The next day early in the morning news about the passing of detective Edmond was all over New York and mostly blamed the gangs which resided in the neighborhood and some black artists such as Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Taraji P Henson, Kevin Hart and Tyrese took to Twitter to express their deepest feelings and send their condolences to Edmond and his family, also to comfort his late wife and two sons he left behind. The whole thing turned political in just two days and the famous slogan "Black Lives Matter" was trending all over the internet and the streets of Harlem, Atlanta, Washington and of course New York.
Maybe it was the country being at revolt or the whole idea of marching and protesting against gun violence that made Diana see Marcus in a completely different way. She grew attracted to her and even though she never admitted it, she started to feel like that when she went back to work. Frank and Letitia noticed it, and even Vanessa too - Diana wasn't that sad anymore about the death of Jacob rather than she embraced the loss and agreed that he was gone, and what's gone can never come back.
"I have come to terms with my situation. If I choose to dwell on it, what more will it bring me rather than sorrows and depression. I have agreed that Jacob is gone, and I need to move on with my life" said Diana, on one particular evening with her friends Demi and Jared.
"Girl... you sound just like my therapist" Jared intervened "She's so positive, always up on time for mantras and meditation, plus she has these gorgeous eyes I be wanting to fuck her sometimes"
Demi was awestruck "Isn't she like eighty?" she asked, then she laughed.
"Bitch you'd be amused by how tasty these grandmas are, only of I was straight..."
"If you were straight I'd fuck you"
"Bitch! Don't play with me Diana"
"I mean it... you have that thing you know... that particular attraction thing, and believe I would venture your body like Pacific ocean" Diana laughed, and this made Jared even laugh more.
For a moment after the finished their laugh, both Demi and Jared realized how happy Diana was. It had been a month ever since Jacob died and she was hectic for a while but she seemed to be getting back stronger.
"Can I just say that I love this version of Diana compared to the widowed depressed one? I mean... this is the Diana I went to college with" said Demi.
"I know Demi but I am not fully healed, I am however trying my best to get by and forget everything"
"You need to move on D, forget about those footages and identifying the murderer. Just let it go... Look at how happy you are right now"
"I know Demi, I know" Diana said and she held hands of both of her friends and exhaled.
While all this was happening, Marcus was on the next table listening to everything. He wore full black, a black jeans, black hoodie which covered his hairs and black shades, he also had fake beards which Martin planted on him just to disguise Marcus in such a way even if anyone looked at him they could never know that was Marcus. On top of the beards, he also wore black shades which covered his eyes.
When they were almost done, and as usual Demi paid for the drinks and brunch they had. Diana decided to spill out the beans to her friends.
"So guys... what would you say if I were to date Marcus?" she asked, but with care not to be too cautious or to sound too excited.
Both Demi and Jared gazed at her like she just said she wanted to move to Paris or start a fundraiser in Africa. "Bitch, no..." Jared was the first to speak.
"Why?"
"Why? Girl... he's trouble. Demi please tell this woman that she needs to start going for good guys cause these bad guys will keep breaking her heart"
Demi stuttered, she couldn't speak, but Diana jumped in "He's a good guy. I have been with him"
"Diana... Marcus Orlando is a two figure billion dollar rich young man in his early thirties, trust me he gives dick on regular occasions. He is not ready to settle with you, men of his type never settles. Fuck him, get your orgasm and leave, if he can offer you one" Jared finished and then he chuckled softly.
"Rich men don't give orgasms, they get their nut and leave" added Demi.
"That's not true" Diana defended Marcus.
Marcus was so angry at Jared for bashing him and he didn't stop at the "orgasm topic" he went on and on about rich men and their essence of romance, he talked from his own experience with a rich man once and he swore he would never date one. Demi also added on the topic but she always said "whatever makes you happy Diana" but Jared, he was so consistent on Diana leaving Marcus out of the question.
"He's a liar Diana can't you see that, I am perhaps the most romantic man on Earth. I was on the cover of the sexiest Man alive come on... now this gay is starting to piss me off" Marcus thought out loud. Then he slowly got up and walked away.
Diana caught a glimpse of Marcus's back figure and she was shocked. Something was visible and she saw it, long dark hair falling effortlessly on the back. She had seen those hairs before, and that back too but when Marcus turned to cross the road, Diana saw the heavy beard and mustache that's when she blamed herself for being so into Marcus that everyone resembled him.
"Diana..." Jared called out.
"Huh?"
"You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, yeah, I mean let's get out of here" she said and stood up quickly.
Marcus arrived at his house and the first thing he did was strip off the fake beards and take a shower, Martin was in the living room watching his weird documentaries on the Natgeo channel. When Marcus was done he joined Martin and they watched together the documentaries while having snacks. Martin noticed such huge changes ever since Marcus started to hang out with Diana more, he found him to be happier than before and more alive. Marcus was participating in games, telling stories, being active in the gym and taking care of himself.
For the whole month he didn't miss a day of medication and his monthly doctor visit showed Marcus's anxiety declined and he was happy unlike the previous day's. Martin knew straight away that it had to do with a certain lawyer who meant more than anything to Marcus.
"She said she likes me" Marcus started the conversation.
"She did sir?"
"I mean not to me... but she did say it to her friends, and you know girls with their friends"
"Yeah, they can be a headache" replied Martin while sipping his beer.
"Especially when there is a gay best friend in the picture, that's when it gets even more complicating"
"You mean Jared?"
Marcus nodded "Yes" then he went on to eat his snacks. He seemed irritated by Jared, just when he was about to speak Martin's monitor showed him that a car was approaching their property in the next five minutes.
"Someone's coming" said Martin and quickly hoped to his feet.
"Who is it?"
"I don't know, I gotta check it in the security system"
Martin led the way while Marcus followed, the three other bodyguards were inside the security system room and they had seen the car first.
"Who is it?" asked Martin.
"Just a car sir, probably a woman..."
"A woman?" Marcus asked, then he paid attention to the cameras and then he zoomed the plate number.
"It's Diana" said Martin.
Marcus barged outside of the security system room and raced outside, he stood ready to welcome Diana. But also he was curious how did she remember the way to his house, or perhaps she was tracking him which will make him feel so special and perhaps he's always wanted that type of attention from Diana.
The gate was opened and Diana drove inside her BMW and packed it, Marcus came out to greet her. Diana wore a blue tight jeans, a red hoodie and some sneakers. She didn't want to look so sexy or fancy, but even these casual clothing turned on Marcus because he was sure that Diana must be so comfortable with him. When these two stood face to face, Marcus took the hoodie cover out of Diana's head and kissed her cheeks.
"Good evening..." he said.
"Evening Mr Orlando"
"Oh, we are back to formalities now"
"Just kidding..." Diana reached out for Marcus's shirt button and then when Marcus lowered his head to look at how she was holding the button, she quickly removed her hand and shy away.
"Are you scared of me?" asked Marcus.
"No, why should I be?"
"I don't know, why should you be Diana?"
"I see what you did there, you are trying to get inside my head"
Marcus smiled "Come inside, it's freezing out here" he added and squeezed Diana's waist as they walked inside together.