Dreams Do Come True by Jada Pearl Read Free Book Online Page A

John kicked him under the table. “Ouch, what the hell,” he exclaimed raising his voice as he glared at John. Nico looked over at Shontell, but he couldn’t read the expression she had on her face. She picked up her glass and didn’t look at him or Dennis. Nico hoped Dennis’ comment didn’t upset her. Out of the blue, she gave off a slight awkward laugh. He watched her pick up her fork and glance down at her plate.
    “You have to excuse Mr. Tack-less over here,” John said to Nico and Shontell.
    Observing the activity at the table, Martin took that as a cue to make an announcement. “Okay, everyone. I just got word that Divine Attraction’s new album, Dedicated To You, is number two on the billboard charts.” The room erupted in cheers. Martin sat back down and, within a few minutes, the room was back to its normal chatter. David leaned back and tapped Nico to let him know he was sorry for Dennis’ behavior. Nico nodded and let him know he was cool. They both knew Dennis had a way about him sometimes. But Shontell wouldn’t know that, and he didn’t want to cause her to feel uncomfortable around them.
    Nico pushed his plate back and leaned back in his chair. He wished he could rewind to the moment she walked in. This wasn’t how he wanted the evening to begin. He was glad to see that Shontell’s mood had changed. Nico smiled at Shontell as she was making jibes with their drummer, Vince. She was so different from Tina. Tina would have never interacted with everyone as she was. He knew then he had made the right choice. He noticed that David had been watching Shontell too. Although he was sure his reasons were way different from his, it probably stemmed from their earlier conversation. He observed how she handled the room with ease. Although the group was comprised of mostly men, she mastered the situation elegantly.
    David spotted Shontell as she was talking to John, laughing at something he said to her. She was enjoying herself, despite his brother’s comments. That put him somewhat at ease. He had been worried that Dennis was going to damage any beginning Nico and Shontell had. He then quickly looked over to where Nico was seated. He was glad that, for once, Nico had an interest in a woman again. Nico was the one that had always kept his distance. He may have gone out and indulged every now and then, but for the most part, he was the groups’ serious one. 
    Nico looked up as the room erupted in cheers and music. Shontell was dancing with John. They were doing old school dances. They were going back and forth, competing with each other. He laughed, watching them. Martin came over and sat in the chair next to him. They both watched in silence. Nico’s thought was that he wanted what David had. He knew if anyone understood his emotions it would be him. David met Felecia, his wife, at one of their concerts. He felt a sudden tap on his knee as Martin was laughing extremely hard at the impromptu dance contest. Nico continued watching them.
    Martin was like a father to them. He had been their manager since the beginning. Martin had wanted to snatch that Tina girl up earlier. If he found out who it was that told her they were there, he would give them hell. He didn’t like his boys hurt, and he knew that she was just plain trouble. Now that Shontell, she was what Nico needed. The look he had on his face said he knew that too. Martin scooted his chair closer and got Nico’s attention. “I see you watching her, son. You like her?” he asked. Nico nodded his head as they both continued watching them dance for a second. Shontell was dancing against David and Vince at the same time.
    “Well, I think that one is worth it. Go for it.”
    “Thank you, Martin. That means a lot to me…your approval, that is. But if she gives me the go ahead, I definitely will,” he told him. Shontell looked up at that moment and their eyes locked. She smiled at him, and he returned her smile. He knew he would never get tired of