SECRETS OF A BILLIONAIRE'S HEART, page 12
“One minute is all you have. Hurry up, Melody!” the reporter replied. Melody looked in the mirror and encouraged herself.
“You got this, girl,” she spoke out loud while admiring her beauty in the mirror. Then she walked out into the foyer with a smile.
∞∞∞
“Melanie, beautiful song. When will we be able to have a full gospel album from you?” the reporter asked.
“Soon. My EP is almost done. My label has agreed to allow me to record my new single as well.”
“What is the name of your new single?”
“I planned on surprising my fans. Since you’re the first to interview me, I’ll tell you. My new song is called “Faithful”.”
“Can we hear a snippet of the new song?”
“You will hear the full song soon.”
“Thank you for allowing me to interview you, Melody. I see you have a crowd of fans waiting to receive an autograph from you.”
Melody turned around and gasped in awe of the many people standing in line to meet her. She took her pen out while a bodyguard stood beside her. Then, she began to autograph as many pamphlets and t-shirts as possible as she could in the allotted time.
24
Meanwhile, back at home, Ari was fuming. She didn’t like how Tyrone treated her after everything she did for him. She wanted to tear the house apart. All the time she spent trying to make sure he got out of jail, and he barely seemed like he cared. Money couldn’t make up for her time wasted. She sat and thought of a plan to get him back. She thought about packing up her things and leaving. She had a reputable nanny business, so leaving on the job wouldn’t work for her brand. The plan was to stay on the job until she could break up their happy home. Ari rubbed her hands together.
“Hey boss lady, what time will your plane arrive?”
“My plane arrives at nine o’clock in the morning.”
“Good, I’ll go ahead and pick you up. Since Tyrone stayed at the hospital all night, I’m sure he’s tired.”
“Why did he stay at the hospital alone with the baby?” Melody asked.
“He said he wanted to bond with his baby. I couldn’t disagree with him.”
“You’re right because when his mind is made up about something, it’s a wrap.”
“Right, I’ll see you soon,” Ari replied and slammed the phone down.
∞∞∞
Melody’s heart fluttered as she felt that the plane was landing. She could exhale and come up for air now that the plane ride was over. Melody hated riding planes, but it was necessary to get to her concert on time. The trip was at the last minute, but if it were up to her, she would have taken the bus to California. Once the plane landed, everyone was bustling to get their things from the plane.
“Please remain in your seat until those in front of you depart,” the sassy stewardess suggested.
After waiting outside for Ari to arrive, Melody checked her Rolex, and it was ten o’clock. She dialed Ari’s phone number but after several calls, there was no success. Then she texted her.
Melody: WHERE ARE YOU? IM AT THE AIRPORT WAITING FOR YOU TO PICK ME UP GIRL.
It was now thirty minutes later and still no call, no show from Ari.
“Hey babe, are you busy?” Melody asked.
“I’m at the office now. What’s wrong?” Tyrone replied.
“Ari promised me that she would pick me up from the airport. She isn’t here. Have you spoken to her lately?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m home, and she was supposed to pick me up.”
“I could hurt that girl. I’m on my way, baby. I’m sorry that she has you waiting. I wish you would have just told me to pick you up.”
“It’s not your fault,” Melody replied. “She wanted the job as my assistant, but she really can’t handle it.”
“I will be there to you in twenty minutes.”
As soon as Tyrone hung up the phone with Melody, he called Ari by video call.
“Tyrone, is that you?” Ari answered the FaceTime call while yawning.
“Why are you still asleep?” He looked more into the video.
“Are you naked?” Ari took a screenshot of the call. “I’m sorry. I overslept. I guess all the hustling it took me getting you out of jail made me tired.”
“I guess that’s why you couldn’t pick up Melody, huh?”
“I told you I was tired. I guess you’re going to pick up the love of your life.”
“Look, you must not want to keep your job. You’re skating on thin ice.”
“I’m sorry, babe. Do you still love me?” Tyrone hung up the phone after her question. He was tired of Ari’s mess. He thought it was time to come clean to Melody about their affair.
Twenty minutes later…
Melody smiled as she noticed Tyrone’s SUV approaching her.
“Wow, babe, you came to me in record time.”
“You know I don’t play about you. I didn’t want you to wait long. How long have you been waiting?”
“I’ve been waiting two hours for Ari.” Tyrone shook his head in disgust.
“Did you find out her whereabouts?”
“No, I haven’t heard from her.”
“It’s all good because I got you now.”
Melody noticed that Tyrone couldn’t look her in the eyes when he responded. She knew when he didn’t look at her while talking, he wasn’t telling the truth. It really made her wonder what he was holding back.
“So, babe, tell me what’s been up with you while I’ve been in California.”
“Oh, I have a new client now,” he replied. “I’m also thinking about running for senator now. My client was a previous senator, and he plans to help me.”
“Congratulations! I’m extremally proud of you!”
“I’m proud of you too. You are accomplishing all the goals you planned since we were in high school.”
“It hasn’t been easy, but I give all the glory to God,” she replied. “Without God on my side, I couldn’t accomplish anything.”
“Hey, what about me?” Tyrone asked.
“Now, you know you were also a major part of my success.”
“I know, but I just wanted to hear from those sexy lips of yours. In fact, plant those sexy lips on mine.” Melody leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips.
“I missed those lips. You’ve been gone three days from me.”
“Wow, what’s come over you, Tyrone? I need to take trips more often.”
“After my campaign announcement tonight, we can go out on a date to celebrate. I’ll make sure that Ari stays at the hospital with the baby.”
“I’d love to go out on a date with you. It’s been a while since we’ve been out together. Are you sure that Ari will be there to watch Yireh?”
“Yes, of course she will.”
Dallas traffic was crazy. Many cars were speeding down the highway. One car on the side of them seemed to have road rage. The car wouldn’t stop driving on Tyrone’s bumper.
“Dang, what’s that guy’s problem? It’s like he’s purposely trying to hit your SUV, babe!” Melody exclaimed.
“Oh, just a typical driver in a hurry. I’ll go ahead and get over.”
As soon as they went over in the passing lane, the angry driver sped up to their side and almost pushed them on the side of the road. Tyrone pulled over on the highway to check his truck.
“Is everything okay, babe?” Melody asked.
“Yea, I just pulled over so the guy can leave us alone. I’ll check my dash cam to get the driver’s license plate. Then, I will have him reported.”
Tyrone checked all the tires on his truck to ensure they were all full of air.
“Seems like the road is clear and all tires are fine. Let’s go, beautiful. Let’s get you home now.” After that, Melody felt safe and protected by Tyrone.
Back at home…
“Why is the door open?” Melody asked.
“Hold on, don’t go in yet. Let me check the place out before you go in the house.” Tyrone walked in and searched for his gun on top of the refrigerator. Then, he pulled the gun out while walking around the house. The house had lingerie all over the floor, leading into Ari’s room. He went into the room while holding out his gun.
“AHHH!” Ari screamed out while standing in her room naked. He covered her mouth to keep her quiet.
“Why are you standing here naked?” Tyrone asked. Put on some clothes, Ari!”
“Don’t you like what you see?” Tyrone grabbed a towel that was on the ground and wrapped it around her. Then, Ari began to breathe hard and held him tightly in an embrace. He ran out of the room to go to Melody.
“Everything is okay. You can come in the house now, Melody.”
“What was going on? I heard screams.” Ari stepped out of her room in a sexy night gown.
“I’m sorry that I missed picking you up. I overslept,” Ari explained.
“It’s fine, but why is my house so messy?”
“I’ve been here, catching up on rest while Tyrone was with Yireh at the hospital.”
“Okay, next time, lock the door. You could have gotten hurt in here.”
“Next time, you won’t be so lucky. I would have shot you if you didn’t scream,” Tyrone replied. Ari rolled her eyes.
“Thanks for sparing my life. I need to get dressed and go ahead and clean the house,” Ari said.
“Please get dressed. You know we asked you to not wear sexy lingerie in my house,” Melody suggested.
“Well, no one else was here, so I didn’t think it mattered.” Ari walked off while strutting away seductively.
“She is so close to getting slapped. You know I don’t play about respect. I hope she’s glad that God saved me,” Melody said.
“I’m glad God saved you. Plus, you’re too classy to fight,” Tyrone spoke.
“Whatever. I ain’t no killa, but don’t push me,” Melody replied with a giggle.
“Come here, silly lady, and give me a kiss goodbye. I have to get back to work.”
“Thank you for taking time out of your day to pick me up. I’ll see you later for our date.”
Tyrone took Melody in for a soft, loving embrace and gave her a French kiss. Ari cleared her throat while standing in the living room, watching.
“Um, I’ll go now,” Tyrone said.
“Ari, do you need something?” Melody asked.
“Yes, what would y’all like for dinner?”
“Tyrone and I are going on a date later. We just need the house clean.”
“You got it, boss lady.”
“I’m going to unpack, and then I’m going to the hospital with Yireh.”
“Do you need me to come along and assist you?” Ari asked.
“No, ma’am. I got it now.” Then, she left the house to go to the hospital.
∞∞∞
Melody was full of joy on the way to see her baby. She turned on the radio and began to sing along to the music. “He’ll make it all right. He’ll make it all right.” She sang the chorus the whole way to the hospital. The gospel song took all her worry away and put her mind on God.
As Melody walked into the hospital room, she was greeted by a nurse.
“Hey, Melody, it’s good to see you.”
“Hey, Nurse Jackie. I didn’t know you were Yireh’s nurse.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve been with her the entire stay. It was an eventful stay,” Nurse Jackie spoke.
“What do you mean?”
“I can see that your nanny is quite fond of Tyrone. She didn’t leave his side.” Melody had a look of confusion on her face. Then, your future mother-in-law took over for the nanny for a while. When Yireh had a bad breathing attack, Tyrone’s mother laid hands on the baby and prayed for her. Then, Yireh got better and was moved to general pediatrics.”
“Praise God!” Melody replied.
“So, now the baby is doing much better. The doctor is talking about releasing her today. The medical staff wanted to wait to talk to you. They hadn’t seen you the whole time. So, they wanted to meet her mother before the release,” Nurse Jackie said.
“Why do they need to meet me?” Melody asked.
“They have to educate you on her condition,” she replied. After teaching you how to care for her, the doctor will know that you can properly care for your baby.”
“No disrespect, Nurse Jackie, but I can take care of my baby just fine.”
“It’s no disrespect taken. I’m not the judge of it, but the doctor will judge if you can’t care for your sick child.”
“Whew, I need you to endow me, Lord,” Melody cried.
“What did you say, Melody?”
“I’m just praying to God. I didn’t think it was this serious at this hospital.”
“Anytime a mother isn’t at the hospital with her sick child the entire stay, it raises concern to the doctors,” Jackie replied.
“I had a nanny and Yireh’s other family members here.”
“You should have been here with your child, Melody.”
Melody began to cry. As she cried, she noticed many beautiful flowers and stuffed animals surrounding the hospital room. Melody looked up and began to wipe her tears.
“It’s okay to cry, Melody. It’s good to cry because God saves those who are crushed in spirit. It’s written in Psalms 34:18,” Jackie spoke.
“Who sent all the flowers and toys?”
“At first, your child’s father bought flowers and toys. Then, your sister bought more flowers. After that, more flowers were sent in by your fans, church members, and friends.”
“Oh my God, this is amazing.”
“See, those that sow in tears reap in joy, according to Psalm 126:5.”
“Thank you for that reminder, Nurse Jackie.”
Another medical provider entered the room.
“Hi, are you the mom of baby Yireh?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, I’m doctor Benton. We’ve been waiting to meet you.”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but I had a concert in California that I couldn’t miss.”
Doctor Benton took another look at Melody.
“Wait, I know you. You’re Melody, the new gospel singer. I love your new single.”
“Really?” Melody responded.
“Yes, your song has helped me get closer to God.”
“I’m glad that I helped bring you closer to God. It means my singing isn’t in vain.”
“Can you give me the honor of singing a verse of your song?” Doctor Benton asked.
Melody began to sing the beginning chorus of her song, “Give Me You”. As she sang, many of the hospital staff came into the room to hear her sing. The nurses all began to join in, swaying side to side and throwing their hands up in praise as Melody sang. After she stopped singing, she opened her eyes to many hospital staff clapping their hands. Nurse Jackie stood, clapping like a proud mother would stand. Melody was amazed by the support she received. She remained humble because it was all for the Lord.
“I needed to hear that song. Now I can have a better day. We want to see that you can care for Yireh before we release her. I have no doubt that you care for your baby. You have a beautiful, anointed spirit.”
“Thank you, Doctor Benton.”
“Please allow me to train you on her care. He began to demonstrate. Okay, we have these breathing tubes to attach to her breathing mask. You will need to attach the mask to her mouth to give her a breathing treatment. She will need to have a breathing treatment every night so she can sleep well. You will also need to give her a breathing treatment when you sense she’s having problems breathing,” Doctor Benton said.
“Yes, sir I understand.”
“We have also changed the type of milk she drinks. So, when you can’t pump any breast milk, please use the new formula. I need you to feed her with the special nipples that we’ve provided. I can also give you the ordering instructions to have them delivered to her home.”
“Here, would you like to hold her?” he asked.
Melody eagerly shook her head in agreement. The doctor placed Yireh into Melody’s arms. She immediately began to smile upon seeing Melody’s face.
“Hey, my precious Yireh. Mama has you now.” Yireh began to laugh, and her laugh was so infectious, it caused Melody and Doctor Benton to laugh too.
“I see you have everything under control with your baby. I will go ahead and write her release papers with care instructions. Nurse Jackie will set a follow up appointment with Yireh’s doctor. It was a pleasure taking care of her. It was an immense pleasure to meet you, Melody.”
“I appreciate everything you and the hospital staff have done for my baby.”
As Melody took Yireh to the car, all the hospital staff gave her a farewell. Many of the techs took her equipment to the car. The nurses helped to take all her flowers, cards, and toys.
“Melody, don’t be a stranger. Bring the baby up here to see me sometimes. You know this hospital is my second home.”
“Yes, Nurse Jackie, I will.”
“Oh, but don’t bring that nanny with you.” Melody burst out laughing.
“I know you don’t like the nanny. For some reason, no one likes her.”
“You need to pay attention then.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As soon as Melody left out of Nurse Jackie’s sight, she searched her photo gallery. She pulled up every picture she took of Tyrone and the nanny hugging and kissing in the hospital room.
“She’ll learn real soon why no one likes the nanny,” Nurse Jackie mumbled while waving goodbye to Melody as she drove away.
25
“Hey baby, I’m headed home with baby Yireh. Are you home?” Melody asked.
“No, sweetie. I’m at the office. Tonight, I have to prepare to give the announcement that I’m running for state senator,” Tyrone replied.
“Oh, yes. I completely forgot about your big announcement.”
“We bought commercials for TV and radio. It’s my time, baby!”
“I can’t wait until you’re elected. I will watch tonight as you give your announcement on TV.”
“Ari should have the house clean for the baby to arrive. Let me know if the house isn’t perfect.”
Tyrone wanted any opportunity to let Ari know she was done. He was waiting to fire her at any given moment. After he was elected as a state senator, he was certain everything would change for his family.
