“Yes, that’s her.”
“Damn it, Jaleen, I thought you told me you both were just friends.”
“We are. I mean, we were. Now we’re sort of dating.” The line grew quiet. “It’s pretty recent, so don’t think it’s been going on for years and I just haven’t said anything.”
“Jay, have you told her about your situation?”
“Um, not exactly.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means no. I haven’t told her about my situation. I’ve told her a little about our family and the obligations that we have to always put business first, but that’s all. We’re in a good place right now and I’d rather explain everything to her when the time is right.”
“The time is never going to be right, little brother. If you really care about Danni, think about how hurt she will be if she finds out too late. Or worse, if you both fall for each other just to have to end your relationship at the peak of what should be the most enjoyable time for a new couple.”
Jaleen grew silent as he let Jeremiah’s words wash over him. He may not like what his brother was saying, but he was right. Just like Taheim had been right.
He needed to talk to Danni.
“Shit, you’ve already fallen for her...haven’t you?” Once again, Jaleen remained quiet. “Okay, maybe you should start from the beginning.”
* * *
“Come on, Danni, you’re dragging,” Summer said, pulling Danni along.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into bringing Jaleen lunch.”
“Well, we had to meet that vendor who wants us to carry her massage oils in the store anyway, and one of the hotels Jaleen is working on is nearby, so maybe he’s here.”
That’s exactly what she was afraid of. She’d just had some of the best sex of her life, and now she was popping up at his job? Can you spell C-R-A-Z-Y?
When they arrived at the hotel, one of the construction workers said that Jaleen had stepped out.
“Oh, darn,” Danni said, pretending to be disappointed. “Guess we’ll just have to take these sandwiches back to the office.” Danni turned to leave and bumped right into a pile of ruffled material, knocking it to the ground. No, wait. It wasn’t a pile of ruffled material. It was a woman.
“I’m sorry,” Danni said, trying to help the woman up but unable to find her arms.
“Isn’t this just a soupy bag of grits,” the woman said in a deep Southern accent. “Can you be a doll and help me up?”
“I’m trying,” Danni said, nodding to Summer so she could help, too. Together they got her to her feet.
“There, that’s better.” The woman adjusted her oversize hat and smoothed out her dress as much as Danni assumed it could be smoothed given all the ruffles.
“I’m Cordelia Sugar Rose,” she said, extending her hand. “My mom gave me that middle name because I came out the womb tasting as sweet as pie every time she kissed me.”
“Is this chick serious?” Summer whispered to Danni.
“And you two are?” Cordelia asked.
Summer nudged for her to go first.
“Um, I’m Danni Allison.” Danni accepted her handshake.
“Summer Dupree-Chase,” Summer said, doing the same. “Nice to meet you.”
“I heard you were here to see Jaleen Walker. May I ask why?”
“We’re friends of his,” Summer said. “And you are?”
“Well, I’m an old friend of Le Le’s.” Cordelia brushed some of her hair out of her face, which caused her to slightly lose her balance.
Danni could see a pretty girl peeking from underneath all that fluff, but she had on so much material she might as well be wearing a costume.
“Is Le Le expecting you?” Cordelia queried sweetly.
Le Le? She’s called him that twice. Danni glanced at Summer in time to see her try to stifle a laugh.
“Can I ask why you call him Le Le?” Danni asked. Cordelia didn’t strike her as Jaleen’s type of old friend.
“Well, yes, you see, I’m—”
“She’s my appraiser,” Jaleen said, walking through the door. “I didn’t know you ladies were stopping by.”
Danni didn’t miss the look of annoyance he sent Cordelia’s way.
“We were in the area, so we figured we’d bring you lunch,” Summer said.
“We brought you a sandwich.” Danni handed him the bag, her hand brushing his as she did so. Memories from last night came rushing to the forefront of her mind. Judging by the way he looked as if he wanted to drag her to the nearest corner and make love to her all over again, she assumed he was having the same thoughts.
Someone loudly clearing their throat got her attention. They both turned to face Cordelia who was giving Danni a not-so-friendly stare.
“Cordelia, don’t you have to check out another property right now?” Jaleen asked.
“Yes, I suppose I do,” she said, straightening her back and walking out the room. Only then did Summer release her laugh.
“Seriously, Jaleen, did you, like, date her and she never got over it or something?” Summer asked. “Is she really a childhood friend?” Danni smiled at Summer. She may have disguised her question as a joke, but girlfriend had her back.
“No, we never dated. She’s from Texas and, yes, I guess you can say we’ve been friends since we were kids. She’s not all that bad. Just different.”
And really has a crush on you. Danni wasn’t even the type to get jealous, so there was no use starting now. “We really should be getting back to the shop,” she said, nodding at Summer.
“Oh, right. ’Bye, Jaleen.”
Danni looked up at him before leaving. “See you later.”
“Wait, that’s it?” Jaleen asked, touching her on the arm.
“What do you mean?”
He didn’t make her wait long to understand his meaning. When he pulled her into a passionate kiss, she instantly melted against his body.
“Okay,” he said, giving her one more peck. “Now I’m good.”
As Danni walked out the door, she felt like she was in a daze. A really dreamy daze as a result of a great kiss.
“Aren’t you glad we brought him that sandwich?” Summer asked.
Yes, she was glad she’d brought him that sandwich. Unfortunately now she wished she’d given him a lot more than that.
Chapter 13
“Danni, are you okay?”
Danni turned to face Summer, who was standing with Nicole and Aaliyah.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just trying to finalize a few things before we head to Chicago.”
Danni, Summer and Aiden were headed to Chicago for sweet baby Emma’s first birthday party. Winter and Taheim were beyond ecstatic and Danni had no doubt that the couple had planned an extravagant birthday for their baby girl.
At first, Danni had considered skipping the trip when Jaleen informed her that he wouldn’t be able to go. Then she’d remembered that Winter would kill her if she missed her child’s first birthday. It was more than a gathering for the young one. It was a way for everyone to see each other now that folks were living in different states and even different countries.
“I know what it is.” Nicole’s voice broke through her thoughts. “You’re disappointed that Jaleen won’t be there.”
“No, I’m not,” Danni said quickly. “I’m just making a mental to-do list of everything I have to do when I get back from Chicago.” That was only partially true. She hadn’t seen Jaleen since she’d taken him lunch a week ago. Although he’d called and texted her a few times, she got the distinct feeling that something else was going on. Something she couldn’t quite place her finger on. She was hoping they would have gotten a chance to discuss things in Chicago, but he’d texted her a couple of days ago to let her kno
w that he couldn’t go.
“Is everything okay with you two?” Summer asked. “Because I have no problem cursing him out if he’s treating you badly. I’ve seen that man in action before, so I know how he can be.”
“No, that’s not it. You know I’ve seen him in action, too, but he doesn’t treat me like he treats other women. But I still get the sense that something is wrong. Up until last week, it seemed he would go out of his way to see me. Now it almost seems as if he’s making up excuses as to why he can’t.”
“You still have two more dates left, right?” Aaliyah asked. “I can’t imagine Jaleen passing up the opportunity to collect on his last two dates.”
“Danni, you seem mentally exhausted and if Jaleen is the cause, then I think I’ll stick with my instinct and curse him out anyway,” Summer added.
She was sure she looked exhausted because she definitely felt exhausted. However, she didn’t have bags under her eyes because of Jaleen. It was because of the series of threatening phone calls she’d received every day for the past week. The first call came the morning after her third date with Jaleen. She’d refused to let the caller bait her into giving more money than the agreed-upon amount. When the call had ended, Danni had assumed she’d gotten her point across, until the phone calls started coming back-to-back from different numbers. It was so bad that she was contemplating getting another phone number.
“I can handle it,” she said to Summer. “I have a lot more going on than just my issues with Jaleen.”
“Anything we can help with?” Nicole asked.
Danni looked at each woman, appreciating their friendship but knowing she wasn’t ready to discuss anything with them. Besides, she’d have to have a few private conversations before that time came anyway.
“How about this?” Danni said. “If I think of a way for either of you to help, I promise to let you know.”
They seemed satisfied with the answer. Aiden came through the door a few moments later to pick up her and Summer. That was another thing she loved about having friends like Nicole and Aaliyah who were so dedicated to the store. Whenever she or Summer had to go to Chicago, the store was always left in good hands.
* * *
The plane ride to Chicago was smooth sailing. Not only were there no delays, but they made it with hours to spare before the birthday party. Just as Danni had expected, Winter and Taheim had gone all out for Emma’s birthday. Taheim’s parents’ backyard was fully decked out with inflatables, a candy station, enough food to feed an army, a gorgeous princess cake and even a petting zoo area with a few animals.
As the night died down, the children had all gone and the only people that were left were the adults. Taheim’s parents took baby Emma after lighting their huge bonfire. Although there were still adults sprinkled throughout the backyard, Danni was sitting in a circle with Winter, Autumn and Summer, as well as their husbands. Why do I feel so awkward? She’d been around this particular group of couples for a while and she’d never felt out of place before. Like a seventh wheel. She might as well be wearing a big neon sign that said Lonely Seat for One.
That’s because Jaleen’s usually here.
They’d never been a couple, but he was always usually around since he was Taheim’s best friend. Even when she hadn’t wanted him to be, Jaleen would show up anyway. In a way, Danni had been Jaleen’s wingwoman just as much as he’d been her wingman. Despite the fact that they used to never get along, the group sitting around the fire had always paired them together. She supposed that’s why it felt so strange not having him there. They shared so many friends that he’d been a constant person in her life over the past few years.
“Did you enjoy the party?” Winter asked, leaning closer to her.
“Yes,” Danni said, shaking away her thoughts. “It was beautiful and Emma was so happy the entire day.”
“That’s our little princess,” Winter said with a smile. “She knew the day was about her, so she acted the part.”
“She did,” Danni said with a laugh. “I’m glad I came.”
“Even though Jaleen couldn’t make it?”
“Why does everyone keep asking me that? Jaleen being or not being at an event doesn’t define my happiness. He’s not here and I’m having a good time. If he were here, I’d still be having a good time. It doesn’t matter.”
Winter gave her a look of disbelief. “Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?”
Danni looked away and gazed into the fire. Who was she trying to convince? “I don’t even know,” she answered honestly.
“Don’t know what?” Summer asked as she and Autumn sat with her and Winter.
“She doesn’t know if she wishes Jaleen were here or if she’s glad he isn’t.”
“Oh, that.” Summer waved her hand in the air. “We just went through this before our flight today. I’m not sure we concluded on an answer.”
Autumn observed her a little closer. “Judging by the starry-eyed gaze she’s been in most of the night, I’d say she wishes he were here.”
“You guys are hilarious,” Danni said with a laugh. “Remind me never to get involved in your love life again.”
“It’s too late for that,” Summer said. “You were all up in my love life when I was trying to figure out my feelings for Aiden.”
Winter nodded her head in agreement. “You were in mine, too, when it came to Taheim.”
Danni glanced at Autumn, expecting her to say something next.
“I’m not even going to go there,” Autumn said. “Because you were telling all my business to my sisters. I partially blame you for being the reason Ajay and I had to elope.”
“That wasn’t my fault,” Danni said. “We all know that although you believe in love and marriage, you aren’t too fond of weddings.”
“That’s true,” Autumn said with a laugh. “We originally thought we could handle all the frill and fuss. But Ajay and I were so involved with Winter and Taheim’s wedding, it seemed only fitting that we elope after Summer told us she was engaged to Aiden.”
Winter rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe you eloped. Especially after wedding plans were already under way. You’re lucky Summer got engaged and I was able to channel my energy into her wedding because otherwise, I would have disowned you and my brother-in-law.”
Autumn smiled at Winter. “Our quickie wedding was perfect and Ajay and I loved the overpriced reception you and Taheim threw for us after we returned.”
All the women shared a laugh. Out of all the couples, Danni found the most joy in teasing Autumn about Ajay. “Autumn, you were hands-down the most interesting love story to watch unfold.”
“Hey,” Summer said, hitting Danni on the shoulder. “I’m your favorite, so I should have been the best story, Sherlock Danni.”
Winter and Autumn rolled their eyes, as they often did when Summer got territorial over Danni. Technically, Danni had known Winter and Autumn for longer than she’d known Summer. But the two had immediately connected and formed a strong bond.
Danni glanced at each of the women who’d become much more than just friends to her over the years. She honestly couldn’t imagine the last three years without them. Each woman was unique in her own way and although they were the Dupree sisters, they were different in so many ways.
I’ve always wanted that bond with siblings. While she had an older and younger brother, she’d always missed the closeness that came with having a sister. That’s probably why I’m so close to my mom. She guessed that some couldn’t have the best of both worlds because the Dupree sisters had the worst mom on the planet, whereas Danni would give her right arm to her mom if she needed it.
But you’ve made some bad decisions lately. Decisions that hurt your mom...
The thought crept into her mind quicker than she could block it. Her mom was the only person on earth who
knew about the poor decisions she’d made, and yet she loved her unconditionally anyway. Her mother had a beautiful spirit and Danni was blessed to have her in her life.
Danni felt her heartbeat quicken and her hands grow clammy, a sign that a panic attack was brewing. Oh, no, not now. Lately she’d been getting them more and more, the triggers harder to recognize now than they had been before.
She noticed the look of concern on Autumn’s face first, but she couldn’t hear what she was saying. Her mind was blocked. Before she knew it, all three women were shoving water bottles in her face and waving their arms in what she assumed was their way of trying to get her to focus. She wanted to tell them it was of no use. That everything they were saying was just background noise to the buzzing she heard in her head.
It’s probably my own fault. Since she was the one who had made poor decisions, then it was her fault that she was having sudden panic attacks. This one was worse than usual, especially with all her friends there to witness it and panic right along with her since they didn’t know what to do.
Now the men were involved, which was making it even worse because there were too many bodies to focus on, making it harder for her to concentrate on just one person.
“Back up everyone, you’re too close to her.” Jaleen? She knew that voice. Knew that scent.
“Danni, it’s me.” It is him. “Focus on your breathing. Like we did in yoga class.”
But what is he doing here? She half thought she was imagining his voice, until he came clearly into view, fading out the other faces of concern surrounding him. She listened to his words.
“That’s it, baby. Just like the instructor taught us.”
That is definitely his voice. And she’d never been more relieved to hear a voice in her life. When all the buzzing and white noise cleared, all she saw was him. All she heard was him.
“Welcome back, beautiful,” Jaleen said, lightly rubbing her cheeks. “I think you’ve officially scared all our friends.”
Danni glanced around the group, which did indeed look as if she’d given them each a panic attack, as well.
Nights of Fantasy Page 13
