When I made it in the house, Nicholas had his back to me.
“I’ll meet with him, but I already told you how I feel about that shit. Don’t call me back tonight; I’m spending time with my daughter,” Nicholas said, ending the call and whirling around on his heels.
His eyes bugged when he noticed me, but he quickly recovered. I wasn’t sure if he was surprised to find me standing behind him or concerned that I’d overheard his argument.
“Everything OK?” I quizzed, looking over my shoulder at the girls before turning my attention back to him.
“Yeah, I have to make time for a meeting in the next week.”
“Should I leave?”
“Why would you leave? I want you to go with me. My mom will watch the girls.”
“I don’t know about all that, Nicholas,” I said, trying not to sound over eager about being included in this meeting. I needed to get something substantial to take back to the higher-ups. Doing my job had never been so freaking depressing. I hated this. Still, I had a duty to withhold.
“It’ll be fine. My meetings usually take less than an hour. I just have to meet with someone.”
“Can I at least know who the meeting is with? Is it casino business or something else?”
“A man named Antonio Vargas that I used to affiliate with. It’s business, but it’ll be my pleasure to have you with me.”
“OK, I’ll come,” I said, nodding as I accepted his invitation.
Thankfully, we were outside because I needed some air. Antonio Vargas was one of the names from the file. Attending this meeting would likely make the case.
14
Jameela
The hum of the helicopter blades whirred overhead as I observed the Lulaville lights from above. Next to me, Nicholas sat in a navy-blue sweater and gray jeans. My blue dress matched him perfectly. I tightened my grip on Nicholas’s hand, not out of fear but because the moment felt too good to accept. Minute by minute, I waited for the bottom to fall out. Soon the earth would move from under my feet and send me crashing down. Hopefully, the time wasn’t now.
“Are you afraid of heights? Maybe I should have asked you first.”
“I’m not afraid of many things.”
The lie wafted in the air on a hint of truth. I wasn’t afraid of heights. I was afraid of what would happen once I came down. I was afraid of how quickly Nicholas had torn down my walls and built new ones that made me feel safer and more secure than ever. I was afraid that soon, they would all crumble.
He leaned over to kiss my cheek. I turned my head, letting my lips brush his soft ones. I inhaled his minty breath as hedelivered another quick peck to my lips. His hand found its way to my thigh, and I rested my head on his shoulder as I took in the breathtaking view.
Twenty minutes later, we landed on a ridge next to a river. Nicholas took my hand and helped me out of the helicopter as another man hopped in. The helicopter took off as we walked down a lighted path. Once we made it to the end of the path, there was a picnic set up.
We were far enough away from the city that the only lights out were stars and the glowing lanterns strategically positioned at the corners of a gigantic blanket. A small table sat in the center of the blanket. There were plates on top of it covered with silver domes surrounded by blue pillows. R&B music played at a low volume as I followed Nicholas’s lead to the blanket.
“This is gorgeous, Nicholas. You never cease to amaze me.”
“I wanted to show you something outside of our usual.”
I smirked. “Mmhm, you wanted to show off.”
“I wanted to give my baby a chance to breathe. I know you carry a lot of shit, habibti. As much as I try to lighten the load, I know you think it’s all on you. I know there are probably times when you don’t trust me to do that. Sometimes I have to take the reins. Lay down your burdens for a minute, baby. Tonight isn’t about baby daddies, jobs, or anything that you can’t control. Tonight is about Jameela and the man who’s madly in love with her,” he said.
“Tonight is about the man who made me feel like love is actually more than just a word.”
“I plan to show you as long as you let me.”
The food was delicious. I didn’t waste any time devouring the lamb chops, roasted vegetables, and mint salad. Now I lay against the pillows, looking up at the stars as Nicholas laid his head on my chest with his arms wrapped around my back. I quickly realized that was his favorite resting place.
“My mom lost custody of me when I was fourteen.”
