Trouble In Paradise (5 page)

Chapter 7

“Can you get that door for me?” Danielle asked Leon. 

“Sure thing honey bun let me get that.” 

“Or you could just grab this bag,” Danielle said. 

“Oh no don’t worry about it baby cakes I got the door for you,” Leon said. 

She smiled and laughed out loud.  “Boy you ain’t good for nothing.  You know everybody’s business but you can’t help me with my bags?” 

“Sugar doll you’re only going to be away for the weekend you got bags like you going on a Victoria Secret shoot,” he said. 

“Now you just being crazy I only have three bags and I will be gone for two weeks. What makes you think I needed to put in vacation time for a weekend?  Please, we already off on the weekends Leon, duh.” 

“Hold it there missy, two weeks, what you about to get into? Be for real with me and don’t lie?” 

“Why so you can go back and tell everyone?” 

“Oh child please it’s not like you care,” he said with a ca
tty grin. 

“You a mess.
”

S
he walked up to the car popped the trunk, and put the bags in the back.  She turned and nearly ran into Leon. 

“Ah Ms. Tha
ng don’t be trying to avoid the subject at hand.  If I can come over here and give you a hand moving without charging you, the least you could do is tell me what you up to.” 

“Negro I’m paying you to take me to the airport.” 

“Yeah but that’s gas,” he said.  “That can’t be helped.” 

She shook her head, “and you barely lifted a finger, you’ve been drilling me trying to get me to tell you something juicy, “Oohh tell me girl, tell me, I know you up to something and you might as well tell me now or you’ll end up telling me when you get back.” 

“I know I’m your best girlfriend child so spill it!” 

“Alright! Alright!” Danielle said.  “I’m going to get Jos
hua.” 

“I knew it!” Leon screamed. 

“You didn’t know anything,” Danielle said. 

“Oh yeah! I knew you were going to Chicago round trip.  What y
ou plan to do, pull out ya Lil’ Kim techniques?” he said rolling his neck. 

“If I have to you know I will boo,
” she said with a tight smile.  “Maybe kill the chicken head if I have to do that,” she smirked. 

Leon’s face got seriou
s, “Girl don’t be talking like that.  For real I don’t want to be a witness, pump yo breaks.  Now if she turn up dead Imma have to turn you in,” he laughed. 

“Ye
ah,” she said, “And then Imma have to kill you.” 

He shook his head. 

“You gone have to stay in touch let’s go.” 

They jumped in the car and took off. 

“I need some updates so keep me informed on your progress girl.” 

“I will,” she said. “I will.”

*****

Joshua carried in the last of their bags. 
I need to go for a run
he thought.  He walked over to his bags and unzipped it.  He pulled out a pair of running shorts and shoes.  It was the end of the week and they were just now bringing in all of their things today.  They had been bringing in there things day by day.  Joshua couldn’t wait for Victoria to get home because he had a surprise for her.  She would be thrilled.  He had purchased a brand new 2011 Cadillac CTS V Coupe complete with a gigantic red bow on top.  He was proud of her; she has done her thing and inspired him to strive for excellence.  That’s what turned him on the most about her.  That’s why he fell head over heels.  He had never felt about anyone like he felt for Victoria.  There chemistry was undeniable and they were complete together like a puzzle.  He didn’t have doubts or insecurities about Victoria like he did with Danielle.  He shook it off; he didn’t want to think about Danielle.  She was past, high school.  She would always be a part of his life, but for the long run he wanted Victoria. 

The only thing Joshua couldn’t shake was women, they fell into his lap and he liked the nature of the game.  He didn’t want to actually pursue these women but he liked playing nonetheless.  He might have taken it too far this time though.  Rebecca was so hot for him it was undeniable.  To blatantly flirt with him in front of Victoria was the boldest thing he had ever seen.  He cringed to think what Victoria would have done if she really knew.  When he got back to the hotel that morning she was still there.  Way past her off time.  The girl basically threw herself at Joshua and he caught himself almost inviting her to the room.  He had to get a grip.  He shouldn’t have given her his number.  He regretted it now.  She started calling him almost immediately.  In fact she called the same day. After he dressed, he grabbed his keys and went out the door. 
Today will be a good day
he thought.  I will take this run, come back, shower and go pick my baby up from work.  When she opens the garage she will be ecstatic and all will be good. 
Yes
, he thought as he ran,
today will be a good day.
 

*****

Chicago O’Hare International Airport was crowded, so crowded that Danielle had a headache.  Everyone was pushing and rushing to get through security. 

“
Ugh
!”

Ever
since nine eleven the airports had been chaotic.  Danielle walked out the doors and up to the first cab she saw sitting out front. 

“I need to go to any
five star hotel around Paradise Condominiums,” she said slamming the door. 

The cab driver looked back at her in the rear view then turned around to get a full view.

“Over by Noble Square?” he asked. 

Danielle could smell the cigarettes on his breath.  She sat back. 

“Yes,” she said. 

He turned around and hit his meter.  It lit up $2.25 and he pulled off.  Forty minutes later they pulled up at The Drake Hotel.  She handed the cab driver a credit card.  He charged it. 

“Where is Paradise Condominium?” she asked. 

“Ten minutes down the road ma’am.  If you’re coming out of this hotel you’ll go down the street about two lights and go left for about five minutes and you’ll be there.” 

“How about you take me there now to show me and drop me back off here?” 

He smiled.  “No problem but it’s gonna cost ya.” 

“You don’t say,” she said sarcastically. 

He hit the meter
again; it started over with a fresh two twenty five.  He was right.  It was ten minutes away, they were some nice condos. 
Hmm, maybe when she got her man back they could buy a condo here,
she thought.  Then she shook her head,
Nah, we could get a loft or something. 

“Any address in particular ma’am?” the cab driver asked. 

“Oh no, just thinking of doing some relocating and I was told this is a great place to look,” she lied. 

“Oh yeah these are pretty pricey if you asked me but if you have that kind of money to spend then I guess it’s the best.” 

“Hmm the best,” she said. 

She wondered what
was going on in Joshua’s mind.  Surely he had not bought this house with her.  She needed to get to him and find out what was going on with him and she needed to get to him now.  Thanks to Leon she was able to find out the name of the condominium Victoria was staying in through her best friend Shay. 
Shay had no idea Leon was picking her for info but who cares
Danielle thought.  Danielle noticed the fare going up as they sat there. 

“Ok,” she said.  “You can take me back to The Drake Hotel.” 

He made a U-turn and went back to The Drake Hotel.  She paid him again.  He jumped out and helped her get her bags out.  Inside the hotel she noticed it had a very nineteen twenties design.  She walked up to the counter. 

“Hello, welcome to
The Drake Hotel, I’m Susanna how can I help you today?” 

“I need a room for one week please.” 

Before Susanna could ask, Danielle passed her license and credit card over.

“Any particular floor?” 

“No,” Danielle said. 

“All of our rooms are nonsmoking, is that ok?” 

Danielle looked at her, “This is a nonsmoking hotel?” she asked. 

“Yes.”

“Fine.” 

“What kind of room would you need for the week, we have guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms, family rooms, and suites,” Susanna said with a nod. 

“A guest room will do.” 

“Ok, will that be five days or seven?” Susanna asked. 

“Five days, thank you,” she said.

“For five days at a rate of one hundred eight nine dollars per night
your total will be one thousand twenty six dollars with tax.” 

“That’s fine.” 

Susanna swiped her credit card.  The receipt printed.  She handed Danielle her license and credit card back.  Then she ripped the receipt and handed her a pin. 

“Sign here” she said. 

Danielle signed her name.  She slid her a key.  It was a real brass key.  Danielle looked at Susanna.  She smiled,

“You’re in r
oom two forty-eight.  The bellman will put your luggage on a cart and carry it up with you.  Check out time at the end of your week is one p.m.  Have a nice stay.” 

Danielle walked over to the elevator.  The bellman had been hovering over her shoulder since she walked up to the counter and was already in the elevator with the door open waiting.  Danielle stepped on.  The doors closed.  When she got to her room she tipped the bellman, closed the door behind him and s
at down.  Bending her legs back she grabbed her heels and they went flying across the carpet.  First things first she said.  I need to go back to the condo and get a closer look.  I want to be looking good for my baby tomorrow when he sees me.  I can’t wait.

Chapter 8

When Victoria walked out of her building, Joshua was waiting next to the passenger side door in a navy blue Nicholas Joseph custom suit.  Victoria smiled. 

“Hey sexy
what’s the occasion?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” he said. 

Her smile brightened. 

“I like the way that sounds.” 

He opened her door.  She got in.  Joshua ran around to the driver’s seat and got in.  He pulled off. 

“We have reserv
ations.” 

“Really, I hope I get to go home and change.” 

“I’m sorry baby I didn’t ask you how your day was,” he said. 

“It was good.  Where do we have reservations?” 

“The Signature Room at the 95th,” he said. 

“Whoa big spender o.k., you’ve got my attention.  It’s my aerobics isn’t it,” she laughed arching her back. 

“No, it’s not although it does help,” he said shaking his head. 

They pulled up in front of the condo and Joshua hit the button on the garage door, it started to roll up. 

Victoria’s gasped
and clutched her chest,

“A GIFT FROM HEAVEN
!” she screamed. 

She jumped out of his truck and ran up to the Cadillac.  Victoria
beamed and screamed.

“AAAH
!” 

She jumped up and down.  Joshua laughed. 

“Did you buy this car?” she asked slapping him on his shoulder. 

“Yes love.”

Victoria covered her mouth, she had excitement in her eyes and Joshua loved every minute of it. 

“You paid for it with cash?” 

“Well not with cash but it’s paid for nonetheless and it’s yours.” 

“Shut the front door
!” Victoria screamed. 

Her eyes started to water. 

“Why?” she asked.  “Why would you buy something that’s this expensive, for what?” 

Victoria started to trip over her words. 

“For you baby girl, I love you, you are the love of my life and you make me happy.  This is a gift for all of your achievements, you deserve it.  I didn’t get you anything for graduation because I’ve had this up my sleeve the whole time.” 

She
slapped his shoulder and started to cry.  He held her. 

“I hope those are tears are of joy,” he said embracing her tightly. 

“Yes,” she said, “I’m so lucky to have you.” 

“
Well I don’t know about all that,” he said. 

“What If I don’t want to go out, what if I want to
stay in and just spend time with you?” she said. 

“Oh we got time,” he winked.  “Come on lets go in the house so you can change and we can make our reservation on time.” 

Victoria ran her hand alongside the car a 2011 Cadillac CTS V Coupe.  She shook her head.  Never in a million years did she think she would own one of these cars.  She went to the driver’s side; the key to the ignition was already in the door.  She opened the door and climbed inside.  She gasped again.  “This car is amazing! Aaah!” she squealed and fell out in a heap of giggles.  “You’re the greatest! He loves me!” she shouted.  “He really loves me!” 

“Come on baby,” Joshua said pulling her from the car, you have all the time in the world to marvel at it, right now you need to go change.” 

“Ok,” she said, “Won’t be long.” 

“I know.  What you’ll be wearing is
lying in the middle of the bed.” 

She stopped and looked back at him. 

“You really got this all figured out don’t you?” 

He smiled, “You know it.” 

She turned and ran into the condo.  Upstairs she found a white box in the middle of the bed with a silver bow on top.  She skipped to the bed smiling, opened the box and reached in
removing the paper.  It was a long sexy silk halter top red dress with a split up the back.  She noticed the tag Jones New York.  She ran into the bathroom.  Thirty five minutes later Victoria emerged looking like a star.  She was feeling like a queen in her moment and she would be especially sexy when she tried on her Cadillac.  She beamed.  The red pumps were a plus.  She walked downstairs.  Joshua stood up and looked at her.  The dress fit Victoria like she tried it on at the store.  Joshua couldn’t help pumping his ego with thoughts of how good he was when it came to her.  The red dress fit every curve hugging her tight and then loosening right below her butt into a split.  Joshua kissed his fingers one at a time like you do when you just got though eating the meal of the day.  He walked up to her and they kissed. 

“I love you,” she said dreamily. 

“I love you too,” he said.  “This night has only begun sweetheart.  Let’s go.” 

He stood with his arms to his side and Victoria slid her arm in.  When they got to the car Joshua looked at her and asked,

“Would you like to drive?” 

“No, I’m enjoying your lead.  I’ll follow you,” she smiled. 

He winked, “I hope you mean it.” 

When they got to The Signature Room at the 95th there was a long line out front.  Joshua looked down at his watch, seven p.m.  Their reservations were for seven thirty.  He got behind the line of cars. 

“Valet parking is the only way to go,” he said. 

“Tell me about it.” 

When they pulled up, the valet opened Victoria’s door.  Joshua jumped out. 

“I
got that man, you can get this.”

H
e threw the keys at the valet.  Victoria stepped out.  The restaurant was five stars. 

“Only the best for my best,” he said as she marveled at her surroundings. 

They walked in.  There was a man standing at a podium. 

“Good evening sir,” the man greeted.  “Last name please? 

“Eubanks,” Joshua said. 

“Eubanks” the man said while scrolling for his name. “Ah here we go.  Joshua is it?” 

“Yes.” 

“Reservations for seven thirty let me get you to sign here.”  Joshua signed his name and handed the pen to Victoria.  After she signed, two waitresses seated them at a private table in the back. 

“So,” Joshua said “So far so good?” 

“Yes, everything is perfect.” 

“You always say that,” he said. 

“That’s because everything is perfect,” she said. 

“Well, like I said only the best for the best.” 

Their waitress walked up. 

“Hello
, my name is Connecticut and I’ll be your server for this evening.  Would you like something to enjoy something to drink?” 

Connecticut looked like Jennifer Lopez when she was a fly girl on In Living Color.

“Yes,” Joshua said, “And we’re ready to order.” 

“Fabulous
,” the waitress said and pulled out her pad. 

Victoria looked at Joshua,
Is he about to order for me?
She wondered.  She loved it when he did that, it was so attractive even though sometimes she had to have it her way. 

“The lady will have Bucatini Pasta with Root Vegetable Bolognese and I’ll have the roasted Scottish Salmon.  We’ll both have a glass of water, two champagne glasses and a bottle of Moet.” 

“Anything else?” the waitress asked. 

“Not at this time” he said.  Victoria was impressed.  The waitress scurried off. 

“Joshua I want to let you know how much this means to me, I can’t believe you had all of this planned.  This is wonderful.” 

“Well believe it,” he said, “A
nd believe from now on you will always have the best.” 

She blushed. 

“You know I want three children don’t you?” 

Victoria threw her head back and laughed. 

“OK,” she said out loud, “where’s this coming from?” she asked. 

“Just thought I would let you know.” 

“We will get to working on it when you put a ring on it.”

S
he winked.  Twenty minutes later their food arrived fresh and steaming.  It was a good thing too because Victoria had gotten a good buzz waiting for it.  She could see the trail of smoke coming from the trays even though the food was covered.  They sat the trays down and uncovered the food.  It looked delicious.  The smells from the freshly cooked pasta and salmon were making them hungrier. They prayed and ate. 

After their meal, the waitress came back with another bottle of Moet and refilled their champagne glasses.  She pulled at the cork and it made a loud P
OP sound.  It started to run over and the waitress caught the champagne with the glasses.  She filled them both halfway and sat the bottle in an ice bucket standing next to the table. 

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” 

“Not at this time,” Joshua said. 

She walked away.  Joshua looked at Victoria
with an intensity of love. 

“What’s up baby?” she asked. 

“Victoria,” he said, “I can see myself being with you for the rest of my life.  I don’t want to be without you.  You are everything to me and another woman could never take your place.  I love you and want you to be my queen forever.  Do you think you can see me in your life forever baby?” he asked. 

“Yes, of course,” she said. 

Joshua stood and closed in on her.  She could smell his cologne.  It was Curve and he smelled good.  He got down on one knee, Victoria's eyes widened.  She gasped and covered her mouth slightly. 

“Baby what are you doing?” she asked. 

“Victoria,” he said, “I want to spend my life with you.”  He pulled out a gold box and opened it.  She gasped.  It was the Leo Diamond eighteen carat gold, one and a half carats, three stone diamond ring.  She almost fell out of her chair.  Joshua caught her. 

“Baby,” he said “are you ok?” 

“Oh my…,” she stuttered “that ring must have cost . . .”

“A little over three thousand,” he said finishing her se
ntence.  “No big deal.” 

He sat her up.  She swayed. 

“You ok baby?” he asked.  “I got you take a sip of your champagne.” 

Victoria drank the whole glass in one gulp
and burped she was feeling goofy.  She looked at him; he was still on one knee.  Victoria then noticed they had a crowd.  Everyone from the tables around them was staring. 

“Well,” Joshua said, “you’re making me sweat here babe.”  He had a nervous smile. 

“Yes,” she said. 

Tears ran down her face.  The room filled with applauses. Joshua slid the ring on her
finger and pulled her out of the chair wrapping his arms around her they kissed a long passionate kiss. 

“I would like to make a toast,” he said.

He filled Victoria’s glass back up.  They held up their glasses. 

“To us.” 

They clinked glasses and drank.  Victoria heard Happily Ever After by Case begin to play. 

“Could we be happily ever after,” Joshua sang.  “We could be strong together for so long. Can I have this dance?”

She stood and he pulled her into him.  They danced.  The night was perfect.  Victoria felt like crying forever.  This was the best thing that could’ve happened to her. 

Everything was going great.  They finished their dance with Joshua leading her in a slow spin and dip.  People applauded again.  He pulled her in for another kiss.  When he pulled back Joshua noticed someone standing in the bac
kground that looked vaguely familiar.  He blinked,

“Nah,” he said “I’m tripping.” 

He walked Victoria to her seat.  He look back over his shoulder she was still there.  The look on her face was dark and angry.  He blinked again.

“It couldn’t be,” he said. 

He looked back at Victoria, “Umm Bay, wait right here.  I’m going to the men’s room.” 

“Is everything ok?”

“Yeah,” he said reassuring her. 

“Ok.” 

He turned and walked towards the men’s room.  As he got closer he stopped and searched the restaurant with his eyes.  He didn’t see her anymore. Off to the side by the kitchen door, not there.  By the front door, the bathrooms, as far as he could see he didn’t see her. Could he be going crazy?  He thought he saw Danielle.  Could it be possible? 
No, no
, he thought. 
Why would I be imagining her now?
  He looked over the restaurant again but didn’t see her.  He gritted his teeth, it was a bad habit he had when he got nervous. He went to the men’s room walked up to the sink and threw some water on his face.
Snap out of it man you going overboard with the day dreams
, he thought.  Joshua hoped he was daydreaming, or just dreaming period because if that was Danielle he saw, he knew it was about to be trouble in paradise.