The Queen of Diamonds

by Raven Cavalleu

  "Let me think about it, Alex. Give me your number and I'll call you to let you know." They exchanged phone numbers and said good-bye.

  Chapter Eight

  The beginning of the week passed quickly as they prepared for the birthday party on Saturday. Alex's latest book arrived on Monday, and she immediately personalized it and wrapped it before calling Rachel to let her know it had arrived. She received a call from Kelly on Tuesday with an invitation to lunch the next day. She called Dani to ask for her help. It took a little convincing, but she finally agreed to join her and Kelly for lunch. Dani became a bit more enthusiastic when she found out Maria was set to babysit.

  When her morning appointments were complete, Alex headed upstairs to wash away the evidence of her hard work in the gym. After blow-drying her hair, she stood in the closet trying to decide what to wear. She pulled out a pair of black chinos and hung them on the door. As she was looking for a blouse, she heard a knock on the door and Dani call her name. "Come in."

  The hardwood floors in the hallway gave way to plush gray carpeting as Dani walked into the room and looked around curiously. The room was spacious with a sitting area near the back windows, and a king size four-poster bed with a lavender cloth draped between the posts. The clean, citrusy sent of Alex's perfume hung in the air. "Where are you?" she asked when she didn't see Alex. She stepped out of the closet, startling her. "Good Lord, woman. Would you please put some clothes on?"

  Alex walked back into the closet as she said, "I'm trying. Come help me decide on a blouse while I get these pants on over this damn brace." She waved her towards the row of garments in question as she pulled the pants from their hanger and said, "I hope these are loose enough to cover this thing." She pulled them on and stepped up to the mirror. "What do you think? Can you still see it?"

  Dani watched as she walked a few steps. "Maybe just a little, but I think that's because I know it's there. You'd better hurry or else we'll be late." She pulled a cobalt blue Burberry shirt from the rack and said, "What about this one? It would look stunning with your blonde hair, and really set off your eyes." Alex took the shirt, pulled it on, and turned for inspection. "Very nice, but now I'm feeling a bit under dressed."

  Alex walked over to her supply of shirts and pulled out a button up the color of the setting sun. She handed it to Dani and said, "Here, try this one on. It's a little roomier through the chest, so it should fit you just fine. Hurry up, we don't want to be late." She turned and searched for a comfortable pair of loafers. When she stood back up, Dani had finished changing and was inspecting herself in the mirror. She walked up behind her and hummed her approval. "You look beautiful, Dani. That color is perfect with your skin tone. Now, let's go conquer the world."

  Alex directed Dani through town to the Wellington Center. It was a privately owned luxury care facility for the elderly, with a reputation for the best care available. As Dani parked, she looked around in awe. "Your friend works here? I've heard this place is amazing."

  "It is rather fancy," Alex replied as she climbed from the vehicle. Together they walked through the front entrance and into the lobby. Dani's steps slowed as she looked around. After checking in with the receptionist, Alex watched her walk around the lobby, admiring the various pieces of art on display. She was startled from her thoughts by a hand on her arm, and looked up into Kelly's pale blue eyes.

  "She's beautiful." At Alex's confused look, Kelly tilted her head in Dani's direction.

  As understanding dawned, she smiled. "Yes, she is."

  Alex admired Kelly as she sat down in the chair beside her. Her soft yellow blouse and brown dress slacks fit her perfectly, and her sandy colored hair fell in waves just past her shoulders. Kelly watched as Dani slowly moved to the next painting. "Please tell me you aren't wasting my time in an effort to get in her pants."

  She shook her head and sighed. "Kelly, I have no desire to get in her pants, and I fully expected you to check out her background and references thoroughly before you even agreed to meet her. Please tell me you still do your homework."

  Kelly chuckled and nodded. "I do, and if what I found is accurate, she would be a true asset to my team." She smiled at Dani as she turned toward them with a guilty look.

  "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. You are so lucky to work here, this place is amazing and all I've seen so far is the lobby." Dani held her hand out to Kelly. "By the way, my name is Dani. I'm a friend of Alex's. I hope you don't mind my crashing your lunch."

  Kelly shook the offered hand. "I'm Kelly. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I don't mind at all. I enjoy showing the place off to those that appreciate it. How would you like a tour before we eat?" As she quickly agreed, Alex rose from her chair. She followed behind as Kelly led the way with Dani at her side. It soon became very obvious to her that the two had hit it off, and had several things in common. She listened as they discussed some of the medical equipment Wellington had available, and was quickly lost in the medical jargon. Her attention began to wander, and thoughts of Nikki rose in her mind.

  Dani walked beside Kelly as they discussed the benefits of privatized hospitalization. She realized she hadn't heard Alex offer her opinion, and turned to say something. She noticed Alex was lagging behind and her limp was more pronounced than usual. "Alex, are you okay?" When she didn't get a response, she stepped up to her and placed a hand on her arm. "Alex, honey." When she focused on her, Dani continued, "Are you doing all right?"

  Alex blinked several times and focused on the two women before her. "Yes, of course. I'm fine, why do you ask?"

  "You were limping more than usual. I just wanted to make sure you're not in pain. We can stop to rest for a moment if you like."

  Kelly stepped up beside her, and placed a supportive arm around her waist. "There is a small recreational room right over here. How about we go in for a moment?" Alex allowed Kelly to lead her into the room and towards a chair. "Would you like some water?"

  "I'll get it." Dani turned and headed for the drink machine across the room.

  "What happened?"

  Alex opened her purse, pulled out her prescription pain medication, and opened the bottle. "It's no big deal." She took the water Dani offered and downed a pill.

  Kelly took the bottle of pills from her hand and read the label. "It's a fairly big deal if you're taking these." She looked closely at her as she asked, "Does Jo have something to do with this?"

  Alex took the bottle from Kelly and tossed it back into her purse. "No. Jo is out of my life and has been for a couple of years. This was just an accident." At her disbelieving stare she said, "Honestly." Kelly looked up at Dani who nodded her agreement with the statement. "How about some lunch? I'm sure I should probably eat with those pills."

  Kelly jumped up and helped her to her feet. "Absolutely. The cafeteria is just down the hall."

  After piling plates of food on their trays, they chose a table and sat down. For the first several minutes the only sound heard at their table was of the forks clinking against plates. "So, are you going to tell me what happened, or do I have to bribe your nurse to tell me?"

  "Oh, I'm not her nurse, I'm just a friend." When she looked unconvinced Dani elaborated further. "I was a nurse, but I quit to raise my daughter. That was nearly five years ago."

  "Are you planning on going back into the nursing field, or will you try something different?" Kelly watched her closely as she waited for the answer.

  "I'd like to go back to nursing. It's what I love. As soon as Madison is in school, I'll see what I need to do to recertify and try to get a job." She set her fork down and reached for her glass as Kelly turned her attention back to Alex.

  "Friends can be more difficult to bribe, but not impossible. What do you say, Alex? Care to tell me or do I have to hear it from someone else?"

  Alex gently placed her fork down across her plate and leaned back. "There's not much to tell. It was a simple accident. I went for a jog, got hit by a car, and woke up in the hospital with a few brok
en bones. The good news is that everything turned out okay, and I ended up with a few new friends." She took a drink of her iced tea, and leaned back in her chair.

  "Still terribly secretive I see." Alex shrugged, refusing to rise to the bait. "I hope you find someone you can trust enough to be yourself with, Alexis." She tilted her head towards Dani. "She has no idea who you are, does she?"

  Alex frowned as she looked at an openly curious Dani. "She knows who I am, not who I was. I'm no longer the Alexis Mohr you remember, Kelly. There will come a time when I will explain to them who I was, but I'm not ready yet. I hope you can honor that."

  Kelly nodded her head as a look of sadness crossed her features. "I will. You know I just want you to be happy."

  Alex reached across the table and grabbed Kelly's left hand. She traced her thumb over the wedding band and asked, "Speaking of happy, when do I get to meet the lucky lady?"

  Kelly turned unsure eyes to her and asked, "Really?" Alex nodded. "I'd like that. I'll talk to Natalie and let you know."

  "Sounds like a plan. Just remember that I'm not able to drive for a while yet."

  "We'll work something out." She pushed back from the table and picked up her tray. "How about we stop off at my office before you go. I have something I'd like to give you."

  By the time they reached Kelly's office, Alex's pain medication had begun to take effect, and she was having difficulty focusing. "What the hell is in those pills?"

  Kelly grimaced. "First time you've taken one?"

  "Probably the last," she grumbled as her legs gave out again. Kelly caught her and helped her to one of the chairs near the desk.

  "They're a pretty strong tranquilizer, and judging by the effect they're having on you, you'll be asleep before long."

  "Do you have a wheelchair handy? I think we'll need one to get her to the car," Dani said as she sat beside her, keeping a close eye on her friend. Kelly nodded and reached for the phone. As they waited for it to arrive, Dani watched Alex fight the effect of the drugs in her system.

  "In all the time I knew her, I never saw Alexis take anything stronger than an aspirin." Kelly shook her head. "She refused to ever have more than one drink, too. She said she never wanted to lose control. I can't imagine how this is making her feel." Before Dani could comment, a knock at the door signaled the arrival of the wheelchair. Together they managed to get Alex into the chair as she drifted in and out of sleep.

  Alex opened her eyes, and reached out. "Kelly?"

  As she squatted beside the chair she answered, "I'm right here."

  Alex looked at her and frowned. She reached a hand out and cupped Kelly's cheek and exhaled forcefully as her eyes began to glisten. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. I was stupid, and you were so good to me. I really did love you, but I was just so afraid." She sighed. "I'm tired of being afraid."

  Kelly pulled her hand from her cheek, and placed a kiss on the knuckles. "It was a very long time ago, honey, and I've forgiven you. You don't need to be sorry anymore. It really was for the best, you'll see." She smiled as Alex drifted off to sleep. She stood and looked over at a slightly embarrassed Dani. "She probably won't remember that when she wakes up, and if it's all the same to you, I'd rather you didn't remind her. It would only embarrass her, and I'm not sure our fragile friendship can handle that right now. I really hope we can be friends again. I've missed having her in my life."

  Dani nodded her understanding, and placed her purse in Alex's lap. "I should really let you get back to work, and get her home. Thank you so much for the tour, and for lunch. I really appreciate it."

  Kelly reached over and plucked an envelope from the corner of her desk. "It was my pleasure. I'll help you take sleeping beauty to the car." She walked them out, and waited while Dani woke Alex, and convinced her to get into the car. "You handled that pretty well."

  "I have a four year old at home. This isn't much different."

  Alex turned her head towards them and tried to glare but failed. "I heard that you know." She laid her head back against the headrest and groaned. "I really don't like feeling like this."

  Dani brushed the hair back off of her face as she said, "I know, sweetie. I'm sorry. Why don't you just close your eyes and take a nap? You'll feel better when you wake up, I promise." After getting her buckled in and closing the door, she turned to Kelly and shook her hand. "Thank you again for lunch and the tour. I really enjoyed it. This place is amazing.

  "You're welcome. Take care of her for me okay?" Kelly handed her the envelope and said, "Read this to her when she wakes up, and call me when you have questions." She stepped behind the wheelchair, and began to push it inside as Dani started the car and drove away.

  When she pulled up in front of the house, Dani honked the horn. As she exited the vehicle, Nikki walked up to see what was going on. She quickly explained the situation, and allowed Nikki to take control. She grabbed both purses, as well as the envelope, and followed her into the house. "You may want to keep her down here where we can keep an eye on her," she called out. "I know I'd feel better if she was close by."

  Nikki turned away from the stairs and headed for the living room, gently depositing Alex in the recliner. She opened her eyes and peered up at Nikki. She reached out and touched her face, running her thumb over her bottom lip. "Nicoletta, mia cara, ti amerò fino alla fine dei tempi."

  Nikki searched Alex's eyes as she tried to understand. "I really wish I knew what you just said." She watched as her eyelids slowly closed. "Go to sleep, sweetheart. We'll talk when you wake up." She slowly pulled away as she began to doze, and sat on the couch beside Dani. "So how'd lunch go?"

  Dani smiled as she told her sister all about the Wellington Center, and their lunch with Kelly.

  Alex slowly opened her eyes and looked around the room. She realized she was at home in her recliner, and couldn't remember getting there. She sat up as the pieces slowly began to fall into place and groaned. She stood on slightly shaky legs, and went to the kitchen for something to drink. As she drained the bottle of water and set it on the counter, she looked into the concerned faces of Nikki, Dani, and Rachel. She looked at Dani and said, "Please tell me that I did not make a fool of myself in front of Kelly by apologizing to her."

  Dani bit her lip as she shook her head. "You didn't make a fool of yourself, but you did apologize."

  "Sweet Jesus." She leaned against the counter and hung her head.

  Dani stepped up and placed her hand over Alex's where it rested on the counter. "I promise, it really wasn't that bad. In fact, I think it was a good thing, for both of you." She gave her a quick hug before pulling back and saying, "I almost forgot. She gave me an envelope, and told me to read it to you when you woke up." She walked over to the table and pulled the envelope out from under her purse.

  When Dani tried to hand it to her, she said, "No, I believe she told you to read it to me."

  Dani rolled her eyes and opened the envelope. She pulled out several sheets of paper and looked at the top one. Her eyes widened at the elegantly scrolled letterhead of the Wellington Center, and the greeting at the top of the letter. She looked up and said, "I don't understand. It's addressed to me."

  Alex walked up beside Nikki as she replied, "Well then, I suggest you read it." As Dani began to read, she took Nikki by the hand and led her out into the courtyard. "Where's Madison?" she asked.

  "Sleeping on the couch. She should be waking soon. What's that all about?" Nikki asked as she tilted her head back towards the kitchen.

  "I'm sure we'll know soon enough."

  "You don't know?"

  "Not for sure, no, but I have an idea." She walked over and sat on the bench overlooking the lake. As Nikki sat beside her, she snuggled closer.

  Nikki placed an arm around Alex, and pulled her close. She opened her mouth to ask her about her earlier comments, and swiftly shut it as she heard footsteps on the path behind them.

  An emotional Dani stepped into view and held a hand out to Alex. When she placed h
er hand into it, Dani pulled her from the bench, and immediately wrapped her arms around her, hugging her fiercely. "Thank you so much." As soon as Dani released her, Rachel stepped up and pulled her into a hug.

  "Someone care to enlighten me?" Nikki asked.

  Everyone looked expectantly at Alex. With a somewhat uncertain look, she replied, "I made a phone call to Kelly, a friend of mine that runs the Wellington Center. I told her I had someone she might want to meet. I gave her Dani's name and previous place of employment and waited for her to decide if it was worth her time. Apparently it was because we had lunch with her today. I have no idea of what exactly was in the envelope, but my guess is that it was a job offer." She looked over at Dani and waited for confirmation.

  Dani nodded and smiled. "A remarkable job offer. They'll pay for all my recertification. I'll get a job with normal hours so I can be there for Madison after school, and I'll make almost twice what I was making before." She wiped a tear from her cheek as she radiated joy and happiness.

  "Happy birthday, my friend." Alex said as she embraced her. "You deserve it."

  "I don't know how I can ever repay you."

  Alex stepped back and frowned at her. "You don't need to, besides all I did was make a phone call to bring you to Kelly's attention. You did all the rest years ago." At Dani's skeptical look, she continued. "Trust me. She researched you before she decided to call me and invite us to lunch. That envelope was sealed on her desk before we ever arrived. Your work ethic, personality, and abilities got you that offer not me."

  Dani gave her a smirk and said, "Well in that case, I'm not sure a phone call is enough of a birthday present. You may be getting off too easy."

  "I guess I'll just have to see what else I can do."

  "What about me?" Alex turned and looked at Nikki. "It's my birthday too. Don't I get a present?"