“Chanel, can you just take messages for me over the next two hours? I need to finish going over these furniture books if I’m ever gonna get started redecorating this office.”
Chanel nodded and smiled at Zakira. “No problem. I may step out for lunch in a little while, though. I’ll let the machine pick up, if that’s okay?”
Zakira waved her hand, already turning toward the office. “That’s fine,” she called over her shoulder.
Once the door closed behind her, Zakira headed right to the massive, polished mahogany desk. She picked up the thick furniture catalog, filled with stunning office ensembles. Leaning back in the brown suede chair, she studied the pages intently.
During the last two weeks, there had been a gradual change in Zakira’s demeanor. She spent the majority of her time at the restaurant. Days off were nonexistent. Not that she minded, since home was the very last place she wanted to be. Of course, she was in the process of changing that. She knew that the main reason she spent so much time at the office was because she saw Malik in every corner of the house. She was, however, about to rectify that. Besides redecorating her home, she had also started remodeling Badu’s. At the restaurant, Zakira’s business sense and savvy was turning a lot of heads. Unfortunately, because of her dedication to the business, her social life had suffered. She rarely, if ever, got together with friends. It was as though she didn’t notice…or care.
“Well, well, this is something I don’t see very often,” Eddie called across the office when she caught Zakira indulging in a rare moment of relaxation.
Smiling, Zakira set the furniture catalog aside and stood. “Eddie,” she greeted, moving from behind the desk and enveloping her sister in a tight hug. “What’s up, girl?”
“A lot and I don’t have a soul to talk to about it.” Eddie admitted in a sarcastic tone.
Zakira’s bright smile faded just a little, before she turned away. “Well, I’m glad you decided to stop by. I need your help deciding on this furniture.”
“Z, why don’t you cut the act?”
Zakira whirled around, her large brown eyes widening. “You don’t approve of helping me find new furniture?”
Eddie folded her arms across her chest. “You know what I mean.”
“No, I think you better explain it to me,” Zakira insisted, tossing her thick hair over her shoulders.
Eddie smoothed her hands over her wool sweater and stepped closer to Zakira. “This act you’re putting on. Pretending not to miss Malik. Shutting yourself away from your family and friends. Hiding behind the restaurant. You can stop me anytime.”
Zakira laughed, disbelief in her warm, brown eyes. “You know, as a psychologist, I thought you’d agree with me moving on with my life.”
Eddie leaned her hip against the desk. “I would, if you were moving on in a healthy way.”
“Healthy?”
“Z, it’s not healthy trying to wipe out all evidence of the man’s existence or shutting out the friends who know you both,” Eddie cautioned.
Zakira bolted away from the desk. “That’s not what I’m trying to do.”
“From where I stand, it is.”
“Well, you’re not standing in my shoes!”
Eddie followed Zakira across the room. “I don’t have to be in your shoes to see you trying to forget Malik was ever in your life! Redecorating the house, this office, the restaurant.”
“Eddie, please,” Zakira hissed, her voice suddenly soft.
Edwina walked closer to Zakira, enveloping her stepsister in a hug and pulling her back against her. “It’s okay.”
“Lord, Eddie, he’s hurting me so bad,” Zakira admitted, bowing her head as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Honey, he thought what he did was for the best.”
Zakira shook her head. “But shouldn’t he be able to see we should be together?”
Eddie pressed a kiss against the back of Zakira’s head and remained silent.
“You know, if I didn’t still love him and miss him so much…”
“What, Z?”
“I could actually hate him,” she replied and walked away from Eddie.
“Sweetie, you know he was only trying to prevent you from having to see him at his worst.”
Zakira leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling. “That’s what marriage is about, Ed. Malik was just being thoughtless and selfish. As usual.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because I know him.”
Eddie shook her head, her clear hazel gaze full of sympathy for her stepsister. “Have you heard anything from him?”
Zakira shrugged and rolled her eyes. “He hasn’t tried to call. I think the only person he’s interested in talking to is Tree.”
“I’m sure that’s not true,” Eddie disagreed, instantly rushing to Tree’s defense.
“I am. It’s just as well. I mean, if Malik wants to keep secrets, Tree’s the perfect one to help.”
“He’s in your corner, Z,” Eddie said, trying to sound reassuring.
Zakira’s expression was doubtful. “Well, Eddie, unfortunately he’s in Malik’s corner, too. This isn’t a situation where a person can play both sides against the middle.”
Sadly, the more Eddie tried to change her sister’s opinions, the more aggravated Zakira became.
“How you doin’, man?” Tree whispered as he and Malik shared a tight hug.
Malik gave Tree’s shoulder a hearty clap before he pulled away. “I’m good. How’s Zaki?” he questioned, the gray-black depths of his eyes full of concern.
“I guess she’s good,” Tree replied, raking one hand through his dark wavy hair. “I really don’t know, Mal. I’m concerned about how she’s pullin’ away from everybody. All she thinks about is the restaurant. Most of the time, she’s there working.”
“Can’t Eddie help?” Malik asked, a frown causing his handsome dark features to appear fiercer.
Tree sighed. “Z hasn’t made much effort to talk to her. Eddie wanted to give her some time, but now she’s worried. I think she was going to visit Zakira at the restaurant today.”
Malik squeezed his eyes shut and tried to fight the wave of guilt that crept into his heart. Knowing that he was responsible for tearing Zakira’s world apart made him angry enough to hit something. “Listen, Tree, I’m going to have the surgery.”
The worried expression on Tree’s face disappeared. “Man, that’s the best thing I’ve heard in a long time. So, are you gonna call Z, or tell her in person?”
Malik shook his head as he walked away from Tree. “The procedure is high-risk.”
Tree propped his chin on his fist and nodded. “Well then, the sooner you tell Zakira, the better.”
A muscle jumped wickedly in Malik’s cheek as he gnawed the inside of his jaw. “I can’t do that,” he murmured.
Tree tilted his head as his dark eyes narrowed. “You can’t do what?”
Malik slammed his fist against his palm. “I can’t have her waiting like that.”
Malik’s words slowly settled in. “Would you mind tellin’ me what the hell you mean?”
“I mean, if this surgery isn’t successful, I could wind up in a coma or totally mentally incapacitated. If that happens…I want you to…to draw up divorce papers on my behalf and have them served to Zaki.” The look in Malik’s eyes added certainty to his words.
Tree’s tall, huge frame visibly tensed. “No way in hell I’m doin’ that to her,” he growled.
Malik looked away, but pointed a finger in Tree’s direction. “I know how this sounds, but if you think about it, you’ll see it’s the best thing to do.”
“This cancer has totally eaten away your damn brain, hasn’t it?” Tree raged, glaring at his best friend.
“Maybe it has,” Malik slowly agreed, closing his eyes in regret. “But Tree, man, it’s the only way I can face this surgery. I have to know that if I don’t come out of it one hundred percent, that Zaki won’t be hanging on, thinking I’m coming back or that things will be the same.”
Tree was wholeheartedly against carrying out Malik’s wishes. However, with everything his friend was facing, he couldn’t see any choice but to grant what could easily be a final request.
“Mr. Grisani, would you like a cup of coffee or something else while you wait?”
Tree favored the nurse with a warm smile as he shook his head. “No thanks. I’m fine.”
The nurse returned the smile and then headed back to her station.
An entire week had passed. Tree found himself back in Maryland, this time for Malik’s surgery. He cursed the fact that during the last seven days, he had been unable to talk his friend out of going though an operation without the support of his wife. Still, Malik needed someone there rooting for him, and Tree refused to let Malik go through the ordeal alone.
Again, Tree’s thoughts settled on Malik’s request to divorce Zakira if he slipped into a coma. Lord, things are already tense between me and Zakira, he silently noted. When he dropped this news on her, it would kill her.
Even if Malik came through the operation with no complications, it would be discovered that Tree had kept the information from Zakira and he would be hated by her, not to mention Edwina.
A hard look darkened Tree’s striking features, and he grimaced. He was determined not to lose Eddie, especially not due to someone else’s pride. Taking a deep breath, he scanned the waiting area for the phones.
“Mr. Grisani?”
Tree was on his way to call Zakira when he heard his name called. Turning, he saw Dr. McNeil walking toward him.
“How is he?” Tree quickly asked, his heavy brows drawn together in worry.
Dr. McNeil clasped his hands together and regarded Tree with a steady gaze. “The operation was a success. The tumor has been completely removed.”
Tree raised his eyes to the ceiling and said a silent prayer. “Can I see him?” He asked, already heading in the direction the doctor had come.
“You can. But you should know that Malik slipped into a coma shortly after the surgery was complete.”
Tree was not prepared for how much the sight of seeing his friend in a comatose state would affect him. Slowly, he curled his hands around the bed’s chrome railing. He bowed his head, a low ragged sigh filled the room.
“Well, man, you did what we wanted you to do and look where it got you,” he muttered, his voice a mixture of anger and sadness. As he looked down at his friend, it practically tore his heart out. Tree knew there was no way he could let Zakira go through that kind of pain, especially when it could go on indefinitely. He cast one last look at Malik, and seconds later, he was gone from the room.
Eddie set her mug of cocoa on the den coffee table, then tightened the belt around her old red chenille robe. She couldn’t wait to settle beneath the warm, fuzzy blanket and relax in front of the fire. Unfortunately, before she could snuggle on the sofa, the doorbell rang.
“Damn,” she whispered, pausing for a moment as she debated whether to answer.
Deciding the bell wasn’t producing faster results, the person decided to knock. The thunderous pounding against the front door started Edwina’s heart to racing.
Aggravated and more than a little frightened, she headed to the foyer. Peeking outside, she squinted to adjust her eyes to the dark. Seeing the gray Hummer in the drive brought a sigh of relief to her lips.
Tree stood leaning against the doorjamb, looking incredible sexy and very frustrated. A smile brightened Edwina’s lovely dark face.
“This is a surprise,” she greeted, taking his hand and pulling him inside the house.
Almost absently, Tree leaned down and brushed his mouth across Eddie’s cheek. Then he walked past her, a deep frown etched between his long brows.
Tilting her head to the side, Eddie slowly followed him across the foyer. “What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t mean to bother you here,” he replied when he walked into the den and saw the cozy setting before the fireplace.
“What’s wrong with you?” Eddie asked again, propping her hands on her hips.
Tree squeezed his eyes shut and massaged the back of his neck. “Malik…he’s…” he said, speaking as if the words pained him.
Eddie shook her head slightly and walked closer to him. “Malik’s what? What are you trying to say?”
“He’s divorcing Zakira!” Tree dropped to the sofa, covering his face with both hands.
A soft gasp from Eddie filled the room. For a moment she stood there, taking in the terrible meaning of the words.
Tree finally looked up at her and raised his hand, palm outstretched. Eddie didn’t hesitate to accept it.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, pressing a hard kiss to the center of her hand. His grip tightened as he pulled her closer.
“When did this happen? Does Z know?” Eddie couldn’t stop the flurry of questions as her eyes grew wide with expectancy.
Tree leaned back on the sofa and shook his head. “He, um, messengered the request from the clinic this afternoon, asking me to draw up the papers.”
Eddie massaged the back of her neck. “Does Z know?” she repeated.
Tree’s dark gaze followed the movement of his hand as it smoothed the supple length of Eddie’s thigh where it peeked out beneath her robe. “I haven’t been to see her yet.”
“I better go now,” Eddie decided, starting to get up.
“No, you don’t,” Tree snapped. The soft touch he applied to her thigh, tightened instantly.
“Baby, she’s got to be told,” Eddie reasoned. She didn’t take Tree’s foul mood seriously, understanding he was very upset over his best friend’s decision.
Tree’s hand clenched into a fist as he struggled against the wave of hatred he felt for Malik at that moment. What a stinking mess Malik had left for him to clean up, Tree thought. Still, he knew it was imperative, now more than ever, to play it cool. Especially if he didn’t want to lose everything he had.
Opening his eyes, he slid his onyx stare over Eddie. Her clear hazel gaze followed his every move.
“I’ll take care of this,” he said, leaning his huge body over Eddie. “I’d rather tell Zakira myself, all right?”
Eddie simply nodded, concerned by the desperation she saw in Tree’s eyes.
He smiled, his fingers pulling the robe’s belt loose from Eddie’s waist. “Thank you,” he murmured against her skin. His lips trailed lower as his hands pulled the robe further apart.
A soft smile graced Eddie’s mouth as she surrendered to Tree’s sweet touch. His lips grazed the swell of her breast as his hand briefly tightened upon her hip. The feathery soft caresses grew more insistent as Tree grew more aroused. Edwina felt it, too, and arched closer.
Reluctantly, Tree fought against the desire that surged through him. There was something he had to do and he could put it off no longer. With great effort, he pulled away from Eddie. She frowned slightly, but didn’t question him. Tree pressed one last kiss against her neck before he left.
Zakira rushed downstairs, checking the posts on her diamond stud earrings. She had a meeting with her accountant at the restaurant in an hour, but decided to enjoy a cup of tea before leaving. The doorbell rang, stopping her in her tracks, and she changed directions.
The last person Zakira expected to see when she pulled open the front door was Tree, but there he was, a look of uncertainty on his face. Obviously, he expected the door to be slammed on him.
Slamming the door, however, was the last thing on Zakira’s mind.
“Hello,” she softly greeted as he walked into the foyer.
“Sorry to bother you like this,” Tree said.
Zakira shook her head, causing the thick curls to dangle wildly. “You’re not bothering me. I’m glad you came by.”
Tree couldn’t hide the surprised expression that fell over his handsome face. “You’re glad I came by?”
Zakira smiled in spite of herself. “I am. I missed you, boy, and I don’t want this crap with Malik to mess up our friendship.”
Tree’s warm smile was a mixture of relief and happiness. He laughed and pulled Zakira against him. The two of them hugged tightly, overcome with happiness that the tension between them was dismissed.
“I’m glad I didn’t put off coming to see you tonight,” Tree whispered, squeezing his eyes shut tightly as he relished the hug.
Zakira nodded, her face pressed against his chest. “Me, too.”
Arm in arm, they walked to the living room and sat on the sofa.
“I was just about to have some tea. You want some?” Zakira asked, already easing off the couch.
“No. Zakira—” Tree caught her arm and stopped her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, a frown beginning to mar her lovely face.
Tree covered both her hands in his and absently toyed with her fingers. “I hate to talk about this when we just made up.”
Instantly, Zakira knew the visit had something to do with Malik. “What happened?” She asked, grimacing at the anxious tone of her voice.
Tree’s black gaze searched Zakira’s face for a full minute before he spoke. “Malik…I got a request at the office today. He wants a divorce, Z. I’m sorry.”
Tears immediately filled Zakira’s eyes and spilled onto her cheeks. She could feel her chest tighten as a sob welled in her throat. Finally she cried. The loud, tortured sound came from deep within her body and was filled with pain and regret.
Tree didn’t know if Zakira would accept comfort from him, but he knew he had to offer. Pushing aside his reservations, his hands closed around her arm and he brought her close.
Zakira didn’t resist. She grasped the lapels of Tree’s jacket as the shuddering sobs racked her tiny body. “Does he hate me this much, Tree?”
Frowning, he pushed her away and stared into her teary brown eyes. “What are you talking about?”
Zakira could barely speak past her crying. “Couldn’t he even tell me to my face? Don’t I deserve at least that? Why a divorce, Tree?”
“Baby, listen, he doesn’t want you goin’ through any more than you already have. I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but you will get past this.”
Zakira raised her watery eyes to Tree’s face and smiled.
It was killing Tree to hurt her so, but he was beginning to agree with Malik’s plan. Zakira wouldn’t be able to handle the coma, seeing the man she loved in such a state indefinitely. The situation was messy indeed, but Tree honestly believed it was for the best.
“It’ll take me a while to draw up the papers,” he said.
Zakira watched him as though he were a stranger. “There’s no rush, since I don’t plan on signing them.”
“Z—”
“Don’t, Tree. If it made Malik feel better to suggest such a thing, then that’s fine for him. But I won’t think about this.”
Tree raked one hand through his hair. “Babe, I think the man is just trying to spare you the agony of hanging on. He wants you to be free to move on with your life, in every way…as soon as possible.”
“How thoughtful of him,” she whispered, moving from the sofa to pace the living room. “Tree, would you mind giving me just a little time before coming to me with this again?”
Tree smiled and stood as well. “You got it. Take as long as you need.”
“As my friend, Tree, do you think I should sign those papers?”
“I think your husband is out of his mind,” Tree admitted. “I hope that answers your question.”
Zakira pulled him into a hug. “Thank you,” she said softly.
Tree squeezed her more tightly and prayed for an end to the entire situation.