One in a Million

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

  “If you don’t mind me asking one last question, are you going to seek legal action?”

  “Absolutely. And I’m planning to fight this thing for as long as I have to. Years, if that’s what it takes.”

  “Thank you for talking to us, Mr. Mason, and of course we wish you all the best.”

  “Thank you for caring enough to have me on.”

  Kennedi didn’t know whether to throw up or applaud Blake’s Academy Award–worthy performance. But what she did know was that she was going to pay him back for everything he’d done to her in the past and for the way he was now trying to make her out to be the troublemaker. He was such an innocent victim, to hear him tell it, but that façade would soon drop. She knew it wasn’t right, throwing stone for stone, but Blake had crossed far too many lines. He’d crossed one after another, and Kennedi would never be able to rest until he’d gotten what he had coming to him. She wouldn’t be satisfied until he suffered brutal consequences. The kind he would never forget.

  Chapter 13

  Four weeks had passed, but Kennedi was still tearfully thanking God a thousand times over, every single day, for protecting her the way He had. She’d called the eight hundred number, entered an anonymous code, and received the wonderful news—she’d learned that she was HIV-free. Of course, she would have to test again in about six months and then again one year from now to be safe, but nonetheless, she felt a major sense of relief. Then, if that wasn’t blessing enough, the infamous check had finally arrived. Not five, not ten or even twenty, but more than thirty million dollars.

  Kennedi had carefully examined the rectangular slip of paper on and off ever since picking it up yesterday afternoon from the lottery office, but no matter how many times she looked at it, the whole idea of it seemed insane. It was simply ludicrous, and she knew it would be a long time before she truly accepted the reality of it all. She was also sorry that because of terrible traffic conditions, she hadn’t made it back to her bank before closing and had been forced to bring the check home with her. She had securely locked it in her safe, and yes, her security company had installed a pretty high-tech system with television monitors and other equipment, but she wouldn’t feel at ease until it was out of her hands for good.

  Kennedi placed the draft back inside its envelope and smiled when she spotted the huge plant, the one her coworkers had presented her with two weeks ago. They’d thrown her a huge party on her last day at work, and she was never going to forget it. Everyone had been so nice to her and had blessed her with such amazing gifts, and even now, she was almost in tears again. She’d never felt more special and more appreciated, and while she hadn’t fully figured out how she’d go about doing it, she would thank all of them in a very memorable way.

  After finishing the final touches of her makeup, Kennedi slipped on a pair of white, wedge-heeled sandals, which matched perfectly with her summer white pants and white sleeveless top, and headed out to her car. The sun shone brightly, and now she knew the Weather Channel had given a very accurate forecast: no clouds and a high temperature near eighty-five. Although this wasn’t all that unusual for the last week in June, and she hoped the conditions would remain the same for the Fourth of July, which was only eight days from now. Aunt Rose had invited her over along with the rest of the family members who resided in the area, and Kennedi was really looking forward to spending time with everyone.

  As she drove into her bank’s parking lot, she saw Miles waiting inside his vehicle and pulled up next to him. They both smiled and stepped outside at the same time.

  “Thanks again for coming,” she told him. “I don’t think there will be any problems, but I wanted you here just in case.”

  “I’m glad to do it,” he responded, and they walked through the glass double doors.

  Inside, Kennedi proceeded toward the teller line and Miles followed suit. They waited for only a minute or two and then the next available representative smiled. “Can I help you?”

  Kennedi and Miles walked over and Kennedi pulled out the check, endorsed it, and then passed it over along with the deposit slip she’d filled out that morning, right after getting up. “I need to add this to my checking account.”

  The woman gazed at her cheerfully, trying to keep her composure, and Kennedi could tell she knew who she was. She hadn’t even looked at the actual amount yet, but she seemed noticeably excited.

  “Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed quietly.

  “That was my reaction, too,” Kennedi said, and they all chuckled.

  “Well, I guess all I need is to see your I.D. I mean, of course I know it’s you, but I still have to follow policy. Sorry.”

  Kennedi handed over her driver’s license. “It’s no problem at all, and actually, I’m glad you’re doing what you’re supposed to.”

  “I’m glad you understand. I have to check the signature card you have on file with us, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.”

  “Sounds good,” Kennedi said, and the woman hurried away.

  “You’re not about to pass out or anything, are you?” Miles teased.

  “No. At least I don’t think I am.”

  “I’ll bet this whole thing still feels like some weird dream, though.”

  “It does. No matter how much I know it isn’t.”

  Kennedi and Miles stood at the counter for ten minutes, and Kennedi started to get worried. She didn’t want to think the worst, but she hoped Blake hadn’t done something crazy like file a cease-and-desist order. Last week, Attorney Newman had warned her that this might happen, but since she hadn’t heard from Blake, not since the night that Serena had found the nerve to call her, she’d assumed he was going to wait to handle this money situation during their divorce proceedings. But now she wasn’t so sure, because she couldn’t imagine it taking this long to match signatures and make a deposit. Yes, it was an unusually large sum of money, but as far as she knew, basic transaction procedures should have been the same for any amount.

  Kennedi turned to Miles. “It sure is taking a long time.”

  “I was thinking the same thing. She’s been in that back room for a while.”

  Kennedi felt her nerves stirring, took a deep breath, and folded her arms.

  Miles rested his hand against her back. “It’ll be fine.”

  Kennedi glanced over at him but said nothing, because at present, she thought otherwise. She tried to think positively, but she couldn’t stop herself from remembering her last conversation with Blake and how adamant he’d been about taking her to court and suing her for not part, but all of her winnings. He wouldn’t dare. Or would he? Would he actually be low enough to try and take everything from her and then share it with that tramp he was shacking up with?

  Kennedi cringed, but just as she did, the teller returned.

  “I’m so sorry it took this long. There was a glitch in our system, and we couldn’t pull up your information. Plus, I shouldn’t be saying this,” she admitted now in a whisper, “but my supervisor wanted us to make sure we hadn’t received any legal orders, I guess from your husband, and I’m happy to say there weren’t any.”

  Kennedi felt relieved. “I understand.”

  “I do need to make you aware of one thing, though,” the woman continued. “Because of the amount, we’ll have to place a five-day hold on your deposit, and since today is Tuesday, funds won’t be available until next Tuesday. I know that seems like seven days instead, but it’s only because we don’t count Saturdays and Sundays. I hope this won’t be a problem for you.”

  “Not at all. I figured you would need to make sure the check cleared.”

  “Well, then, here’s your receipt, and thank you so much for your business. Oh, and just so you know, we do offer private banking for our elite customers, and we can have someone contact you regarding investments and other products.”

  “Thanks,” Kennedi agreed. “That’ll be fine.” Penelope was already handling her major investments, but she was still planning to keep che
cking and savings accounts at this particular bank for her everyday needs and monthly bill payments. Some of them, anyway.

  When they went back out to their cars, Kennedi grinned at Miles and hugged him without thinking. “Thank you for everything,” she said, and then took a step back.

  “You’re quite welcome.”

  “I don’t know what your schedule is, but if you’re open, I’d like to take you to lunch. Patrice had an important meeting with her top client that couldn’t be changed, but I really feel like celebrating.”

  “I’m free as a bird. Just tell me where, and I’m there. Or we could drive together if you want.”

  A few weeks ago, Kennedi would have never considered riding in the same vehicle with Miles or any other man she hardly knew, but today she felt comfortable with him and wanted to be in his company.

  “I can leave my car here,” she proposed. “That is, if you don’t mind dropping me back later on to pick it up.”

  “That works for me.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  Morton’s was one of Kennedi’s favorite steak restaurants, and she was glad Miles had suggested it. As it had turned out, though, they’d arrived downtown about an hour before it had opened for business and had ended up strolling along the Magnificent Mile. Then they’d headed over to the East Wacker Place location and walked inside.

  They didn’t have a reservation, but thankfully, they were seated pretty quickly.

  Kennedi hung her handbag across the corner of her chair. “I love this restaurant.”

  “I do, too. Come here all the time. Especially when I’m taking out potential clients.”

  “It has a great atmosphere, and the food is wonderful.”

  “I like the one in Schaumburg as well.”

  “Blake and I—” She stopped herself. “I’ve gone to that one a few times myself, and it was just as good as this location.”

  “That’s going to take you a while.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Being able to go days and weeks without mentioning something you and your husband did together.”

  “I didn’t mean to bring his name up.”

  “After ten years, I don’t think you can help it. No one could.”

  Another waiter poured ice water into each of their glasses, and seconds later, their assigned waiter took their wine and salad orders, but they declined any appetizers. Then, since they already knew what they wanted, he wrote down their entrée choices.

  When the rather frail twentysomething young man walked away, Kennedi said, “I guess I should have inquired about this before now, but it is okay for us to be having lunch, isn’t it?”

  “Of course. And why do you ask?”

  “I wasn’t sure if you were seeing anyone or not, and the last thing I want is to cause any problems. I know our relationship is strictly business, but there can still be a very fine line when it comes to people of the opposite sex spending time together.”

  “Trust me. You’re not. I mean, I have been dating someone for about a year, but over the last couple of months, we’ve been slowly drifting apart.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Don’t be. It’s been coming for a while. We do still talk on the phone, but we barely see each other once a week.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  “She’s just not who I thought she was. I liked her a lot, but the more I saw how terribly she speaks to her mother and how often she neglects her six-year-old daughter, I started to lose all respect for her. Sometimes she leaves her daughter with her mother for weeks at a time, and it’s not because she’s working late or has other responsibilities. She does it because she doesn’t want to be bothered.”

  Kennedi lifted her water glass. “That’s too bad, and you have to wonder why women like that even have children.”

  “I know, but unfortunately, you see it all the time.”

  “I never wanted that responsibility for myself, but I do love children and I hate hearing about people who don’t treat them the way they should be treated.”

  “That’s because you have a kind heart, but some people only care about themselves.”

  The waiter sat both of their salads on the table, and as they picked up their forks, Miles paused. “I hope this isn’t out of line, but do you think you’ll ever trust another man again?”

  “It’s not out of line at all, because I’ve been thinking about that a lot.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “And the answer is, I don’t know. But if I do, it will be a long time from now. I trusted Blake completely and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

  “I can imagine. But I will say that not every man is untrustworthy. Take me, for instance.” He smiled. “I’ve always been a one-woman man.”

  Kennedi raised her eyebrows and then continued eating her salad.

  “I know it’s probably hard for you to believe, but being faithful and loyal is very important to me.”

  “That’s good.”

  Miles laughed. “I’m glad you sound so convinced.”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t help it.”

  Miles pulled a card from the inside of his suit jacket and passed it over to her.

  Kennedi took the snow-white linen napkin and patted the corners of her mouth. “What’s this?”

  “Just a little note.”

  She opened the envelope with her name on it and pulled out a small card, which read: “To a woman who deserves every blessing imaginable. Know that I couldn’t be happier for you, and that I appreciate the amazing opportunity you have given me in terms of handling your financial affairs. Your best interests will always be my priority, both personally and professionally.”

  Kennedi reread every word. Not because she hadn’t understood them the first time around, but because she wasn’t ready to look into his eyes. She was so moved by all that he’d written and could no longer deny her attraction to him. But sadly, her connection to him would never be any more than what it was, because she refused to be hurt again.

  “So, is he the reason you’re trying to beat me out of my part of the money?” Blake yelled, and Kennedi jumped like a child. She’d been so consumed with her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed him approaching the table. “You’ve got everyone thinking you’re so, so innocent, when you’ve obviously been sleeping around behind my back all along.”

  Kennedi was at a loss for words but finally said, “What are you talking about?”

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about. We’re still married, yet you’re out here advertising your new man to everybody.”

  By now all heads were turned toward them, and Kennedi wanted to disappear. Into thin air.

  “Look, man,” Miles interrupted. “Your wife is a client of mine, and all we’re doing is having lunch.”

  “Was I talking to you?”

  “No, but you’re making a scene, and you’re doing it for no reason.”

  “I think you’d better mind your own business,” Blake instructed, and then turned his attention back to Kennedi. “You still think you’re slick, but I know you’ve already deposited that check because I was sitting across the street from your bank when you went inside. I have friends all over this city, so no matter what you do, I’ll always end up hearing about it.”

  “Blake, this is not the place for this.”

  “Oh, really? But it was the right place that day you showed up at the eatery near our house and caused all that commotion.”

  Miles stood up and dropped a few twenties on the table. “Kennedi, I think we should go.”

  Blake frowned. “You’ve got to be kidding. This is my wife, and if I want to talk to her that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You, on the other hand, can leave anytime you get ready.”

  Kennedi rose from her chair. “Blake, just stop it.”

  “I only came here to give you one last chance to do the right thing. Once last chance to come to your senses.”

  “Good-bye, Blake,” she said,
and she and Miles walked toward the entry. Customers were chattering a mile a minute and Kennedi couldn’t wait to get out of there. But as soon as they stepped outside, Blake confronted them all over again.

  “I’m warning you, Kennedi. Do the right thing or else.”

  “Don’t say anything,” Miles told her.

  “You know, I’m getting real sick and tired of you telling my wife what she should and shouldn’t do. You’re acting like you’re the one who’s married to her, and that can only be for one reason. She’s already been giving it up to you. She’s probably been giving it to you for years like some whore. Either that or you’re just sniffing around, trying to see how much money you can get.”

  Miles turned around and faced Blake. “You’re taking this too far, and if I were you, I’d stop while I was ahead.”

  “What?” Blake frowned and then raised back his fist and swung it forward.

  But Miles blocked it and punched Blake in his jaw.

  Blake grabbed the side of his face. “You’re going to jail.”

  Miles shook his head. “Man, not only are you pitiful, you’re pathetic.”

  Kennedi grabbed Miles’s arm. “Let’s go. Please.”

  Miles did what he was told, and strangely enough, Blake didn’t follow behind them.

  But in the car, Miles apologized. “I’m really sorry. I never should have let him get to me like that, but when he called you a whore, I lost it.”

  “No, I’m the one who’s sorry, because Blake had no business confronting us. He had no business following us or saying anything at all.”

  “He might be upset about the money, but I think the idea of seeing you with someone else was the real issue. At least today, anyway.”

  “I don’t know why. Not when he’s living with someone else.”

  “I’m just telling you. The look in his eyes practically screamed jealousy.”