Melanie's POV

I had walked into Madame's Boudoir looking around for the red nightie I had seen last time I was in here.

"Ah Melanie, my dear, it's good to see you again."

"You too Fran. I was wondering if you still had that little red hot nightie from the other day in the back."

"I'm so sorry I've completely sold out. As a matter of fact a young man bought the last one a day before yesterday for his girlfriend."

I was disappointed. I knew I should have bought it but who knew things would have gotten heated between Marc and I. She must have seen disappointment on my face.

"We have some other things you may like."

"No, I really had my heart set on that one."

"I'm sorry Melanie."

"No I should have bought it the other day when you told me too. I didn't know I would actually need it." I looked around some more but nothing caught my eye. I said goodbye and walked out the store.

I really wanted to surprise Marc and wear it for Valentine's Day. I didn't know what to expect since he got a strange phone call very early this morning and left. I was almost dead to the world when he kissed me, grabbed his keys and drove off into the moonlight. I tried calling him a few times but it went straight to voicemail.

I had spoken to Reba but she said he hadn't told her anything but had cancelled all his meetings for the day and Monday. The only thing I could think of was that he was planning something since he had technically won the bet. Ah the bet. The very one that had me ready to shoot somebody. Here I was thinking he was in danger, that his life could have been taken away and there he was drunk and high. I couldn't help but shake my head and giggle.

I bet people thought I was crazy running down the street in a five-hundred dollar brown Prada dress, five inch brown Christian Louboutin stilettos, and five green and pink rollers in my head. I'm glad I was in the hood and not on Canal Street in the business district. I had to laugh at myself, the things a woman did for love. Love? Yes I was truly in love with Marc Hernandez and ready to shout it from the rooftops.

I turn off General Davis Drive. They were doing construction on the street. Unfortunately for that, the homeless people were gathered under the bridge. It broke my heart to see the state of my people, some carrying everything they owned in a knapsack or a bag. Some lying on the ground where they didn't even have a blanket to lay on. I don't think I would know how to survive in harsh conditions. I was lucky to have parents that loved and encouraged me. Seeing the plight of the struggle made it all to real.

I stopped as the construction worker held up his traffic sign for us to stop. I saw a young woman digging in a trashcan for food. I reached over grabbed my purse and took out a twenty. Putting my car in park, I crossed over the sidewalk and got her attention.

"Here you go. You can get something to eat with this."

She turned to me and just stared. I raised the money and she took it.

"Thank you miss. You are very kind my sista."

"You're welcome." I smiled and walked away.

"God Bless you miss."

"Thank you." Somehow my heart felt heavy. It was the right thing to do whether she did the right thing with that money or not I felt like I needed to do more.

I drove to the assistant living home to check on my dad. It had been way too long since I had seen him. With everything going on, I needed to see a familiar face and to see how his progress was going. I walked in like I normally did and headed up to his room. When I got to his floor I could have sworn Marc's Old Spice cologne from yesterday was in the air. I had to be dreaming.

The door was cracked so I walked in. "Daddy I'm back."

Walking in, I nearly jumped out my skin and covered my face with my hands. An old wrinkled up naked white man was facing me with all his goodies hanging out.

"Are you my nurse?" he asked.

I turned my head, "no!"

"Where's my nurse?"

"Mr. Baltmore. Oh my goodness I told you to put some clothes on," Nurse Janine said walking in. She looked my way and shook her head.

"Ms. Guillory they moved your father to the first floor. Nurse Jen told me she sent you a text and left you a voicemail this morning." She helped the strange man put his robe on.

"I didn't get it." I opened up my purse to find that I had my work cellphone.

"Shoot, wrong phone."

"He's in room 108."

"Thank you," I said still covering my eyes. It felt like my eyeballs needed to be removed and replaced after seeing what I just saw.

I headed to the elevator when I heard someone calling my name. I looked back to see Gray Cunningham walking towards me.

"Hello there," he said coming up to me giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey stranger. What are you doing here?"

"I volunteer for the Council on Aging and so I was making my monthly appearance here."

"That's great."

"What are you doing here?"

"My dad had a stroke a few years ago and so he's here. I didn't realize that they had moved him so I'm headed down to see him now."

"Mind if I come?"

"No, come on. He's a big fan of yours."

"Good. I never turn down a chance to meet a fan."

We got on the elevator headed down.

"So how are you and Marc doing?"

"We are doing good," I said with a smile.

He snapped his fingers in disappointment. "I just knew I would have gotten a chance, oh well I will have to set my eyes on someone else."

"Sorry, you were five seconds too late," I said laughing.

"It's amazing what you could miss in five seconds."

"Tell me about it. Now if you were really crushing on me, thinking I'm beautiful and all that, you should see my best friend Tammy. She's hot, single, smart and owns her own business."

"Tell me more."

"No kids, has a great apartment by the marina, cooks, she is neat, loves to travel and needs a good man in her life. She's faithful, witty and she is looking for Mr. Right. Do you think you could be that Mr. Right?" I said through narrowed eyes.

"Depends, you have a picture of her?"

"Let me have your phone." He reached it to me and I pulled up her studio. I scrolled down until I saw her picture and bio. I reached the phone to him and his eyes widen.

"She's gorgeous and smart. She does make-up for movies. Has won major awards in the industry and she's a huge Saints fan. What's wrong with her Melanie?" he asked looking at me and back at the phone.

"Ah nothing. She's a very confident woman and sometimes men don't like that. She guards her heart so you would have to put in some work if you're interested. She will grill you and she doesn't want a mama's boy."

"I like confident women. I like a challenge but a woman that will let me take control at times. If she was easy then I would have to wonder. I was raised by my dad so I'm definitely not a mama's boy, as my mother died when I was two."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks. Is she kid friendly?"

"Yes. She wants two for sure. She's always wanted to be a mother."

"Good, because I want them in the next couple of years not saying she's the one but I would like to take her out, since you claim she's not crazy."

"I don't hang out with crazy people."

"Is she a stalker? Cheater? Golddigger, Sugar Mama, black widow?"

"Hell to the no!"

"I'm just checking you can never be to careful Mel."

"Sounds like you have had your share."

"You have no idea."

I giggled.

"Well she just happens to be in town this weekend hint hint. I can give her a call and give her your number only if you're really interested. I can't just have anybody getting close up on my girl and then hurt her."

"I'm not a heart-breaker Melanie. I'm a straightforward kind of guy."

"We will see."

Getting off the elevator I found my dad's room. We walked in but my dad wasn't there. His things were everywhere but no sign of him. I looked at my watch and realized he was probably still in therapy. I took my seat and Gray took the one next to me. I decided to call Tammy and she answered on the first ring. We made small talk until I asked if she had a date for Valentine's Day.

"Just because you found your Prince Charming you don't have to rub it in. We all can't be so lucky. You know I don't do V-Day," she said sounding depressed.

"If I told you that I had the perfect guy for you would you make an effort and go out with him tomorrow."

"Stop being funny Mel. A blind date. What's wrong with him? Is he cripple? Teeth missing? What?"

"I'm serious Tammy. He's very handsome, smart, rich and plays for your favorite football team. He's in good health, and has all his teeth. As a matter of fact he's sitting right next to me. He's actually an old friend."

"The only athlete you know is Gray Cummingham."

"I showed him a picture of you and he thinks you're gorgeous."

I had to pull the phone away from my ear as she screamed into it. Gray looked at me and laughed.

"You're lying! That caramel covered goodness would not even look at me twice," she said as I put the phone on speaker.

"What did you say?" I wanted Gray to hear her.

"I said that caramel covered goodness has girls doing double takes and fanning themselves when he runs across the field. Does he even know I'm a white girl? Why am I even entertaining you? He's not there, you're playing a joke on me. Gray Cunningham take me out on Valentine's Day would be awesome but not happening."

"Want to talk to him?"

"Melanie don't play. You're my best friend and I wouldn't dare play with you like that."

"I have you on speaker. I swear he is sitting right here next to me grinning from ear to ear."

"Okay if he is really next to you I need him to answer this question true or false."

"Okay," I said scrunching up my face to Gray. He hunched his shoulders.

"True or false, last season during the game with the San Diego Chargers, Gray Cunningham rushed for one hundred and thirteen yards and two touchdowns beating San Diego 27 to 23."

"False. I rushed for one hundred ninety-two yards, three touchdowns beating San Diego 27 to 23 and was named MVP of the game."

She was quiet for a second but I could hear her breathing. "And you gave the winning football to a little boy named Stephen Henry, whose mom is one of my employees."

"Yes, but he died two months ago of brain cancer."

"Oh my god it's you!"

"The one and only," he said laughing. "Nice to meet you Tammy."

There was a pause on the other end of the phone. It was so long I finally called out her name.

"Are you still there Tammy?"

"Can you take me off speaker?"

"Okay."

"Are you crazy Melanie? What in the world would make you tell him about me?"

"Because you are my best friend and I think you two may have a lot in common. I figured it's been a while since you have been on a date and he was interested when I showed him the picture."

"Are you serious?"

"Very serious. If you want me too, I can give him your number and the two of you can talk."

"I swear if you're playing with me I will tell Marc about your crazy high school days and college weekends."

"Hey I'm trying to hook you up."

"Yeah but just in case you are messing with me, I will get you."

"Gray can you smile for the camera. She's still in shock. I need to get more proof that you are right here next to me and that you are serious about taking her out."

"How about a video?" he said.

"Even better. Hold on Tammy."

I switched the camera to video.

"Hello Tammy. Melanie has told me that you maybe looking for a Valentine's Day date and so I would like to know if you will join me tomorrow night at LaCreole's at 8:00pm. Hope to see you there."

"Perfect." I sent the video and clicked back over to Tammy.

"Okay. I did my part the rest is up to you." I heard her cellphone buzzing on the other end alerting her of a video text. Since I had called her on her land line, I could hear her stretching to get to it.

"If you want his number call me at this number in the next two minutes and I will get it for you." Gray mouthed his number.

"Where are you?"

"Visiting my dad. The number to call me back at is 504-248-1234."

"Oh okay, I got it. Let me see what you have sent me." We both hung up and I waited.

"Five...four...three...two, hello Tammy."

"Oh my god it really was him. How the... nevermind, the number please."

"This is his number."

Was she hyperventilating on the other end of the phone?

"They are bringing my dad in so why don't I just hand the phone to him since I'm on it."

"Oooook."

"Here you go Gray. I must say she seems very excited to talk to you." I had to giggle because she would be thanking me later.

He introduced himself to my dad and excused himself to talk to Tammy.

"So I see you are doing a lot better."

"I...am."

His voice even sounded stronger.

"Where's Marc?"

"He's working daddy."

His face seemed to scrunch up.

"Oh you think I was with Gray?"

He folded his arms.

"Well I wasn't. He was doing volunteer work here. I am actually hooking him and Tammy up for Valentine's Day. I'm still with Marc."

Relief seem to cross his face.

"They tell me therapy is doing wonders for you and you could be walking pretty soon."

He shook his head yes with a smile on his face. "Hopefully soon."

"Good. You are even starting to look better."

"Thanks...to Marc."

"He's a great guy. You like him uh?"

"Yes. He...tr...eats you good ba...by?"

"He does daddy. He reminds me a lot of you. He takes care of business and he even puts up with me."

He smiled. "You...like your mother."

"Really?"

"Smart...and...sassy."

"I guess you can say that daddy. I'm just glad you're doing so much better. I even got you to smile."

"I..I..always sm...ile when you you come. I'm feel...myself get..ting betta."

"That's good," I said leaning over and giving him a hug. My eyes were starting to water because he really did look so much better than he did a few weeks ago. The color in his cheeks were back, his speech was improving and he didn't look so sad anymore. Even if he regained fifty percent of his strength he would be able to do so much more.

He hugged me back and it had been a long time since he had done that without the grunts and moans of pain. It wasn't tight but the thought that he could do this now did make a tear fall from my eye. Even with my mother gone, and my father laying here, I was grateful to still get this chance to be with him.

"No tears ba...by."

"Can't help it. You've come a long way daddy even in this short period of time. I feel very blessed to have you alert and looking better. I've been worried about you so much for the past few years."

"I know. Daddy...is going to be a new...man...ju..st wait and and see."

I pulled out my Valentine's Day gift and card for him. It was a bouquet of strawberry flavored tootsie roll pops. He use to love them when I was growing up.

"My fa.vor...ite. Thank youu ba...by."

"Let me read the card to you. I made it myself."

He nodded for me to go ahead.

"Happy Valentine's Day to the best father a girl could ever have. To a man that sacrificed so much for me that it would take an eternity to repay his kindness just know you will always have a special place in my heart. Happy Valentine's Day to you, love your daughter, Mel."

"Beau..ti..ful my darl..ing Melanie," he said leaning over giving me a raspberry on the cheek. I giggled like a six year old.

"You're welcome." I sat back in my chair holding his hand as he changed the channel and we watched a movie.

Marc's POV

"See when you try and help family out, they sometimes take advantage of the situation. All I've ever done was try to make your life easier but you wanted more."

"Sinto moito!"

"Now you're sorry. Are you sorry for trying to kill Melanie or sorry that we caught your ass?"

"I wasn't trying to kill her."

"So what were your intentions Toni? From my point of view I don't see it that way. You thought working for Cortez was going to save you?"

"He's dead."

"I know he is," I said looking out the corner of my eye to Sam who winked.

"See what you don't understand is that you are not only here because of what you did to Melanie but it also seems that you know about the shooting of two young men in Italy. From what I hear they were unarmed and sons of two very important Italian businessmen who just happened to be friends with Carmine Russo."

"No no you're wrong."

"You see Toni, the hit Cortez but out was to start a war in Italy with the Capone family who happens to be allies with Carmine Russo. Cortez was trying to run drugs through the peninsula without anyone finding out. Did you know about that?"

He was quiet. I nodded at Sam. We walked over to Antonio where he was hanging naked by his ankles upside down. He had been taken in a raid to find Cortez in Barcelona. Knowing that he was my cousin, Chase Denson and Ian Harrington had him brought here to me in Atlanta.

I had gotten the call early this morning and I jumped on the plane to Atlanta where Sam picked me up and we headed to a small town right outside of Macon. We were in an old warehouse in the middle of nowhere.

"Cousin you can't do this to me."

"I haven't done anything to you Antonio, you did it to yourself. You've always done things the hard way and you didn't care if you hurt people along the way."

"Por favor, primo!" he said with tears in his eyes.

"Now I'm your cousin. You want to claim me now in desperation."

"I was not going to hurt her."

"So drugging my girlfriend you did it as a welcome to the family kind of thing? Excuse me if I'm a little confused. From the way I see it you would have done one or two things. You were either going to rape her or kill her which neither one I would have agreed with because if you would have Carmine would have been very disappointed because you would have already been ashes."

"Por favor, primo! Sinto moito."

"You're sorry? For trying to harm a woman that hadn't done anything to you and that's all you can come up with is sorry?"

"I will do whatever you want if you get me out of here!"

I laughed folding my arms.

"You are asking me for a favor when you're hanging upside down like a fish."

"You have to help me. I will do whatever you want."

I looked at Sam. He chuckled. Looking at the medical instruments and torture equipment to my left, I grabbed something that looked like a long whip. I passed it to Sam and we walked closer to Toni. I bent down almost face to face while Sam stood behind him.

Sam was known as a punisher. He was a physician turn mortician which made him very valuable in the disposal business. I knew him through Ian, Chase and our mutual friend Cason, who was his boss. He was a quiet but handsome guy and he always got the job done.

"Why did you run away the other night?"

Toni looked at me confused.

"The night you tried to harm Melanie why did you run?"

He remained quiet.

"Was it because I beat your ass that you ran off in shame?"

"Dane-se! Screw you,