Alex leaned on her elbow as her eyes freely wandered over Nikki's prone form. "Who wants safe?" she asked as she met her desire filled eyes.
"We both do."
Alex nodded as she lay down beside her and snuggled close. "What did she do to you, mia cara, to hurt you so badly?"
Nikki pulled her close as she slowly answered the question. "She decided she wanted me, and pursued me until she got me. Then over the next few years, she pushed me and fought to change me into exactly what she wanted. Once she succeeded, she found someone that reminded her of who I used to be, and promptly cheated on me." Alex could hear the emotion in her voice as she continued. "She lied to me for months. I lost my friends, hobbies, and parts of myself because of what I allowed her to do to me. I even lost Dani."
Alex pushed herself up so she could see Nikki's face as she said, "No, you've not lost Dani. She's still right beside you, you just need to reach out for her. How do you think she feels?"
A tear slid down into the hair above her ear as she replied. "She has Rachel, she doesn't need me."
Alex wiped away the damp trail left by the tear. "You're wrong. She still needs you, and she misses you as much as you miss her. You two have a bond that cannot be broken, nor can you be easily replaced by another." She leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "Why don't you spend some time with her today while Rachel and I shop. I promise you won't regret it." At Nikki's hopeful look, she smiled and said, "Open up to her, and confide in her like you used to. You'll both feel better for it."
Alex walked into the living room and was surprised to see Rachel and Dani had already arrived. They were sitting on the couch as Nikki cuddled in the recliner with Madison. She turned and headed for the kitchen to talk to Maria about the birthday gathering the following weekend. Several minutes later she headed back into the living room after having reached an agreement with Maria. She walked up to the recliner and stood in front of Nikki. "Do me a favor today?"
"Of course."
"I want you and Dani to discuss next weekend's lunch plans. Work with Maria and Ilario to figure out what will work best, but get the plans done today. Then, call your parents and extend the invitation." She saw Nikki take a breath and interrupted before she could argue. "Don't argue with me. We will host the lunch here, and Maria and I will cook so that you can focus on your family." She turned and glared at Dani, daring her to protest. She wisely just held her hands up in surrender. With a nod she turned to Rachel and asked, "Are you ready to go shopping?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned around and scooped Madison up off of Nikki's lap. The little girl squealed as she twirled her around in circles. "You be a good girl for Mommy and Auntie Nikki okay?"
"Okay, Angel. I brought my colors. I'll make you a picture, okay?"
"I'd like that a lot, piccola. Thank you."
They said good-bye and headed for Rachel's car. "Where to first?"
"How about Starbucks?" Alex shrugged at Rachel's quizzical expression. "What can I say? I'd love a good cup of coffee while we discuss a shopping strategy. I don't know about you, but I have no idea what to get either one of them."
Rachel nodded her agreement with Alex's predicament as she pulled out of the property and onto the street. "How about the Starbucks over by the outlet mall? At least that way we'll already be right there." She drove in silence for a moment before looking over and saying, "I'm not sure what I'm going to do for Dani. I knew I wasn't going to get completely off the hook as far as a present, but that book was really going to go a long way. Dani doesn't know it, but I've been saving money for our anniversary. I want to take her to Hawaii." She sighed. "I guess I'll have to dip into my stash now." She saw Alex's look of curiosity and explained. "Things have been a little tight the last few years since Dani isn't working. We've both had to make a few sacrifices. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change anything. It's all been worth it."
"What type of work does Dani do?"
Rachel pulled into a parking space and turned the car off. "She's a nurse. She was working at St. Mary's before Madison was born. She's been out of it for so long, I'm not sure what recertification she'll have to go through to be employable, or how much that will cost." Alex climbed out of the car, deep in thought. She barely noticed the rich smell of coffee and sugary baked goods wafting through the store as she ordered her drink.
"What are you thinking about?"
Alex looked up, startled by the question. "Sorry. You know the old saying about it's not what you know but who you know?" Rachel nodded. "Well, you are lucky because you know me." She smiled at Rachel's skeptical expression. "Your birthday present problems are solved."
"How exactly is that?" She held up a hand to stop Alex from responding when she heard their names being called. "I'll get those, hang on just a minute." She returned to the small table seconds later with their coffee and sat down. "Okay, please enlighten me."
Alex stirred sugar into her steaming cup. "The how is not important, just know that you will have the latest Darby McCloud adventure in time for Dani's birthday." At Rachel's uncertain look she said, "I know the author, okay? You will have, not just a copy of the book, a signed copy.
