I finished the video. My heart ached when she described the things that Ru had done to her.
“I should’ve fucking killed him.”
“Let’s not say that out loud until you’re completely done with this case.”
“Fuck Ru.”
“Yeah, but how are you going to be there for Simone if you don’t stay free?”
I shut off the video and gave him his phone. “I can’t believe she did that for me. How is she doing?”
He shrugged. “She’s a sister.”
“Meaning?”
“She’s strong.”
“Most women are strong.”
“Well, she’s the queen supreme. She’s stronger than any other woman I’ve seen you around.”
Sighing, I leaned back in my chair. “I can’t believe I let her get hurt.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about that shit. What’s done is done. Ru is a sick motherfucker. If not this, it would’ve been something else.”
“But, still—”
“Leave it alone. Let go of the guilt because I spent some time with your Simone and I’ll tell you something.” He twisted the diamond-studded watch on his wrist. “She feels guilty too.”
“For what?”
“She’s being silly just like you. Blaming herself for everything.”
“She has nothing to feel bad for.”
“Neither do you. Both of you need to remember that before this shit ruins what you two still have.”
Sighing, I saw that the driver was taking us on the highway. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Do I seem like I’m in a surprise mood?”
Midnight raised his hands. “Hey, this is all her doing. I’m not saying shit. My only job is to deliver you and then I’m hopping on a plane and getting the fuck out of here.”
I grinned. “You didn’t love Utah?”
“Hell no. And I’m making sure this case gets dropped. I want you off house arrest and in LA. Simone agreed to come out.”
“She did?”
“Yes, right after asking me if I would be her manager. Which, of course, I said hell yes to. She’s been trending all fucking day. The world is in love with her.”
Unease hit me. That was all I needed, more predatory ass men to come around her. I made a note to get her two personal bodyguards. No more would I let anyone bother her again.
“GioKnights are having a ball with this updated new you. And they love that you’re in love. All day the internet has been trying to give you all a name.”
“A name?”
“You know? A couple name. Like Kimye for Kanye and Kim. Bee Z for Beyonce and Jay-Z.”
“Oh, God.”
“So far, Sim G and G-Sim have been growing some buzz.”
“I’ll be waiting in suspense.” I checked my watch. “Where are we going? We’ve been in here for a while.”
“You might as well sit back and enjoy the ride. I’m not saying anything, Sim G.”
“Please, don’t do that.”
“Or maybe you both should go with G-Mone. The ladies love it since the name is so close to G moan.”
“Are you going to talk about this the whole time?”
He showed his phone to me. “There were even some pictures of you two at the Utah Symphony orchestra.”
I sighed and looked. “Are you kidding me?”
One of the orchestra members had clearly snapped a shot because it was taken from the stage. Simone smiled up at me, dressed in that gorgeous gown. I gazed at her, completely in love. And suddenly, my heart soared back to that moment.
“You two look beautiful together.” Midnight interrupted the moment. “As soon as you both finish the album, we’re going to make an ass of money. You know you must do some duets now. A full video. Something amazing. Even show the day when Ru—”
“Don’t even think about it.” I glared at him. “We’re not going to capitalize off Simone’s pain.”
“I’m just saying.”
“No. I don’t want any memory of this day set to a song or video or anything else.”
“Fine. Fine.” He held his palms out. “Perhaps I’m being a bit insensitive.”
“Perhaps.”
Midnight smiled at me and opened his arms. “I love you, man.”
“I’m not hugging you, Midnight. I’ve just been locked away with hundreds of men. The last thing I want to do is cuddle in a limo with you and talk about our feelings.”
“You make loving you so hard.” He laughed and returned to talking about social media, marveling at the memes and gifs. “The internet is on fire, and everyone is so creative. Look at that.”
I checked the gif. My face was cut and pasted on some wrestler as he launched in the air and slammed onto another wrestler whose face just happened to have Ru pasted on it. I couldn’t look at any more. No one had understood how painful that moment had been. It wasn’t something I could joke about.
“I’m taking a nap.” I relaxed for the first time and closed my eyes. “Wake me up when Simone’s beautiful face is near.”
“Would you like me to sing you a song?”
“Hell no, Midnight.”
He laughed and I slowly drifted asleep.
It must’ve been two hours later when he woke me up. The sun had begun to set. In front was the restaurant I’d taken her to earlier.