Friend-Zoned (31 page)

After my confessions to
Nik, I ended up spending the night there.
Ceecee and Max come home to soup for dinner and I was surprised
they both seemed happy with that. Normal people wouldn’t think it
was enough. But Max explained, “We only ever get soup when we’re
sick so we barely ever get it.”
After they ate Nik and I excused ourselves and went to bed. We held
each other close all night, kissed and cuddled. It was perfect.
Just what I needed.
This morning we’re both back at work. Nat has opened the store and
it’s empty.
I tell her, “I told Nik about Mia.”
Her body locks, her eyes widen and she gasps, “No! Really?”
I nod, “Yeah, it was time.”
A soft smile forms on her lips and she hugs me. She tells me, “I’m
so proud of you. Mia isn’t a dirty secret, honey, she’s a beautiful
memory.”
Yeah, she is.
Ding
Dong.
I love the new
bell!
“Sorry, I’ll come back.”
Nat and I part from our hug to see Ghost standing in the doorway
looking uncomfortably at us.
Smiling at him, I say, “It was just a hug, Ghost. We weren’t doing
it!”
He shifts from his left foot to his right foot looking indecisive
then stalks over to me. He hands me a small box. I look up at him
through narrowed eyes and ask, “Is this from Nik?”
Ghost shakes his head and blurts, “I don’t know—I just thought—It
seemed important to you and I—Fuck, would you just open it?”
Ghost bought me something? Has the world gone mad?!
I moved back a few steps to the counter and place the box in the
top. I carefully open it and gasp.
My hands cover my gaping mouth and tears stream down my face.
Ghost pales and quickly says, “Oh Fuck, Tina. I’m sorry. I thought
you might like it. I’ll throw it out. Nik is gonna have my
balls.”
He reaches for the box and I shriek, “No!” I wipe tears from my
cheeks and whisper hoarsely, “I love it. Thank you.” I walk over to
him, wrap my arms around his waist, and hug him tight. I feel his
arm wrap around my shoulder and squeeze. Ghost hugged me. I can die
in peace now.
Smiling, I release him from my clutches and walk back to the box. I
take out the small ceramic urn and place it on the counter. I run
my fingers across the engraved plaque.
Bear.
My favorite little guy is
back with his mama. I suddenly feel lighter. I hadn’t noticed Ghost
behind me til he says, “He was a good cat, huh?”
I nod and whisper, “He was my daughter’s cat. He was all I had left
of her.”
A long silence follows then I feel his hand squeeze my
shoulder.
Ding
Dong.
I don’t have to look back to
know he’s gone. Nat sidles up next to me and hugs me round the
waist and we both pay our silent respects to Bear.
After a while I ask Nat, “Still think Ghost doesn’t have a
heart?”
She answers quietly, “I’m not sure of anything anymore.”
I smile, kiss my fingertips and place them on the
urn.
Love you,
Bear.
***

Ghost storms into the
conference room and slams the door behind him.
Max, Trick, and I are already in there, we look at him like he’s
lost his mind. And what he says next confirms he has.
“Tina had a fucking kid?!” he shouts.
Oh, shit.
I stand and blurt the
first thing that comes to mind, “How did you find out?”
Ghost paces and stammers his answer ,“She just told me! I—I just
wanted to give her the cat. And then Bam! She mentions her
daughter. I just—I just brought her the cat for Christ sakes!” He
sounds hysterical. I’ve never seen Ghost lose his mind like this.
He doesn’t do feelings. I think this is why.
Thinking about what he said, I’m confused.
I ask carefully, “You bought Tina a new cat?”
He immediately replies with, “No, I had the cat cremated for her. I
took it to her this morning and she lost it. Crying and shit. Why
do they always cry!?”
Max and Trick are staring open mouthed at me. I know I have some
explaining to do. It worries me because Tina didn’t give me
permission to discuss this with my boys. But then again, she told
Ghost. Although that could’ve been due to the fact she was
overwhelmed by what he did for her.
I’m
overwhelmed by what he did for
her. I guess he does like her after all.
I point to him and say, “Sit down. Relax before you have a
heart-attack, you putz.”
Ghost sits and I begin, “Tina told me yesterday that she had a
child. She got pregnant in college by her boyfriend and the asshole
upped and left her without a trace. Mia was two when she died.
Tina’s mom took the baby for a walk and they were knocked down by a
car and dragged at a crosswalk. Tina’s mom threw herself in front
of the stroller but they both died. So, yes, Tina had a daughter
named Mia. Tina lost her mom and daughter in the same accident.
That’s the reason she came to New York. End of story.”
A long, thick silence follows.
They all look lost in thought. After a moment Max asks quietly,
“How does she do it?”
I turn to my brother. He looks pained. This conversation must have
brought back memories of Ceecee’s accident. I ask just as quietly,
“Do what, bro?”
He turns his sad eyes to me and replies, “Live.”
I shake my head and shrug.
I don’t
know.

Chapter Twenty-Five
For the greater
good

The first thing I wake to this morning
is my phone chiming. I can’t believe my eyes when I find a text on
my phone from Omarr. It’s a message asking to meet with me.
Has the guy lost his freaking mind?
He killed my cat!
Nik and the guys have been talking about Omarr and the Sixes a lot
lately which means I’ve been eavesdropping a lot lately.
I know Uncle Jerm is worried about Omarr and now classifies him a
rogue, whatever that means, and that Nik is worried about me
because Omarr is a psychopath. I found out Nik has spent over ten
thousand dollars on Safira’s security alone. I don’t even want to
know how much he spent on the security at the apartment. Nik also
mentioned to Max the other night that Uncle Jerm needs evidence to
prove Omarr is going behind his back before he can punish
him.
I think I can help with that. But I need an extra pair of
hands.
I call for Nat. When she appears at the doorway, I sit cross legged
in the center of my bed and use my best professional voice “Take a
seat, Miss Kovac.”
Her eyes narrow but I know Nat, she’s intrigued. She sits on the
edge of my bed and nods her head for me to continue.
I hand her my phone. As she reads the text I explain, “So, Nik and
Uncle Jerm have a big problem in Omarr. What can we do to help, you
ask? Well, I have a plan. But I can only do this if you’re in, too.
I can’t do it alone, babe.”
She nods and asks, “What’s the plan?”
I cringe and explain it to her. With wide eyes she says, “You’re
crazy. But I love it. I’m in.”
I squeal and bounce on my bed. Nat’s laughs and hands me back my
phone, I immediately text Omarr to meet tonight at my
apartment.
God, I hope this works.
***

Nik and I met for lunch today like
always.
He kept watching me with narrowed eyes. He knew something was
up.
I was a little too skittish and anxious and no matter how hard I
tried to soften my body, I was as rigid as a broom handle.
As we were walking back to Safira Nik asked, “Everything okay,
babe?”
I didn’t trust myself to answer him so I just jerked a nod and
smiled.
Everything will be okay, Nik.
Mark my words.
***

Nat and I have just walked
through the door. Its six o’clock and I have half an hour to get
ready for my meeting with Omarr. I jump in the shower but I don’t
sing ’Working 9 to 5’ today. That’s my happy day song; today may
not be such a happy day. I have to get my head in the game. Once
out of the shower I find clothes that Nat has laid out on my
bed.
Oh, God. Yuk!
They’re the skimpiest clothes I own. There’s a black thigh-high
mini dress which I’ve only ever worn with tights underneath and a
pair of white pumps. Nat storms into my room with handfuls of
makeup and hair products. She teases and primps my hair then
applies a lot more makeup that I ever would.
She sprays me with perfume just as the doorbell rings.
She holds my shoulders steady and says, “Relax. I’m just in the
next room. You know what to do. We’ve gone over this a hundred
times.”
I nod. This was my idea. My stupid freaking idea!
WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING?!
It’s
too late now, answer the damn door.
I
close my eyes and breathe deep. I count. One—two—three—four and
open the door.
Omarr leans against the doorframe looking so damn gorgeous.
Too bad he’s bat-shit crazy.
I put on my best sultry smile to match my sultry voice and say
slowly, “Wow. You look good enough to eat, handsome.”
Omarr’s eyes bug out and his mouth parts
slightly.
Oh, yeah. I got you. Hook,
line and sinker.
He clears his throat
and asks, “Can I come in?”
Still smiling, I step aside but not a lot, as he walks in my body
grazes his and I press forward against him.
I put a hand on his chest and lean close to his ear, my lips rest
on his earlobe and I whisper, “We need to talk. In private.”
He looks stunned but nod slowly as if he’s in a trance. I wink and
nod my head toward the hall. As we reach my room I yell out, “Nat,
I’m in my room with company.” A few seconds pass and Nat responds a
muffled, “Okay. Do not disturb. I get ya.”
Perfect. Nat is good at this.
We enter my room and I motion him to take a seat on my bed. Just as
I’m about to sit, I straighten dramatically and say, “We need
drinks. Be right back.”
I run back to the kitchen, grab my phone and dial Nat’s number. She
answers and whispers, “It’s on. Go get him, baby.”
I head back to my room with two beers and my phone. As soon as I
enter I look down at my phone, roll my eyes and mutter, “Sorry. I
have to keep it near me in case Nik calls. I’ve put too much effort
into that man to lose him now.” I place my phone on my bed side
cabinet, screen side down and sit close to Omarr on my bed.
Omarr’s brows are furrowed and he asks, “What do you mean you put
too much effort into him to lose him?”
I respond as seriously as I can put on, “Well, Nik has money. And
lots of it. I’m not in a good way right now and I need cash. Like,
pronto.” I shrug and roll my eyes. “Nik loves me, O. He’ll give me
anything and everything I want. I just have to hook him a little
more.”
Omarr eyes widen and he repeats, “Nik has money. Lots of it.”
I nod and smile as though I’m saying
now
you’re getting it
.
Omarr smiles and takes a beer from my hand, clinks it on mine and
toasts, “To manipulating bitches!”
Oh my goodness, it’s working!
I fight off the urge to throw up and state ,“You’re fucking things
up for me, Omarr. I can’t have that, baby. If you want me you’re
going to have to wait your turn. You get me?”
Omarr nods solemnly and utters, “That sucks. I’m sorry, baby. I
know I’ve done some fucked up things to you but I do want you. Not
just because of Nik. I just want you.” He turns to look into my
face and says, “I don’t know if I can wait for you, mami. I want
you now.” He leans forward and I just know he’s going to try to
kiss me. At the very last second, I turn my head and he kisses my
cheek.
Disappointment crosses his features so I quickly shake my head and
lie, “Honey, this isn’t the first job I’ve done. I can’t have any
distractions around. It’s happened to me before and I’ve lost out.
Big. I won’t let it happen again.” I put a hand on his chest and
fiddle with his collar. “Now are you going to lay off Nik or
what?”
Omarr doesn’t look happy but he nods.
Hurrah!
I slide my hand up to
his jaw, lean close and place a slow kiss on his cheek. I whisper,
“Thank you, honey. You won’t regret it.” His eyes are closed when I
move away from him.
He quickly opens his eyes and says, “Did you ask him about
Marcus?”
I nod, pout my lips and respond, “Yes, I did. I’m so sorry, baby. I
didn’t know Nik killed your brother. That’s a tough thing to go
through. I can’t believe your uncle wouldn’t get back at Nik. It’s
like he just got away with murder. What’s up with that?” I sound
almost genuinely curious. I hope he’ll open up more.
Omarr’s eyes harden and he responds, “Uncle Jerm doesn’t like wars.
Nik was part of Chaos and Marcus was killed in a member of Chaos’
house so they think Marcus got what he deserved.” He looks into my
eyes and real pain shines through him. I feel sorry for this broken
man. He goes on, “I get that Nik was a kid but on the streets it’s
an eye for an eye. I want to make his life as miserable as mine has
been. Besides, I wouldn’t worry too much about Uncle Jerm…he may
not be around much longer to worry about.”
My insides drop.
Bingo!
I lean my head on his
shoulder and rub his knee. I ask in a ditzy voice, “Why? Is he
sick?”
He chuckles and kisses my hair.
Mental note; shower after Omarr
leaves.
He boasts, “Naw, baby. You’re
not the only one who can work a job.” He strokes my arm and
whispers loudly, “I’ll have my own army by the end of the year.
Uncle Jerm is in for a mutiny. If he doesn’t kneel before me, he’s
a dead man.”
I gasp and whisper shout, “You would kill your own uncle?!”
He catches me by surprise when he pulls my face to his and kisses
me. I force myself to calm and warn myself to keep breathing. He
breaks from my lips and chuckles, “You’re too cute. I knew you were
the one for me from the day we met, baby.” He lets go of my flushed
face and straightens. “And yeah, I’d kill my uncle. In a heartbeat.
Nik is still alive. I should’ve been allowed to put a bullet in
him.”
Oh wow. The level of psycho this guy is on goes higher than any
chart I’ve ever seen. He talks about death like it’s nothing. Just
a job.
I swallow hard and whisper, “Why did you kill my cat, O?”
He has the decency to look ashamed as he apologizes. “I’m sorry,
Tina. I just wanted to hurt you because you hurt me.”
I look up and lie, “But my hurting you was only an act! Nik is
nothing to me. Just a pay check.”
He nods and assures, “He went quickly. Decapitation is a very
painless way to die.”
My face pales, my breathing heavies, and I feel ill.
Oh dear lord. He decapitated my cat?! I think I’m going to throw
up.
Instead I stand and say thickly, “Well, now that we’ve worked
things out and called a truce, I can forgive it.” Over my dead
body.
He gets my cue and stands, too. He comes close to me and mutters,
“Maybe we should seal this deal with a kiss.” His hand traces my
collarbone and I shudder in disgust.
Omarr takes my shudder for something else and smiles. I state,
“Sure, just so we both know what we are dealing with. I continue to
work Nik and once I’m paid, I’m yours.” He nods and I continue,
“But you have to back off. I can’t be distracted. You want Nik hurt
and I’ll hurt him, baby. For you, I’ll do anything.” Then I walk a
step forward and kiss him closed lipped but enthusiastically.
After I mentally count to fifteen, I step back and force a smile.
Omarr is beaming and suddenly I don’t feel bad about doing this
anymore. Omarr needs help and his uncle is the only one who can do
that.
I’m doing the right
thing.
For the greater good.
I take hold of Omarr’s hand and walk him to the door. He hesitates
as I open it then leans down and kisses my cheek. With his lips
still against me, he whispers, “I love you, mami.”
Then he’s gone.
As soon as I shut the door my stomach knots and I slide my shaking
hands up my cheeks and into my hair.
This’ll all be worth it in the end.
Standing, I kick off my heels and runs to Nat’s room. When I enter
she beams, “I’m so proud of you! You did it!” Her laptop is open
and she’s transferring the recording onto a USB.
Why do I feel so awful if this is such a good thing? I have a bad
feeling.
Nat burns two discs. One for me to give Nik, one for me to give
Uncle Jerm tomorrow morning and she keeps the USB as
insurance.
I hug her hard and whisper, “I hope this works.”
She responds with a squeeze, “It has to.”
God help me if it doesn’t.
***