One in a Million

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

  Kennedi wanted to say something, but she couldn’t make any words come out of her mouth. Was Nina serious? Did she actually think she was entitled to fifty thousand dollars? Simply because they’d been friends some thirty-plus years ago? She couldn’t. There was no way.

  “God is so miraculous!” Nina continued. “He’s so true to His Word, and I have no idea what I would do without Him. To think He chose my best friend to help me. I’ve dreamed about opening my own business for years, and finally, it’s all coming together.”

  “Nina, I think maybe there’s been some sort of misunderstanding.”

  “I don’t get what you mean.”

  “About the money you’re talking about. The money you claim God wants me to give you.”

  “There’s no misunderstanding at all.” Her tone had changed the same way that Raymond’s had a few hours ago. For the worse.

  “Maybe it’s just best for me to tell you straight out. I can’t loan you fifty thousand dollars.”

  “I never said anything about a loan, because God told me that you were going to give me what I needed.”

  “That’s fine, but there’s one problem with that.”

  “What?”

  “Well, if God really and truly wanted me to do this, don’t you think He would have told me the same thing He told you?”

  “I’m sure He did, and maybe you’re just ignoring it.”

  “No. I would never do that. I always try to do the right thing, and I always try to help anyone who legitimately needs to be helped.”

  “So what are you saying? That I’m lying?”

  “No. But what I am saying is that God hasn’t spoken to my heart about any of this. Not once.”

  “Well, you know what? You do whatever you feel you have to do, but don’t blame me when it comes time for you to answer to Him. Don’t call me when you’re being punished because of your disobedience.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “That’s right. Because when you don’t do what God tells you to do, you have to suffer the consequences. When you don’t help your fellow man or woman, you’ll be judged for that in the end.”

  “I think it’s time for me to hang up now.”

  “Fine. But just remember, money is the root of all evil, so if I were you, I’d try to get rid of some of it before you end up in hell.”

  “No, the Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil, and trust me when I tell you, I’ve never been obsessed with money, not even now.”

  “Is that why you’re hoarding it from your husband and why you’re refusing to share his part of it with him?”

  “No, that’s not it at all. And even though none of this is any of your business, he doesn’t deserve it, because he left me for another woman and slept with her for years unprotected.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Whatever is right,” Kennedi repeated, and hung up.

  Was this ever going to stop? People thinking she owed them something? Was this whole money thing going to cause her to lose friendships with everyone she’d ever made acquaintance with? Because it wasn’t like she could give every single person she knew any amount they asked for. Yes, thirty million dollars was a lot of money, but she couldn’t hand out money to every Sally, Jane, and Henry just for the sake of doing so. As it was, she didn’t know if she would even have the full amount by the time Blake finished suing her. And why was Nina using God as a way to get what she wanted, anyway? Not to mention, if she was such a true Christian, how could she have possibly taken on such a nasty attitude toward the end of their conversation? How could she have gone from being overly friendly to sounding like a longtime enemy in a matter of minutes?

  Kennedi dropped the card and the envelope inside the trash bin and opened the refrigerator. She pulled out a bottle of water and then took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice cubes. But just then, the doorbell rang. She was in her nightgown already and didn’t have on a robe, but she went to the door to see who it could be, especially at this hour.

  “Who is it?”

  “Me.”

  “Blake?”

  “Yeah. Baby, I need to talk to you.”

  “No. Haven’t you done enough?”

  “Kennedi, please. I’m sorry about the way I acted earlier, but I really need to talk to you.”

  “Blake, no. And if you don’t leave, I’m calling the police.”

  “Kennedi, I promise this won’t take long, and I’ve even decided that I’m not taking you to court. So please let me in. Baby, this is really important.”

  She didn’t know what to do, but she had to admit that she was curious to know why he had all of a sudden changed his mind regarding legal action.

  “Kennedi, please.”

  She sighed, opened the door, and hoped she wouldn’t regret doing so.

  He crossed the threshold and Kennedi turned away and headed into the family room.

  “Why did you get the locks changed?” he wanted to know.

  “Because I didn’t want you coming in here whenever you felt like it.”

  Blake sat on the love seat, adjacent to where Kennedi was sitting on the sofa. “You look good. As beautiful as ever.”

  “Blake, what do you want?”

  “Well, first of all…I really messed up.”

  “And you think that’s new information?”

  “No, but I can’t go on like this, and it’s time I acknowledged what I’ve done to you.”

  Kennedi crossed her arms and stared at him.

  Blake continued. “Over the last few weeks, I know I’ve said some pretty harsh things to you, but I didn’t mean any of it. Not one word, and I was also lying when I said I no longer loved you.”

  Kennedi pursed her lips. “Is that right?”

  “Yes, and the only reason I moved out and filed for a divorce was because I didn’t see where I had any other choice.”

  “And what do you mean by that?”

  Blake hung his head backward and covered his face with both hands. Then he smoothed them down his cheeks and looked at her. “I had to do it, because Serena was pregnant with twins. But then she had a miscarriage.”

  If Kennedi hadn’t known better, she would have sworn this wasn’t Blake at all and that instead, some other madman was sitting across from her, rattling off a load of untruths. She’d have sworn the man positioned in front of her wasn’t able to distinguish what was real and what wasn’t, and that he desperately needed psychiatric help.

  “Did you hear me?” he asked. “I said Serena was pregnant.”

  “You’re way too much for me,” she said. “Amazing.”

  “I never meant for anything like this to happen. Actually, I never meant for any of it to happen, but one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew, I was seeing her on a regular basis and I couldn’t stop.”

  “No, what you mean is you didn’t stop.”

  Blake looked defeated. “I’m sorry. I know my words don’t mean much at this point, but I’m really, really sorry. And I want you to know that the only reason I’ve been so cold and so cruel to you is because it helped me believe I didn’t want you anymore. It made it a lot easier for me to leave you. It was almost as if I was playing head games with myself. I knew I loved you, but at the same time I can’t deny the fact that I didn’t want my children growing up without me. I felt the only proper thing to do was marry their mother, but now I know I was wrong. I know I was wrong for hurting you, and I never should have left.”

  “And you’re telling me this because?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m pouring my heart out to you because I made the biggest mistake in my life, and I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want a divorce, and I want to make everything up to you.”

  Kennedi wanted to strangle him. Or worse. But she tried to calm herself before speaking. She tried to forget about the tabloids and how they were going to have a field day with this baby saga if they ever found out about it. “It’s too late for any of what you’re talking about, and all
I want is for you to leave me alone. For good.”

  Blake got up, came over to her, and dropped down on his knees. “Kennedi, please don’t throw away ten whole years. I know I was wrong, but everybody makes mistakes. I was wrong, but when I saw you with another man this afternoon, it tore me apart. It hurt me in a way I can’t even explain.”

  “And how in the world do you think I feel?” she yelled while pushing him away and standing up. “How in the world do you think I’ve felt ever since you walked out of here? Huh?”

  “I know, and I’m sorry.”

  “Blake, how many times are you going to say that?”

  “Well, what can I do to make this right?”

  “Nothing. It’s as simple as that.”

  “Kennedi, please. I’ll spend the rest of my life doing whatever you want me to do. If you tell me to jump, the only thing I’ll want to know is how high and for how long.”

  “What you mean is that you’ll do whatever you have to in order to get your hands on that lottery money.”

  “No, that’s not it, because my attorney has pretty much assured me that I’ll be awarded no less than one half of everything.”

  “Then as far as I’m concerned there’s nothing else to talk about.”

  “Would it help if I told you that I don’t love Serena? Because I don’t. I thought I could, but now I know it will never happen.”

  “And so are you thinking that if I take you back, we can suddenly live happily ever after like two newlyweds? Because if you are, I have news for you. I’m not Charlotte Black.”

  “You’re not who?”

  “Blake, never mind. Just get out.”

  “Kennedi, if you’ll only think about all we’ve been through.”

  “You mean like the two-year affair you’ve been having with Serena, all while still sleeping with me at the same time?”

  Blake didn’t say anything, and that defeated look overtook him again.

  Kennedi walked out of the family room.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To show you out once and for all.”

  At the front door, Blake caressed the side of her face. “I still love you, and I’m not giving up.”

  Kennedi turned her head away from him, and he finally left.

  She closed the door and couldn’t help fixating on Serena and the fact that the woman had almost had a baby with her husband. Twins, to be exact.

  But more important, she still wondered why Blake was all of a sudden being so remorseful. She wondered why he’d suddenly had such a major change of heart.

  She wondered what could possibly make him change his mind about taking her to court and why he was shamelessly begging her to take him back.

  There had to be a reason, and Kennedi couldn’t wait to find out what it was.

  Chapter 16

  Patrice stretched her legs all the way in front of her and said, “Can you believe we’re actually sitting inside this humongous limousine, heading downtown to shop on Michigan Avenue?”

  Kennedi laughed at her and then gazed out of her window. It certainly was a dream come true, the two of them, best friends for life, preparing to shop for as long as they wanted and without any preset spending limits. As promised by the teller one week ago, Kennedi’s funds were now available, and Kennedi had decided it was time she and Patrice went out and enjoyed themselves. Of course, she wouldn’t do this on a regular basis, because one only needed so many pieces of clothing, shoes, and jewelry, but today they were going to purchase their hearts’ desires. Today they would live like Hollywood celebrities and not feel bad about it.

  “So, did Blake call again this morning?” Patrice asked.

  “Yep. Right on schedule at eight o’clock.”

  “My goodness, when is he finally going to give it a rest?”

  “I don’t know. He’s called every day since that night he came over, and I didn’t get to tell you that yesterday afternoon, he sent me another dozen roses.”

  “Isn’t that the third time?”

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  “How pitiful. I mean, does he actually think you’re going to just forget everything he’s done to you?”

  “Actually, I think he does. He’s been pleading tirelessly, and he won’t stop.”

  “And all because he wants you back?”

  “That’s what he says, but you know, I think there’s more to it. Especially since he changed his mind about suing me.”

  “Whenever something seems a little far-fetched, my grandfather used to say, there’s a dead cat on the line somewhere. Now, I’ll admit, I have no idea what that means, but I think that theory definitely applies to Blake.”

  “I do, too, but eventually he’ll get the message, and maybe when he does, he’ll leave me alone,” Kennedi added, and then saw the privacy window sliding open.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt you ladies,” the driver said while looking at them in the rearview mirror. “But here we are.”

  They pulled in front of the Louis Vuitton store, and while Kennedi had seen it and passed by it on plenty of occasions, she’d never actually gone inside, and now she knew there really was a first time for everything.

  “This is just too much,” Patrice declared.

  Randy, the driver, opened Kennedi’s car door, which was closest to the curb, and they both slid out of the limo. “I’m going to drive over a couple of blocks, but here’s my cell number so you can call me when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks, Randy. And actually, I should warn you that it’s probably going to be a little while.”

  He smiled. “I figured as much, and it’s not a problem. Waiting is what I do, and I’ll probably just get a bite to eat and do some reading.”

  Kennedi repositioned her black leather handbag farther across her right shoulder. “Sounds good. See you later.”

  Patrice waved her hand at him. “Yeah, see ya.”

  “You ladies have a great time.”

  Inside the store and to the left stood a cheerful-looking female security guard who greeted them right away. Next they were approached by a saleswoman.

  “Hello, I’m Susan. How can I help you ladies today?”

  “We’re interested in seeing some of your handbags.”

  “Certainly. Did you have something in particular in mind?”

  Kennedi moved closer to the glass case that the woman stepped behind. “Actually, yes, I was searching your site online, and since I love big purses, the Multipli-cité bag really caught my eye.”

  “Excellent choice,” she acknowledged, and slid open the glass cabinet and pulled it out.

  Kennedi sat her own bag on the counter and picked up the Louis Vuitton. “This is nice.”

  “It’s definitely you,” Patrice commented. “All the way.”

  “You think?”

  “I do. Seriously.”

  Kennedi switched it from hand to hand and arm to arm, testing it out in the mirror. “I know this is the first one I’ve tried, but I don’t think I have to look any further.”

  “It’s very classy,” Susan offered. “And as your friend said, it’s very you.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  “Wonderful. And what about you?” Susan asked Patrice.

  “I’ve been sort of standing here admiring that one.” She pointed.

  “Oh, the Alma bag. That’s another great choice. One of our classics.”

  Patrice waited for Susan to retrieve it. “I’ve always loved this whenever I’ve seen other women carrying it.”

  “I think it’ll always be pretty popular.”

  Patrice stood in front of the same mirror Kennedi had just walked away from and slid the two short handles over her arm and down toward her elbow. “I’ve been wanting one of these for as long as I can remember.”

  “Well, now you can finally get one.” Kennedi beamed, because the elated look on Patrice’s face was priceless, and nothing made her feel better than being able to do something special for others, specifically for the people she lov
ed and cared so deeply about.

  Patrice examined the bag inside out and then looked at Kennedi. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. I told you this morning. Get whatever you want.”

  “Then I’ll take it,” Patrice confirmed.

  Susan subtly eased the tote from Patrice, picked up the one Kennedi had chosen, and returned what must have been two floor models back where she’d gotten them. “You’re really blessed to have such a good friend.”

  “I know,” Patrice agreed.

  “We’re both blessed to have each other,” Kennedi added.

  “Well, before I head to the back to pull two brand-new bags, can I show you anything else? Maybe a couple of wallets?”

  Kennedi stepped closer to the case again. “That would be fine.”

  “There are so many to choose from,” Patrice pointed out.

  “So many indeed,” Susan said. “And it pretty much depends on how much space you need for money and credit cards.”

  Kennedi raised her eyebrows. “I can tell you right now that I need the largest one you carry.”

  “Isn’t that the truth?” Patrice laughed. “And even that might not be big enough with all the stuff she totes around. She’s always prepared for everything.”

  Susan chuckled along with her and then suggested six different styles before Kennedi and Patrice each chose the one that zipped all the way around and was roomy enough for just about everything, including a checkbook and pen. Then Kennedi decided she also wanted the Drouot, a shoulder bag that had a strap long enough to cross over her body, and Patrice chose the Portfolio for business. After that, they waited for Susan to wrap up their selections and bring them out to the checkout area, where Kennedi passed over her American Express Platinum Card and paid for them.

  Then they strolled quickly across the street with two sizable dark brown shopping bags in hand and headed toward Tiffany. Kennedi had always wanted to purchase something that could be placed in one of those cute little blue boxes adorned with shiny white ribbon, and now she would finally have her chance.

  But just as they stepped in front of the doorway, Kennedi’s phone rang, and she decided to answer it before going inside. Patrice waited beside her. Kennedi rolled her eyes in irritation when she saw that it was Blake.