by Mz. Robinson
G STREET CHRONICLES PRESENTS
DIAMOND
The Love, Lies & Lust Series
Part 6
by
MZ. ROBINSON
Love, Lies & Lust Series - Part 1
Love, Lies & Lust Series - Part 2
Love, Lies & Lust Series - Part 3
Love, Lies & Lust Series - Part 4
Love, Lies & Lust Series - Part 5
“The vision I have for myself is like a grain of sand when compared to the plan of divine greatness He has for me..” ~Mz. R
I dedicate this book to Lasheera Lee, the Olivia Pope of the literary industry (minus the whole hooking up with the President thing). Smiles
Lasheera you have a beautiful spirit and you are truly a blessing to all who know you. I am eternally grateful and thankful for all that you do. You give unselfishly and you have taught me so much. Thank you for your motivation and encouragement. May God’s blessings overflow in your life. ~Mz.R
Acknowledgements
To my Lord and Savior, my Alpha and my Omega: Thank you for continuing to nurture my gifts and talents. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and loving kindness. I am so unworthy but you are truly a merciful God and I’m very grateful.
To my Mother: Mommy, we made it to book 9! It has been a difficult journey but I thank God for you hanging in there with me and encouraging me when I thought I didn’t have the strength to “type on”. I love you and KNOW that the best is yet to come. WE claim it and WE thank Him in advance.
To my Father: Daddy, thank you for continuing to encourage me throughout my journey. It hasn’t been easy but nothing worth keeping ever is. I love you Daddy and I’m happy to have you as my father.
To my uncle Kenneth “Bay” Leslie: You are still a man of your word and one of the realest I know. I love you.
To my family, the Leslies, Turners, Caudles, and Masseys: I LOVE YOU ALL!
To my cousin Tammy: I love you and seeing you pop in on FB was a pleasant surprise.
To my Bestie Banita Brooks: We are still rocking and rolling together and I’m thankful for it. I love you sis.
To Rena: Thank you Na-Na for all your support!
To George Sherman Hudson: It has been an unforgettable journey full of ups, downs, and a lot in between but truly everything happens for a reason. I want you to know, I listen even when you think I’m not and I have not forgotten any of the lessons. Thank you for everything. G Street is forever inked in my heart.
To Shawna A.: Thank you for all that you do, seen and un-seen. Your story is incredible and your dedication is amazing. Thank you!
To Ella Curry: Thank you for your kind words and being a light in the industry. It was a pleasure meeting you.
To the D.I.V.A.S:
Andrea Wheeler, thank you for the support and just being you! You are a wonderful woman and your motivation and encouragement has been a blessing. I am anxiously awaiting my visit to Wheeler World. Thank you Sweetness!
Denia Turner, my Vegas Diva, thank you for staying down and always making me laugh. #Late nights and early mornings!
Robyn Traylor, I will never forget the first time we met; you were truly team Mz. Robinson. Thank you, for your support and encouragement.
Shanika Dewey Greenleaf, thank you for your support and encouragement and allowing me to laugh at your expense. There is never a dull moment with you and RJ and the two of you keep me smiling.
Jewel Horace, you are a “jewel” in every sense of the word. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
JeaNida Luckie-Weatherall, I love your determination and your faith. You are a beautiful example of a woman who is determined to win no matter what life throws her way. Thank you for your support and I know healing is on the way.
Timiska Martin-Webb, thank you for riding with me and showing me mad support since day one.
Natasha Potts, thank you for spreading the word and always trying to bring a friend in. Tasha, you are a sweetheart who deserves nothing but the best.
Susan Vincent, thank you for embracing my crazy and always asking for more!
Keisha Woods, thank you for the laughs, sometimes the tears, support, and the love. I hope you don’t turn against me after book 7. Hint…hint…lol.
Shelia Jones Weathersby, thank you for the support and always trying to find a way to keep the Love, Lies, and Lust series going. I swear if it were up to you Damon would still be running around at 90years old. Lol.
Samantha Pettiway, I know we haven’t chatted lately due to work and life but I am still very thankful for your support and our connection. You ROCK Naturalista!
Lisa Bryant, hey Lisa B.! I’m so happy we connected and I thank you for all of your support and encouragement.
Lashunda P. Cato, thank you Peaches, for your support and rocking with me.
Naomi B. Johnson, thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
Barbara Love, thank you for being an inspiration and your continued support. XoXo.
Leslie Gray, I’ve always known that women name “Leslie” can be trouble and you have yet to prove me wrong. Lol. Thank you for your encouragement and support!
Me’Tova Hollingsworth, Thank you for your support and dropping in and making me smile!
To: Lisa Dewey Chambliss, Jo’Lynn Dewey Pierre, Jo’Licia Dewey, Brittany Dewey, MarQuita Drayton, and the entire Dewey family, Thank you! Thank you to: Ayanna Butler, Karen Gilyard, Karamel Hibbler, Cheri Walker, Toni Zardies, Nelly Hester Alejandro, Pamela Perry, Althea JustBeing Me, LaBrina Jolly, Danielle Churcher, Nikki Johnson, Nekisha White Bell, Amy Ackerson, Justin Davon Price, Sha Cole, Stacy Johnson-Leonard, Jacole Laryea, Yvonne Stovall, Qiana Drennen, Courtney Lawson, Sharon Alsobrook LeGrande, Anya Alsobrook, Nicki Brownsugar Williams, Helen Richards, Davan Holt, Kerrisha Brown, Angela Clark, Mary Green, Shawnte Avery, Lee Regan O’ Neal, Natoya Taylor, and Stephaine Marie.
To all the members of Books and More with Mz. R, I love you! To every one on the Mz. Robinson fan page, and the Love, Lies, and Lust series fan page, Thank you!
To each and every group and book club that has shown me love: Thank you! Sending a special shout out to:
Kenya Ervin and the Soul Sistahs Book Club
Oosa Book Club
Page Turner’s Book Club
Just Read Book Club
SIRR
To my Editor: Autumn, thank you, it is always a pleasure working with you.
To Hot Book Covers: Thank you for another HOT book cover!
To each and every blogger, blog talk radio show host, and promoter: Thank you!
To the following talented authors: To Fire & Ice (trouble makers...lol), Katavious Ellis, Janie Peterson, Kim Carter, Honey Honey, UrbanNovelist Eureka, Thomas Long, Aleta Williams, Real Divas, Nika Michelle, Charmaine Galloway, Ellen Sade, and $paid: Thank you for connecting and much love.
If there is anyone I forgot, please, blame it on the voices in my head and not my heart! To every one with a hope and a dream remember to P.U.S.H.
Copyright 2013 Mz. Robinson
Published by:
G Street Chronicles, LLC
P.O. Box 1822
Jonesboro, GA 30237-1822
www.gstreetchronicles.com
[email protected]
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without prior written consent from both the author, and publisher G Stree
t Chronicles, except brief quotes used in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. It is not meant to depict, portray or represent any particular real person. All the characters, incidents, and dialogues are the products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any references or similarities to actual events, entities, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, entities, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author/publisher.
Cover Design
Hot Book Covers
www.hotbookcovers.com
Join our social networks
Facebook
G Street Chronicles Fan Page
G Street Chronicles CEO Exclusive Readers Group
Follow us on Twitter
@GStreetChronicl
Chapter 1
I watched as the low fuel indicator illuminated in the dash of my Honda Civic, an indication that I needed to refuel immediately or I’d have to hoof it. I knew I should have stopped for gas before work that morning, but it had been my intent to leave my job at the Holiday Inn before rush-hour traffic and get gas then. Of course my plans were canceled when my co-worker, Tina, came dragging in late for her shift, looking and smelling like she’d been rolling around in a tub of liquor. The heifer didn’t have an excuse or even offer an apology. I wanted to check her ass and express my dislike with her obvious lack of consideration, but instead I grabbed my purse, clocked out, and left without saying a damn word. I knew there was no use in expressing my feelings; if I opened my mouth and let my thoughts roll off my tongue, I’d most likely end up pounding the pavement again, checking the want ads. I’d been working as a desk clerk at the hotel for a little over a year, and although it was far from my dream occupation, it was a legit job that paid the bills. In moments like that, though, I wished I’d chosen to further my education after high school or at least pursued some sort of trade or career. Of course, after graduation, there were other responsibilities that required my immediate attention, so higher education had to be put on hold anyway.
The loud chirping of my cell phone drew my attention to the center console and advised me that my brother was calling. “What is it this time, Randall?” I grumbled to myself, debating on whether or not to answer. I loved my brother, but lately, he’d only been calling when he wanted something, and it seemed as if he wanted something all the time. I was torn between sending him to voicemail and answering before I finally concluded that it could possibly be an emergency. “Hello?” I answered.
“Hey, sis. What you up to?”
“Headed to the nail shop,” I said. “What’s up?”
“Check this out…I need to hold twenty until next week.”
“What happened to the twenty I let you hold two weeks ago?” I questioned, agitated.
My brother had been nickel-and-diming my pockets every chance he got, asking for gas money or with help with his bills. The man was single, with no children, yet he claimed he never had a dime to his name. I was beginning to think there was more going on with him than poor money management skills.
“Yeah, about that…” he said. “They cut my hours at the carwash, so I’ve been running short, but as soon as things pick up, I’m gonna run you your money.”
I knew he was lying. According to an associate of mine, who also worked at the carwash, Randall hadn’t been to work in days, and even when he did bother to show up, he was practically useless. Nonetheless, I decided to entertain his lame excuse for his lack of funds. “Randall, if you’re not making enough to carry your weight, you need to look for something else and—”
“Look, Diamond, I didn’t call to listen to no lecture,” he blurted out, cutting me off. “If you got me, I ‘preciate it. If not, just have the balls to say so. You can kill all that extra. I swear you startin’ to act just like Mama, thinking you talkin’ to a child instead of a grown-ass man. Damn it, sis!”
“A grown-ass man would know how to handle his business,” I snapped back. “Don’t call me gettin’ loud, Randall. I’m trying to help you.”
“Can I hold it or what?” he blew loudly into the phone. “A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will do.”
“All right,” I said, offended. “No.”
Click.
He hung up, but I knew it would be only a matter of days, if that, before he called again. Sometimes it was hard to believe that Randall and I were even related. I believed in hard work and earned every dime I spend. Randall, on the other hand, would have gotten somebody else to breathe for him if he could; he was just that damn lazy. I don’t know what branch of our family tree he’d fallen from, but it was obvious that the limb was as sorry as hell.
I pulled into the parking lot of the Conoco gas station and parked in front of pump 8. I reached over to the passenger’s side, opened my handbag, and removed my wallet. The digital 6:32 on the face of my stereo deck reminded me that I had less than thirty minutes to make it to the nail salon before they closed.
Normally, I arrived at least an hour before closing, out of respect for the nail technicians, because I knew they hated last-minute walk-ins, but this time they would have to deal with it. My nails were long overdue for a full set, and I wanted to treat myself. I removed my keys from the ignition and climbed out of my car with my wallet and keys in hand.
As I stepped across the parking lot, walking toward the gas station store, I noticed two vehicles parked in front of the door, a snow-white Lexus with dark-tinted windows and an all-black Tahoe. I watched as the driver of the Lexus opened his door and stepped out, a dark-skinned brother. He shut the door of his Lexus, and then climbed into the passenger side of the Tahoe. A few seconds passed before the door of the Tahoe reopened, and the man got out and climbed back behind the wheel of the Lexus.
Dumbasses, I thought to myself. It was plain as day that the parties in the vehicles were engaged in some kind of illegal transaction, and my instinct told me it had something to do with drugs.
I stepped past the Tahoe and entered the store. After grabbing a bottle of juice and a little something to snack on, I paid for my items and exited the minimart.
The driver-side door of the Tahoe opened, and a majestic man with light brown skin stepped out. He was attractive and neatly dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt. He was approximately six-three, with a toned, but not overly powerful, build and a neat Caesar cut. “How are you today?” he asked.
“Good,” I said, walking by him.
“Excuse me,” he said from behind me.
“Yes?” I questioned, turning to face him.
“May I talk to you for a moment?”
“I’m in a hurry,” I said truthfully, “and I’m not interested.”
“You’re in a hurry?” he repeated smoothly. “I understand that, but how do you know if you’re interested or not? You haven’t even heard what I’ve got to offer. Why don’t you get to know me first, then decide.”
“I guess you have a point, but I’m sure I’m not interested.”
“Are you married?”
“No.”
“Do you have a man?”
“No.”
“What kind of men do you like?” he probed, penetrating me with his dark brown eyes.
“Men who work,” I said sarcastically, letting him know I’d seen his little illegal interaction before I’d entered the store and that I was not digging what he had going on. Granted, I could have been completely off in my assumptions about him and the other man, but my gut feeling seldom ever let me down.
His eyebrows inched up while the corners of his lips turned up into a small smile. “What does it matter if I work or not? Why do men work? For money, right? I’ve already
got money. I don’t need to work.”
I wanted to argue, but I unfortunately didn’t have time. “Look, I gotta get to the nail salon before they close,” I said, walking to my car.
“Heh. The nail salon? Is that why you’re in a hurry?” he asked, following behind me.
“Yes,” I said. I popped open the cover for the gas tank, and then unscrewed the cap.
“What are you getting done?”
“Why?”
“Let me get that,” he said, stepping up to the pump.
I stepped back, allowing him room to pump my gas. “Thanks,” I said.
“Well? What are you getting done?”
“I need a full set,” I said impatiently, “but at the rate I’m going, I’m not gonna make it before they close.”
“What’s your name?”
“Diamond,” I said smugly, pointing to the gold-plated name badge I wore.
He looked slightly embarrassed and extremely cute at the same time. “Sorry.”
“No problem.”
“In any case, it’s nice to meet you, Diamond,” he said politely. “They call me Gator.”
I looked at him strangely, wondering how such a nice-looking brother had ended up with an unattractive nickname. “What’s your real name?” I questioned.
He smiled. “Leon Douglass.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Douglass,” I said curtly. “I wish I had more time to chop it up, but I really have to go.”
He finished filling my tank, screwed the cap back on, and then closed the cover. “I’ll make you a deal. Gimme a few more minutes of your time, and I’ll make sure you get your full set before the night is over.”
“How? You do nails too? I thought you said you don’t need a job…and you don’t look like the nail salon type.”
“No, I don’t do nails, but I’ll make sure I get yours done.”
“Listen, I’m sure you’re a real nice dude and all, but—”
