25. A Thoughtful Message
Chapter twenty-five
A Thoughtful Message
Moni
I was about to call my cousin Banks, but someone knocked on the door.
I went over to open it.
Aunt Suzi’s assistants greeted me, then explained that they had packed my new clothes in suitcases and loaded them in the cars. Apparently, my belongings would be on Mount Utopia once I arrived.
Next, the assistant showed me an outfit that Aunt Suzi believed would be perfect for my trip to Mount Utopia.
I assessed the clothes. The top was a silk-cashmere blend pullover in a shade of sky blue. She added a pair of high-performance navy-blue leggings, while Cobalt blue hiking boots finished the look.
I nodded in approval.
The assistant laid everything down on the bed, handed me a card, and then left.
What is this?
Surely it was from Aunt Suzi, but I wondered what she had to say to me.
Interesting.
Curiosity piqued my mind. I studied the elegant handwriting that spelled out my name in sweeping loops and lines. Then, I traced my finger along the silken surface of the envelope and flipped it over.
I wonder what she will say to me.
Nestled on the back flap was a uniquely captivating wax seal. It shimmered under the light. The seal was an intricate carving of four aces, each card slightly overlapping the other, forming a compact, yet recognizable formation—ace of hearts, ace of diamonds, ace of clubs, and ace of spades.
She really likes aces.
I carefully peeled back the seal.
Alright. Let’s see what this is all about.
As I opened the envelope, the faint scent of Aunt Suzi’s perfume wafted out, making me feel as if she was right there with me.
I gently slid out the letter. A dried flower fell into my palm.
Pretty.
I had no idea what type of flower it was, but its color of blushing pink and white was still vibrant despite being pressed and preserved.
The attention to detail made me smile.
Inside, I found a handwritten letter. The ink of the words was still fresh and slightly smudged in places.
Truly intrigued, I began to read.
Dear Monique,
I included a plum blossom with this message due to its resilience and perseverance. This is a flower that blooms vibrantly even in the harshness of winter. Even though darkness may come, this flower stands as a symbol of hope, courage, and beauty.
I see these traits in you.
My heart warmed.
I smiled and continued to read.
I must leave Glory this morning, but I desperately wanted to impart some words of wisdom I have gathered over the years.
Still reading, I walked over to the bed and sat down.
Love is a beautiful journey that sometimes starts in the most unexpected of places and situations.
I ask that you consider an age-old proverb that says, “Love is not about possession, it’s all about appreciation.”
This sentiment captures the essence of what you must remember as you navigate your feelings for Lei.
I tensed.
Lei has just lost Chanel, a person dear to his heart, and this is a time of immense grief for him. Please continue to be there for him.
You should not seek to replace Chanel in his heart, but instead you must create a space of your own.
My stomach knotted.
My second piece of advice is to be patient. Mourning is a process that takes time and is different for everyone. Please continue to appreciate my nephew for who he is and understand his current emotional state.
I stopped reading, not sure if I should continue. While I was glad for the advice. . .I wasn’t sure if this truly pointed to our situation.
Lei and I were simply two strangers that were now helping each other mourn.
While I found him sexy as fuck, that was all it was. Granted, we would probably do a little something nasty here or there during these seven days, but once done, I would go my way and he would go his way.
I swallowed and returned to the letter.
Lastly, Monique, always stay true to yourself. Do not change who you are to make someone else fall in love with you.
True love will recognize and appreciate you for your genuine self.
In your gestures of comfort and support, Lei will start seeing you, Monique, for the incredible woman that you are. Let him grow to appreciate you on his own terms, and in his own time.
That is the surest foundation for a love that can endure.
Please take good care of yourself and remember to be patient with both Lei and you.
Trust in the journey and the wisdom of your heart.
With all my love,
Aunt Suzi
I shivered yet couldn’t explain why. Perhaps, I wasn’t ready to think of anything too seriously right now. I had just lost my father and was still grieving my mother. Additionally, I had my sisters to think about.
Thanks, Aunt Suzi, but. . .Lei and I. . .we’re just. . .friends.
I carefully folded the letter back into the envelope alone with the dried plum blossom.
I placed the envelope on the bed and my thoughts returned to Lei.
Sure. . .I couldn’t deny the attraction between us, but I didn’t want to complicate things any further.
I had already been through enough heartache in life, and I didn’t want to risk getting hurt again.
Just relax. Clear your head and get to this freaking Mountain.
I looked at the outfit that Aunt Suzi had picked out for me and couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement.
Maybe this trip to Mount Utopia was exactly what I needed to take my mind off things and just enjoy life for a little while.
Minutes passed, I took a shower, quickly changed into the outfit, slipped on the hiking boots, and headed out of the suite, dragging a suitcase full of the clothes Duck had bought.
Wow. With everyone buying me stuff, I will need four to five closets.
Guards stood outside of my door. Once they saw me struggling with the suitcase, they grabbed that one from me and went into the suite to see if there was anything else I needed.
That’s right. I have help. I keep forgetting.
I grinned.
I’m really going to miss having people protecting and serving me.
Another guard followed me down the hallway, stopped us at the elevator, and pressed the button to call it up.
For some reason, I thought about Jo’s last comment.
“I mean. . .if you can hoe to get a house, Moni, I’m not mad or anything. I just want you to be careful.”
I chuckled.
The guard looked at me and smiled reassuringly.
I nodded and cleared my throat.
Crazy ass sisters. Soon, I will be back with them.
The elevator arrived, and the doors opened.
I stepped on it with the one guard.
The elevator doors closed.
Seven days without them. It’s been many years since I was away from them for this long.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves.
Will TT be okay while I’m gone?
As the elevator descended, the metallic hum seemed to echo my anxiety.
Yes. She will be fine. It’s just a little. . .break. Plus, Banks is more protective of her than me. Nothing will happen to her.
My chest tightened as I thought of my cousin and the dreaded task that awaited me—calling him.
Jo’s voice hit my mind.
“Last night, Banks left with Marcy and some others to go to Glory to find you. They haven’t returned yet.”
I gritted my teeth.
The last thing I needed was them stirring up unnecessary trouble in the town of Glory. When we were kids, they had been the bullies of Rowe Street, terrorizing everyone. While I was glad I was on their good side, I would feel bad for the unfortunate people in the target of their rage.
Now that Banks, Marcy, and even Sid had transformed into proper citizens and opened businesses, I did not want them resorting back to any of their old, violent ways.
Yeah. I’ll need to call Banks and tell him everything.
I pulled my phone out of my purse and held the device by my side.
Soon as I got off the elevator, I would call Banks to let him know what was going on—including telling him that my father, his uncle was gone.
Sorrow grabbed at me, but I shoved it away.
I’ll cry later. Now I have tons of stuff to do.
The elevator stopped.
At least today will not be as crazy as yesterday.
With a soft hiss, the doors slid open and revealed a shocking sight that left me frozen in place.
Holy shit!!
The hotel lobby—ordinarily an elegant space of peace and quiet chatter—had been grotesquely metamorphosed into a battleground of shouting men.
Okay so. . .what the fuck?!
To my left, a sea of men in different shades of blue suits had assembled, gripping guns and odd swords. And they appeared ready to fuck somebody up. Many of them yelled.
Not a fool, I swallowed and remained on the elevator.
Mirroring them to the right was a similar sea of dangerous men, but mainly dressed in emerald green and yelling even louder.
What is going on?
I could see an unnerving array of weapons on both sides—pistols and rifles, hammers and saws.
The whole sight was something straight from some gangster horror movie.
“We should have you go back upstairs.” My guard took out his gun and was about to press the button.
“N-no.” I shook my head and put my phone in my pocket. “I think my cousin is with the people in green. He’s from the South of Paradise and I just learned that he was in town looking for me.”
He quirked his brows. “Rowe Street Mob?”
“Rowe Street what?”
“Mob.”
I blinked. “I don’t know about that. He lives on the street, but he is not a part of a mob. Perhaps. . .Banks is cool with that group and asked for their help—”
“Banks?” The guard stepped back. “That is your cousin?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “I have to make sure Banks isn’t involved in this.”
“Well. . .he is involved.” My guard widened his eyes. “Banks is Marcelo’s second-in-command so he should be over there.”
I stopped and looked at him. “Second in what?”
“Command.”
“Over this Rowe Street Mob?”
He nodded.
Oh hell no. Does Auntie know?
I stormed over there, searching for Banks in the dreadful standoff.
Banks you know better than to be involved in gangster stuff. Come on, cousin.
When I got closer, I slipped through the throngs of shouting men.
Fear built inside of me.
At least I recognized some of the men in green from either hanging out in Paradise for the summers or going to visit my cousins. When they spotted me, they backed up and went silent.
Suddenly, I spotted Banks in casual black pants and a dark green collar shirt. He had the tip of his big gun against Duck’s right cheek.
No. No. No.
Meanwhile, Duck gazed back at him, completely unfazed and with his hands folded in front of him.
My heart pounded in my chest.
I hurried forward and kept my voice steady. “Banks, don’t. Please, put the gun down.”
Sid stood next to him in green suspenders. He glanced over his shoulder. “Banks, there’s Moni. She looks okay, but she is wearing blue.”
“Blue? Why?” Banks kept his gun against Duck’s cheek and glared at him. “And you piece of shit, why didn’t you tell me she was with you?”
Duck rolled his eyes.
“Please, put the gun down, Banks.” I rushed to them.
Then, Marcy stepped into my view and blocked my path. Green eyes. Green suit. Black curls falling over his forehead. He wore an angry expression and grabbed my arm as I tried to walk to Banks.
I scowled at his hand. “What are you doing?”
He looked me up and down. “Why are you wearing blue?”