Diamond Revelation (3 page)

T
he building was tucked away in the Marina on Palawan Way. Crisp, blue water dotted with white sailboats provided a breathtakingly beautiful view. It was an absolutely perfect day in southern California. The best things in life really are free.

Topaz and Nina closed the doors of the Bentley and stared at the building and then each other. It was obviously vacant, and there wasn't a sign of activity anywhere.

“Are you sure this is the right place?” Topaz looked at Nina, who was already scrolling through her BlackBerry to make a phone call. Before Nina made the call Jade appeared in the doorway with a bottle of Cristal and champagne flutes. “Welcome to The Diamond, ladies.”

“The Diamond?” Topaz questioned. “I thought we were meeting y'all for lunch and Girlfriend Day. What are y'all up to?”

Nina stuffed the car keys inside her bag as she reached to hug Jade, a stunning biracial woman who was both Jamaican and Japanese. “I demand an explanation.”

“I demand to know why your skirt is so dang short.” Jade twirled Nina around. “Girl, if you even try to bend over you're going to show everything the good Lord gave you.”

“That skirt is pretty short, Ma,” Topaz agreed.

Everyone focused on Nina, whose lean, long legs seemed endless underneath the pink mini she wore all too well. Her black hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and she did a little dance in the pink rhinestone Jimmy Choos that set off the outfit perfectly.

“Paris Hilton ain't got nothin' on me.” Nina struck a pose and stared at the women through a pair of Louis Vuitton shades.

“Nothin' but her daddy's money. My brother-in-law must have been asleep when you left the house wearing that.” Jade and Nina were married to the extremely handsome Ross brothers, Sean and Kyle.

“My husband saw me when I departed the premises. You guys just need to stop hatin',” Nina said defensively.

“You know we love you Ni-Ni,” said Keisha, who was a naturally beautiful sista. Full lips and hips—there was no question she was a black girl, and proud of it. She was always trying something new with her thick, coarse hair that grew like wildfire.

Keisha gave Nina a hug as she led her inside the building. Jade and Topaz followed.

Windows everywhere offered a view of the water. Walnut-colored peg and groove hardwood floors ran throughout the building. A deep rose paint covered the walls to create a peaceful, elegant atmosphere.

“This place is beautiful,” Topaz noted.

“Are you guys opening a restaurant?” Nina asked eagerly.

“Yes,” Keisha squealed. “Isn't it fabulous? And the food is gonna be off da hook. There's nothing like it anywhere in the Marina or Los Angeles.”

“Great.” Topaz smiled. “So where is the food? I'm hungry.”

“Girl…” Keisha could only laugh. Everyone knew how much Topaz loved to eat. It was amazing how her figure always looked so good. She maintained a size 6, even after the birth of her children. Some people were just blessed with great genes, and Topaz was one of them. All of the ladies maintained their physiques by watching their diets and working out. It was a must for Hollywood wives and divas.

“What's up with that Cris, darlin'?” Topaz was coy as Jade poured flutes of champagne and handed glasses to them.

“Time to get this party started.” Jade lifted her champagne proudly. “Here's to Diamonds.”

“Diamonds,” the women chorused, and clinked glasses.

Topaz finished her glass and gave them a wicked grin. “Most definitely a girl's best friend.”

“What? Diamonds or champagne?” Keisha demanded.

The women paused momentarily, giving Keisha's question full consideration.

“Both,” the ladies all agreed, and laughed.

Jade refilled their flutes and led the girlfriends on a tour of the building. There was a time when insecurity and jealousy threatened to keep the women at odds. Time, patience, and a lot of love and forgiveness helped them to overcome their issues. Now the ladies were a tightly knit group.

Jade led them into a room with a stage and bar. “This is the club. We want to have live performances several times a week, like the House of Blues.”

“This is so fly,” Nina said, then smiled at Jade and Keisha with appreciation.

“We're going to use my artwork for the walls,” Jade explained with sweeping gestures.

“But of course,” Nina teased, mimicking her.

Jade, once a struggling painter, was now internationally known for her Caribbean- and Japanese-influenced paintings. Her marriage to Sean, a retired NBA superstar, had catapulted her into the spotlight and her art into the homes of Hollywood's rich and famous, the lobbies of Ritz Carltons worldwide, and countless office buildings. She was also the owner of the Jade Kimura Gallery in Beverly Hills, a birthday gift from Sean the first year they married.

Jade made a face at Nina. “I've been working on a special collection for The Diamond.”

“She won't let anyone see it,” Keisha protested.

“Sean hasn't even seen anything, so don't think you're not special. You can see everything when I'm done,” Jade declared.

“We're also going to have a separate shop where you'll be able to purchase the fellas' basketball gear.” Keisha was too pleased.

“We know you want everyone to come here to buy Eric Johnson basketball gear. That's what all of this is really about,” Nina teased with a twinkle in her eye.

“That is so not true.” Keisha tried to look surprised.

“Oh please.” Topaz waved a perfectly manicured hand in the air. “Everybody knows how much you love you some Er-wick.”

If anyone did know, it was certainly Topaz. She was there from the beginning. During a trip to New York for a photo shoot, Topaz met Sean, who was celebrating his birthday with Eric. Best friends and teammates, both of the guys were single then. When Eric laid eyes on Keisha, it was love at first sight.

“Miss T can't leave home without Germain. I'm surprised to see you here,” Keisha fired back. “Did the good doctor have to work today?”

Now it was Topaz's turn to play confused.

Jade laughed. “You guys are both stuck on stupid when it comes to your men.”

Nina looked at Topaz. “I know you don't want me to start talking about you.”

“I don't know what you're talkin' about. I'd never miss Girlfriend Day,” Topaz countered.

“Please…” Nina folded her arms and looked at Jade and Keisha. “Did I tell you guys about the time Topaz…”

“I hope The Diamond is a big success, y'all,” Topaz cut in. “Isn't that food ready yet?”

There was more laughter as Jade led them to a table set with the most exquisite hand-painted china. The brushstrokes, in rose, black, and just a hint of gold, were obviously Japanese.

“Jade, this china is exquisite.” Topaz picked up the plate to further admire it.

“Thank you.” Jade poured sparkling ice water into glasses.

“These are beautiful, J. Did you get them at Neiman's?” Nina ran her finger around the golden rim of her dinner plate.

“I made those,” Jade said, and spread a crisp white napkin in her lap.

Keisha closely inspected the pieces in her place setting.

“Get outta here! You really made these?”

“Un-huh,” Jade said nonchalantly. “For my ceramics class at Spelman.”

“You're kidding.” Topaz's face registered her shock. “Girl, you are the most creative person on the planet.”

“These dishes should be in Neiman's.” Nina poured more champagne.

Topaz looked at Jade and couldn't help thinking about the insecure girl Sean married and the sophisticated, confident woman she was now. Sean was once madly in love with Topaz, who was very attracted to Sean's celebrity, not Sean.

“You guys. Thank you, but forget the plates. Focus on what's about to be served on the plates.” Jade was always the epitome of elegance, even in a pair of jeans. Her hair was pulled back into a single braid with bangs cut bluntly across her forehead that accentuated her Japanese eyes. She struck a small gong, and the ladies sat back in anticipation.

A Japanese man appeared with a tray of appetizers. “This is Takashi. He's one of our sushi chefs.” Jade conversed with him in Japanese as he placed a wooden chop block in front of them with an assortment of spicy tuna, California, and shrimp tempura rolls. A waiter also brought out crispy wontons, vegetable spring rolls, and tangy sweet dipping sauces.

“Mmmh.” Topaz had already mixed a bit of wasabi into her dish of soy sauce. She picked up a pair of chopsticks and quickly popped a tuna roll in her mouth.

“We didn't bless the food yet, Miss Piggy,” Keisha teased as the ladies held hands and prayed.

“I blessed my food long time ago.” Topaz was chewing and talking at the same time. For such a celebrated pop singer, Topaz was really just a gorgeous homegirl.

Next, a waiter served stir-fried collard greens, saffron rice, curried goat, grilled Chilean sea bass, fried plantain, and jalapeno and cheese cornbread.

“These are just a few of the dishes we'll serve. The menu is comprised of soul food from different countries.” Those were the last words Jade spoke as the women dug in.

“This food is incredible.” Nina dropped her fork and groaned. “It's so good, I'm about to hurt myself.”

Topaz took one last bite and laid her chopsticks down. “That was too fabulous. Germain would love this. When do y'all open for business?”

“Soon.” Keisha looked at the remains on her plate and sighed. “We've got a few loose ends to tie up before the grand opening.”

“I can't believe y'all kept this a secret from us. You've been working on this for a while,” Topaz said.

“Like you guys don't have secrets we don't know about,” Jade taunted while Topaz and Nina exchanged glances.

“We've been working on The Diamond about a year now,” Keisha explained.

“Nina, after all the drama you went through managing that girl group with Jamil and his label, we didn't want to bother you with our little restaurant drama,” Jade explained.

“Jade saw the building one morning when she was out jogging. She always wanted to do a celebrity-owned restaurant with Sean, so we came on board too. And now we have The Diamond,” Keisha added proudly.

Nina was up and walking around. “I could showcase my artists here.”

“That would be fantastic, Miss Revelation Music.” Jade smiled at her sister-in-law.

“Maybe Topaz will even come through and bless the mike.” Keisha smiled at her best friend. “Couldn't you see her with no makeup, hair all curly, strumming an acoustic guitar, singing ballads?”

“Standing room only,” Jade agreed.

“Topaz? No makeup? With a guitar? Never.” Nina keeled over in a fit of laughter. “That's not her image.”

Topaz pushed grains of rice around her plate with a chopstick. “I do play the guitar, Nina.”

“You're kidding?” Nina was shocked. “I never knew that and I know everything about you.”

“There are a lot of things you
don't
know about me.” Topaz wasn't smiling.

“Hey…” Keisha cut in before things escalated further. “What do I know? I'm not a music exec. I can't remember the last CD I bought. New Edition's
Candy Girl
?”

“
Candy Girl
?” Nina laughed. Jade joined in and finally Topaz did too. “You'd better stay in the restaurant business, Keisha, and leave the music biz to me.”

The waiter returned with another magnum of Cristal and four small beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

“Jade, what did you do now?” Keisha asked.

“Happy Girlfriend Day!” Jade smiled happily while the ladies inspected the packages.

“This is too beautiful to open.” Nina examined her gift carefully.

“Oh my.” Topaz held up a pair of black crystal earrings. “I will be too fabulous in these, y'all.” She immediately took off the ones she was wearing.

“Not as fabulous as I will be in these.” Nina held up a duplicate pair. “They're pink, my favorite color.”

“What else would a princess wear?” Jade smiled.

“Chocolate! Now these are too fine.” Keisha looked at her business partner and held up her pair. “Jade, are these real diamonds?”

“They sure are.” Jade exposed a pair of white diamonds identical to the others. “I just wanted to give my girls a little bling for Girlfriend Day to celebrate The Diamond.”

“I didn't know about these.” Keisha clipped the earrings onto her earlobes. “Miss Jade certainly kept this from me.”

“Everyone's got secrets.” Jade laughed. “I only wanted you to be surprised, too.”

Topaz refilled her glass with champagne. She was silent as she watched the golden liquid sparkle and pop as it rose to the top of her glass.

“Y'all are too fabulous here at The Diamond. Too fabulous.” Topaz drawled like the southern belle she was and planted a kiss on Jade's cheek.

T
opaz noticed the outside of The Diamond had been given an extreme makeover when she arrived. The building was painted gray and trimmed in black and cranberry. There was a deck overlooking the water; absolutely perfect for al fresco dining in southern Cali. It offered a magnificent view of the boats in the harbor. A set of stairs led right down to the beach. Bougainvillea spilled out of flower boxes, adding splashes of color. She sat in her Range Rover, admiring the upgrades.

A Pepsi truck was parked by the delivery entrance. Topaz followed cases of ginger ale past the kitchen to the office where Keisha was listening to Donald Lawrence and typing on the computer.

“Hey, gurl. Come on in. I was working on bookings for the club and restaurant. We've got quite a few, thanks to Nina, and we haven't officially opened.”

“Leave it to Miss Nina.” There was a box of menus, and Topaz picked one up. “The Diamond” was written in platinum across a huge solitaire stone. She flipped it open to the entrees.

“The Ruby…prime filet mignon, jumbo lobster tail, Madeira sauce, drawn butter. The Sapphire…grilled mahi mahi, stir-fried rice, vegetables, Mediterranean tropical fruit salsa. The Pearl….”

“Stop it,” Keisha interrupted. “I was already hungry. Now I'm starving.”

“Anybody around to whip up something to eat?” Topaz looked hopeful.

“No. But I've been thinking about an In-N-Out burger all morning.” Keisha pulled her bag out of the desk.

“That'll work for me.” Humming softly, Topaz disengaged the alarm on the Range Rover and drove away from the Marina.

“So much for five-star dining.” Keisha laughed as they sat down with bags of burgers, fries, and chocolate shakes out on the patio of The Diamond.

“Junk food rules.” Topaz swirled fries through ketchup and stuffed them in her mouth.

“It sure does.” Keisha took another bite of her burger and swallowed. “We were trying to name a dish after you for the menu. I finally figured it out. The Topaz…grilled, chopped sirloin, steak cut fries, Boston Bibb lettuce, and sliced hothouse tomatoes. We'll charge twenty bucks for it like they do at The Ivy.”

Topaz nodded her approval as she put more ketchup on the rest of her fries.

“Jade created her own dish, too. Garlic roasted jumbo prawns, light tomato cream, angel hair pasta, and grilled asparagus,” Keisha said.

“That sounds delicious. I thought you guys were only doing soul food.” Topaz finished the last bite of her double cheeseburger.

“That's the specialty of the house, but we have to include a few American and seafood entrees to make sure we have something for everyone. Everybody can't handle the exotic stuff, so we're naming the common dishes after jewels,” Keisha explained and laughed. “Gurl, did you realize that you and Jade are both named after jewels?”

“So…what are you trying to say? We're not spicy or something, cause I got plenty of spice, baby.”

“No.” Keisha laughed. “I just wonder what Sean was thinking…dating two women named after jewels. That is so crazy.”

Topaz smiled. “Why? Because he likes the finer things in life? Nina always said Sean sure knew how to pick his women…that we were both divas.”

“Nina sure called that one because y'all do have a lot in common.”

“Like what?” Topaz stopped chewing and fixed her eyes on Keisha.

“Both of you are extremely talented artists who tend to operate in high drama mode.”

“Excuse you?” There wasn't a hint of a smile on Topaz's face.

“You know y'all are a couple of drama queens.”

Topaz smiled at the thought. “It's still hard to believe she's one of my best friends now. I remember when I couldn't stand being in the same room with her.”

“Me neither. And now she's one of my best friends, too, and my business partner.” Keisha set chilled bottles of water in front of them. “But I really had my doubts about the two of you becoming friends. She was so insecure over your friendship with Sean. I always wondered what that was about.”

Keisha's cell phone rang, interrupting the conversation.

Topaz felt her blood pressure rise as her heartbeat escalated. Her friendship with Sean during his and Jade's first year of marriage was something Topaz never thought about. She sipped the water to calm her nerves.

Keisha finished the call and looked at Topaz. “I'm sorry. What were we talking about?”

“Jade. That girl is mad talented. I still can't believe those dishes she made. Weren't they the most beautiful things you ever saw?”

“They were too fabulous. Jade is really at a great place in her life. She's matured enough to be a good wife and mother but still be Jade.”

“I know what that feels like.” Topaz spoke slowly. “I love being a wife and a mother now…even more than singing…” Her voice trailed off as she waited for Keisha's response.

“Really, T?” A huge smile lit up Keisha's face.

Topaz nodded.

“Wow! I never thought I'd hear you say that.” Keisha looked at Topaz as though she were seeing her for the first time.

“I'm surprised at myself, too. I really don't miss the music biz. I love everything about my life now…my beautiful babies and my beautiful man.” Topaz was beaming.

“Don't tell me prayer doesn't work. You finally grew up. Girl, I am so happy for you.” Keisha smiled and hugged her friend. “Do you know some people leave the planet without learning that lesson?”

“That would be a tragedy.” Topaz's face clouded over at the thought of such loss. “I thank God every day for my wonderful family and friends.” She squeezed Keisha's hand.

“And no matter what mistakes I made in the past, I always loved my little boy and I always loved Germain.” Topaz wiped a tear from her eye.

“I know, sweetie. Now the past is where it should be…in the past,” Keisha declared firmly as her cell rang again.

Topaz's thoughts drifted to Niki. She dreamed about Niki again and woke up screaming. She was taking a nap on the sofa in the family room, and when she opened her eyes, Chris was standing in front of her looking very frightened.

Keisha hung up the telephone. “I'm sorry, girl. I should turn that thing off, but I might miss an important call.”

“It's okay, Keisha. Really. Handle your business,” Topaz reassured her.

Keisha made some notes in a file. “Have you had any more of those dreams about Niki lately?”

Damn,
Topaz thought.
Is the girl some kind of mind reader or what? I know she's always talking about how God shows her things, but this is kinda scary.

“No,” Topaz answered quietly. “I haven't had that dream again since I told you about it.”

“Good.” Keisha closed the file and focused her attention back on Topaz. “Cause that was pretty weird. If you were still having them, I was going to suggest you see a therapist.”

“A therapist?” Topaz spat the word out like poison. “I'm not crazy.”

“No one is saying you're crazy. But something's going on. No one has dreams like that for no reason. A therapist could help you sort things out.”

“I don't need a therapist to help me sort anything out. I only had one bad dream,” Topaz lied.

“And you haven't had any more. That's what's important. You're probably just pregnant.”

“Pregnant?” Topaz looked at Keisha like she was crazy.

Keisha laughed heartily. “I was just trying to lighten things up.”

“Not like that.” Topaz opened a fresh bottle of water. She took a few sips, readying herself for anything Keisha might throw her way.

“So, were you feeling what I said about performing here at The Diamond with your guitar and no bling…just Topaz?”

“You were serious about that?”

“Of course I was.”

Topaz was silent for several moments before she spoke. “I was about to tell you I'd love to do it when Nina said that wasn't my image.”

“Nina did go there, didn't she?” Keisha recalled.

“I've been writing songs for the last year. All types of songs about a lot of different things, but mostly about love, relationships, life.”

“Has Nina heard any of them?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I don't know. I didn't even tell her that I've been writing.”

Keisha was shocked. “Why not? Nina's always had a lot of smarts about the business.”

“Probably because I thought she wouldn't like them. This music is totally different from the stuff on my first two CDs.”

“You should let her hear them. She
is
the head of Revelation Music now.”

“Don't you want to hear them?” Topaz fixed her amber eyes on Keisha.

“Of course I do. You know I'm always your number one fan,” Keisha replied. “I can't wait to hear what you've got.”

“Wonderful.” Topaz took a CD out of her bag and handed it to Keisha. “I brought a few songs with me just in case I needed to leave my material with The Diamond's owner.”

“I can't wait to hear this.” Keisha headed toward the club, and Topaz stopped her. “Why don't we listen to them in the Rover. I've got a bumpin' audio system. Somehow the club just seems so big and impersonal.”

“Whatever, gurl. I just want to hear your music.”

Keisha and Topaz went outside to the parking lot and got in the car. Topaz placed a CD in the player and tried not to look at Keisha for a reaction. When the three songs completed, Keisha was practically whispering.

“That was amazing. Topaz…” Keisha shook her head. “I can't believe that was really you. I didn't know you could bring it like that.”

Topaz squealed with excitement. “You really like it, Key?”

“Like it? I loved it. Gurl…you came neo soul, gospel, jazz, R and B. It was…”

“Me,” Topaz quietly interjected.

“I honestly didn't know you could sound like that.”

“I realized I've been a little too flossed and polished,” Topaz explained. “People want the real thing. I'm just not sure if they want it from me.”

“Has Germain heard this?” Keisha inquired.

“Of course.” Topaz was full of smiles. “Germain loves my music. He said this was the best he's ever heard me sound.”

“He's right. How many songs have you written?”

“More than enough for a couple of CDs.” Topaz was excited.

“Can I keep these songs to play for Eric?” Keisha picked up the CD case.

“Sure.” Topaz smiled as she watched Keisha typing on her BlackBerry.

“I can access the club's schedule from my Berry. I just slotted you in. Is three months enough time for you to get a show together? Remember, you're not wearing any makeup.” Keisha laughed.

“You were serious about that too?” Topaz giggled nervously.

“As a heart attack. I can just see you in a pair of faded jeans and some cute little sexy top with your guitar…”

“My guitar? Do you realize that I haven't played in years? And you want me to perform with it?” A million thoughts were exploding in Topaz's mind as they talked.

“That's why this is so perfect. You know how artists are always reinventing themselves.”

“But I'm in between deals and I don't have a manager or a label,” Topaz protested.

“We're talking about one night and one show. It'll be your Unplugged…. Hey…you know we should get MTV to come and make it a special.”

“MTV?”

“Yes, girlfriend. That would be so hot. And then you put out an album.”

“I don't know, Keisha. What if my fans hate it?” Topaz was still skeptical.

“Just get out the guitar and start practicing. The club will take care of everything else.”

“Keisha…”

“Just trust me, girl. It'll be a night to remember,” Keisha promised.