by Jada Pearl
“I can see why. It just became my all-time favorite,” he responded as they both smiled. Neither of them even saw Dennis watching them.
Nico and Shontell finished off both pieces of the cheesecake. She excused herself to go to the restroom, and Nico felt like he had just won the lottery. He was so glad that he didn’t mess things up with her. He really thought he blew it. When he left her earlier, he pulled out the cards she had given him. He didn’t even remember when he started bringing them with him when they traveled. Some days they gave him the boost he needed. She had a way with words, which always left him in deep thought. If she knew how many songs they produced, it would probably blow her mind. When he first started getting them, they all would swap and read what they said. He knew after the first few words they were just for him, as they were never duplicated. It was as if the words from her cards had hit him all at once. He didn’t know how he would have handled it…if she had said no. Nico knew she was the one and wanted to make sure that she knew it as well.
Earlier that day, Nico found a florist. He had wanted to get something special for when she got home. He ordered a dozen lilies and orchids for Shontell to be delivered tomorrow. He heard her tell one of the fellas they were her favorite. Nico wanted the week to go by fast. Their concert tomorrow in Indiana was going to be a good one. He felt it. Being an entertainer had its advantages and its disadvantages when it came to relationships. His mother was always telling him that he would find the one when he least expected it. He thought, for once, that she was spot on. He was looking forward to getting to know Shontell.
Shontell
Shontell pulled her gloss out of her clutch and applied it to her lips. She was closing the cap as Tina walked out of the stall. As they were washing their hands, they looked at one another through their reflection. This woman thought she had the upper hand. She was way too much of a good person to even give her the satisfaction. Tina dried her hands and pulled her dress down. The dress was so tight and short…it didn’t move an inch. She watched her in amusement. Hoping her facial expression didn’t give away her thoughts, she glanced over her outfit again. Back in the day, the dress was referred to as a move-something dress. She wasn’t aware that they were back in style. They both walked out together, but headed in opposite directions. Shontell shook her head as she heard Tina say, “Let the best woman win.” Guess there went Nico’s guarantee. As she headed back into the hospitality suite, she saw that she had a voicemail. She listened to the message and started smiling. She had forgotten her friend was performing tonight. She had an idea.
The dessert was being cleared away when she sat back down. The guys were talking about what they had chosen to do with their free evening. They were hitting the other two casinos downtown. The band members and the others were all talking in a group. She, Nico, and Martin were all still sitting at the table. She turned to Nico and smiled, “Are you up for a walk?”
“Yes! I think I need to walk off that dessert. I can meet you in the lobby in ten minutes?”
“Okay, that’s fine,” she told him, as he got up and went to where the others were. She heard Martin call her name, and gave him her undivided attention. He asked her to follow him. “You are doing a great job so far this weekend. I will be sending a ton of work your way. I hope you are ready for it,” he told her as he grabbed one of the last desserts from another passing server. Spooning a hefty piece into his mouth, he shook his head in response to the taste.
“This dessert is plain sinful,” he told her, finishing it off and setting the plate on the pickup tray. Shontell nodded her head in agreement. He returned his attention back to her, wiping his mouth.
“Thank you so much.” Shontell responded. “I am sure I will be. I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.” She hugged Martin, and he laughed.
I can’t thank you enough for making Nico smile, because his smile had been lost for a while. You seem to have found a way to bring it back. You are just what he needs. Just wait. You two will be great together. Just remember to not let outsiders and the industry tear down what you two are starting to build. Communication is the ultimate key.”
“Thank you for the advice. I will keep it close to heart,” she told him. She admired Martin very much. She kissed his cheek and then headed out of the suite. Quickly entering her room, she grabbed her jacket and returned her missed call. Calling her dad, she told him she wanted to stop by. He said it was okay. She ended her call. She smiled as her idea was coming to life. She hoped Nico liked it. She grabbed her purse and headed back downstairs. When she got on the elevator, she was joined by Dennis. He didn’t say much as they rode down, but she felt him watching her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked him, just as they were getting to the first floor.
“Don’t hurt him,” was all Dennis said as he got off the elevator with her. Shontell was completely perplexed by his words and just stood there for a moment. Dennis looked back at her, not with hatred but with sincerity. She realized he was looking out for his friend, the same as Sandy would do for her. As she walked toward Nico, she saw he wasn’t alone. Tina was standing there with another woman talking to him. The other woman had her arms around Nico as they took pictures. Shontell just stood back and watched. Tina looked her way, and Shontell knew it was time to interrupt. She walked over to the group, smiling the whole time. Nico saw her and reached for her hand as she stood by his side. The look on Tina’s face was priceless.
“Okay, ladies, it’s time to get my evening started. It was nice meeting you, Diane. Now both of you enjoy your evening,” he told them. They walked toward the lobby exit still hand in hand. The night air greeted them as they walked out into the street. “So where are we headed?” he asked.
She loved the fact that he treated them like the fans they were, and kept it moving. It may not have been something he saw as a big deal…but for her, it was. He got two points for that. “I have a little surprise for you.”
“Oh really?” he said, enjoying the gleam in her eyes.
Dennis
Dennis was standing against the wall. He watched the exchange between Tina, her friend, Nico and Shontell. Tina may make this easier than he imagined it would be. But, would it be more interesting to stir the pot a little more. He thought for a moment about what he had done. He had paid Tina a good amount of money to show up at this hotel. Nico would never go back to her, but he knew her demeanor would at least cause some ruffles. Now it was time to add some waves. He knew he probably shouldn’t be doing this, but he couldn’t let Nico fall in love with Shontell. He didn’t want to let that side of his friend go again. Nico became a different person when he was with a woman. First it happened when he was with Tina, and now Dennis saw it happening with Shontell. He didn’t think that Shontell was bad for Nico, but he had already noticed a change in him. He didn’t want a woman to shake up their equilibrium. That was what his brother did with Felecia in the beginning. Dennis wasn’t saying they all had to be single, but why did love have to make them change? He couldn’t explain it. John would always be the carefree one. He just liked to have fun. It didn’t always include partying, or a woman, and he was cool with that. Dennis would never admit that he was being selfish. He shrugged his shoulders and made up his mind. He watched Tina in action from his view of the lounge and was glad she wasn’t in the mix anymore. She was useful for what he needed. He took his cell out of his back pocket and dialed a number. He diverted his attention elsewhere as he watched Nico and Shontell walk out the lobby doors. Dennis put his foot on the wall and listened to the ringing on the line. Jesse answered on the fourth ring.
“Hey, what was the name of the lady you used to be engaged to? Really? Okay, so have you talked with her lately? Maybe it’s time you do! Oh, and you are confirmed for the cruise.” Dennis continued his conversation with Jesse until John signaled that they were ready. He gave their destination to him and ended his call. He smiled and headed out behind the group.
More Than a Crush
&nb
sp; Shontell
Shontell and Nico walked for about ten minutes, but they didn’t really talk. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, and they just held hands like long time lovers. They were enjoying each other’s company. She stopped where there was a beautiful boat docked right in front of them. She had always loved this boat. Nico looked from her to the boat and then back to her again.
“We are here,” she told him. She laughed as Nico twirled her around. It was a feeling she thought she had forgotten. She was smitten with a person that she never thought she had a chance with. There were a few other couples out enjoying a nice walk as well. He stood behind her, holding her. Looking up, he admired the beauty of the boat.
“She is a beauty. Are we going aboard?”
“Yes, in about ten minutes or so. The captain is doing me a favor. They just finished a concert cruise. They are going to get her ready, and then he is going to take us out for about two hours. I hope you enjoy it. It always relaxes me.” As she was telling him that, the captain waved them aboard. They walked up the plank and were greeted by the captain.
“Good evening, Shon. And who is this young man?” he said, motioning at Nico and smiling at them both. Nico stepped up to him and extended his hand.
“I am, Nico, sir. Nico Baker.”
“Well, nice to meet you, Nico. Welcome aboard! Her name is the Mystic, but I call her the S. A. Lydia. And I’m Captain Banner. Enjoy the tour.”
“It’s nice to meet you, sir. Thank you, and I am sure I will.”
“You guys will be served a light supper and dessert in about thirty to forty-five minutes. Oh, and your friend, the singer, has agreed to stay on board with you two. She did an excellent job with her performance. We will have her back again for sure. The photographer is also at your disposal.” The captain gave his only daughter a stern look and then spoke. “Before we take off, Shon, may I speak to you for a moment?”
“Sure, Captain Darnell,” Shontell said, knowing she was about to get into trouble. He raised his eyebrow at her.
“Young lady, you want to tell that man who I am before we get going? I have decided that I will be extra nice tonight and give you both some extra boat time. You have to promise to close up and call the car for your friend when we dock again.”
“Yes, Daddy, I will. And come on and let me reintroduce you,” she said, kissing her dad on the cheek and laughing.
“Nico, come here for a second!” Nico walked to where she and her father were standing. Shontell took his hand as she tried not to laugh out loud. Nico gave her a strange look of complete confusion.
Nico
Nico watched Shontell walk away. He wondered how she knew the older man, although he did look a little familiar. He watched the exchange between them as he saw a few of the crew members notice him. He heard one of the girls say his name. Shontell motioned him over and took his hand. He immediately felt warm.
“Nico, I just got scolded by the captain here,” she told him, smiling. Looking confused, he looked from Shontell to the captain.
“For what, may I ask?” He looked from one to the other.
“Well, the reason why I was able to get this huge favor is because this grand man here is my dad, Captain Darnell Banner.”
Nico laughed. He suddenly realized why he looked familiar to him. The resemblance was very clear now. He shook his hand again, and then her father turned and began walking into the ship’s foyer. They walked behind him until Captain Darnell turned around.
“Young man, you take care of my baby girl. Treat her better than the last one did, or I will come looking for you,” he said with a straight face.
His comment shocked them both. Shontell was embarrassed, “Dad!”
“Baby girl, don’t you dad me. You know that man nearly destroyed your spirit. I am not going to let that happen again. So Nico, I hope you heard me loud and clear,” he said as he tipped his hat, and gave him a serious look.
“Sir, I heard you. I will take care of her…you have my word. ” Nico put up the scouts honor sign. Extending his hand again, they shook. He wanted her father to know he would keep his word to him.
“Enjoy the cruise, Shon. Your mother and I will see you Tuesday for dinner.”
“Yes, Daddy, thank you.” He waved to them as he went to his helm.
“I am sorry about that. I am so embarrassed!”
“Don’t be! He loves you. I hope you will tell me what he was talking about.”
“I will tell you soon, I promise. Come on, let’s take some pictures before we go upstairs.”
“Okay…whenever you are ready, I will be here to listen.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” She reached up to kiss him. She wrapped her arms around him. She only meant to give him a quick peck, but the simple kiss turned into much more. A noise around them caused them to stop.
“You are going to get me in trouble with your dad,” he whispered into her neck. She laughed. They headed to the picture area and soon felt the boat in motion.
Nico wrapped his arms around her as they took pictures. He loved the coconut and berries he smelled in her hair. They took a few pictures and then went to the dining area. They took the seats up near the front where a table had been set for them. She noticed the projector was out as she requested. She looked around for her friend and figured she must have still been in the back dressing area. Shontell was just about to inquire when Michael, one of the waiters, came out with a tray. He set it down and began placing their light dinner on the table.
“Michael, is everything ready?” she asked him in a way so as not to give away her little surprise. He nodded and then motioned for her.
“Shon, I hate to ask this, but the crew has been going crazy because of him.” He motioned toward Nico. “Do you mind if they come out and say hi and get some pics while you talk to Sheléa?” he whispered. She looked over her shoulder and back at Nico. She wondered if this is what she would have to get used to again. When she was with Jesse, it occurred sometimes. Most of the time he kept her out of view, like she asked. She walked back over to Nico and explained the request to him.
“Nico, do you mind?”
“If you’re sure you don’t, then it’s okay.”
“Michael, you guys have ten minutes. Nico, I will be back in a few minutes,” she told him. She headed back to the area where Michael had come from. Her father’s staff greeted her warmly as they headed out to where Nico was. Shontell stood there and watched as they made a big deal over him. He took it in stride. He was used to this and much more, she was sure. She didn’t hear Sheléa come up behind her.
“Are you sure you’re ready for that again?” Turning around, she faced her friend and saw the concern that she was wearing.
“I’ve asked myself that over and over again in the last twenty-four hours. I can’t punish him for what Jesse did. I just hope I am not proven wrong,” she admitted to her honestly, as the vision of Tina came into mind. “Anyways, it’s so good to see you. My dad told me how you wowed everyone.”
“Girl, I love your dad. He is so sweet. I can’t wait to come back,” she told her as they hugged.
“Okay, they are almost done. It’s up to you how many songs you do, but I want the video to play first. Then you can come on out and do your thing.”
“Okay and I got you. I will rest after that until we dock. I am headed to DC when I leave here to perform with Lalah Hathaway.”
“Alright now. I am so proud of you.” The two women hugged again and promised to catch up later in the week. She walked back out to where Nico was and the lights were dimmed. Nico looked up at the lights and then his glance went to her. He was still standing and smiling. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. She was blushing and couldn’t do anything but smile.
“What was that for?”
“Just being you.”
“Well, I should mention something to you; I don’t like being in the limelight. The first quote-un-quote celebrity I dated was awful. He took me to a premiere, and my li
fe after that was an open book. I was always followed by some paparazzi. I ended it because I just couldn’t do it. So when I dated the next guy in the industry, I asked him to keep me out of it. He did, and it worked better for the most part. So I hope my asking you about this won’t be a problem.”
“No, I understand your concerns, and I will do my best to protect you.” He held out the chair for her, and the projector screen came to life. Nico pulled his chair next to hers and pulled her body closer to his.
“Movie?”
“Nope, just watch.” The music came on over the speaker, and Sheléa’s video Love The Way You Love Me played. Nico sat up straighter in his seat but didn’t release her from his embrace, as they continued to watch. Right before Sheléa walked out, Shontell turned to him and asked, “Can you give me that type of love?”
Nico
Nico couldn’t believe how good it felt to spend time with Shontell. He watched the video, and he loved the concept. The couple on the screen looked to be so deeply in love. Again he thought about how much he wanted the same type of love. That’s what his parents and David had. So when she asked him that question, he didn’t hesitate in giving his answer.
“Yes, yes, and with everything in me, yes,” he told her as he leaned in to kiss her. But then he was surprised when he heard a woman singing. He looked up at the screen but was amazed to see the girl from the video standing there in person singing the song. He looked over at Shontell and laughed. He pulled her up and brought her to him. They danced while her friend sang…and she could really sing. She looked familiar, but he didn’t know her name.
