B008GTHUN2 EBOK Page 3

"You're such a mess, Kirk. I'm getting out this car before I actually do take you up on your offer. Goodnight."

  "Goodnight."

  When I got out of Kirk's car and headed towards my apartment building all I could think about was how awesome my entire day had been. If I weren't so exhausted I would never want it to end. But hopefully from this moment forward my life would be filled with many more days just like this.

  Diamond

  I was sitting on the steps in front of my mother's brownstone watching Destiny ride up and down the street laughing and smiling on her tricycle. It was moments like this, seeing my daughter so happy, that erased the frustrations that came with the line of work I was in.

  I was still racking my brain trying to figure out who robbed me and worse did Rico have anything to do with it. I didn't want to believe he did but I knew it was a good possibility. I already hated seeing his face when he came to pick up Destiny but now it was becoming almost unbearable. I had a knot in my stomach right now as I waited for him to pull up to get our daughter for her weekend stay with him. I knew my mind would not be at ease until I finally got some answers to all my questions. But how I would make that happen was the million-dollar question.

  "Daddy's here." I heard Destiny's sweet little voice say as she pointed towards Rico's car when he pulled up. He and one of his boys got out and I didn't understand why he always had to bring one of his knucklehead friends with him every time he came over. It was bad enough I had to see him but I shouldn't have to be bothered with anybody else. I realized it was the same annoying guy he came with a few weeks ago. All I could do was roll my eyes.

  "I'ma go get Destiny's bag. I'll be right back. I rushed in to get Destiny's stuff so I could get rid of Rico and his boy as quick as possible. When I went back outside Rico and his friend were each holding Destiny's arm swinging her and she was giggling super hard. Because she was having so much fun, at first I wasn't going to say anything but I changed my mind.

  "Higher, higher," Destiny kept saying.

  "You all need to be careful. I don't want you to dislocate her arm."

  "Ain't nobody gon' dislocate her arm. She's having fun…chill."

  Dear God I don't feel like arguing with this fool. I know I might be overreacting but please don't let them mess my baby's arms up I thought to myself as I walked up on them.

  "Here's her bag." I placed the bag down before going over to interrupt the swinging because the higher they were going the more it was working my nerves. "Come give mommy a kiss goodbye," I said, standing right in front of Destiny so I could grab her as she was coming down. I kissed her on her cheeks and tickled under her arms so she could keep laughing and not feel as if I stopped her fun.

  "A'ight, it's time for us to go," Rico said reaching out to get Destiny from me. "Parish, get that bag for me."

  "Yo I don't see it, where is it?'

  "Behind you," I told him.

  "Damn, that shit was right behind me and I didn't even see it."

  "What's your name again?"

  "Parish, why?"

  "You just seem familiar to me."

  "I came over to your apartment a few weeks ago with Rico. That's probably where you remember me from."

  "Yeah, that's what it is," I said before turning my attention back to my daughter. Destiny, give mommy one more kiss before you go. I'll see you Sunday but I'll call you tomorrow. Have fun."

  I kissed Destiny one more time before standing on the sidewalk watching them leave. As much as I couldn't stand Rico, Destiny adored her dad and she loved her weekend visits. Although Rico's mother was the main one taking care of her during her visitations she loved her grandmother too and her cousins. But none of that would matter if Rico had anything to do with the robbery.

  After they were gone I went in the house to make a phone call. I had a gut feeling about something and I had to verify if I was right about it. If I was, things were about to get very interesting so I couldn't dial the number fast enough.

  "Yo, what's good?" a voice I was happy to hear said when he answered the phone.

  "I have a job for you."

  "You know I always like to hear those words. What you got for me?"

  "I need you to get all the information you can on a guy named Parish."

  "Do you have a last name?"

  "Nope but I can tell you where to start looking so you can ask around and get all the information you need."

  "You know how I get down, that's all you got to tell me."

  "He's with my ex Rico a lot. In fact they are together now. You know where Rico stays so make it happen."

  "Say no more I'm on it. I'll have something for you in the next couple days. Is there anything in particular you want me looking out for?"

  "Yes. Find out if in the last couple of weeks he seems to have come into a windfall of money. And track his every move. I wanna know what time that nigga shit."

  As I browsed the endless aisles of designer clothes at Bergdorf Goodman in search of an outfit for Skee Patron's album release party my mind was somewhere else. I kept on picking up bullshit that I would never wear because I couldn't seem to focus. But the party was tonight and I was about to be assed out if I couldn't get it together. But I couldn't get the sound of Parish voice out of my head. It sounded so familiar. I couldn't help but think he was the one that robbed me. But wasn't a hundred percent sure and before I made a move I had to make sure I was right. The more I thought about it though it did make sense. He had come over to my apartment earlier that day when Rico picked up Destiny and that night I was robbed. My gut was telling me it wasn't a coincidence. If my theory was correct did that mean Rico was in on it. As I pondered all of this I couldn't help but shake my head.

  "Shit, that's my phone," I said out loud, once I realized I was so stuck in my thoughts I almost missed the call. "Hey!"

  "What's up, what you doing?"

  "Shopping, trying to find something to wear tonight."

  "Where you going tonight?"

  "The album release party…you forgot about it?"

  "Damn, that's right. I forgot about that party. I won't be able to go."

  "Why?"

  "I have to do something with the team."

  "Wow, I was looking forward to seeing you but I guess I understand."

  "Girl, I'm just fuckin' wit' you, of course I didn't forget."

  "Cameron, you play too much!"

  "I know but I can't help myself."

  "Whatever."

  "So what time should I pick you up?"

  "I can meet you in the city because my mom lives in Queens."

  "I can come to Queens."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Of course. What I look like not coming to pick up my girlfriend."

  "Did you just call me your girlfriend?"

  "Yeah, I did. It just came out. I guess that means you my girl."

  "So you don't mind having a girlfriend you've never even had sex with before?"

  "We definitely need to work on that but it's different with you, it just feels right."

  "I couldn't agree more."

  "Not to switch subjects but what's up with your apartment hunting. Marci said she left you several messages but you still haven't returned her call."

  "Yeah, I think I'm going to stay with my mom for a little while. Take my time and get myself together before I look for a place."

  "I see."

  "Tell her I'm sorry I never got back to her."

  "I will. So what time should I pick you up?"

  "It actually starts pretty early. So 7 is good."

  "Cool, I'll see you then."

  When I hung up with Cameron I let out a deep sigh. That was the bad thing about lying, once you started it was like you couldn't stop. Now I had one more thing on my mind to add to my frustrations but before I could start feeling sorry for myself this flawless dress was staring me in my face. I practically leaped across the floor to grab it. Once I got it in my hand, all the bullshit that had been cluttering my mind instan
tly vanished. The only thing I cared about was the low cut, metallic patchwork Balmain mini dress I was holding in my hand. It was beyond gorgeous and I already had the perfect five-inch nude heels to match. In that instant I realized life wasn't so bad after all.

  By the time I got home I literally had an hour to get ready. During my commute home I made up my mind that I wouldn't be living in Brooklyn or Queens I would be taking my ass to the City. All that travel time just didn't work for a bitch like me who was horrible with time and always running late. I took a quick shower and spent the remainder of my time on hair and makeup. I was excited about going to the party tonight and more so going with Cameron. I felt this was like our coming out moment. Yeah we had been on plenty of dates together but tonight would be our first industry event as a couple, so I had to make sure my whole look was pure perfection.

  "Oh shit, he's here," I shrieked, when I heard the doorbell ringing. Right when I was about to yell out for my mother to let Cameron in I remembered she still hadn't gotten back from dinner and a movie with her own damn boyfriend. I hated to feel rushed but luckily I was basically done getting ready. I just preferred to have some extra time so I could thoroughly scrutinize myself before walking out the door. Instead I had to do a quick look over and keep my fingers crossed that everything was right and tight.

  I rushed downstairs and took a deep breath before opening the door with a welcoming smile on my face.

  "Damn!" Cameron belted, as his eyes zigzagged up and down my body. "My fault, I didn't mean to be so loud. I hope your mother didn't hear me."

  "No worries, she's out," I grinned. "So I guess you approve of my dress?"

  "Approve," he paused for a second as if he couldn't believe I was even asking the question. "I more than approve. I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands off of you tonight."

  "I don't want you to…let's go." Cameron and I held hands as we walked to his car. He opened the passenger door for me like the perfect gentleman he always is. "Thank you, I beamed, feeling like this night couldn't get any better although it was just getting started.

  "You really do look beautiful tonight," Cameron said, as he merged onto I-278 W/Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

  "You make me feel beautiful."

  "I do…how?"

  "Little things you say and how you treat me."

  "I only treat you the way you deserve to be treated," Cameron said, reaching over to take my hand. I sat back and closed my eyes wishing this night would never end. "You don't mind if I make that stop do you?"

  "Of course not. We're together, that's all that matters. You can go wherever you like."

  If only for tonight I was going to throw all the negative thoughts out the window. No stressing about Rico and Parish or my living situation. In my head I was screaming fuck the bullshit and embrace the moment. If Cameron weren't in the car with me I would've yelled it out loud.

  "What's so funny?" Cameron asked when I laughed out loud over what I was just thinking about.

  "Nothing just remembering something Destiny did the other day," I lied, not wanting to share my personal thoughts.

  "I can't wait to meet your daughter."

  "Really?"

  "Yeah, why do you sound like you're surprised?"

  "I don't know. I just didn't think you were into kids like that."

  "Anybody that's important to you I'm interested in. I guess I feel like when you're ready for me to meet your daughter then I must be important in your life."

  "Cameron you are. Please don't take it that way. I always promised myself that I wouldn't have different men in and out of Destiny's life."

  "I figured that and that's why I know if you let me meet her then you must think we have something special although I already know we do."

  "I believe that too and I apologize if I made you think otherwise."

  "It's okay, I'm not pressuring you. When you're ready you'll let me know. I just wanted you to understand that if you're holding back because of me, don't because I am ready."

  "I can't believe how amazing you are."

  "I feel the same way about you…we're here, come on." I looked out the window and Cameron had pulled in front of a luxury high rise on Central Park West.

  "How many cribs do you have, I mean you are only one person," I commented. I had already been to one condo Cameron had on the Upper East Side but I guess when you making serious bankroll that's the type of shit you do. "This place is beautiful," I said when we walked through the marble entry way towards the elevator.

  "Yeah, I said the same thing myself the first time I came through the doors."

  "It must be nice to be able to afford the best in life."

  "Honestly, the best thing about having money is being able to look out for your people and make sure they are straight. Knowing you're able to do that is the best feeling in the world."

  "I can only imagine."

  When Cameron opened the door my mouth dropped. The marble theme carried over into the entrance of the apartment with wide plank hardwood floors throughout. I mean this fucking place had it all, recessed lighting, high-grade base molding and crown molding. When we entered the kitchen there was a double stainless steel sink, wolf appliances, granite counter tops and even a walk-in pantry. There were his and her custom bathrooms with steam showers. To top everything off there was a private octagonal shaped balcony that went from the master bedroom all the way to the living room. What appeared to be 12-and-a-half-foot ceilings made the already humongous place look even more open and spacious.

  "Do you love it as much as I do?"

  "Is that a trick question or a joke! This place is beyond beautiful."

  "Not only is it beautiful but the amenities are out of this world. I'm talking concierge, bellman, valet parking, indoor pool, fitness center, spa and the best thing is it has complete security and key control. You can't get no safer than that."

  "I see there's no furniture. Did you just get this place?"

  "Yep, I got the keys yesterday."

  "Wow, I can't wait to see how it looks after the furniture is moved in and it's decorated."

  "I can't wait to see it either. So when are you going to get started."

  "When am I gonna get started," I said with an almost choked voice.

  "Yep. I got this place for you and Destiny." This time I really did choke. "Are you okay?" Cameron ran towards me because for a second I truly believe I almost stopped breathing.

  "I'm fine. But Cameron you really shouldn't joke with me like that. You literally almost gave me a heart attack."

  "Diamond, I would tell you to come sit down but there ain't no chairs and I don't want you sitting on the floor because you might mess up your dress so lean on me if you need support after I say this. I got this apartment for you. It's not a joke. I felt some kinda way that you were living in an apartment that you didn't feel safe in then you had to stay with your mom because you couldn't afford to get a nice place on your own. What kind of man would I be if I'm calling you my woman but I can't look out for you?"

  "Cameron, I don't deserve this from you. I can't accept it. I'm almost too stunned to believe this is even true."

  "It is true and please accept it. I told Marci I wanted her to find the perfect spot for you and Destiny and when she showed me this place it had your name written all over it."

  "I can't…I just can't," I kept saying, shaking my head.

  "I already signed a one year lease, you have to take it."

  "Are you serious?"

  "Yes. I want you to stay here. I figured within a year we'll both know how far we want things to go in this relationship."

  "I hope it doesn't but I always try to be realistic. What if we fall out, I can't afford to pay the rent on this place."

  "I knew you would be concerned about that so I already paid the rent up for a year."

  "What." My voice went low and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.

  "Babe, don't you dare cry," Cameron said, gently rubbing the side of my f
ace.

  "I don't know what I did to deserve you. All I can think is that somebody is praying awfully hard for me."

  "You are too much."

  "No you are. No matter what happens between us I'll never forget what you did for me and my daughter."

  "Does that mean you'll take the place?"

  "Hell yeah!" I burst out laughing. Then Cameron picked me up and swung me around before we embraced in a long kiss. It was like we brought out the kid in each other. Our bond was real and I wanted it to last forever.

  Kennedy

  "Rise and shine, Blair! You have a busy, busy next couple of days so I hope your mind is right and your energy is up."

  "I'm good. I know the concert is tonight and then tomorrow is the party but what else is going on?"

  "Lionsgate is having a luncheon today for the cast of their new movie with Tyler Blake. We're doing all the PR for the movie so of course I can get you into the luncheon. "

  "Are you serious?"

  "Yes. I know it's late notice but I told you, you always have to be ready."

  "And I am. Tell me the time and I'll be there."

  "Great! That's what I like to hear. It's in the private dining room at the Four Seasons Hotel. A ton of bigwigs will be in attendance and a lot of press so you need to look picture perfect. So I've already called my girl Eileen to come over to your place at eleven o'clock to do your hair and makeup. The event starts at two. I want you to wear a dress. Something that showcases your figure but understated, you know very classy. Like you're not trying to showoff but it's not your fault you're drop dead gorgeous. You feel me…do you have a dress like that?"

  "I totally get it. I think I have the perfect dress."

  "Are you sure because if not I'll send Tammy out to get you something."

  "I'm positive. "

  "I'll take your word since you're pretty much on point every time I see you. But I need you to bring your super A game today. This is truly a make it moment. I have big plans for you so we have to work this right."

  "I won't let you down, Kennedy. Trust me I don't want to ruin this. You've done so much for me already. Way more than I've ever imagined. I want us to go all the way."