“Come back again sometime. I’ll make you my special.” He said, nodding politely and waving bye to us.
As we stepped outside there were a few paparazzi waiting. I hadn’t yet achieved Kardashian derangement but there were a few rookies who seemed to think there was some kind of story behind me.
“This is nuts, girl.” Diamond said, covering her face against the flashes. “And to think some people seek this kind of attention out.”
I tried to smile politely knowing full well that the pictures were not going to capture a sweet woman smiling politely but instead I’d look like a half-wit who should be sitting in a corner with a dunce cap on. I never was very photogenic.
“I know. I’m sort of embarrassed.”
Just then, a black limo pulled up. It was as if the poor driver had just been sitting there, rubbernecking at the door just waiting for us to come out.
“Hop in.” I said as the driver rushed from behind the wheel to open the door for both of us. Diamond climbed in and I scooted right in behind her.
“Great. I wonder what the tabloids are going to say about us getting in this hearse together.”
“Oh my gosh. It’s not a hearse.” I said laughing.
“No. I’m teasing. It is really nice.” Diamond was rubbing her hand over the dark leather when suddenly she stopped. “You guys didn’t do anything nasty back here and now I’m sitting…”
“No. Don’t be gross. We save that for Joshua’s sports car.”
“Whew! Okay. What about Marty?”
I stopped and couldn’t help but get a little dreamy for a second.
“He’s a little more traditional.”
“Oh, isn’t that sweet. Just oral till you kids meet each other’s parents.”
“You are so gross!” I squealed, happy to have my friend back.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I meant just anal.”
“No way! You are a sick individual! Totally!”
The limousine drove around through the city. We laughed and talked watching the people who tried to see in the tinted windows as we rolled past.
“Natasha. I just want to say one thing.” She took hold of my hand and her eyes had tears in them. “Whatever happens, whatever you choose or whatever these two men do just know that I love you. I want nothing but the best for you and if you ever need me for anything you can just call. Anytime.”
“Di, you sound like you’re worried I might get lost at sea or something.”
“I’m just saying. No matter what happens or what anyone tells you I’ll always be your friend and I’ll always be right there if you need me.”
As I waved good-bye to Di when we dropped her at her apartment and the limo was now taking me home, I couldn’t help feeling like she knew something she wasn’t telling me.
Whatever it was had her nervous. That made me nervous. Little did I know just how far things could unravel in a matter of days. Little did I know how far minds could unravel. I am now convinced that desperation is the creator of monsters.
JOSHUA
Going in to work was like stepping foot in your family’s trailer home for Christmas after you’ve been in Paris for three years.
People looked at me as if they didn’t recognize me. That is, those who were brave enough to make eye contact with me. Some of the old familiar faces came and shook my hand. Some just gave me a nod. My brother, who is always so diplomatic, welcomed me in front of the board of directors. But I could tell by the way he avoided looking at me that he wasn’t thrilled I was there.
Note to my future protégé: If people are uncomfortable when you are around it means you’ve got something they want. My brother was always uncomfortable when I was around. But, he managed to hide it pretty well while he told of the company treading along in the black and plans for the future.
There were a few squawkers who always complained.
“We’ve got three contracts that have yet to break ground and have been tied up in arbitration for almost two years now.”