her and grabbed his keys from a tray by the front door. “I have somewhere I want to take you.” She followed him out to his car, and they drove about five miles before he turned into a parking lot.
“Where are we?” she asked, viewing the droves of people who have lined the sidewalks, partaking in mid-morning retail therapy.
“This is a new shopping district built a little over a year ago. There are shops up and down this street for whatever you need. At the far end of the district, there’s a twenty story condominium halfway completed. But, right next door is one near completion. That’s mines,” he said, proudly.
Ramona exited the car and turned to her right. Next to the parking lot was a glass high rise building. The blinding sun obstructed her attempt to view the top of the building. “Seriously? A high-rise. When you first told me about your job, I assumed you were renovating strip malls or warehouses.”
“Let me show you around.”
“Are you sure we can just enter and walk around a construction site?”
Nick laughed. “Of course, we can. I’m the developer.”
He grabbed two white hardhats from the backseat of his car. He explained that it’s a requirement when viewing the site. She placed the ill-fitting hat on her head and the couple walked hand in hand towards the near-completed condominium.
“Watch your step.” Nick helped her through the locked chain-link fence. The grounds were in the midst of completion, so Ramona had to walk over rocks, debris, and dirt in high heels just to get to the paved road near the building. Once inside, the stifling Texas heat made it hard for her to breathe. “I can’t handle being in here too long.”
“I realize it’s hot. I want you to see one unit and then we’ll leave.” Nick led her up the stairs to a unit on the second floor. It was a typical two-bedroom condo with hardwood floors, a patio, a decent size kitchen. “Some units are two stories, some have tile or marble instead of hardwood. The more luxurious units are on the top floors but I don’t think you want to see those today.”
“No. It’s too hot to walk more stairs. From what I’ve seen it’s nice. You have the best of everything in here from the floors to the appliances.”
“I wanted you to see what I do. You saw a taste of it last night, but this represents my current work. I’ve grown plenty since the completion of your building.” Nick placed his hands in his pocket and glanced at his surroundings with pride in his eyes. “I love what I do. I wish I had taken this path sooner.”
“The way you talk about your work I can tell how much you love it.” Ramona wiped the sweat from her forehead with her hand. “I don’t want to seem disinterested but it’s scorching in here.”
She wasted no time rushing out of the building with Nick trailing behind her. After they placed the hard hats back into the car, he suggested they visit the smoothie shop at the end of the block to cool off. Inside, was a line to the door. “This place is pretty popular. Would you like to go elsewhere?” he asked.
“No, it’s fine. At least it’s cool in here.” Ramona counted the number of people ahead of her. “There are only eight people ahead of us and we have nowhere to be until six.”
“Where are we meeting Amber and Lee?”
“The Steak House and it’ll be my treat as a thank you for her accepting my offer.”
Ramona eventually made it to the counter to place her order. They both ordered an energy smoothie with the ingredients of several kinds of fruit, spinach and coconut milk. “I only drink this stuff because of you,” she said, taking a sip. “I thought the green color was gross until I tried it. Now I love it.”
“It keeps you young and slows down aging.”
“Really?”
“That’s what I tell myself,” he grinned. They sat at a booth near a window and sipped on their drinks. Nick told her how he bought his first investment property. He began small with a strip center. He had investors put in eighty-five percent of the money and he handled the rest. As he progressed, he used fewer investors, therefore, yielding a greater return percentage for himself. Now he may only use one investor, only so he won’t assume all the risk. “So, when the building is complete will a realtor sell each unit?” she asked.
“I’m selling the entire building. I can get my money back in twice the time it would take to sell or rent each individual condo.”
Ramona glanced out the window and thought of what Nick gave up to be with her. He lost his friends, had to rebuild his reputation all because he wouldn’t turn his back on her. “Do you ever think about them?”
Nick furrowed his brow. “Think about who?”
“Tami and Josh. Josh was your best friend and from what Lisa told me he never spoke to you again after you defended me.”
Nick exhaled sharply and stroked his forehead. “From time to time I’ll think of something we’ve done together or I'll be somewhere that'll spark a memory. I understand that we wil
l never be friends nor will I ever speak with him again. You attacked his wife and her best friend died. There’s nothing I can say or do to change that and I accept it.” Nick stroked her hand. “But, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have you and that’s all I need.”
Ramona frowned. “I’m sorry for so many things. I’m sorry that I pushed you away. I’m sorry that one of my closest friends is still in prison for her part in what happened that day. I still believe Tami played a part in my father’s death, but she didn’t deserve what I did to her. Yet, I truly believe if none of that happened I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
“That’s all the matters. You can’t change the past, you can only learn from it.”
“Have you heard anything about Rhonda’s case?” she asked, sipping the last of her smoothie.
Nick exhaled sharply and lowered his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” She could always tell when he was on the verge of delivering bad news.
“I don’t know how to tell you this.”
“Tell me what?”
“Lisa never spoke to anyone about Rhonda. From what I discovered I believe she never intended to help your friend.”
A pain developed in the pit of her stomach, like being caught off guard by a punch to the gut. “She promised me she would. Who did you talk to?”
Nick rest his chin on the palm of his hand and looked at her. She could see in his eyes he had more bad news to convey. He explained that he spoke with Dave and he’s aware of the events that occurred because Lisa confided in him. He said Ramona’s attorneys made a deal on her behalf and never informed her. It began when the judge threw out her confession to harming Alexis. The judge agreed to tossing it because it was made after several requests for an attorney. Her legal team convinced the judge that the officers ignored her requests and coerced a confession out of her. Next, they made a case to the DA that they couldn’t prove Ramona had delivered the fatal blow since Rhonda was the last person with Alexis. They should instead use Ramona to secure a murder conviction against Rhonda. Evidently, the DA agreed and offered a plea deal in exchange for her testimony. In the end, it never happened because Rhonda pleaded guilty to avoid a trial.
“I never agreed to testify against Rhonda!” she shouted, getting the attention of the shop’s patrons. She felt betrayed by Lisa and upset she's unable to help her friend. “It seems my attorneys worked more on my aunt’s behalf instead of mines.”
Nick motioned with his hands for her to lower her voice. “Do you recall signing a cooperation agreement?”
She furrowed her brow as she thought back to that time. “No. I mean, I signed papers I didn’t read because I didn’t understand any of it. You know all those legal terms can be confusing.” She sat silently as she recalled a visit with Lisa not long after her arrest. She had begged her aunt to help both her and Rhonda. Lisa had an expression she would never would forget. Her eyes had narrowed and the corners of her mouth had grown into a disappointing frown. Seconds later she leaned forward across the table and stated that Rhonda was not her responsibility. Her only priority was to look after Ramona’s best interest and no one else.
“She did it, Nick. She had them throw Rhonda under the bus, so I could get a lesser sentence.” The reality that her friend will spend over a decade behind bars and there’s nothing she can do shattered her soul. Tears fell from her eyes.
Nick stroked her hand. “Hey, I know you’re upset but I can understand Lisa’s actions. You are her family and I can’t say I would have done differently.”
Ramona wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Effective immediately, I want an account set up for Rhonda’s mother. I want her house paid off and monthly checks sent to her. It’s the least I can do.”
“Okay, I can help you with that.”
“Good. I will meet with her and explain why I can't help Rhonda.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
Ramona nodded her head yes. “She doesn’t blame me at all. The guilt I feel is my doing.”
Nick looked down at his vibrating phone. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I have to take this. I’ll make it short.”
“It’s fine. I’ll go to the boutique next door. Find me when you’re done.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Yes. Take your call.” Ramona walked next door to the small store next door that sold specialty accessories. The counter display of beaded bracelets caught her attention. “Hi ya doing?” asked the young teen with long blue hair, who stood behind the counter.
Ramona smiled slightly. “I’m fine, how about yourself?”
“I’m glad I’m in here and not out there.” She nodded towards the storefront window.
“That’s Texas heat; hot year round with a few exceptions.”
“Let me know if ya need any help.” The salesgirl walked away and left Ramona to browse through the collection of bracelets. She especially loved the one with turquoise beads with black leather strap. She placed it on her wrist and extended her arm out before her.
“That’s pretty. You should try this one.”
Ramona turned around expecting it to be the teen girl from before. “Oh, hi. I thought I was alone over here.” A young woman who appeared to be near her age was with a young child. The woman handed Ramona a black and gold-tone beaded bracelet. “I think this one will compliment your skin tone better.”
Ramona looked at the women quizzically. “Do you work here?”
“I don’t, but I handcrafted each of these bracelets. The store sells them for me. It’s more of a side hobby. I saw you trying one on I couldn’t help myself.”
“You made these?”
“Yes.”
“They’re beautiful. I like the one you’re holding but the turquoise stones are calling my name.”
“Well, they say the customer is always right. By the way, I’m Trinity and this is my daughter Taylor.”
The little girl appeared shy because she hid behind her mother’s skirt.
“I’m Ramona,” she said removing the bracelet from her wrist. She signaled for the salesgirl to ring her up. She glanced towards the front of the store and saw Nick outside on the phone.
“That’ll be fifty dollars and thirteen cents.”
Ramona handed the young girl her credit card. “It was very nice meeting you, Trinity and Taylor.” Ramona tried to get a peek of the little girl but she continued to hide. “My fiancé is waiting outside but I will tell everyone I know about your bracelets.”
“Is that your engagement ring?”
“Yes,” she said, dismissively. This woman has grated her nerves with her annoying nosiness. “He proposed last night.”
“You don’t sound like a newly engaged woman.”
“Don’t mind me. I just received troubling news.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but you’re one lucky girl to received a rock like that,” she smiled.
“Thanks,” she eyed her suspiciously. “I gotta go.”
Ramona tapped Nick on the shoulder and he remained on the phone as they walked down the street. She cleared her throat to get his attention. He immediately wrapped up his call and hung up. “Sorry. It was important. Are you feeling better?”
“I will once the shock wears off. I won’t let it ruin our plans for tonight. We have to celebrate our engagement.”
“That’s good to hear. What did you buy?”
“A bracelet and the oddest thing happened. The lady who made these approached me and I don’t know how to explain it but it felt weird.”
“I’m sure she was just being friendly; trying to make a sale.”
“Maybe.” Ramona and Nick spent the rest of the day shopping. She mostly bought clothes and a few home accessory items like handwoven baskets and towels. They were more of an impulse buy and therapy. By the third store, her mood was in a better place and her spirits were high again. Although, she can’t help Rhonda she will take care of her mother.
Before they knew it was soon time to meet with
Amber and Lee. “We have to go to your house to shower and change. I feel sticky from being out in this hot ass sun.”
“Do you need to stop by your house?” he asked.
“No. Unlike you, I have enough clothes at yours to choose from.”
“ You should stay with me for a few days.”
“For how long?” asked Ramona.
“I don’t know. What about a week?”
“I can do a week.”
“You realize we must discuss our living arrangement before we get married,” stated Nick.
“I know. Let’s table that for later. I have a feeling that'll be a heated battle.”
“No, it won’t. After what we’ve gone through, I won’t allow a house to come in between us.”
◆◆◆
Ramona and Nick arrived at The Steak House twenty minutes early. It’s a casual upscale restaurant located downtown. It was the best midpoint location so neither couple would have far to travel. Ramona wore a spaghetti-strapped cream mini dress with her new beaded turquoise bracelet. They sat at the bar and ordered drinks while they waited. “Before Amber and Lee arrive, I would like to ask you something.”
Nick took a sip of his drink and turn on the barstool towards her. “Ask away.”
Shattered Hearts (Shattered Series Book 2) Page 20