“That’s because he’s been afflicted with a condition called love,” Tonya said. “The man waits until he’s ready to join AARP to fall in love, marry, and become a first-time father.”
“Don’t knock it, Tonya,” Hannah countered. “There are times when I can’t believe how much I love St. John. It’s not to say I didn’t love my first husband, but this time it’s different, because I trust St. John. And to me, trust in a marriage supersedes love.”
“Don’t forget the fact that Daddy is taking care of you the way you deserve to be taken care of. Didn’t you say that St. John takes care of business in bed?” Nydia teased. Hannah nodded. “I rest my case, counselor.” She gave Tonya a sidelong glance. “And I know your papi is laying pipe right.”
Tonya covered her eyes as she burst into laughter. “What are we going to do with that mouth?”
“Nothing, but accept the truth, Mrs. Toussaint. I saw that hickey on your neck you tried to cover with a bandana the night of the Singletons’ anniversary dinner. It was apparent Gage was sampling more than the dishes he’d prepared.”
Hannah lifted pale eyebrows. “You seem very glib when it comes to love, and I’m willing to bet that one of these days you’ll meet a man who will turn your life upside down and for the good.”
“I doubt if that’s going to happen,” Nydia countered. “And besides, I’m not ready to deal with a man at this time in my life.”
“What about Lamar?” Hannah asked.
Nydia shook her head. “Especially not Lamar. I don’t think I have the temperament to get involved with a man with a teenage daughter. We would clash and combust like tossing a match on gasoline.” She stood up and rounded the table and hugged Tonya, and then Hannah. “I’m going to turn in because I have to be up early for my flight.”
Hannah kissed her cheek. “When are you coming back?”
“I’ll call and let you know.” She blew a kiss to Tonya. “Love you.”
Nydia walked out of the dining room and headed for the elevators. She never liked goodbyes, especially if there would be distance between her and the ones from which she departed. During the ride to her suite she recalled what Hannah had said about Lamar losing his wife, and there was no way she could imagine his grief when he’d been told the mother of his child had died in a fiery crash. And the fact that he was still wearing his wedding ring indicated he hadn’t stopped grieving for her.
She liked Lamar, enjoyed spending time with him, but she drew the line when it came to becoming romantically involved with him, because there was no way she would be able to compete with a dead woman for his love. She’d been in a relationship where unknowingly she had become the other woman, and she vowed it would never happen again.
Reaching into the pocket of her jeans she took out the key card and the velvet bag with the pendant Jasmine had given her. Her friend had had a jeweler design the pendants in advance of her agreeing to become an innkeeper. And Nydia wondered if Jasmine knew her better than she knew herself. Well, she had given Hannah her word that she would invest in the DuPont Inn, and anyone who knew Nydia Stephanie Santiago knew she never went back on her word.
* * *
Nydia waited a week after returning to New York to unblock Danny’s number and call him. His phone rang three times before he picked up.
“Hola, muñeca.”
She frowned. Nydia hated when he used her father’s endearment for her. “Hello, Danny.”
“I guess you got my message.”
“Yes. Millie said you wanted me to call you.”
“Did she tell you I got a recording contract?”
“Yes,” she half lied. She’d viewed the television segment minutes before her cousin’s call. “Congratulations! It’s well deserved.”
“Thank you. It is possible for me to see you?”
“For what, Danny?”
“I thought we’d get together and celebrate over dinner.”
Nydia shook her head although he couldn’t see her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Look, Nydia, I know what we had didn’t end well, but I’ve been getting together with everyone who has been supportive to me during my journey to secure a record deal. And you’re the last on the list of those I need to thank in person.”
Shifting into a more comfortable position on the bed, Nydia adjusted the pillows cradling her back and shoulders. She wanted to reject his offer to meet, yet she registered something in his voice that wouldn’t permit her to tell him no. What, she thought, could it hurt to see him one more time? And it wasn’t as if they would reconcile, because she’d agreed to become an innkeeper in New Orleans.
“Okay, Danny. Where do you want to meet?”
“How about El Rincon?”
