Black Diamond 3: Lucky Chance (Urban Books)

by Brittani Williams

  “Dead serious,” he said as he walked over to where she was standing. Diamond was never the mushy type and now that she knew she was pregnant that said it all. The crying and the arguments, it was all out of character for her. Some of it he could get used to. Assuming how she felt was based on what he’d done in the past, knowing for sure felt a lot better. He figured this pregnancy had its pros and cons after all. He removed the ring from the small velvet box and placed it on her finger as she held out her hand for him.

  Tears were still flowing as she moved in and kissed him. “I’m sorry I’m so emotional. This isn’t me. I love you so much. I’m happier than you know.” She hugged him.

  He felt good, and he hoped that the feeling would last. In the past, he’d been known for losing interest in women after a while but he didn’t see that happening with her. Regardless of the ups and downs she was actually one of the only women he felt this strong of a connection to. After a few seconds the smile that brightened her face became dim.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m just thinking about Kemp. We can’t get married if he’s still alive.”

  “Look, I honestly don’t believe that it’s Kemp. Someone else has to know what happened and just wants to fuck with us. I think I know him more than anyone and if he really wanted us dead, trust me, we would have been dead by now. That’s real talk, D. I don’t see it, I just don’t.” He shook his head.

  “How would someone know what happened? I would have been in jail by now if that was the case.”

  “Obviously they want something from us, I just have to find out what the hell it is.”

  “I’m just scared. With the baby coming and all, I don’t want anything to happen.”

  “It won’t, trust me. You’ve believed in me this long, don’t stop now. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I promise.” He reached out to hug her and she obliged, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

  From that point forward Dior was the most important thing in both of their lives. Both of them would give their last breath for her. Diamond couldn’t imagine how her life would have been had she never had the joy of being a mother. She would have never thought that she’d only have such a short time to shower her with all of the love that she had for her.

  Chapter Twenty

  Lost

  “Oh my God, Diamond, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you call me sooner?” Kiki said, coming through Diamond’s front door. The two embraced before Diamond closed the door. “I can’t believe it,” she said, shaking her head.

  “I can’t even close my eyes without seeing it. I have to bury both my husband and my daughter.” She fought to hold back tears. She’d been crying so much that she felt dehydrated.

  “Well, I’m here for you, girl. Anything that you need me to do I will have your back. Did you make the arrangements yet?”

  “No. I actually have to go this evening. My mom and dad are meeting me down there.”

  “I know how you feel, girl,” she said, sitting down on the sofa.

  Diamond sat there, looking at Kiki, wondering how she could know how she felt. She’d never lost any of her loved ones, let alone a husband and child. She also wondered why it had taken her so long to come over and show her condolences. It almost made her think back to all of the time that they spent not speaking. She wondered how she could truly call herself a friend and not be there in her times of need. As Kiki sat and talked about how she felt sorry for Diamond and how she could feel her pain, she began to see her lips moving but could no longer hear the words that were coming out of her mouth. She wasn’t in the fighting mood, so she decided to sit tight to see what would come out of her mouth.

  “I’m just trying to figure out my life and where I’m going. I feel like I’m in a never-ending nightmare,” Diamond said with her hands on both sides of her face. She shook her head as quick flashes of the murders crossed her mind.

  “Are you okay?” Kiki asked, noticing the sudden change in Diamond’s facial expression.

  “No, I’m really not okay, but I don’t want to keep reliving everything so let’s just stop talking about it. What’s been up with you? Anything new in Kiki’s world?” Diamond asked, changing the subject.

  Kiki’s face clearly said that something was wrong, but Diamond could never know how what she was about to hear would eventually cause more devastation in life. “He’s not around anymore and it’s breaking my heart,” she replied with a pout.

  “What happened?” Diamond asked, concerned.

  “Girl, I don’t even want to talk about it. It makes me sad. The crazy thing is I’ve been feeling so sick lately and I think that I might be pregnant, but the way things have played out I’m almost afraid to take a pregnancy test.”

  Diamond sat, trying to fight back tears. She’d just lost her only child and here Kiki could be carrying a baby. Deep down she felt nothing but jealousy and envy, and at that moment she wanted to run out of the room and tuck her head under a pillow. “Really? Pregnant? I never thought I’d see the day,” she said, forcing a laugh.

  “Me either. I never thought I’d fall in love either but, hey, life has a way of surprising you.”

  “You can say that again.” She forced a smile. At this point she wanted to get the conversation over with and politely escort her out of the house, but she held it together. Her stomach felt nauseated and her body was numb as she hoped this was all a part of a dream, or better yet a sick joke.

  “I don’t know. I will probably take a test eventually, but right now I just can’t bring myself to do it.” She shook her head.

  “Well, if you are, you will find out soon enough.”

  “Yeah. Well, girl, I just wanted to check on you. I have to get down to the club, but if you need me for anything make sure that you call me,” Kiki said before getting up out of her seat to go hug Diamond.

  Diamond reluctantly hugged her. There was something about Kiki that had changed, something that she just couldn’t put her finger on. The warm feeling that she once got from her had turned completely cold. She thought back to the day that she got out of prison and how Kiki was so caring and was right there to help Diamond out of the sticky situation that she’d gotten herself in. The year was 2006 and Diamond had just been released on a drug charge that would change the track that her life would take.

  Kiki sat on the sofa, flipping through the channels, when there was a loud knock at her door. Annoyed she quickly got up off of the chair and headed toward her apartment door. “I’m coming, give me a minute,” she yelled. She smiled as soon as she opened the door and found her best friend standing there in gray sweat pants and a white T-shirt, and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. “Diamond,” she yelled. “Oh my God, I am so happy to see you, girl. When did you get out?” she continued yelling while pulling Diamond close for a hug.

  “I just got out today, girl, can’t you tell? I look like I just got hit by a bus!” Diamond smiled while walking into the living room of Kiki’s two-bedroom apartment.

  “Girl, you look better than I thought you would after spending nine months in jail,” Kiki said.

  “Girl, I’m just so glad to be home. You just don’t know!”

  “We’ve got so much to catch up on, like have you even heard from Davey?” Kiki asked about Diamond’s ex-boyfriend.

  “Hell no, nor do I want to. I know I’ve said that once before but—” Diamond was cut off by Kiki.

  “Once? Girl, you said that when he cheated on you and gave you that STD, when he choked you, hell when he had you in that threesome with his freak-ass baby mom and then had that shit being sold in the streets, and then—”

  Diamond cut Kiki off. “Uh I don’t need you to remind me, Kiki. I was there, remember? I’m just saying I’m dead serious this time. There is no way in hell I’d go back to him. Those nine months I did in jail for him gave me a lot of time to think,” Diamond said, shaking her head.

  “Well um, I hope you thought about seeing Gia at the salon because your hair
is tore up, and now that I’m looking at it close, it looks like a bird made a nest in it.” Kiki laughed.

  “Shut up, I’m going, girl, as soon as I get me some money. And, speaking of money, I heard about this dude named Kemp when I was locked up. Do you know him?” she asked with a huge smile on her face.

  “Kemp, yeah. Who doesn’t know him? He’s only the richest hustla in the city.”

  “Well, I mean what’s up with him? Does he have a girlfriend?”

  “Yeah, last I heard he did, but that’s not the guy you want to get involved with. You just got out of a bad relationship,” Kiki said, concerned.

  “I’m not looking for love this time, Kiki. I’m trying to get paid.”

  “Just be careful, whatever you do. I’ve heard some bad things about him.”

  “I’ll be fine, trust me. You know I can take care of myself.”

  “Like you did with Davey?”

  “You don’t have to try to play me, Kiki. I know I’ve made a lot of dumb mistakes in my life but I thought you were my friend.”

  “Listen, I am your friend, probably the only real friend that you have. Look, a friend is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow. I only say things with the hopes that you realize your mistakes that’s all.”

  “I’m sorry for snapping, Kiki. I’m just not used to being broke. I mean look at me, I’m a mess. I have nothing—I didn’t come here to argue with you, you’re my best friend in the world.” She laughed and grabbed Kiki by the arm. “I really came here to see if I could stay with you until I get back on my feet. I promise it won’t be long.”

  “Um, let me think about that.” She paused before laughing. “Girl, you know me and you are friends. Anything for you. You fight, I fight . . . You hurt, I hurt . . . You cry, I cry . . . You jump off a bridge, I’m gonna miss your dumb ass!” She burst into laughter. “Sike. I’m just playing, you can stay here as long as you need to. I’ll give you some money to get your hair and nails done, too. I can’t have my best friend walking around looking like she just crawled out of a cardboard box.” Kiki reached out to hug Diamond.

  At that time, Diamond was secure in her friendship with Kiki, knowing that in times of need she would be there for her. Now, it didn’t look that way and it hadn’t looked that way in a long time. Their friendship seemed lost and Diamond was starting to think about life without her in it as well.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chance Meeting

  Diamond sat at the bar, sipping an apple martini alone. Lately, she’d been trying to find a way to clear her mind without having to hear other people’s opinions, thoughts, or concerns about her or the events that had taken place. She’d buried her family and now she stood alone, trying to figure out what it was she wanted to do with her life. She looked at her watch, noticing that she had just a few more hours before she met with Tommy to square all of their business stuff away. Knowing that she should probably have a clear mental status, she couldn’t bring herself to deal with anything sober. Somehow, the alcohol would help block out some of the bad things that clouded her brain.

  “Is this seat taken?” a deep male voice said in her ear.

  “No,” she said without turning around to face him.

  “I’m sorry to be forward, but I’m wondering why a beautiful woman like you is sitting here all alone? And looking so sad.”

  “I just like spending time alone without anyone talking to me.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bother you. I just wanted to see if there was anything that I could do to brighten up your mood, that’s all.”

  “I doubt very seriously if you could help me but thanks anyway.”

  “Well, Diamond . . . That is your name, right?”

  “How did you know my name?” she asked, immediately paranoid.

  “The earrings.” He laughed. “I’m not a stalker or anything.”

  Diamond laughed, feeling silly.

  “Look, my name is Chance. If you would let me buy you a drink, I will leave you to your drinks if you’d like me to. I just wouldn’t feel right walking away without at least trying to give you something to smile about.”

  “Well, I guess one drink won’t kill me,” she replied, finally taking a look at the handsome stranger.

  “Cool. Bartender, can you bring her another round please?” he yelled to the bartender.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “So, Ms. Diamond. Are you in a relationship? Married?” he asked.

  “I was married but I lost my husband.”

  “Sorry to hear that, I really am. I wish that I could take that pain away because I can see in your eyes that it’s still hurting you.” Chance smiled.

  “I’d rather not talk too much about it but I can appreciate your concern.”

  “I understand. I won’t push the issue. Let’s change the subject. I really think that you are a beautiful woman and I would like to take you out to dinner sometime if that’s okay with you.”

  “Uh I’m not sure if—”

  “I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m asking for one harmless dinner.”

  “Umm, I don’t know.” She shook her head.

  “Please just one dinner. If I I’m the biggest asshole on the planet then by all means, walk away.”

  Diamond sat silent for a second, pondering the question that he posed. He was trying to convince her that he was her Prince Charming but she wasn’t biting as fast as he thought that she would. Diamond looked down at her watch, knowing that Tommy would be there any minute to scoop her up for their meeting. She didn’t want him to walk in and catch her talking to another man so soon after Black’s death. Not that she owed anyone an explanation, but she still wasn’t in the mood for anyone’s opinion.

  “Okay, one date; that’s all that I will promise,” she blurted, trying to hurry up and get rid of her uninvited guest.

  “Cool. Well, here’s my card. I will let you go so you can get on with your day. I really hope that I didn’t bother you too much or take up too much of your time,” he said before grabbing her hand and kissing it on the back of it.

  She allowed him to kiss her hand before quickly pulling it away.

  “Give me a call, Ms. Diamond, so we can set something up.” He began to walk away.

  “Will do,” she replied. She didn’t have any intention of calling but she entertained it long enough to get him to walk away. He was cute though, there was just so many things going on that she found it hard think about being with a man. It wasn’t that he wasn’t attractive or that she didn’t see his politeness as something that she could get used to, she just wasn’t ready for a relationship as she was still trying to cope with her losses. She turned around to finish her drink when Tommy walked into the bar and headed in her direction. He immediately hugged her once he got near her.

  “We need to go somewhere else and talk,” he said with seriousness written across his face.

  “Why? What’s wrong? I don’t like the way this sounds,” she replied, immediately nervous.

  “Come on. I will tell you in the car,” he said, gently grabbing her by the arm. He pulled out a one hundred dollar bill from his pocket and threw in on the bar to cover Diamond’s bill.

  She could barely wait to get in the car before questioning him again. He entered the car and his ass was barely planted in the seat before she began to speak. “What is it, Tommy? What’s going on?” she asked.

  “I don’t know how to tell you this.” He paused.

  “Just tell me, Tommy, whatever you have to tell me.”

  “I promised Black that I would be here to take care of you in the event that anything ever went wrong and he wasn’t here.” He sat quietly, thinking back to his promise to Black.

  “So how does it feel?” Tommy asked, raising his glass to Black’s.

  “It feels good, man, it feels damn good.” Black laughed. They were out celebrating because business was back on track.
Money was flowing in and the soldiers were all in line. He never thought he’d be enjoying this moment with Tommy. Thinking back, all he could think of was Kemp and how he promised him that he was destined for greatness. He used to feel bad about being with Diamond but now he didn’t. He knew that this was the way that things were supposed to be.

  Black looked over at Tommy and smiled before speaking. “I remember sitting with Kemp when he made a million dollars. We were sitting in his living room and we had a bottle of champagne sitting on the table. We were both pretty drunk and Kemp said to me, ‘A million muthafucking dollars, do you believe this shit, nigga?’”

  “I knew you’d do it, you always said that you would.”

  “He said, ‘I sure did and you’re getting to enjoy it with me. Being on top is a wonderful thing and you’ll be here one day.’”

  “I feel you and I’m happy to witness this shit for real. I was speaking from the heart because honestly I was just as happy for him as I would’ve been had the roles been reversed”

  “I’m king of the world, nigga, ain’t that what they say! Kemp was standing on top of the sofa with a glass in his hand all drunk and shit like Nino in New Jack City.”

  “That’s what they say.” I was cracking up at him by this point. This nigga was drunk as hell and spilling shit all over himself and me.” Black said.

  “On some real shit though”—Black sat back down next to Tommy—“when I’m dead and gone, you’re the only nigga I’d want to have this shit. Even down to my bitch, you can have it all. I mean that shit, man; I love you like a brother.”

  “I love you like a brother too.”

  “Let’s drink to that shit then,” he yelled as he grabbed the bottle off the table. Instead of pouring it, he toasted his glass with it and drank the rest of it. Black laughed that night but he believed that what he said was true. If there was anyone he wanted to have all that he accomplished when he was gone, that person was Black. He felt good knowing that he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.