Dreams Do Come True
Page 15
Nico
Nico’s night was long. He was with security, Martin and Tina until 4 a.m. He still didn’t understand Tina’s motives. Why would she have come to his room acting like that? He tried to watch Dennis’ reaction to her. He didn’t flinch. So either he was a good actor or he didn’t have anything to do with last night. That made him sigh with relief. He wanted to believe that he wouldn’t try the things he did with his brother. When he finally got to go to his room, it felt like all his energy was drained. He sent Shontell a quick text to let her know that he was back in the room. They took Tina down to the security office to let her sleep off whatever what was wrong with her. He was so glad Shontell’s flight didn’t get in until mid-afternoon. He somehow managed to get at least five hours of sleep.
Nico initially was going to have the car go and pick up Shontell and Sandy, but he couldn’t wait to see her. Nico had the driver arrive at the airport early, in case their flight came in early as well. Nico called his brother to pass the time.
“Hey Nate, are you guys on schedule?” he asked him as he waved to two women who were walking past and were staring at him.
“Yes, we are. We should get to Miami later tonight. You know mom is looking forward to seeing you. Are you sending the car?” his brother asked him.
“Yes, and I will see you guys for dinner, right?”
“You know it. Dad said he wants to go check out that new fishing place before we hit the boat.”
“I am sure he does,” he told his brother. Their father was a huge fish enthusiast. Nico wrapped up a few last-minute details with Nate and ended his call. He looked down at his watch, as he leaned on the car. The driver was now inside with a sign waiting for them. He would text him once he got the women and they were heading back to the car. He was so excited to see Shontell.
He needed her next to him after all the drama from last night. This was not his usual style. He hoped Tina would back off. He didn’t know when she got like that, but it was too much. She liked being the center of attention, and she was succeeding in that area at the moment. He wondered how he fell for two entirely different women. He figured that it happened like that sometimes. He wasn’t perfect…not even close. He must have done something right for him to have Shontell in his life.
Nico saw the women out the corner of his eye. Sometimes this was both a blessing and a curse. As the women approached him and asked to take a picture with him, he obliged. He sighed once they walked off. He wondered how all the attention that they would be getting this weekend would go over with Shontell. She seemed adamant about not being in the spotlight, but he wasn’t willing to hide her. He wanted everyone to see what he saw in her. He would have to talk to her again about it before they boarded the boat. He hoped he would be able to make her feel comfortable. The women fans could be a bit much. He recalled the one or two times that he found naked women in his room. He never knew how they got into his room, but those days were over. He usually had a security sweep of his room now, before he even went up. He learned his lesson.
He felt a vibration and read the text: They were here. He got back into the car, and he waited with the flowers in his hand. He couldn’t wait to see her smile. It had only been three and a half days, but it seemed like longer. The boat was due to set sail tomorrow afternoon. Martin had given them all the rest of the land time off until they hit the boat. He was glad, because he had wanted to spend quality time with Shontell before they got busy. He remembered his surprise, and he made a quick call to make sure that their evening plans were still on track. He heard the ladies before he saw them. He sat back and waited for the door to open.
Shontell
Shontell watched as her client signed his contract. She was so happy. This client would take her where she wanted to go. They shook hands and departed from her office. She dropped her buy-out papers on Ebony’s desk in a sealed and confidential envelope. She hoped Ebony would read her letter and sign it. The check she enclosed was a good-enough offer. She wanted this working relationship over. She could never work with someone she couldn’t trust. The town car she paid to take her and Sandy to the airport was waiting for her. She was leaving her car at her office. She texted Sandy to let her know she was on the way, as he put her bags in the trunk. She was getting excited.
Shontell was glad to see that she had a text from Nico; she must have missed it this morning when she texted her good morning to him. Her distraction with Jesse had her out of sorts. On her drive to her meeting, she wondered: did she make herself clear enough to Jesse that she had moved on?
The driver explained to her that the chilled mimosas she requested were in the refrigerator as she had instructed. Within a few minutes, they were pulling up to Sandy’s home. Monica ran out to the car to greet her god-mother.
“Hey, Auntie Shon, I am so glad you are making mommy take a vacation,” her god-daughter told her. She was the spitting image of Sandy.
“Yes, we both know she needed it. Are you staying with Mona?” she asked her, referring to Sandy’s mother.
“Yep, Grams is on her way now. I have finals this week. Then it’s party time. You are still coming over to see me off for prom, right?” The teenager was standing on her tip-toes as she talked to her. She laughed and wrapped her arms around her. “Now you know I wouldn’t miss that for anything. Don’t forget to send me the list of food you want,” she reminded her. She then remembered she had something for her. Reaching into her purse, she handed her a pre-paid Visa card. The young woman looked at her strangely. Sandy was walking in their direction.
“What’s this for?” she asked her in confusion. Sandy handed her bags to the driver, watching her two favorite people. She stood with her mouth open when she heard Shontell’s reply.
“This card is for you! It should cover all of your prom clothes, activities, and then some,” she told her. Sandy and Monica both started to cry. Monica hugged her.
“Don’t cry, Monica. Your dad had me start this fund when you were thirteen. I added to it. But this is from all of us,” she told them. Monica looked at her and cried harder. They all dried their eyes as Mona pulled up. They didn’t want her asking questions. She hugged Monica again and waved to Mona as she went to sit in the car. The driver handed her some Kleenex. When he spoke, she looked up.
“Ma’am I hope you don’t mind my eavesdropping, but that was beautiful. Not many people would have done what you did. If you don’t mind me doing this, I would like to refund your money for this ride. I’d also like to take her and her date to their prom. Because I am an independent driver, I can do my own scheduling,” he told her as he watched her through the mirror.
“Thank you, but why would you do that?” she asked him.
“Because I believe in service. I try and be supportive whenever I see a need. Your generosity had brought mine out,” he told her, as Sandy opened the door and sat down. She nodded to him, and he looked ahead. They rode in silence for a minute, and Sandy turned to her with sad eyes.
“When…when did you and Kareem do this?” she asked her softly.
“He had me start the fund a week before he was killed. Initially, it was started for your ten-year vow renewal, but he told me if anything happened to him before that to switch it for Monica.”
“Oh,” was all she said before she fell into her best friend’s arms and cried. All these years Sandy kept up this strong front when it came to Kareem. She never wanted Shontell or Monica to see her hurting. She thought that was the way it had to be. Monica was a daddy’s girl in every sense of the word. Kareem had spoiled her. But he spoiled her too with his love and attention. He was a good husband. When Kareem died, she thought her world was crumbling. She resorted to taking Valium. That little pill took her to a painless place. But then the effects wore off, and she needed more. When did she get addicted to the pills? She couldn’t remember. It took one huge episode to wake her up, though. One day she left Monica at school for hours, and the school had to call Shontell to come and get her. Monica stayed with
Shontell for six weeks, while Sandy checked into a clinic for treatment. Now she wouldn’t take anything for pain, unless it was absolutely needed. Monica was the reason she fought so hard. They were lucky to have Shontell in their corner. She always looked out for her and Monica. Wiping her eyes, she sat up as the driver pulled up to the departure gate doors at Detroit Metro Airport. She hoped her eyes didn’t look puffy. The driver handed their bags over to the check-in agent. Shontell gave him a fifty dollar tip, and he gave her his business card. It was so good to know that there were people out there who are still kind-hearted. Once they boarded the plane, Sandy grabbed Shontell’s hands. “Thank you for everything…Monica…this vacation…thank you.”
“We have each other’s back always. You don’t have to thank me. I love you.”
“I know, I know. But I needed to tell you. We have both been in some dark areas, but because we stuck together we saw the light,” she told her. Sandy laid her head on her shoulders and was out cold within a few minutes. Shontell looked out the window at the clouds. If she was a writer, she would have a best-seller on her hands if she were to describe the last few days. She sighed and was ready for this flight to be over. She wanted to be in Nico’s arms. That would make her feel better. Putting her ear buds in her ear, she hit the button on her iPod. Before she knew it, they were landing. She had never been to Miami. It looked beautiful.
Shontell and Sandy headed towards the baggage claim and were surprised to see a chauffeur standing by the carousel with their names on a sign. They smiled, thinking that must have been Nico that set this up.
“Girl, I think I can get used to you dating Nico if it’s going to be like this. Jesse never sent a driver for us…I mean you,” Sandy said, trying to be funny. She swatted at her arm and then signaled to the driver. He immediately came over and grabbed their suitcases they had pulled off the belt.
“Yeah, you’re right about that. See, that’s what scares me about Nico. He is so different from Jesse and from all the other men I have dated before.”
“Then you take that difference and add to it. If anyone deserves it, you do. Promise me you won’t push him away because it’s so new to you.” Shontell didn’t reply to her friend’s comment, but she had said out loud what she had been trying not to worry about. She didn’t think that she would deliberately push him away. She had to learn how to let go and let the situation blossom. Sandy continued chatting away as both ladies followed behind the driver.
While he was placing their bags in the trunk, the ladies took several pictures and selfies together. The Miami heat felt good on her skin. This was a climate that she could get used to. It was March, so the weather was going in like a lion and supposed to come out like a lamb. In Detroit that was always up for interpretation, but it was not unusual to see snow in April. Sandy squished her nose up at the guy who walked past as he tried to grab her hand. Sandy stepped back. They both started laughing. So it began—the crazy antics of Sandy. It was like she attracted the strangest behavior from strange men. The chauffeur put the last of their bags in the trunk, as they quickly snapped a few more pictures. The driver told them that he was ready. He opened the door for them. Shontell slid into the seat and was surprised to see Nico sitting in the back. He looked as handsome as ever in shorts and a tee. He smiled when he saw her.
“Hi, ladies. How was the flight?” He immediately grabbed Shontell’s hand.
“Nico, what are you doing here?” she asked as she scooted closer to him.
“Meeting my girl,” he said as he squeezed her hand and she winked at him.
“Your girl, huh?” Sandy asked as she watched them both blush. Sandy noticed how Shontell’s face lit up when she saw him sitting there. He handed both of them flowers, as he then leaned over and kissed Shontell on the lips. She wanted to kiss him again, but then she remembered that Sandy was with them. She opted for holding his hand again instead, as she laced her fingers with his. They all talked comfortably as they rode to the hotel. They pulled up in front of the Westin in Miami about twenty minutes later. The hotel was beautiful. It was set right off the beach, and the sidewalks were filled with people walking and enjoying the beautiful day. They all got out, and the driver unloaded their luggage. He handed their bags to the bellhop. He, in turn, told the ladies they were already checked in and handed them their key cards.
“Wow, really?” she said, looking at Nico.
“Yes, y’all got it like that. Sandy, I want you to enjoy your birthday. As my gift, I have set you ladies up for a spa renewal for the next three hours. Felecia will be joining you two as well. She insisted. Hope that’s okay,” he said.
“Seriously?” Sandy began dancing. “It’s my birthday…it’s my birthday!” They all laughed.
“Oh, and yes, it’s cool about Felecia. We enjoy her company. Where is she?”
“Great. She is up in the room. I told her I would call when we got back.” He pulled out his phone and called Felecia. He watched Shontell. He loved seeing her smile. She looked radiant.
“Okay, sweetness. Please enjoy yourself. I have to get going. We were initially off, but we’re called to do a last-minute rehearsal due to a couple of changes. Once you ladies come down, Brian will be out here waiting for you. He will bring you over to where we will be afterwards.” Shontell hugged him and whispered, “Thank you.” He winked at her and kissed her hand.
“Anything I can do to see that smile…I would do in a heartbeat.” This time Shontell didn’t care if Sandy was there. She kissed him on the lips again, and their kiss went on for a few seconds. Nico broke the kiss and stepped backwards to the car. Shontell waved goodbye to Nico, as he got back into the car with Brian. She looped her arm through her best friend’s and they crossed the lobby. Shontell wasn’t surprised to see that Tina was in the lounge area, sitting with an older man. Tina gave her a toxic smile and went back to her suitor. The women went to their room—which looked more like a suite—to get ready for their spa treatments. Shontell plopped onto the bed and fanned herself. She was counting down in her head when Sandy would ask the question—4…3…2…she counted in her head.
“Okay, so who was that woman in the lobby that was glaring at you?
“I knew you didn’t miss that. That was the infamous Tina—Nico’s ex that I was telling you about.”
“What?! What the heck is she doing here?” she asked, throwing her sandals to the floor and grabbing her waiting robe.
“Your guess is as good as mine. I am sure it’s to cause waves between me and Nico,” she told her.
“Well, I hope she ain’t stupid enough to step your way. I didn’t come here to fight, but you know I got your back.” She was ready for a good showdown. It had been a long time since she gave somebody a “7 Mile and Meyers” ass whopping.
“I know you do. But I can handle her. I did notice something interesting. She had on a wedding ring, and so did the man she was sitting with,” she told her, as she put her purse on the bed and started looking through it for makeup wipes.
“Really? I thought you said she wasn’t married.”
“It’s the first I have seen it. It does give me an idea. You know how we do. Come on, let’s finish getting ready,” she told her, not giving Tina another thought.
“Okay, changing the subject. What are you going to do about Nico? You two look like more than just friends,” she said, as she pinned her hair up.
“Yeah. That’s a good question. I am going to listen to all the advice you and my parents gave me and see what it happens. I can’t lie…it scares me,” she admitted honestly. They put on their spa shoes and sat on the bed together.
“Shontell, you know I try not to give advice. I want you happy. And if you’re happy with Nico, then go for it. Enjoy the ride you’re going on with that man.” Her best friend was being serious in a joking way. They heard Felecia knock on the door. They grabbed their bags, and the ladies went to get pampered for the next three hours.
Don’t Mess With My Girl
Nico
Martin clapped his hands loudly and they all stopped. Nico leaned over and had his hands on his knees. He was tired because the rehearsals were long, and he felt his clothes sticking to him. He grabbed a bottle of water and downed it. He grabbed a towel from the staff member and he wiped his face. He and the others went down the stairs towards the seats, and he smiled as he saw how beautiful Shontell looked. She wore little makeup, and she had her hair braided. She had it pinned up with a few braids hanging. He walked over to her and greeted her, being careful not to touch her with his sweaty clothes and body.
“How was the spa?”
“It was great. Thank you again for doing that; it was needed.”
“Yeah, I figured as much. I had a massage before you got here, and it helped me. Let me go shower, and then we can head out. I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh, do you?” He winked at her, as he left her standing there.
Shontell
Shontell filled Sandy and Felecia in on her plan about Tina while they were at the spa. Felecia agreed immediately. She was tired of the woman and the way she was acting. Shontell couldn’t understand why Tina would keep her being married from Nico. Shontell, Sandy, and Felecia talked excitedly about the massages and the other special treatment they had gotten. Shontell had not felt this relaxed in a long time. Riding the elevator, they went over the plan they put in place. Now all they needed was for them to see the man Tina was with earlier.