Dreams Do Come True

by Jada Pearl

  “Yeah…a girl can definitely get used to this,” Sandy said, as she went to the table and admired the fruit, wine, and cheese. She picked up the note and read it out loud.

  “Ladies, a complimentary gift. Enjoy your trip.” It was signed by all the members of the group. The suite had two bedrooms, and it seemed they were already marked with luggage.

  “Sandy, I didn’t want to bring this up in front of Felecia, but how are you, about what happened last night with Dennis?” she asked, as Sandy began to hang up some of her dresses. She couldn’t see her face, so she waited.

  “At first, I was hurt. But then, I realized I didn’t have a reason to be. Dennis had me fooled. I thought maybe…maybe we could start a friendship,” she said, shaking her head.

  “And now?” Shontell asked her. Sandy came and sat next to her on the couch.

  “Now I will just have some fun with Eric. I knew there was a reason I didn’t mess with entertainers. I will leave that up to you. You and Nico are good together,” she told her, placing her hands over her friend’s hands. Standing, she kicked her shoes off and went and got her sandals. Watching her friend, she said nothing. She needed to relax.

  “If you are sure you are okay, I am about to soak in this jacuzzi before we go down. I need to get some of this tension off me,” Shontell told Sandy.

  “Okay, I’m going down to see the ship off and find Eric. I will catch you in a little bit,” she told her, as they quickly hugged and Sandy walked out the room.

  Shontell walked into her bedroom and immediately was assaulted by the smell of flowers. On her bed were two dozen purple roses, lilies, and orchids. She picked them up and inhaled. She found a vase in the bathroom and arranged the flowers. There was also a note on her bed. She opened it and smiled. Shontell, if I forgot to say it, I will say it now: Thank you. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of your life. Nico. Shontell pressed the note to her heart and held back the tears. How was this possible? How did she find this man that erased all the bad love she had, with just his sentiments? She exhaled and went to run her bath. She turned on the jets. She got in the hot water and closed her eyes. She was thinking over the last few weeks and shaking her head. She didn’t even realize that she had fallen asleep until she heard a male’s voice. She opened her eyes and she saw Nico kneeling over her. “Nico! What…what are you doing in here?” she asked. She sat up and then became aware that her breasts were in his view. She realized that she was naked, and she grabbed her towel.

  “I’m sorry. I was worried about you. I tried calling and texting you, but I didn’t get a reply. I saw Sandy downstairs, and she told me you were still in the room,” he told her. He tried not to stare, but the sight of her wet body was compelling. Shontell looked down and then back at Nico.

  “I didn’t bring my phone in here, but I also didn’t plan on falling asleep. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

  “Can you meet me in the room? I will be out in a minute.”

  “Of course,” he told her, as he left her in the bathroom.

  Nico

  Nico chided himself for just walking into her room. When she didn’t respond, he naturally reacted since that wasn’t her character. He shook his head, trying to get the vision of her wet, chocolate skin out of his mind. He willed his body not to react. He walked over to the balcony and watched as they began to set sail. Nico’s parents were already down in the private dining area, eating the early dinner as were the rest of the group’s family and friends. Everyone was there but Shontell, so he told his parents that he would be back, and he went to look for her.

  “Nico, can you help me with this zipper?” Shontell asked, coming out the bathroom. She was fully dressed in a purple, strapless sundress that hugged her body. He zipped her up and then kissed her bare shoulder.

  “Mm,” she moaned slightly. “I see we aren’t behaving,” she said while giving him a wink.

  “Actually, I am. Trust me, I am. Everyone’s down in the private dining room eating dinner. Shall we join them?”

  “Yes, but can you give me about five minutes to finish getting ready?”

  “Indeed,” he said as she turned on her Pandora and music filled the room. Nico began to hum, Chill Tonight by Boyz II Men. By the end of the song, Shontell came out of the room and joined him. She looked stunning. She came over to him and kissed him.

  “Thank you for the flowers and the beautiful note. You sure know how to make a woman smile.”

  “As long as that woman is you, then I will completely oblige,” he told her, grabbing her baby finger with his. He moved her to the door.

  “Come on, I don’t want a search party sent out for us,” Nico said, as led them to the dining area. The room was abuzz, but it seemed everyone got quiet when they walked in. Shontell looked at Nico, and he knew she wanted to disappear.

  “Hey, everyone…sorry for the delay,” he told them all casually.

  Nico and Shontell walked over and sat down. He saw her looking around nervously. He squeezed her hand, as the room once again began to come alive with laughing and conversation. Felecia was the first to say something.

  “Shontell, you are working that dress. Where did you get it?” They both noticed how she relaxed as she answered Felecia’s question.

  “Sandy and I went to that new outlet mall when we were in Indiana last week.”

  “Oh, I am going to have to check that place out.” They talked about a few other things as they were served their dinner plates like the rest. As they were finishing up, Nico noticed his mother and father getting up and coming over to their table. He whispered in Shontell’s ear, “Here come my parents; just be you and it will be okay.” Shontell nodded and smiled, as his mother approached her first. Shontell stood smiling at them both.

  “You must be Shontell. I am Bethany, and this here is Nico Sr.,” she said, gesturing towards her husband.

  “Yes, I am, and it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Shontell extended her hands to them both.

  “Likewise, my dear. You’re such a beautiful young lady.” Shontell blushed and looked at Nico, who was smiling at all of them.

  “Son, come walk us out. Your Mom wants to lie down for a bit. Shontell, it was nice meeting you. I am sure we will get to talk soon,” Nico Sr. said to her. Nico excused himself, and Shontell sat back down as Nico walked his parents out the room.

  “Nico, she seems lovely. Don’t break her heart,” his mother told him. He kissed her cheek.

  “Mom, I won’t break her heart,” he told her as he let her go.

  “We know you won’t, son. We are proud of you. We’re looking forward to relaxing and seeing you perform, and so we will see you later.” Nico Sr. spoke for both of them, and he then guided his wife to their room. He watched them walk along the deck holding hands. He loved seeing his parents still so much in love. Turning back around, he walked back into the dining area. Nico watched Shontell talking to Felecia, Sandy, and the wife of one of the band members. Then he felt it…no, he knew it. David was right. He was in love.

  The Girl With The Golden Pipes

  Shontell

  Shontell finished her glass of water and noticed Sandy was sitting with Eric. Dennis was watching them. He looked hurt. She felt bad for him. But he had only himself to blame, and now it was a lost cause. Catching Sandy’s attention, she motioned for her to join her. Sandy got up and walked over to her in dramatic fashion. She instantly knew it was for show. She was letting Dennis know what he lost. Sandy sat down next to her.

  “So, you met the parents. How was it?” she asked her, taking Shontell’s wine glass and finishing off the liquid.

  “Much better than I imagined,” she told her as she watched Sandy with amusement.

  “Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Baker are wonderful,” Felecia interjected, as she and Gloria, the wife of the drummer, walked over and joined their conversation. The ladies’ conversation quickly turned into their normal banter about men. Felecia suddenly stopped and looked in Eric’s direction.

 
; “So who is that fine man you are sitting with?” she asked Sandy. Sandy blushed, which was the first time she had done that since Kareem. “He is just a friend. We met in Indiana and hit it off. He is working security detail for the cruise,” she said, answering her question.

  “Serious?” Felecia asked.

  “Not at the moment. I am just going to enjoy my birthday week. It officially starts in ten hours,” she said, and the ladies all yelled and cheered as they made a quick toast. Nico and David came over to the ladies. “Hey, it’s kind of noisy over here,” David said playfully. “It’s almost Sandy’s birthday, and we are about to turn up in here!” Felecia said. The guys laughed. Shontell stood up and walked over to Nico. The men had about an hour before they had sound check. Martin interrupted their fun, telling the guys it was time to “pay the bills.” By that he meant that they all had to do some mingling with the cruise guests. Nico told her he would see her that night. Felecia kissed her husband. Sandy excused herself to go say goodbye to Eric, and Shontell and Gloria went to walk on the deck.

  Nico

  Nico sat in the room with his friends and the band members. The opening concert was hot and the fans really came out and showed out. He loved seeing Shontell in the front row knowing that this time they were together. They also decided that tonight they would take a breather. She told him that she understood that he had to mingle with the fans and didn’t want to interfere with that. He hoped he would be able to go long without her. He knew what missing her felt like. He tried to focus on what the guys were saying but was failing miserably. David noticed his distraction. He walked over to him and patted him on the back.

  “Man, it gets easier. Remember how I used to be when Felecia and I first got together. I didn’t want to be away from her,” he reminded him. He poured a drink that he handed to Nico, and then he poured one for himself.

  “Yes, and now I can see how you felt. I want to give her a little space so she can still get used to us. I think meeting my parents was huge for her. The last thing I want to do is scare her away,” he told him.

  “Right, I understand that. I mean this lifestyle is hard, but I am sure that you two will be okay,” David replied trying to be reassuring. Nico sat with them for as long as he could and then called it a night. They still were having rehearsals. Tomorrow they had an afternoon show and then were free the rest of the day. Martin explained that they were expected to mingle during that time so the people who spent their money on the cruise could get to know them on a more personal level. It was what he referred to as “paying their bills.” Any other time, it would not have been an issue. He just didn’t want to take any chances on messing up with her. He was glad that she understood the obligation. He stood over the rail, watching the waves hit the ship, and got lost in his thoughts. He didn’t hear the woman approach him but turned at hearing his name called.

  “Um, Nico, I don’t mean to bother you. But can I get a picture?” the young woman asked. She was strikingly beautiful, but he could also tell that she was young.

  “Sure, no problem,” he told her. He posed for a picture, and she stood close to him and took one of them. The young woman kissed him on the cheek and went in search of her friends.

  “So you give out kisses as well, huh?” He saw Shontell come out the shadow and walk towards him. “Only if it’s to you,” he told her with a serious expression on his face.

  “Nico, it’s cool. I know you have a job to do. Before these last few weeks, I would have been one of these women trying to get your attention. I trust…I trust you,” she told him with a little hesitation in her voice.

  “I know that had to be hard for you to say. I wish I knew what happened to make you leery of trusting me. But…yes…because I’m in this business, we are going to have to have trust if we are going to pull this off. Shontell, trust me when I tell you that I don’t want any other woman. But I have to be frank with you. Our road won’t be easy. We are constantly approached by very brazen women who don’t care that David is married or that I am in a relationship.” Shontell listened to Nico and knew what he said was true. She still didn’t speak, but sat on the empty chaise lounge chair. Nico watched her before he went to sit next to her.

  “You telling me you trust me means a lot. You have my word that I won’t disappoint you. I am a good guy,” he continued as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

  “I know that. I know that you are. There is still some doubt in my heart. But I will work on that. It has to come from me. I didn’t expect to be in a relationship like ours again. My ex put me through some things that I never thought were possible. I want to come to you eventually as baggage free as I can get. So patience is a must. But I won’t push you away. I have overcome the hurt he caused me, and that door is closed in my life. You have given me the best thing a woman can ask for.”

  “And what’s that?” he asked as he watched her swing her legs.

  “Hope that real unconditional love still exists,” she told him, leaning over and kissing him. After a few seconds, he broke the kiss, looking at her with a wanting that filled him. Clearing his throat, he said, “Yeah, you might want to stop that if I am supposed to be giving you some space.” He took her by the hand and pulled her to her feet. She had changed into a different outfit for the night.

  “Well let me go find Sandy. I think she is in the casino.”

  “Do you want me to walk with you?”

  “Uh, no. I will be okay. Besides, I think you have company,” she told him, motioning towards three women who were looking at him wide eyed. Nico smiled at the women and then waved at Shontell. He watched her until she was completely out of view, not even paying attention to the women who were asking him for autographs and pictures. Sighing, he gave them his attention. This is how his night ended.

  Shontell

  Shontell and Sandy walked into the crowded club. It was karaoke night, and both ladies decided they were going to sing. Sandy decided that she was going to try and cheer her up, since her best friend was down about not being able to spend a lot of time with Nico. It didn’t help that, after the concert this afternoon, they saw Nico, Dennis, and John all surrounded by women at the pool. Nico didn’t even see her there, and she wanted to leave as soon as she saw the scene. Sandy suggested this in hopes it would lift her spirits. They signed up for two songs each before they could back out. They found an empty booth off to the side and ordered drinks. They listened to the other people go up and sing. Sandy was meeting Eric here, and they were surprised to see him on stage singing. Shontell hit her friend on the arm, as they sat down at their reserved table.

  “Girl, he is good,” Shontell told her, as the waitress came over and took their orders.

  “Yes, he is. I am surprised. He never mentioned he could sing.” They both clapped as he headed off the stage and in their direction. He scooted into the booth, kissed Sandy’s cheek, and greeted Shontell.

  “Maybe y’all should do a duet,” Shontell said, smiling hard as she tipped the waitress who brought their drinks.

  “Sure, we will if you do one,” Sandy said, sipping her fruity drink. Eric was looking confused as they talked. The waitress set his beer down and he gulped it, intrigued by their conversation.

  “And who would I do a song with, Ms. Smarty Pants?” Shontell said, glaring at her friend in a playful manner.

  “Okay ladies, time out. What are you two talking about? Eric asked finally. He didn’t like feeling clueless.

  “Well, she wants you and me to sing. I want her to sing with Nico,” Sandy told him, and he nodded. “Oh okay. That would be cool. But can you two sing?” he asked them both. Before they could answer, Sandy’s name was called and she took to the stage in dramatic fashion. Shontell was surprised when she heard Sandy’s song choice, as they both had kept their choices to themselves. Sandy belted out Mariah Carey’s, “My All.” The crowd was loving it. Sandy and Shontell had an all-girl group back in high school. They had won many competitions. They both loved singing. Sandy sat back
down and they high-fived each other, laughing.

  “Guess that answered my question. Your girl got a voice,” Eric said to her.

  “Yeah, I hope I don’t have to sing behind her tail. I don’t feel like competing,” she told Eric, as she put her glass to her mouth. Eric looked at her, because he didn’t know what that meant. Shontell had a much stronger voice than Sandy, and Shontell still sang on a regular basis in church. But Sandy only sang at karaoke and sometimes in church for special events. Shontell looked around, wondering if any celebrities were in the house. The group did a good job of having special guests do a concert. Sandy walked back over to the booth and sat down, gulping her glass of water until it was empty.

  “That was hot, Sandy,” Eric told her.

  “Thank you, Eric,” she responded, turning her attention to her friend who was smiling.

  “So, did you decide if you two are going to do a duet?” Shontell asked her innocently.

  “Yep, we got this.”

  Shontell took a long swig of her drink, as she heard her name being called by the emcee. She headed to the stage. “Hey everyone, I am dedicating this song to a special someone. I don’t know if he is listening, but here goes.” Then she nodded to the guy to cue her up.