HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY Page 9

  “Hugo, Brian. I know. If everything works in my favor, I’ll ask her on a date eventually.”

  Brian straightened his back. “Wait, what?”

  “I have a feeling she’s worth the time and effort.”

  Hugo poked his lips out and nodded. “Sounds good.”

  ∞

  Three days a week I rearranged my class schedule so I could sit in the coffee shop Carmen frequented. She ordered tea or ice coffee. Monday’s before her classes begin, she ordered coffee. Wednesdays she wore a cute lab coat, ordered coffee, then returned to the chem lab. Fridays was reserved for studying, running, or relaxing at her apartment. She rarely deviated from her schedule.

  Most days and nights she spent in the chem lab. I didn’t like she left as late as ten or even midnight. Stanford is safe but a woman shouldn’t walk alone at night. I ordered Brian to ensure she made it home safe every night.

  Luckily, she didn’t have a boyfriend but, how could she? She was married to her work. Carmen attended Stanford on a full scholarship. She’s worked in the science research department for three years.

  Her payroll checks weren’t enough to cover rent alone. She lived with her roommate and friend Paisley Daughhill. Brian and Hugo said there were several empty yogurt containers, hummus, and single serve vegetable boxes in her trash they found in the dumpster. How was she surviving? She didn’t have a car either. Although, she didn’t need one because she remained in a five-mile radius. After she graduates with her PHD she’d be paid six figures. Technically, she only had a couple of years left in the program. I admired her tenacity.

  Today was her leisure day, she should walk through the door any second.

  Hugo grimaced every other customer who walked through the door. I shook my head in disbelief. The price of being the governor's son. Brian sat at a corner table near the entrance.

  The door chimed. I glanced up from my laptop. At exactly nine thirty-four in the morning like clockwork, there she was, the sunshine on a gloomy day. I sat up straight sure not to miss her stroll into the long line, wearing fuchsia and gray leggings and a matching exercise bra.

  I licked my lips, peering from behind my mirrored blue tint aviators and low fitted cap. There was my break in scenery. I’ve watched her stroll into the coffee shop for a month and a half now.

  I’ve learned almost everything about Ms. Carmen Cadence Drake. A man in my position had to know everything about the woman he wanted in his life. I was aware she might be the wrong woman. On occasion I may have walked past the chemistry lab stealing a peek at her.

  After law school I hoped to take my father’s place and become the new Don.

  I pondered many times if I should follow through meeting Carmen. A man in my position soon to hail the mafia throne. Learning such news might send her running in the other direction screaming like her hair was on fire. Angelita wouldn’t run. She’d possibly assist.

  Tricking the beautiful caramel woman to fall in love with me might not end well.

  Carmen squeezed her shoulder trying to work out a kink. I could work out that kink for her. I’d wrap her long brown hair around my hand, tugging just enough to hold her beautiful brown eyes on mine. Then I’d wrap my other hand around her neck as I slammed deep inside her wetness. I closed my eyes at the thought. Yeah, I was sure that would knock out that kink.

  Today was the day to take the plunge. I planned to talk to pretty eyes with the hour glass shape.

  Hugo flashed a wide grin as I rose to my feet. I didn’t need him cheering me on. I never had a problem getting women. I realized Carmen was more of a challenge. I’d have to take things slow. Women often told me I looked like I was up to no good. What the fuck did that look like?

  A six-foot three man in height with black hair. My hair was moussed perfectly, I might add. Anyway, was it my dark green brooding eyes or my perfect chiseled face and rippled body? Women really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. I was ready to settle down preferably with Carmen.

  Standing behind her in line, her mango scented hair swept up my nose. I felt my dick twitch. Shit!

  “I’d like to order a medium dragon fruit tea,” she said.

  “Excuse me.” I removed my sunglasses and slipped them in my blazer jacket pocket.

  Carmen turned to me. Flashing a beautiful smile.

  I smiled in return then turned my attention to the cashier.

  “I will pay for her order. Add on a large black coffee.”

  “Sure,” the cashier stated.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  That beautiful smile remained.

  “I want to.” I flashed my pearly whites.

  I placed a twenty-dollar bill in the cashier’s hand. “Keep the change.”

  We walked toward the pickup side of the counter.

  “I study here from time to time. I noticed you stop in after Yoga or a run?” I quizzed.

  I couldn’t let her know I’d been watching her.

  She laughed. “A run.”

  We retrieved our drinks from the Barista.

  I stretched my hand out. “After you.”

  Carmen walked to the center of the coffee shop.

  “Thanks again for the drink.”

  “You’re welcome.” I extended my hand. “I’m Dominic. And you are?”

  Her eyebrows wrinkled a little. “Carmen.” She placed her soft hand in mine.

  I didn’t want to turn it loose.

  “I’d love to take you to dinner tomorrow night?”

  Her eyes lit up staring up into mine. “I’d like that at any other time, but I’m traveling home to visit my parents tonight.”

  This must’ve been a last-minute trip. I didn’t have that intel.

  “Nice. Where are you from?”

  Of course, I knew where she was from.

  “Miami, Florida. Maybe we can talk when I return next week.”

  I smiled. “I’d like that.”

  I slipped my cell from my jeans pocket. “What’s your phone number?”

  She rattled it off.

  She glanced at her watch. “I have a presentation in an hour. I have to run. Nice meeting you, Dominic.”

  She blushed when she said my name. That was a good sign. Although, I wasn’t aware of a presentation either. Brian needed to explain.

  “Good luck on your presentation, Carmen.”

  She smiled turning on her heels, exiting the coffee shop.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CARMEN

  The moment he introduced himself, I knew who he was. He was the man who haunted my dreams almost every night for six years. The second his name fell from his handsome lips, set my nerves on edge. My hair follicles tingled. I remembered the time, I waved at him from across the crowded room. He never waved back. What made our encounter in the coffee shop today different from that time?

  Maybe he grew tired of the lanky, female model toys. Today was a fluke. For whatever reason I was on his radar. Dinner, please. Not a chance. Why? So, he could toss me aside a day later, like a restaurant’s day-old food. No, I won’t answer his call. I won’t allow his deep voice to penetrate more than my eardrums.

  Carmen walk out the door. Don’t look back. I counted my steps until I reached the edge of the building then dipped into the alley of all places. I clenched my eyes shut. Breathe Carmen. He’s just a man. My head thudded the red brick wall. No, he’s not. He was the sexiest man I have ever seen in my life.

  Shake off the desire and the urge to be in his presence for one date night. I bit my lower lip pondering on what to do. Hm, date with Mr. Smoking hot with the dark green eyes who could impregnate a woman with a glance… No. If I could barely survive a simple introduction, how could I ever survive a date?

  Change his name in your phone. I tapped the X key until his name disappeared. My fingers glided over the keys until my mission was complete. There fixed, I smirked. DDFG (DA). Drop dead fucking gorgeous (don’t answer), I mouthed. If that name ever flashed across my screen, I wouldn’t answer.
I dodged a swoon bullet. Could you imagine falling for that guy, then he’d never call after the first conversation? Yeah, I’ll save myself the heartache. Strolling down the alley, I slipped my earbuds into my ears and fell into a slow-paced rhythm as ‘Downtown’s Dead’ bellowed in my ears.

  ∞

  “Carmen, Carmen?”

  “Huh.”

  “Where were you a second ago? You only poked at that slab of ribs a hundred times.”

  “Mom, sorry. I was worried I forgot to lock my cabinets in the Chem lab.”

  “Carmen, call a coworker and ask are they locked.”

  I smirked. “I will.”

  “I’ll finish grilling. Go in there and spend time with Nana.”

  “Ok.”

  My grandmother was admitted to the hospital. My mom purchased a plane ticket so I could be at the hospital with our family. By the time I stepped off the plane, my mom said the hospital released her. My grandmother told my mom to invite the family over for a barbecue. We loved getting together to play Spades and Bid Whist.

  Grandmother lounged in her recliner. Laughter poured through the patio sliding screen door. “Nana, would you like me to close the door?”

  “No, baby, its fine.” She cocked her head to the side. “Your uncle Ricky out their beating yo daddy’s ass in Bid Whist.” She chuckled.

  I dropped on the couch laughing. “Uncle Ricky doesn’t play when it comes to a game of cards.”

  “You got that right, baby.” I stared into the eyes mine mimicked.

  “Nana, can I get you anything?”

  She stretched out her dark wrinkled finger. “Yes, a glass of ice water. Once your mother’s has finished, grilling those ribs, bring me half a slab.”

  “Nana, water I can do. Ribs no. The doctor said you need to watch your diet. That was your second heart attack.”

  “The minute I heard my granddaughter was flying home from Stanford, I cheered right up.” She smiled bright.

  I leaned over kissing her cheek. “I love you too, Nana.”

  Thirty minutes later, we sat in the dining room, laughing and talking loud across the large table. I missed my family.

  “CC, any guys up at that school messing with you.” My brother Timothy pointed his fork toward me. “You know I’ll whoop some ass.”

  Uncle Ricky stood. “I’ll be right there with you nephew.” His gold tooth glinted as his smile widened.

  The table spilled over with laughter. My brothers had gone pro. Peter played for the Dolphins and Timothy played for the Patriots. Timothy wore his black hair braided in small corn rolls. He’d grown out a full black beard. He was a six-three bulging, muscled guy covered in tattoos. His eyes were dark like our dad’s.

  Peter wore his black hair low on the sides with a little height in the top. He had tattoos, but not as many as Timothy.

  Women were drawn to Peter’s dimples and his six-two muscled frame. Never had a shortage of women before going pro and definitely couldn’t beat them off with a stick now.

  Peter’s eyes were brown like mine. My brothers’ lips were a little less heart shaped. Neither of them were looking to settle down.

  The moment they went pro they purchased our parents and grandmother their dream homes.

  They always asked if I needed anything. I told them the school paid well. That was a lie. I wouldn’t make good money until I graduated. But I wanted to learn how to live on my own. I didn’t want to become dependent upon them.

  “No, there isn’t any guy.”

  “Why not. Tomorrow you’ll turn twenty-four years old. What are you waiting for?” Peter asked sucking on a rib bone.

  I shrugged. “I just hadn’t met anyone yet.”

  I couldn’t tell them about Dominic. Saying his name in my head made me cross my legs.

  Shit. Carmen shake it off. Don’t let him get in your head. So, many nights in my dreams, I laid in his arms.

  Finally, I knew his name. I didn’t have to call him Mr. Sexy anymore. On second thought, he can keep that name.

  I glanced at the head of the table. Nana couldn’t stop smiling. Slowly, she chewed rib meat. Nana wasn’t going to miss my mama’s ribs or banana pudding.

  Later, that night my mother and I cleaned the house behind all those grown ass men. I stood, smiling watching my brothers, dad, and uncle enjoy a recent football game Timothy played. He dominated in that game.

  “Carmen, tell your brothers to take out those trash bags by the door,” she yelled from the kitchen.

  I stepped in front of the TV. “Y’all heard Mama.”

  They smacked their lips as they rose from the couch. My brothers couldn’t shake the women off with a stick. Not sure if they’d ever settle down. They loved the fame and the women. I chuckled inside.

  Nana’s house was spacious enough for all six of us to sleep comfortably in our own rooms.

  Two in the morning, I strolled the dimly lit halls, and ducked my head into my grandmother’s room.

  “Nana, are you ok. Did you need anything?”

  She didn’t respond. I walked over to the bed and lightly shook her arm. “Nana.” Again, she didn’t respond.

  I peered at her peaceful face. No, she has to be ok. I placed two fingers against her pulse. Nothing.

  “No, Nana!” I screamed.

  “Carmen, what’s wrong?” My father’s hands gripped my arms pulling me into his embrace. “What’s wrong, baby?”

  “Nana’s gone. She’s gone!” I fell to my knees.

  “Mama…Mama!” My mother called.

  Daddy, pulled her into his arms. She broke free and fell onto the bed, hugging Nana. My brothers and uncle Ricky poured into the room. Tears streamed down their faces. Our Nana had passed away on my birthday.

  ~

  No one dared tell me happy birthday. I couldn’t celebrate my birthday. I only wanted to reminisce with my family about the good times we shared with Nana. That gorgeous dark wrinkled face. The way her entire face lit up when she laughed. Nana hand no problem putting you in your place.

  I peeked my head up from the kitchen counter. “Remember when Tim threw the football through the window.”

  Laughter spilled out around the brown marble counter.

  Mama swiped at her tear stained face and glanced at him. “She asked you what happened and you blamed it on the little boy down the street. That little boy was crying.”

  Tim smiled. “Yeah, she knocked me upside the head and told me don’t ever lie to her again. And I didn’t.”

  We laughed.

  Tuesday night, after the wake, I fell into bed. I was exhausted. Everyone offering condolences all day only made me miss her more. I was saddened my grandmother passed away, but happy I was home when she did. I wondered if she held on a little longer to see me one last time. Tears streamed down my face soaking the pillow. My cell vibrated. I read the name DDFG (DA).

  My stomach bottomed out and my mouth dropped open. He called. There was no way I could talk to him at this time. We didn’t know each other. I didn’t want our entire conversation to be about Nana. The cell vibrated twice. Oh my god he left a voice mail message. I swallowed past the lump in my throat then listened to the message.

  Hello, Carmen, this is Dominic. I hope you made it to Miami safe. I’d like to arrange another day and time to take you on a date. I look forward to hearing your beautiful voice again soon. Bye.

  Shit, I couldn’t even catch my breath. I played his messaged back at least four times that night. His silky deep voice held my attention. Women shouldn’t analyze a call from a man. It didn’t mean anything or did it? I should ask Peter to listen to the message and tell me if Dominic was sincere or full of shit. No, he’d probably say he was full of shit. I loved he looked forward to hearing my beautiful voice again. Carmen you have brothers who have ran game on women for years. You have to know he’s full of it.

  There was no way I could leave after the funeral Friday. My mother needed my brothers and I. The following week I returned to Stanford and threw my
self into my work. Staring through the microscope at living organism brought a sense of calm.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  DOMINIC

  What happened? I thought there was a connection between us. The way her face lit up the second I mentioned taking her on a date. I left a message but she never returned my call. Damn, I guess I was wrong. She wasn’t interested.

  Never had a woman blown me off. Fuck, I hadn’t put forth any effort to talk to a woman. Ever. I massaged my bearded face deep in thought as I paced the living room. A shave hadn’t happened in two weeks. She had me in a bad head space.

  I was informed by Brian, Carmen returned home over the weekend. I needed to see her.

  Standing outside the doors of the Chem Lab, I contemplated whether to enter or not. Hands deep in my pockets, I strolled past everyone’s station. They were focused on their projects. Only one person spoke in passing.

  I halted at Carmen’s station. She peered into a microscope. My heartbeat thudded my ears. I balled up my sweaty hands in my pockets.

  “Hello, Carmen.”

  Slowly her brown eyes widened and roamed my body in the navy three-piece suit. Carmen swiped at a loose hair that fell from her messy ponytail.

  “Hi, Dominic.” She returned her attention to the microscope.