The Queen of Diamonds

by Raven Cavalleu

Dani saw her holding hands with Nikki and replied with a smile. "Not just any book. It's the next in the Darcy McCloud series. I've been waiting months for this book. It is by one of my all-time favorite authors."

  Alex was quite startled to hear Dani talking about her latest book in such a fashion. She knew that people of all types purchased her books, but never thought that Dani would be one of them. She fought hard to suppress the smile that threatened. "I see, well in that case, I'm sorry to hear you won't be able to get it for your birthday."

  "I'll live. Besides, now Rachel will actually have to go shopping for me, and I'll end up with two presents." She grinned. "It really is a win-win for me."

  Chapter Seven

  Early Saturday morning Alex slowly opened her eyes and looked around the room, unsure of what woke her. Seconds later she heard a knock at the door, and a voice call out her name. "Come in." She watched as the door swung open and Nikki walked in carrying a tray.

  "Good morning. Since you didn't come down for breakfast, I thought I'd bring breakfast to you." She walked in and set the tray on the side of the bed, and then pulled the cord to open the curtains, allowing the morning sunlight to fill the room. "I'm sorry I woke you, but Rachel will be here in just under two hours. I was hoping to spend a little time with you before you went shopping." She walked over and sat on the end of the bed as Alex sat up and pulled the tray closer. "What time did you go to bed?"

  Alex looked up at her guiltily. "About one this morning."

  "You need to take better care of yourself than that. Your body is still healing."

  Alex took another bite of her breakfast as she thought about her comment. It had been so long since anyone other than Maria had cared enough to worry about her. "Are you worried about me, mia cara?"

  "Just a little. I am a doctor after all. It wouldn't do to have you hurt again on my watch." Alex quietly picked up her fork and continued eating. She took a deep breath and said, "But more than that, I don't like the thought of you hurting. I like you, Alex. At the very least, you're my best friend."

  Alex watched as she struggled to say what was on her mind. "Is that what you want from me, Nikki?" She held her breath as she waited for the answer.

  "I know you've been hurt, Alex, and you're afraid of being hurt again. That makes me nervous to push for more. I'm afraid I'll just push you away. I told you weeks ago that I am attracted to you, and that I'd wait for you. Nothing has changed except the fact that we are now friends. I don't want to lose your friendship. I value it too much."

  "Are you willing to settle for friendship, Nikki?" Alex watched as sadness settled over her, and felt hope that the feelings she had might be returned.

  "If that's all you're able to give me, then that is what I'll take." She took the tray and turned for the door.

  "Would you please set that down and help me up?" Nikki placed the tray on the dresser and returned to the bed where she held her hands out. Alex grabbed both of her hands, but instead of allowing her to pull her from the bed, she pulled Nikki down on top of her. As she wrapped her arms around her, she whispered, "It's a good thing I want more than just friendship from you isn't it?" She loved the feel of Nikki's body pressed against hers. She knew she still wasn't ready to start a physical relationship with her, but knew it wouldn't be long. She could tell she was beginning to trust Nikki and the feelings she felt for her.

  Nikki groaned as she felt Alex press closer. She propped up on her elbows, and pushed her pelvis against Alex's. She saw the desire in her eyes but held herself back, knowing she wasn't quite ready. "It's a very good thing. Knowing that gives me the strength to continue waiting." She searched her eyes for the truth as she asked, "Can I kiss you?"

  "Please."

  Several minutes later they parted, breathless. Nikki rolled over and fell back against the bed. "You'd better go get cleaned up. I'll wait for you downstairs where it's safe."

  Alex leaned on her elbow as her eyes freely wandered over Nikki's prone form. "Who wants safe?" she asked as she met her desire filled eyes.

  "We both do."

  Alex nodded as she lay down beside her and snuggled close. "What did she do to you, mia cara, to hurt you so badly?"

  Nikki pulled her close as she slowly answered the question. "She decided she wanted me, and pursued me until she got me. Then over the next few years, she pushed me and fought to change me into exactly what she wanted. Once she succeeded, she found someone that reminded her of who I used to be, and promptly cheated on me." Alex could hear the emotion in her voice as she continued. "She lied to me for months. I lost my friends, hobbies, and parts of myself because of what I allowed her to do to me. I even lost Dani."

  Alex pushed herself up so she could see Nikki's face as she said, "No, you've not lost Dani. She's still right beside you, you just need to reach out for her. How do you think she feels?"

  A tear slid down into the hair above her ear as she replied. "She has Rachel, she doesn't need me."

  Alex wiped away the damp trail left by the tear. "You're wrong. She still needs you, and she misses you as much as you miss her. You two have a bond that cannot be broken, nor can you be easily replaced by another." She leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "Why don't you spend some time with her today while Rachel and I shop. I promise you won't regret it." At Nikki's hopeful look, she smiled and said, "Open up to her, and confide in her like you used to. You'll both feel better for it."

  Alex walked into the living room and was surprised to see Rachel and Dani had already arrived. They were sitting on the couch as Nikki cuddled in the recliner with Madison. She turned and headed for the kitchen to talk to Maria about the birthday gathering the following weekend. Several minutes later she headed back into the living room after having reached an agreement with Maria. She walked up to the recliner and stood in front of Nikki. "Do me a favor today?"

  "Of course."

  "I want you and Dani to discuss next weekend's lunch plans. Work with Maria and Ilario to figure out what will work best, but get the plans done today. Then, call your parents and extend the invitation." She saw Nikki take a breath and interrupted before she could argue. "Don't argue with me. We will host the lunch here, and Maria and I will cook so that you can focus on your family." She turned and glared at Dani, daring her to protest. She wisely just held her hands up in surrender. With a nod she turned to Rachel and asked, "Are you ready to go shopping?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned around and scooped Madison up off of Nikki's lap. The little girl squealed as she twirled her around in circles. "You be a good girl for Mommy and Auntie Nikki okay?"

  "Okay, Angel. I brought my colors. I'll make you a picture, okay?"

  "I'd like that a lot, piccola. Thank you."

  They said good-bye and headed for Rachel's car. "Where to first?"

  "How about Starbucks?" Alex shrugged at Rachel's quizzical expression. "What can I say? I'd love a good cup of coffee while we discuss a shopping strategy. I don't know about you, but I have no idea what to get either one of them."

  Rachel nodded her agreement with Alex's predicament as she pulled out of the property and onto the street. "How about the Starbucks over by the outlet mall? At least that way we'll already be right there." She drove in silence for a moment before looking over and saying, "I'm not sure what I'm going to do for Dani. I knew I wasn't going to get completely off the hook as far as a present, but that book was really going to go a long way. Dani doesn't know it, but I've been saving money for our anniversary. I want to take her to Hawaii." She sighed. "I guess I'll have to dip into my stash now." She saw Alex's look of curiosity and explained. "Things have been a little tight the last few years since Dani isn't working. We've both had to make a few sacrifices. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change anything. It's all been worth it."

  "What type of work does Dani do?"

  Rachel pulled into a parking space and turned the car off. "She's a nurse. She was working at St. Mary's before Madison was born. She's been out of it for so long, I'm not
sure what recertification she'll have to go through to be employable, or how much that will cost." Alex climbed out of the car, deep in thought. She barely noticed the rich smell of coffee and sugary baked goods wafting through the store as she ordered her drink.

  "What are you thinking about?"

  Alex looked up, startled by the question. "Sorry. You know the old saying about it's not what you know but who you know?" Rachel nodded. "Well, you are lucky because you know me." She smiled at Rachel's skeptical expression. "Your birthday present problems are solved."

  "How exactly is that?" She held up a hand to stop Alex from responding when she heard their names being called. "I'll get those, hang on just a minute." She returned to the small table seconds later with their coffee and sat down. "Okay, please enlighten me."

  Alex stirred sugar into her steaming cup. "The how is not important, just know that you will have the latest Darby McCloud adventure in time for Dani's birthday." At Rachel's uncertain look she said, "I know the author, okay? You will have, not just a copy of the book, a signed copy. That should get you some big points with your wife."

  Rachel sat back in her chair as Alex blew on the steaming liquid before taking a sip. "I don't know what to say."

  "No worries, Ray." She set her cup back down on the table, and looked up. "Tell me what Nikki was like before she hooked up with her ex. What types of things did she like?" She saw the surprise in her eyes before she quickly shuttered her expression. "I'm just looking for hints of possible gifts, Ray, not emotional insights and secrets."

  "Okay, let me think about this." They sat quietly for a few moments as Rachel dug through her memories for the things a younger Nikki enjoyed. "I know she used to like to go hiking on the weekends. She enjoyed taking pictures of the scenery and wildlife." She looked over at Alex with a startled expression. "Oh my God, how could I forget? She joined a local recreational softball team while in college. She played for years. That was one of the first things Michelle made her give up." At her look of disbelief, she nodded. "She made Nikki get rid of everything, all of her equipment even her glove."

  "What position did she play?"

  Rachel thought for a moment before answering. "She played shortstop. I can't believe I forgot that. I need to see if she wants to join our team. I play on a team with a bunch of doctors. We start in a couple of weeks, and are still short a couple of players." She looked at Alex with a hopeful expression. "Wanna play?"

  Alex laughed as she shook her head. "Sorry, but no. I think my playing days are done. You should ask Nikki though." She grabbed her cell phone and pulled up the Internet. Moments later she put the phone to her ear as Rachel watched, curious. "Yes, is Michael in today? Perfect…No, that's not necessary. I'll be by shortly. Thank you." She picked up her coffee cup and smiled at Rachel. "Let's go. I know where we're going first."

  Rachel pulled into the parking lot and was directed by Alex to pull around back. "Softball World?" she asked hesitantly. "I've been here before. They have a lot of stuff, but it is more expensive than most other places."

  Alex looked over at Rachel and with a secretive smile said, "I guess you're just going to have to trust me." She waited quietly and wasn't disappointed when Rachel chuckled and climbed from the car. Alex led her to the unmarked door near the back of the building. As they stepped inside, a buzzer sounded, announcing their presence.

  "What is this place?" Rachel asked as she looked around curiously. The room was filled with the smell of leather as gloves of all shapes and sizes hung from hooks along one wall. As she turned, she saw another wall lined with bats, and buckets of balls along the floor.

  "Can I help you?" Alex heard Michael call out, and turned to greet him. She saw the instant recognition on his face, and simply smiled. "Alexis? Is that really you?" She nodded as she walked up to him, stepping into his open arms. "It's good to see you, girl. It's been far too long." He released her and looked up as he noticed Rachel. He quietly hummed his approval as he reached past Alex to shake her hand. "Hello, I'm Michael. I own this little shop, and you are?"

  Rachel shook his hand and responded, "I'm Rachel. I'm a friend of Alex's."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Rachel." He turned back to Alex and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively as he placed his hand over his heart. He sighed in disappointment as Alex answered his unvoiced question with a shake of her head. "What can I do for you ladies?"

  Alex ran her hand lovingly over the smooth composite barrel of a bat lying on the counter. "I want to buy a glove for a friend of mine. She's a middle infielder, throws right, and her hands are just a touch larger than mine. I was thinking about a glove with closed webbing. What do you have on hand that fits the bill?" She watched as he thought about it, running through the inventory in his head. She smiled as his eyes lit up and he disappeared into the racks of leather behind the counter. She walked over and picked up a ball while she waited, her fingers immediately finding the seams.

  Michael returned less than a minute later carrying a beautiful, rich brown glove. He handed it to Alex, and watched her eyes light up at the feel of the soft leather. "I can get your friend here a glove, and you two can test it out in the alley."

  Alex slipped the glove on, and was immediately taken back to a time when she lived for the feel of the sun on her shoulders and a ball in her hand. As she began to walk towards the rear of the shop, she called out over her shoulder, "She's a catcher, not a fielder. Get her something she'll be comfortable in."

  Michael clapped his hands gleefully as he turned to Rachel. Moments later he led her into a long narrow room at the rear of the store where Alex stood loosening the muscles in her arm. They started by gently tossing the ball back and forth between them as they each got a feel for the new equipment. After a couple of minutes, they both stepped back and began to throw the ball a little harder. Soon the sound of the ball slapping the leather reverberated off of the walls. Alex caught Rachel's throw and nodded to Michael. "This is a great glove, Michael. I'm sure she'll love it."

  She looked up as Rachel called out to her. "Hey, Alex. Now that you're all warmed up, how about throwing me a couple?" Alex hesitated, so she pushed and teasingly yelled, "What's the matter? Are you too old to pitch?"

  Alex gave her a playful glare. "It's been a long time, Ray. I'm not sure I can spot the ball as accurately as I used to, and don't forget I just stopped wearing the boot yesterday. I wouldn't want to hit you, and have to explain that to your wife when we get home."

  "Oh, I see. Not only are you too old, but you're chicken too."

  She glared at Michael as he chuckled. "I really hope you're more than just a weekend warrior, Ray. Otherwise you're gonna regret this." She walked back over to the mound and waited for Rachel to crouch behind the plate. Starting off with a gentle curve ball, she placed it within inches of her desired location. She smiled as Rachel pulled the glove over the plate, framing it slightly for the umpire. She caught the ball Rachel threw her way and threw a second curveball directly over the plate.

  "Come on, Alex, give me some heat." She stuck her glove out in front of her and waited. "Give me your best shot."

  Alex put her toe on the rubber and cleared her mind. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and pushed off the rubber as her arm began the large arc overhead. She released the ball and watched as Rachel caught it. The force of the throw knocked her backward and onto her back. She rushed over to check on her, and saw Rachel grinning from ear to ear. "Holy shit, Alex. That was incredible." Alex just shook her head as she helped her to her feet.

  "Why don't you go get cleaned up while I pay for this?" She took the catcher's mitt and pointed her towards the restrooms. As Rachel closed the door, she placed both gloves on the counter and said, "I'll take them both as well as a couple of balls." Michael quickly wrapped them and placed them in a bag before running her credit card. She took the bag and turned just as Rachel reappeared. Together they told Michael good-bye and headed out the door.

  "Where to now?" Rachel asked as she started th
e car. She looked over at Alex who was deep in thought.

  "I think I'm done for today. I've got Nikki's present taken care of, and you have Dani's. I need to think about Dani for a little while before I proceed." She saw the concerned expression at the mention of Dani's name. "What are you thinking?" she asked as she rubbed her aching thigh.

  "Are you sure that your friend will come through with the book? I'm just a little nervous not having a backup plan."

  "Trust me, Ray. I won't let you down."

  "I do trust you. I certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise. It's just that I'll be in the doghouse for weeks if I don't have something for her."

  Alex chuckled. "Well, it's a good thing I asked them to ship it overnight then isn't it?"

  As they entered the house, Alex held up the bag and said, "I need to take this upstairs, and make a phone call. I'll be down in a little while." Nikki watched as she made her way up the stairs. As Alex moved out of sight, she turned and saw Rachel's knowing smile. With a shrug she followed her back into the living room.

  Alex stashed the bag in her closet and pulled out her cell phone. Unable to find the phone number she was looking for, she pulled up the Internet and began to search. Several minutes later she found the number and dialed. The call was answered on the third ring. "May I speak with Ms. Kelly Smith, please? Tell her that Alexis Mohr is calling…Thank you."

  "Alexis, is that really you?" They spent several minutes catching up after years of silence, before Kelly said, "Tell me what's on your mind. As much as I've enjoyed catching up, I know that's not why you called."

  "I'm sorry I let things come between us, Kelly. You were a good friend, and I should have tried harder."

  "It's water under the bridge, Alex. Now tell me what's on your mind."

  She told her about Dani and her current work situation. "All I'm asking is for you to meet her with an open mind. I was thinking we could have lunch sometime this week, that way you can get to know her a little bit. She has no idea that I'm calling you, and I'd like to keep it that way."