“Well, there is no sense in feeling all sad,” she chided herself, standing in the walk-in closet. “You fell for the wrong man. And he left you.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Nikki whirled around and her eyes widened. She quickly regained her composure and ice laced her words. “How long have you been standing there? Those were my private thoughts.”
William crossed the room in two long steps, stopping just short of her. “There was a time when there was nothing private between us.”
“Well, those days are gone,” she said, trying to step around him, but he blocked her way. She glared at him. “Will you get out of my way? Since you’re sneaking up on me, I’m leaving.”
“I wasn’t sneaking up on you,” William said. “I was actually coming to stay the night, and when I saw your car, I thought that might have meant you had come back.”
“Not a chance,” she said. “What, you’re telling me you’re not with Ms. High and Mighty anymore?”
She could see a muscle tick in his jaw, but his voice was controlled when he spoke. “I was never with anyone but you,” he said. “Which you know very well. And I was coming here since this is my home.”
Nikki could feel herself thawing. He looked so sincere, like he was telling the truth. She had never known him to lie to her. No, she had been the one who lied. Their eyes caught and the room temperature immediately shot up. Nikki tried to look away, but she could not. When William pulled her to him, she didn’t resist. Instead, she heaved toward him, meeting the crushing assault of his kiss. He picked her up and carried her to the bed, placing her on the flowered bedspread, where he tugged off her clothes. She made no move to stop him.
“Baby, I’ve missed you so much,” he said, burying his head in her soft flesh. He looked back up, his eyes full of words. “I’m sorry for so much drama. I know—”
“Shhh,” Nikki put her forefinger to his lips. “Don’t talk.”
“But I just want you to know that—”
“Shhh,” she insisted. She didn’t want to think about anything but the feelings being exchanged between them. She reached to undress him as he had done her, but he moved her hands away. She lay there as he quickly stepped out of his shoes and trousers, his shirt already on the floor, then climbed onto the bed, taking her into his arms.
William plied her with kisses and caresses. He pulled her as close as he could, breathing deeply to take in all he had missed these last long weeks.
Nikki closed her eyes as wave after wave of pent up energy escaped her and her voice grew hoarse with letting it out. With every movement, they told each other just how much they had missed.
Chapter 93
Danielle’s cell phone rang and she put down the book she was reading to answer it. She glanced at the caller ID. “Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me,” the voice was crisp.
“I know who this is,” Danielle said and rolled her eyes. “You sure have been calling me a lot lately.”
“So, what’s your point?”
“My point is just that, you’ve been calling me a lot,” Danielle repeated. “Just the other day, I was in the kitchen talking to Nikki and I know she was all suspicious when I said I had to take this call, and I went to my bedroom and closed the door.”
“I told you letting her move in was a bad idea.”
“She’s my friend,” Danielle’s voice was small.
“So, what about me?” the caller asked.
“What about you?” Danielle wanted to know.
“Do you love her more than you love me?”
Danielle shook her head but realized her caller could not see her. “No, you know I don’t love anybody more than you.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yes.”
“And who is it that has always bailed you out of trouble?”
“You.”
“And who is it that got you out of that bad place so long ago?”
“You.”
“And who is it that never asks anything of you, but is always there for you?”
“You.”
“Okay then,” the caller said. “Just make sure you remember that. I’d really hate to find that I’ve trusted the wrong person.”
“Oh, no, you’ve not trusted the wrong person.”
“Good. This is what I need you to do.”
Chapter 94
The first rays of light peeked through the partially opened curtains and Nikki’s eyes fluttered open. She groaned and buried her head in the pillow, knowing it was too early to be awake. A delicious soreness radiated throughout her body and she breathed in thoughts of remembrance. Her eyes flew open as she realized she wasn’t daydreaming. She twisted and saw William lying on his stomach next to her, one arm draped across her middle. Warmth flooded her as she recalled how he declared his love to her in his actions just the night before. But that didn’t change anything, she thought in the harsh light of morning.
Nikki inched to the edge of the bed until she let his arm fall softly to the mattress. When he grumbled, she paused, afraid she had awakened him. Then she realized he was still asleep. She sighed with relief and planted both feet on the floor. The cool air flirted with her skin and it tingled at memories of mere hours before.
She rummaged through the drawers as quickly as she could, casting furtive glances over her shoulder to make sure her husband was still asleep. He twisted and scratched his chest.
She paused, her back rigid as she waited to see if his eyes would pop open. When he began snoring, she grabbed clothes and zipped down the hall to the other bathroom and showered, raced the toothbrush around her mouth and pulled on her clothes. Then she dumped a few items in the cardboard box, not as many as she would have liked, but she couldn’t think about that. She fled, leaving William alone in bed.
Chapter 95
Danielle woke up with a start. Something had awakened her. She slowly sat up and looked around. Was somebody there? She held her breath, struggling to hear movement. She got up and walked through the condo, opening the closet doors and looking under the beds.
Satisfied that she was alone, she went back to her spot on the couch. Nikki still wasn’t there. At the thought of her best friend, so many emotions battled. Nikki was the one person she had been able to trust and open up to all those years ago, but even then there were just some things even Nikki didn’t know about her.
And lately, so many weird things had been happening. Nikki was acting so suspicious, and at every turn it seemed they were fighting.
But still, Danielle felt a knot in her stomach at what she had done. She hadn’t wanted to, not really. But she could never decline a request from the person who had lately seemed to have her on speed dial. Danielle shrugged off the feelings. “It’s no big deal. I didn’t really do anything. Nikki will never know.”
Chapter 96
Nikki called Keedra. “Hey, I’m so sorry!” Nikki gushed when her friend answered. “I went by the house and William showed up and. . . .”
“It’s okay,” Keedra said. “Psalm was great company for my son. They entertained each other and gave me some time to get some things done.”
“I am such a bad mother!”
“No, you’re not,” Keedra soothed. “You went to handle some business and if I was able to ease your mind by watching your child, then I’m glad to have been a part of it. So you said William was there. Does this mean you two are back together?”
“No!” Nikki’s response was immediate. She let her voice relax. “I mean . . . I don’t know. I mean, yes I do. No. It was just sex.”
“It doesn’t sound like that’s all it was.”
“He can’t just think he can come back and everything is all right. It’s not that easy. And he cheated on me.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“I—” the question caught Nikki off guard. “Well, why else would he stay at Olivia’s house? And I told you what she said. She’s been after him for I-
don’t-know-how-long.”
“Yeah, but just because she wants your husband doesn’t mean he wants her,” Keedra said. “You know your husband better than anyone. You know the type of man he is. And you know two things: He loves God and he loves his family. And neither of those would allow him to stoop to the level you are accusing him of.”
Nikki wasn’t ready to accept that she was wrong and that William had been telling her the truth all this time. Especially when it was her lie that had sent them down this path in the first place. “Well, look, I don’t know what to believe these days. I’m just in a place where I’m starting to realize just how much I sacrificed for him. I don’t want to go back there. I’m not the meek, timid little housewife he married.”
“Well, that’s all right,” Keedra said. “Just talk to him. Don’t lose your marriage because of some stuff you guys can fix.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“All I know is that I’m raising a child on my own because I got with a man who really was a cheater and no good for me. You—you’re not with someone like that. William is a good man.”
“Look, I don’t want to talk about this right now,” Nikki said.
“Well, just think about what you are doing,” Keedra insisted. “And pray about it.”
“Praying hasn’t done me much good.”
“Don’t be like that,” Keedra said. “Prayer always works.”
“Yeah, well, enough of all that,” Nikki said. “I’m going to come get Psalm.”
“Why don’t you wait a few hours?” Keedra said. “She’s still sleeping.”
Nikki nodded, eyeing the periwinkle sky. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just now getting to be daylight. Okay, well, I’m going to get myself together. I’ll call you in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
Nikki continued her drive, covering the few blocks to Danielle’s condo in short order and parked. When she climbed out of her car, a slight breeze stirred the air. The temperature was dropping and it was starting to be jacket weather. She quickly walked to the door and jammed the key into the lock.
She let herself in and a startled gasp escaped her lips. Danielle was asleep on the couch. At the sound of noise at the door, Danielle jumped, pointing a butcher knife Nikki’s way.
“What’s up with the knife?” Nikki asked, shutting the door behind her.
“Is somebody with you?” Danielle’s eyes were wild.
Nikki looked around. “Somebody like who?”
Danielle’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You know. Somebody.”
Nikki dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and looked at Danielle curiously. “No. Nobody is with me, Danielle,” she said. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but shouldn’t you be in bed? And why are you sleeping with a knife?”
Danielle slowly stood up, still clutching the knife. She kept her eyes on Nikki as she walked to the door, then opened it and peeked outside, glancing in both directions. She closed the door and placed the knife on the counter. “I waited up all night for you,” she said accusingly. “I was worried. I thought something had happened to you. That somebody had gotten you.”
Nikki almost laughed, but caught herself. She spoke deliberately. “I was fine,” she said slowly, pouring a glass of orange juice. “I went by the house and William showed up. Why were you worried?”
“Because I know somebody’s trying to get me and I thought maybe they had gotten you.”
This time, Nikki did laugh. “Have you been hitting the ripple a little too hard?” She leaned in and pretended to sniff her friend’s breath. “No, I don’t smell any alcohol. But you sound drunk.”
“You think this is a joke?” Danielle shot back.
Nikki instantly stopped laughing. “Who is trying to get you?” she asked, concern drawing her brows together.
A knowing look came into Danielle’s eyes. “Never mind. I can’t say anything else.” Her eyes narrowed again. “So where is Psalm? Did you leave her with protection while you came over here?”
Nikki put down her glass and looked at Danielle in puzzlement. “Danielle, I’m really not following you. What are you talking about?”
Danielle repeated her question. “Where is Psalm?”
“She’s at Keedra’s.”
At the mention of the woman’s name, Danielle’s voice rose. “You left my godchild with that woman? What, you didn’t want me to watch her? See, I knew Keedra was trying to steal you away.”
Nikki threw her hands in the air. “Danielle, I don’t know what is up with you, but you are being really weird right now. I told you, I’m not in the market for a new best friend. Keedra is just a friend. She can’t replace you.”
“Then why did you go and give away my godchild to her? You think I don’t know, don’t you? You think I don’t see how you’ve been treating me lately. You’re trying to get rid of me.”
Nikki cast a sidelong glance at Danielle and waved her off. “Look, I’m going to bed. When you start talking where somebody can understand you, then come see me.”
Nikki turned to go to her bedroom and Danielle snatched her back around by the shoulder. The action caught Nikki by surprise and caused her head to snap back. Danielle snarled. “Don’t you turn your back on me when I’m talking to you!”
“Danielle, have you lost your mind?” Nikki twisted free of Danielle’s hand and glared at her friend. “Keep your hands off me!”
Danielle glowered back at her. “Are you yelling at me? You know what? You can take your junk and get out of my place!” Nikki couldn’t move. Danielle railed on. “I mean it, get out! Now! I don’t have to take this. I’ve tried to be the best friend I know how to be and all you do is throw my kindness in my face. You go rummaging through my stuff, spying on me. You call me a liar. And now you’re yelling at me and calling me crazy. Just get your stuff and get out!”
Nikki’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she struggled to reason with her friend. “Danielle, just calm down. I’m sorry if I said something wrong.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Danielle said. “Get out! And take your stuff.”
Nikki looked around, not knowing what to say. She had never seen Danielle be so erratic. “Danielle, maybe we should calm down. Like I said, I’m sorry if I said something to offend you.”
“Look, I’m getting ready to get dressed for work. And when I come out of my bedroom, I want you out of my house.”
Chapter 97
William awakened and a smile instantly spread across his face as he remembered he had spent the night with his wife. He turned to kiss her, but the smile disappeared when he realized the space next to him was empty. Nikki’s spot was cold.
He sat up. How could Nikki leave after last night? When he drove up and saw her car there, he took it as a sign of hope, that all would be well. And after their night of love making, he knew they were back on track.
Or so he had led himself to believe.
William climbed out of the bed and walked to the bathroom. He took a quick, hot shower, trying to erase the disappointment from his mind. He pulled on a charcoal gray suit and drove to the campaign headquarters, his jaw set in a stern line. He reached for his cell phone several times to call Nikki, but held off.
He’d collect his thoughts.
He stepped into the office and Olivia was the first to greet him. “Good morning,” she said coolly, handing him a cup of coffee.
“Morning.”
“Let me guess,” Olivia said, following him, “Nikki.”
“Huh?”
“Nikki. I assume you must have spoken with her this morning or something, because I know she must be the source of your displeasure this fine day. You look like you took a bite out of a grapefruit.”
“Olivia, knock it off,” William snapped, putting the coffee on the desk. “My wife is none of your concern. Or do you keep forgetting?”
“William, I was only trying to help,” Olivia said, suddenly sounding remorseful. “I just hate seeing you in such a b
ad mood.”
“I’m fine,” William said. “So, what’s on tap for today? We’re in the home stretch. The election will be here in a few days.”
“Well, actually, I meant to talk with you about that. I’ve just gotten a phone call.”
William glanced at her. “Okay, what? We’ve been gaining in the polls, so I think we might have a chance to pull this thing out.”
“William, I think you should sit down.”
Danielle sat on the edge of her bed, her hand shaking as she held a glass of tap water. In the other, she held two pills. She could feel her skin tingling and knew hives could be next if she didn’t get her emotions under control. She dropped the pills into her mouth and tilted her head back, taking a long gulp of the water. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, willing the pills to calm her nerves. She could hear Nikki bumping around in the next room, packing her things.
“Nikki made me do it!” Danielle said to herself. “She can’t run around treating me any kind of way and expect me to take it. Look at Troy. He tried to play me and see where that got him.”
She quickly chastised herself: “I can’t think like that. It’s not good that he is dead.”
Danielle glanced at the alarm clock and knew it was about to go off, signaling it was time to get ready for work. She tried to calm the racing of her heart.
“I really can’t go to that loony farm today. Those people are crazy.”
Chapter 98
Nikki slowly walked across the bedroom she had been sharing with her daughter and looked around. Her eyes touched on a framed photo of Psalm, Danielle and her at a festival, smiling into the camera. She picked it up and traced her index finger around the faces. They had been so happy back then. It seemed that nothing could go wrong.
Scandalous Truth Page 25
