“She got it?” Nicole asked. “Veronica got the job?”
“Nope, I got it. And after I accepted, we grew even closer and I moved into her place at her suggestion since it was in a nicer part of town. I dated her for two years before I realized she was only using me to further her own career. The day she landed a director role was the day that I should have been excited for her, but when I went home, I knew something was up. She sat me down and told me that now that she’d landed that position, she no longer needed me and I was holding her back from reaching her full potential.”
“Man,” Nicole said. “That’s a tough pill to swallow.”
“It was,” he said. “I’d always been more of a serious dater than the player type, so I was completely caught off guard by what she’d told me. I’d spent thousands of dollars on this woman because she claimed she couldn’t afford to pay her bills and rent. At the time, I didn’t think to ask her how she’d been getting by before. I’d never met her parents, so I hadn’t known she came from money and was cut off financially until she’d finished telling me that I was no longer wanted in her life and that she’d reconciled with her parents. She handed me a box of my belongings, then told my ass that I could pick up the rest the following week.”
“That’s crazy,” Nicole said, shaking her head. “I would have given her a piece of my mind.”
“I was upset for a long time, especially when new blogs and magazines released information about her dating a famous actor. But then when I thought more about it, all I could do was pity the poor soul who ended up with that gold digger and move on with my life.”
Nicole was still shaking her head when he tightened the screws on the tattoo machine.
“You mentioned exes as in plural,” Nicole said. “Who was your other ex who contributed to you creating the rule?”
“Amanda,” he said, shaking his head. “I met Amanda back when we were kids and I was still living in Chicago. Back in the day, we used to be inseparable. We both got jobs sweeping the floors at a corner store in the neighborhood. Then, in our early teens, we both got a job stacking the fruit at a local grocery store. When we turned sixteen, we both got jobs at the mall at a popular shoe store. She was one of the good girls in the neighborhood. The one who everyone wanted to be around because she represented a purity that was rare in our community.”
“So you two were really close friends?”
“Yeah. At least it started off that way.” Kendrick thought back to when he first asked her to be his girlfriend. “Remember when I told you I was involved with the wrong stuff and crowd back then?”
“Of course.”
“I guess you could say that in order to fit in, I had to do some things I wasn’t proud of. As I’ve said before, my mom was prideful and she didn’t want to ask her family for money, but financially, we were in trouble when the factory she worked at closed down. Since I wasn’t making the amount of money I needed to make, I turned to other avenues, which meant I had to sell some things I’d rather not sell. Associate with people who I didn’t necessarily want to be associated with, but did because it was better to keep your enemies closer. I’ve always been smart, and it wasn’t until I’d had a serious eye-opening conversation with my grandparents that I realized the path I was headed down didn’t fit me.
“When you’re at the top of your game in the streets, everyone wants to be your friend. It’s only when you start to want another life for yourself that things begin to fall apart. Then suddenly instead of having people who watch your back, you discover you’re the only one watching it.”
Nicole nodded. “We didn’t go through the same situation, but I understand how you feel.”
“It was tough,” he said. “To want to be accepted by a crowd while at the same time wanting to stand alone. It was a weird place to be. Amanda was one of the people who had my back, but the minute I started wanting more, craving more, doing better in school so that I could raise my GPA and get into a good college, she didn’t want to have anything to do with me. When I found out she was pregnant by one of my closest friends, it was around the same time my mom told me we were moving to LA. Even though I had family in LA, I hadn’t wanted to leave Chicago. And the only time I’d seen my cousin Bryant was at family reunions, so he and I didn’t share the bond we have now, back then. He was clean-cut around the edges, whereas I... I was...”
“You were more jagged...”
“Yeah, exactly. But despite what I wanted, I knew there wasn’t a reason for me to stay in Chicago anymore. It will always be home, but I needed a change. To this day, I don’t know if my mom was telling the truth when she said that she’d gotten an opportunity to work at an educational foundation in LA or if she saw the path I was headed down and was willing to do anything she could to redirect it.”
“I know I only met your mom once,” Nicole said, “but I bet she probably came to LA for you and maybe the job opportunity came shortly after.”
“You’re probably right,” he said. “That was also the first time I’d seen my mom ask for help from a family member. Our first year in LA, we stayed at my uncle’s winery.”
“Did you ever see Amanda after you moved?” Nicole asked.
“I sure did,” he said. “She moved to LA.”
“She moved to LA?” Nicole said in surprise. “How did that happen?”
Kendrick adjusted his hand so that he could tattoo the lines of the sweet peas. “I’d just completed my first commercial with the agency when Bryant called and said she was at the winery. She knew that my uncle owned it, so it wasn’t too surprising. I hadn’t seen her in over twelve years at the time, and after that drama with Veronica, I was happy to see her. We decided to go out to dinner to catch up. She updated me on how folks were doing in the neighborhood, and we laughed at some of the crazy things we did as kids. It was like old times.”
“Did she tell you why she was in LA that night?”
“Yeah, she did. My ex-friend and the father of her son had been in a bad accident and was paralyzed a year before. She said she’d been so distraught that her son was staying with her parents. I’d heard about it from someone I still kept in contact with from Chicago, but I’d thought they weren’t together at the time. She told me that she’d moved to LA to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress and once she’d bettered herself, she would move her son here.”
“Are you sure he isn’t your son?” Nicole asked. “Given how everything went down between you both.”
“I had a paternity test done when her son was born. He isn’t my child.”
“Oh, okay.” Nicole adjusted her head on the reclined chair. “So, the only thing she came to LA for was to become an actress? Nothing else?”
“If you’re asking if she came to LA so that we could get back together, then that answer is yes. Amanda wasted no time apologizing and letting her intentions be known. I’d always had a weak spot for her because I’d known all the hardship and trouble she’d gone through. So within weeks, we’d fallen back into our old pattern and decided to try a relationship again. She moved into my place, and I welcomed her into my world. My mom couldn’t stand her. They’d never gotten along. But everyone else liked being around her. Even Monty and Angelica developed a friendship with her. And her acting career took off, as well. Before I knew it, she was starring in independent films.”
Nicole’s eyes widened. “Is Amanda Mason your ex?”
“Yeah,” Kendrick said. “You’ve seen her work?”
“I have. I’m a sucker for independent films. But didn’t Amanda go to rehab a few years ago and then appear on two seasons of that rehab reality show?”
“She did. The first time she appeared on the show, we were together. I’d watched her go down a downward spiral the minute she began booking movies and shows. She began coming home late, and when she did, I could tell she was on drugs and drinking heavily. Then one day, she didn’t come
home. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into an entire month. Then one day, I receive a random call from someone who rattles off the address of where she is. When I get there, I check out the house first. When I got to the back of the house, I saw her in the window having sex with another man.”
“Oh, no.” Nicole’s hand flew to her mouth. “That’s terrible.”
“Even worse, she was so high at the time, she didn’t even know who I was when I told her I’d come to take her home. I spent that car ride with her kicking and screaming for me to let her naked self out the car and me telling her to calm down. When we got home, I practically had to lock her in the bedroom until she fell asleep. I hadn’t talked to Amanda’s parents since she’d arrived in LA, so I called them, unsure of what else to do. That’s when I learned that they had full custody of her son and hadn’t spoken to their daughter in years.”
“I had a feeling that may be the case,” Nicole said in a soft voice. “I hate that you had to go through that.”
“Me too,” he said. “But as you’ve said, apparently it was a lesson I had to learn. Now I see what I failed to see all those years ago. For Amanda, it had never been about us as a couple or the love I had for her. It was all about the image she wanted to portray to the world. It was about what I could do for her and connecting her with the contacts I was making in the industry. I haven’t seen her in two years, but last I heard, she was trying to get her acting career started again. And although I wish her the best, I could never go down that road again.”
Nicole grew quiet.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about how much we had in common. I know it shouldn’t keep surprising me, but it does. You’re so amazing, I just don’t understand why you’ve had such bad luck in relationships.”
“I could say the same about you,” Kendrick said with a smile. “You haven’t had the best of luck either. But meeting you has opened my eyes to more than I ever thought possible.”
She tilted her head toward him. “And what’s that?”
Kendrick let his eyes roam over her body as she lay on the reclined chair, stopping at her eyes. “I learned that despite the obstacles I’ve had to face, I still have a lot of love to offer a woman...the right woman... You helped me see that. Hell, you helped me see a whole lot more than just that, but opening up my heart to love again is definitely at the top.”
He went back to tattooing her hip as she lay there, observing him. He was sure her brain was trying to process what he’d just said, and he hoped she understood one thing and one thing only. It may not be soon. It may even be months from now. However, one day, he was going to make her his, so she’d better be prepared when that time came.
Chapter 15
“You’re going down,” Monty yelled as he picked up his pool cue.
Nicole and Angelica laughed. “Do you have to say that every time you pick up the cue?” Angelica asked.
“Yes, I do,” he said. “Otherwise, you might think I’m going to take it easy on you and let you win. Since that’s not going to happen, I felt it best that I remind you how manly I can be.”
“Yeah, babe. You’re so manly.” Angelica and Monty may have been doing their usual back and forth banter, but Nicole read between the lines.
They were all gathered at Kendrick’s condo for pool night. The moment Nicole walked into his condo, she was taken aback by the gray, black and white decor. For the past few days, they’d been cooped up in her apartment, which wasn’t exactly conducive to intimacy, considering Nicole shared an apartment with Kyra since they were there temporarily. After Kyra had walked in on them in the living room in an undressed state, Kendrick had suggested they go to his place even though it was farther into the city.
Once they’d arrived, Kendrick had forgotten that he and Monty had plans, so instead of making it a guys’ night, Monty and Angelica had both come over for a night of pool instead.
“So, what’s going on with you and Monty?” Nicole whispered when Monty was out of earshot. “We haven’t gotten a chance to talk much since we got back from Lake Tahoe.”
“That’s because you and Kendrick have been in your own love cocoon,” Angelica teased. “And the only reason I know that is because Monty and I have been in our own.”
Nicole squealed. “I knew it.”
“Hey,” Monty said. “The least you can do if you two were going to talk about me while Kendrick gets food is to not make it so obvious.”
“Sorry, babe,” Angelica said. “I was just telling Nicole how great you are in the bedroom.”
“Oh,” Monty said as he stood a little taller. “If that’s the case, then squeal away.”
Nicole shook her head and turned her attention back to Angelica. “How do you feel? What does this mean? Are you officially dating? Is the sex really that amazing?”
Angelica laughed. “One, amazing. Two, we’re still figuring that out. Three, yes. And four, hell, yes!”
“I’m so happy to hear that,” Nicole said. “You two are great together.”
“Thank you. It’s been a long time coming. And speaking of being great together, how are things with you and Kendrick? You both haven’t stopped smiling all night.”
Nicole grinned. “Things with Kendrick are better than I’ve ever imagined. He’s such a gentleman, but then again, he’s also got that edgy swag that I can’t help but drool over every time he walks into a room. I hate to say it, but it’s almost like I’m waiting for something bad to happen because everything is so good.”
“I know the feeling,” Angelica said. “After my divorce, I swore that it was the last time I’d open up my heart to a man. I didn’t expect to meet someone like Monty, who not only understands me, but has gone through the same heartache that I have.”
“It’s funny how that works,” Nicole said. “When your heart is broken and you don’t foresee yourself ever healing from the experience, you never imagine that you will find a partner who has undergone exactly what you have. We know that thousands of people experience heartache every day, but it doesn’t stop us from being caught up in our own situation.”
Angelica nodded. “Then suddenly, someone walks into your life and gives you a new perspective on love, and before you can pinpoint the exact moment that it happened, you’re ready to open up your heart again.”
“And risk it all for the possibility of embarking on a once in a lifetime romance,” Nicole finished. Both women grew quiet, each caught up in her own thoughts.
“The approaching holiday must be getting to us,” Angelica said, breaking the silence.
“Either that, or these men have gotten us wrapped around their fingers.”
“Shh,” Angelica said, placing a finger in front of her lips. “Monty has ears like an elephant, so don’t say that too loud.”
“I heard every word,” Monty said on cue. Both women laughed as Kendrick walked in with the food. He still takes my breath away. Tonight everyone was dressed casual and comfortable, so Kendrick was wearing black jogging pants and a white T-shirt. Simple, yet still sexy.
He walked over and placed a gentle kiss on her lips that quickly escalated to a more passionate one.
“Uh, did y’all forget we’re here?” Monty asked.
“Just didn’t care,” Kendrick said.
“Yeah, we got that,” Monty said. “Man, quit kissing Nicole and come take your turn.” Giving her one last kiss, he grabbed the pool cue.
“Have you guys talked about his ex?” Angelica whispered.
“Which one? Veronica or Amanda?”
Angelica raised her eyebrows. “He told you about both of them? Wow, he must really like you.”
“We’ve talked about some pretty serious topics, but I’m glad we did. I’ve opened up to him in ways I never have to any man before, and I think he feels the same way about me.”
“What are you and Kendrick going to do about the fact that you live in Miami?” Angelica asked.
“I’m not sure,” Nicole said with a sigh. “We’re done filming in a few days, and we haven’t even discussed the fact that in another week or so, we’re closing up the Bare Sophistication pop-up and I’m going back to Miami.”
“You need to talk about it,” Angelica whispered. “I get the feeling that Kendrick expects you to stay, so if he hasn’t brought it up, you should bring it up to him.”
“How do I even bring that up?”
“Easy,” Angelica said with a shrug. She glanced at the men to make sure they were still engrossed with the pool game before continuing. “I’d start with ‘Kendrick, I’m falling for you and if you want to continue this relationship, I’d love to stay in LA for a while longer.’”
“I didn’t even tell you I was falling for him.”
“Girl, please.” Angelica rolled her eyes. “It’s written all over your face. Just like I’m sure how I feel about Monty is written all over mines. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Kendrick’s a great guy, and Monty and I have waited years for him to find someone like you. And we don’t want you to move back either. I’m not saying you have to uproot your life for a man, but based off our conversations, I know you love it here and wouldn’t mind staying. Now that you guys have found one another, don’t let fear hold you back.”
Nicole looked at Kendrick, knowing that everything Angelica was saying was true. Even so, she was still nervous to tell him how she felt. Just remember...no more being scared. Regardless of how he felt about her, she owed it to herself to tell Kendrick how she really felt. Best-case scenario, he’d tell her that he felt the same way and ask her to stay in LA so that they could take their relationship even further. Worst-case scenario, she’d tell Kendrick how she felt only to realize that he wasn’t feeling as strongly about her and as she was about him.
Her Unexpected Valentine Page 13
