Diamond in the Making

9. Can we Compromise?

Sometimes you need to lie to get yourself out of a difficult situation. Admit your wrong even though you know you're right. It's just a matter of swallowing your pride.

I have had it good for a while now. Business was well, Brad left me alone, Daphne never left our small town. Then I met Nate and everyone who I made myself forget resurfaced. Did the good outweigh the bad, or was it the other way around? I couldn't tell at this point but I know that I've somehow fallen off my good path and it was time to do some redirecting.

After that night with Nate, I couldn't get him out of my head. The times we shared together replay in my thoughts daily. So I guess that answers my question, the good outweighs the bad. But at what cost? I couldn't bring Nate into any of this. If he found out what I did, how would he think of me? I didn't want anyone to know about who I was, it's just a chapter of my life that I ripped pages out of. I tucked those pages away for a while but now it's time to burn them.

Today is the day I need to talk to Daphne. I need her to get out of my life. She pretty much holds the upper hand here but I couldn't think about that right now. I just need to face the devil and get this over with. Where do I even start, I don't know where she is.

Daphne is the first major problem but Brad is the second and I know where to find him so I guess that's where I start.

I called Sienna to let her know I wouldn't be at work today. It's just a day for me to reconnect with myself and eliminate everything in my path to happiness. It's time for me to be selfish.

As I was walking to Brad's building, I thought of what I would say. Something like 'hey Brad, remember when you said I'm still your girlfriend and that I'll be begging for you soon? Can we just forget about that and can you leave me alone?" It even sounded dumb in my head. But there wasn't much time to dwell on it because I was already heading up to his office.

I was alone in the elevator, nervously picking at my nails, when it finally brought me to the top and I brushed my shoulders off gaining some confidence. His secretary smiled at me with wide eyes as I approached her desk, she knows who I am from when I dated Brad. She was his side chick.

"Hey Zara, how have you been?" She was surprised.

I wasn't in the mood for this chit chat considering our history. "Is he in his office?"

A little taken back, she replied "yes but he's in the middle of a meeting."

"I'll wait," I said firmly and went to sit down on one of the couches. As I walked away, I heard her pick up the phone she's definitely calling him. He's gonna be even more surprised than she is.

After about five minutes, his office doors opened and the devil herself walked out heading over to me.

"Hey babe, what are you doing here?" Daphne asked innocently. "If you're here for him don't worry he's freshly fucked," she said with a sly smirk. Oh god, I almost started gagging. Did she think I was with this idiot? I don't care about this piece of shit. I guess she's playing the bitch game, trying to make me jealous but I'm not letting her get to me.

"Daphne, good to see you. Do you wanna grab some lunch?" I asked sweetly, I couldn't throw fuel to her fire.

"Of course, I'll meet you downstairs," she said as she gave me a side hug, ew. I don't know who she is trying to act for but it's not working.

Before I could even approach Brad, he came rushing over to me. "Zara, what's up?" He asked, grabbing my arm gently, unlike that other night, as he guided me to his office. It was still uncomfortable for me so I moved out of his grasp.

"Brad, what do you want from me?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

He was a bit taken back before he responded, "Isn't it obvious? I want to be with you again."

"I hate to break it to you but that's never gonna happen," I said as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Please, I've changed. I promise I'll be a better man," he said as he leaned closer and I moved back.

With a smile on my face, I asked "did you just have sex with Daphne?"

His face said it all, but he thinks I'm stupid. "Well that's definitely a sign that you've changed," I said sarcastically with the smile never leaving my face. "Brad, I'm not here to judge. Do whatever the fuck you want to do with Daphne. I'm here to ask you to forget about me. I need to know that you didn't mean what you said the other night at my apartment."

"How do you know Daphne?"

"Answer my question first, did you mean what you said?"

"No, I was just drunk and acting stupid. But I do still want to be with you," he said with pleading eyes.

"Would you say you want what's best for me?" I asked curiously.

"Of course."

"Then you should leave me alone, that's what's best," I said as I turned away before he could say anything else or ask again about Daphne but he stopped me.

"You should stay away from Harris, he's bad news."

I just scoffed and turned on my heels heading for the elevator. Brad knows nothing, he's just trying to get the last word in.

When I got to the main floor of the building Daphne was waiting for me. She tapped her Saint Laurent heels impatiently as she fiddles with her hair extensions. Her family has money but it's dirty money and who would willingly accept that. It's just not right in my opinion.

"God you took forever," she exaggerated as she rolled her eyes. "Come on let's go." Before I could respond she was already out the door.

We ended up at some fancy looking restaurant, I didn't really care for it. I just wanted a burger and fries. But Daphne was trying to show off her money. She sat across from me batting her lashes and popping her boobs out at the barely legal busboy. I need to get out of here. Just sitting near her puts me on edge.

"Daphne why are you in New York?" I asked trying to get this conversation over with because there's no way I was going to stay here and eat with her.

"My dad's business moved here and I couldn't pass up seeing an old friend," she said with a smile.

"Are you here to stay?" I asked seriously.

"I like it here too much to leave. And I can't wait to see what you have accomplished on your own," she said with mischief. I knew she wasn't gonna let this go easily.

"What's it gonna take for you to leave me alone?" I'm over this small talk.

"Do you seriously want to talk real with me?" She asked with the biggest fake smile, then continued "I'm not going anywhere until I get my revenge. You were nothing but a pawn in my game but then you cleared the board. I'm here to put you back in your place," she said sinisterly.

Fuming with anger my fists balled together at my sides, "I'd like to see you try," I said through gritted teeth before I got up and left her sitting there with a smile on her face that I want so desperately to smack off.

I quickly walked through the streets with the wind blowing in my hair trying to let off some steam. I was beyond mad at this point. What does she think she has against me, she has nothing but some bad stories. Maybe her dad has some power with his small little gang but what authority did he have in New York? No one knew his name. No one would listen to him. My thoughts made me feel untouchable but am I wrong? Could she really destroy my life and take everything I've worked for away from me? I guess only time will tell.