Midnight Diamonds

by Cynthia Hampton

  “I’m tired of people telling me what to do and feel and say and be. I don’t want to feel like I’m a disappointment or excess baggage that has to be explained away,” she told herself. “Get hold of yourself, Silver. You don’t need anyone, especially Justin Rivers. The only person you can depend on is yourself. You don’t need to feel anything.”

  Wiping her face, she willed herself to feel nothing so she couldn’t be hurt. With each breath, she pictured a wall fortifying itself around her heart, pushing out emotion and sealing in apathy. After tonight, no more tears. No more pain. No more involvement. Only simple, uncluttered, structured life the way she chose to organize it. The way Amelia had taught her.

  She stared at the opposite wall for a very long time. Morning’s first light broke over a new Silver Madison.

  * * *

  When Silver walked down to the living room hours later, Becky stood near the patio doors, giving instructions to someone on her phone. Connie and Hunter sat in the living room, and Justin watched a live news feed on the flat screen television in the kitchen. Standing in the middle of the living room, Silver felt very alone…and oddly calm.

  She’d sent Becky to her house earlier to pick up clothing and accessories. Becky protested the choice of attire, but Silver insisted on the cream-colored blouse and tan slacks outfit she'd nearly worn two nights before.

  “You’ll look like your mother,” Becky had groaned, but Silver didn’t care.

  It was comfortable, stylish…safe.

  Silver had pulled her long hair away from her face and had used very little makeup with only a hint of lip gloss.

  “Almost time,” she heard Becky announce loudly.

  Silver lifted her chin as she stared at a painting over the fireplace. The sooner she finished associating with Justin, the better. Last night he’d made it clear the two of them had no future. She refused to entertain any more dreams of him—or of any man.

  She’d buried the pain and other emotions threatening to suffocate her last night. They were walled up and secure, imprisoned behind a fortified Madison barrier, and she breathed steadily, in control of herself. She’d get through this press conference and move on with her life.

  Actually, she liked being in complete control. No surprises, no worries.

  Reaching into the pocket of her slacks, she pulled out Connie’s ring. She stared at it and felt nothing.

  “It’s better if you wear it on your finger for the interview,” she heard Justin say. She gave him a brisk nod, slipped the ring on, and walked over to Becky, leaving him standing alone.

  “How long do you think the press conference will take?” she asked her friend.

  “About thirty minutes, give or take.”

  “Good. I have lesson plans to do and papers to grade.”

  “Sil, do you feel all right? You’re sort of pale,” Becky said in a soft voice.

  Silver stood up straighter. “Everything’s fine, but I want to get this over with.”

  Becky took her hand and pulled her aside. “What’s with the Amelia act today?”

  “There’s no Amelia act, as you put it. I’m perfectly in control.”

  * * *

  Justin noticed Silver seemed overly quiet and detached. She must be nervous, he thought. Well, she’d better get used to living in a glass house if she’s with me, even if it’s only for a few weeks, he thought.

  Silver took a sip of tea, then daintily dried her lips with a napkin.

  She made him laugh with her big words and intrigued him with her simple approach to everything. Her gentle elegance always caught his attention. Too bad he hadn’t met her a few months later, after things with his career had calmed down. Part of him wanted to keep what they had, but this whole situation had become too hard. Who knew what other surprises were going to pop up?

  When it came to relationships, he could only deal with right now, not what might be down the road. Why couldn’t the two of them keep things the way they were? Friendly, sexy. At least, for a while.

  The doorbell rang and one of the security guards answered it. Justin couldn’t believe who walked into the room.

  “Grandpa and Grandma?”

  Slade Rivers frowned at him. “That’s quite the hornet’s nest you have out front.”

  “Hush, Slade. I’m sure the lad knows what’s going on. Hello, love.” Ginny Rivers reached up to pull him down and kiss his cheek.

  Justin accepted the older man’s hug, the strong hands slapping him on the back. “I’m glad you’re here, Grandpa.”

  “A united front can overcome a lot.”

  “Slade and Ginny! You’re both a sight for sore eyes.” Connie hugged them, as did Hunter who took his grandmother’s hand and led her to a chair.

  Justin ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry about all this, Grandpa. You sure picked the wrong day to visit.”

  Slade held up one hand. “This is the perfect day and I didn’t happen to visit. Now introduce me to your little woman.”

  Justin led the way to the kitchen where Silver stared out the window. “Silver, this is my Grandpa Slade. Grandpa, this is Silver Madison.”

  Silver extended her hand and gave the man a cool smile. “I’m pleased to meet you, sir.”

  Frowning, Slade looked at his grandson. “Did she call me sir?” Leaning forward, he wrapped Silver in a hug. “Call me Grandpa Slade, darlin’. You’re family now.”

  Justin waited for Silver’s usual response to the endearment, but instead she shook her head. “I’m afraid you don’t have the whole story. Perhaps Justin should fill you in.”

  “Tell you what, Silver. You and I are going to take a walk while you tell me what’s going on.” Slade took Silver’s arm before she had a chance to refuse.

  “Grandpa, we’re supposed to be outside in ten minutes.”

  Giving his grandson a “who cares,” Slade waved the others away while he and Silver walked out the patio doors.

  Connie stood beside Justin. “He’s not here to say howdy. Grandpa Slade knows exactly what’s going on, and now he’s getting her side of things. I wouldn’t want to be you today, son.”

  Becky’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Time to go, Justin.”

  “Uh, tell them we need a few minutes.” When Becky started to protest, Justin shook his head. “Trust me, you don’t interrupt Slade Rivers when he’s on a mission.”

  * * *

  After Slade and Silver sat down on two patio chairs, she told him the whole story in a very brief, succinct manner. When she finished, he reached over and put one hand over hers.

  “I’m really sorry for all this foolishness. My grandson knows better than to treat a woman this way.”

  Silver cleared her throat. “Evidence to the contrary. He wants fame more than anything else. He made his choice. Trust me, I’m used to dealing with other people’s actions. Time for us to be back inside.” She moved to stand, but he held up a hand to stop her.

  “No, it’s not fine, young lady,” he said forcefully as he leaned back against his chair. “You don’t have to go along with this nonsense. And if I know my grandson at all, he is aware of your rare beauty, inside and out.” He softened his tone. “Walk with him a little further, Silver.”

  Silver stood. “I can tell you love your family very much, Mr. Rivers, so I’m sorry. I want to get this over with and go back home.” She bent down and kissed his weathered cheek.

  Slade raised a hand to her face. “Remember what I said. You don’t have to keep up this charade. Sometimes these young boys don’t know sic ’em from come here.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, sir. But I won’t be with someone who doesn’t want me.”

  Emotion pounded at the walls of her heart, but she forced it back as Justin joined them.

  * * *

  “Ready?” Justin asked.

  “Of course,” she replied in a controlled tone, then walked into the house.

  Justin frowned. Why was she acting like she couldn’t bear to be a
round him?

  Slade tapped his arm. “A little help here. The old hip injury is howling today.”

  Justin helped him into the house. Becky led everyone onto the front veranda where they were immediately assaulted with a barrage of questions from the reporters. After helping his grandfather to one of the chairs next to Ginny on the porch, Justin moved to his spot beside Silver. Her green eyes were like glass, razor sharp and brittle. Leaning close to her, he asked, “Are you OK?”

  “Perfect,” she responded in a clipped tone without looking at him.

  Justin clenched his jaw. No, not perfect and more than nerves, but he didn’t have time to think about it. Putting on his best smile, Justin slid his arm around Silver’s waist, and she stiffened against his touch. What the hell was her problem? Annoyance knifed through him as Becky began reading the short speech. Had Silver forgotten how important it was for them to look like a real couple?

  “Thank you all for coming today,” Becky said. “Please hold your questions until I’m finished, then we’ll be happy to answer them.”

  Justin smiled. His new manager handled the press like a pro.

  “As some of you have heard by now, Justin Rivers is formally announcing his engagement to Miss Silver Madison. We’re all aware of the private photos obtained by a photographer and printed without Justin and Silver’s permission. This reporter gained unlawful entry to Miss Madison’s private residence to obtain those pictures. This is now a legal matter, and Mr. Rivers is talking with counsel about how to proceed, so that topic is off limits. Any legal questions can be directed to Robert Sullivan, attorney for the Rivers family.” She paused while Robert lifted a hand to wave.

  “Justin and Silver met two weeks ago after he appeared as a judge at Tulsa’s Search for the Stars contest. The two of them realized very quickly they had something special. On a personal note, I’ve known Silver Madison most of my life, and I can honestly say there is no finer person on God’s green earth than this woman.” She paused while a few of the reporters clapped. “The couple has not set a definite date, but as soon as they can clear some time in Justin’s schedule, he will make sure everyone knows when the happy event will be held. Now, Justin and Silver will take your questions.”

  When Becky moved to one side, Justin eased a very rigid Silver forward. Becky pointed to one of the reporters, motioning for him to start the questioning.

  “Justin, how can you be sure this is the real deal after only knowing each other a short time?”

  “Well, my daddy always said when it’s right, a man knows.”

  “Justin, is this simply a cute publicity stunt to help your career?”

  “I don’t know about it being a stunt, but she sure is cute!” he replied with a grin and was rewarded with laughter from the press. Silver maintained the same impersonal, polite smile pasted on her face.

  “Silver, do you plan to leave your teaching job after marrying this up and coming country music star?”

  “I have no intention of leaving my job. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for me to continue doing what I enjoy.”

  “Silver, was it love at first sight?”

  “True love doesn’t work that way. It would take more than cowboy good looks to make me love him.”

  “Where do you want to be married?”

  “I haven’t given it much thought. I’m sure when I marry, it will be in exactly the right place.”

  While Silver answered, Becky leaned toward Justin to whisper in his ear. “Something’s wrong. She’s too robotic.”

  He nodded his agreement.

  “Justin, what about the rumors that you’ll sign with a major talent agency in Nashville soon?”

  “Hey, that’s the best news I’ve had all day! Thanks for telling me.” Laughter rippled through the crowd of reporters.

  One reporter motioned toward Slade. “Isn’t that the infamous Slade Rivers?”

  Slade waved from where he sat. “This isn’t my day, folks. Stay focused on my grandson and the amazing woman standing beside him.”

  Silver glanced back quickly toward the old man who smiled at her. Another reporter shouted for her attention.

  “Silver, will you travel with Justin?”

  “My job doesn’t allow me to be gone that much.”

  “How do you think your students feel about seeing those pictures of their teacher?”

  Becky stepped forward to redirect, but Silver held up a hand to stop her. “I’ll answer that, because it’s a fair question.” She paused for a moment. “I love what I do. My students mean the world to me and I care about them very much. I can’t change what’s happened, so I can only hope that when they see me at the front of my classroom, they see a teacher.”

  “Silver, how does your family feel about you marrying into the Rivers family?”

  Without hesitation, Silver replied, “They’re very much in favor of having the Rivers family at my side.”

  The same reporter shouted loudly with a second question. “And how do they feel about you being engaged to a married man?”

  Total silence followed the question. Everyone waited until Silver frowned and asked, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  “Justin Rivers has been married to Danielle Bailey for the past year. Seems they tied the knot in a Las Vegas chapel. Care to comment on that one?”

  Chapter Eleven

  Silver couldn’t respond. Stunned into silence, she stared at the waiting reporters, vaguely aware of pictures being taken.

  Married?

  She turned to him, her hands fisted. “Is this true?”

  Holding up both hands, Justin whispered, “I can explain.”

  Silver turned back to the reporters. “He can explain.” Pivoting, she walked back to the house. Justin grabbed her arm.

  “Silver, wait.”

  She slapped his face so hard, his head snapped back and the sound ricocheted across the lawn. Taking off his mother’s ring, Silver held it out to him. “You got what you wanted. No more fiancée.” To his family, she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  She heard Becky say, “I quit!” and she took Silver’s arm, leading her through the front door. Questions and flashes from cameras exploded from the reporters, but Silver didn’t look back.

  “I’m sorry, Sil. I can’t believe he’s such a jerk.”

  Silver pulled away without responding. She climbed the stairs to the bedroom and started packing. Becky followed her into the room, mumbling under her breath the entire time.

  “I’ll get the car and meet you by the garage.”

  “Good. I need to get home.” She gave Becky a cool smile and resumed packing. “I should be done in five minutes.”

  “See you downstairs.” Becky left the room.

  Silver flexed her right hand. It throbbed with a good kind of pain. She’d never physically retaliated against someone who hurt her, but Justin Rivers’ face had taken the full brunt of her anger. Zipping her bag, she swallowed. He deserved much worse in her opinion.

  Justin Rivers had been married to Danielle Bailey for the past year.

  When she glanced around the room to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, she saw one of Justin’s CDs on the nightstand. Tilting her head, she read the words he’d written:

  Silver,

  Thanks for playing along.

  Justin

  Swallowing against a tidal wave of self-loathing, she shook with the effort it took to control the rising anger. She picked up the CD and the hard plastic bit into her fingers where she gripped it hard enough to crack the outer case, but it was a welcome distraction from the gnawing in her stomach.

  A soft knock at the door made her stiffen as she shoved the CD into the outer pocket of her purse. The last person she wanted to see right now was Justin, so she breathed a little easier when she opened the door and saw Connie.

  “You handled those questions perfectly,” the woman said softly.

  Silver hated the guilty look on her face. “I don’t blame you, Connie.”
/>
  The woman eased into the room. “Not going to stand on ceremony, are you? Then I’ll get to the heart of it. I didn’t know about whatever her name is, but that’s no excuse. My son has shown he is not the man I raised, and I’m truly sorry, Silver.”

  “A wise woman told me recently to stop apologizing when it isn’t my fault. This has nothing to do with you. But I hope you’ll understand why I can’t be around this family anymore.”

  “Aw, honey,” Connie said. “I’m going to tan that boy’s backside until it bleeds. Want the first swat?”

  “I think I already did that. Thank you for your hospitality. Please tell Hunter and Kade good-bye for me.” Silver picked up her bag, walking with her chin high and her back ramrod straight.

  * * *

  Justin had to talk to Silver before she left, and he knew she’d go out through the garage. A few reporters still hung around in front of the house, but most had gone to file their stories after he’d answered a few more of their questions about his Vegas exploits. No doubt the whole thing would be on every media outlet available to mankind.

  “Film at eleven,” he muttered as he ran toward the garage through the kitchen.

  He heard the garage door going up and ran faster. As he burst through the door, Silver set her bag in the trunk of the car and closed the lid.

  “Silver! Wait!”

  “We have nothing to discuss, Mr. Rivers.” She opened the passenger door without looking at him.

  “Won’t you let me explain? It’s not what you think,” he panted, out of breath from running and the building emotions inside of him.

  She turned with a polite expression on her face. “Am I supposed to believe anything you say?”