After that meeting, Kid and I met up with Petey and Wop to finalize our plan regarding D-Struct. It’s been confirmed that he spearheaded the arson of my property in Pasadena. It’s also been established that Big D gave him the instruction to do so. My plans for Big D are awry because of his arrest, but D-Struct has to be handled. Once that meeting had been concluded I met up with Rayna.
Rayna and I finished her counseling session. It’s more or less turned into our sessions. That wasn’t my original plan, but it’s somehow evolved to such. Initially, I just wanted to be a part of something that causes Rayna to open up. Something she’s been so committed to. And obviously because it gives greater insight to the enigma of this embattled woman. My embattled woman. But before I knew it, Pastor Edmondson began asking me questions, ushering me into their conversations. Then his wife began attending some of the sessions and I noticed those were more marital themed. There were lots of biblical references, something that I went from reluctant to, to indifferent, to curious about.
Pastor Edmondson and I even had lunch together last week to discuss philosophy, something that fascinates me. We debate, but his aura always remains calm and inviting. He isn’t at all judgmental and doesn’t push me on my opposing views. Of course, Rayna doesn’t know this. We agreed to keep it between the two of us until we establish an official relationship, if that were to happen at all.
There are questions and revelations derived from our conversations that I haven’t resolved internally, so I don’t want to share my meeting him with Rayna. I don’t want to confuse her if suddenly I come to no longer wanting to have these conversations with her pastor or attend her sessions.
~~~~~~~~~~
While we’re at Hakassan in Beverly Hills having dinner, I prepare myself to break some news to Rayna. Information that’s sensitive and just as convoluted.
“How’s the duck?” I ask.
Just before taking in another mouthful, and with a placid expression, she quickly returns, “It doesn’t beat the hazelnut-crusted one in sun-dried cherry sauce in Phoenix, but it’ll do.” She then she supplies a charming wink and a sexy soft smirk while chewing her food.
She often references Phoenix with an affinity, making it clear that particular time together holds significance to her. I share the sentiment.
“The food’s great…like always with you,” Rayna murmurs after swallowing the contents of her mouth and going for her glass of wine.
I know she’s enjoying it. The food here is superb. I’ve been several times. It’s one of Tara’s favorite restaurants. She loves the Beverly Hills stature and the possibility of running into celebrities here. And that’s the sheer difference between the two women. Rayna couldn’t care less about the ambiance or location. She’d been just as content eating in at the marina.
This place is out of the way of the church and marina, but I had my assistant make a reservation when I’d gotten a call from a boutique here in Beverly Hills that my order is available. I insisted on picking it up instead of them shipping it.
“I’m glad you like it,” I say. “Listen, Brimm.” I watch as she takes another sip of her wine and reclines in her seat, opening herself up for conversation. I requested a private table because of the nature of this dinner. “I want to share some recent events that may or may not concern you.”
She slowly swallows her pinot noir and nods.
“Samantha will be moving in with Yazmine.”
“What?” Through my peripheral, I can see Rayna’s mouth hanging. “Really? When and how were you able to pull that off?” fumbles from her mouth.
I shrug. “I told you they’ve both expressed loneliness. I’ve gotten them together for lunch and they’ve been out without me.” I hear Rayna gasp. “They get along. I don’t see either of them finding it difficult to cohabitate with someone. My mother’s has had cellmates to acclimate to. And Samantha has had similar conditions with her rehab stays. It should work.”
Rayna nods tentatively. I know Samantha is still a weak spot for her. She’s not yet embraced her being back in her life. I quickly decide to move on to more pressing news that I must share with my lady. I don’t want to further delay this information. I take a swig of my brandy.
“It’s recently come to my attention that Daryl Harrison, Tara’s father, has been arrested for murder. I believe you should know this for several reasons—”