All I'll Ever Ask (The Greatest Love Book 1) Read online

  “Ha. Ha. You are a comedian. That is my mobile number. Ben can we make an agreement, until we meet at the play next week?”

  “As long as it doesn’t involve me not speaking to you until then.”

  “No, just the opposite, don’t look me up and I will not google you.”

  “Ok, Ms. James that’s agreeable.”

  “Benjamin?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you kill the Ms. James? I get enough of that in business. This is personal and I want to keep it that way.”

  “Done, Camille. Whatever makes you comfortable. I don’t want to have any misunderstandings, This. Is. Personal.”

  Oh my God, Camille thought! She needed to go to morning prayer. Respect was not what this man made her want. If just one conversation with him could have her feeling this way, what would happen when they met? She did not want to ruin any chances of this blossoming into something. That is why she suggested no social media contact. She would live in La-La land, for the next week. Dreaming he was her Idris Elba. She could not risk taking a look at a profile picture of a man that resembled Steve Urkel, that was her last date. If his looks matched his manly voice, she may lose all her good senses and meet him before the play next Saturday.

  The conversation went on for two hours. They talked about ITS, both their families, friends and religion. They both admitted the need to do better in regards to attending church. They both had very busy schedules. Benjamin did not own his own business but he was a senior level executive at the Fortune 500 Company he worked for. They had so many things in common. The love of books, music, art, fitness, philosophy, and were both brought up in the Pentecostal church. Camille could tell his relationship with his mother, Ellen, was at the forefront in his life. He had a cousin who was raised with him as a sister. She was now married with a teenage daughter. She told him about it just being her Nana and dad, in her life and how she lost her mother at an early age. The conversation, had Camille smiling and blushing the duration of the call. She was definitely feeling him. It was Benjamin who had to end the call due to a conference call. He promised Camille he would call her that evening around eight.

  That night and for the next six days, they talked briefly in the morning and for hours at night. Needless to say, Camille had not read one book on her reader, since the initial call with Ben. She could not wait to meet him. The anticipation was building with each phone conversation. She was wondering if he was battling with the “no googling” her clause, because she sure was. She regretted making the suggestion. Paige wanted to kick her butt for that insane agreement.

  She told Camille, “this is 2015, and most people look up a person as soon as they hear a name. You two are lame for not already getting that out of the way.”

  Karen helped her feel better about the decision by saying, “There agreement, was sweet old school romance, the way it was before social media took away the charm of meeting someone new.” Camille agreed and eagerly awaited meeting him.

  Camille decided to dress simple for the play. She selected a black fitted dress, added sterling silver jewelry, applied light cosmetics and was out the door.

  Hopping into her crimson colored SUV, which she loved and would not be trading in for a hybrid, of any kind. Sorry environment! While driving to downtown Memphis she listened to jazz and let her thoughts drift to Benjamin and all the conversations they had over the last week.

  Twenty-five minutes later, Camille was getting out of her truck and saw Paige from across the tight street. She laughed to herself at Paige’s attire; the girl was dressed for a black and white-event. She looked like a black china doll. She was five feet flat, but often wore five to seven inch heels. She had mystic brown eyes, with a smooth cocoa complexion. Her figure was like a gymnast, which was all genetics, because Paige would become winded, walking around the block. But there was her best friend at a simple stage play dressed in a black strapless baby doll tutu cocktail dress with what seemed from the distance like six-inch platform shoes. She was beautiful but over the top as usual. Seriously Paige!

  Standing with Paige was Kevin Michelson, Paige’s longtime boyfriend. Kevin is biracial, six foot two inches, and two-hundred forty pounds of muscle, with dark brown hair, light brown eyes, and clean shaven. Kevin is also the Assistant District Attorney for the City of Memphis. With them, stood a dark, handsome man who Camille knew had to be Benjamin. She could see his presidential air from across the street. She glanced at the street light and saw the WALK flash, so she stepped off the curb. Before she could plant both feet on the street, a speeding SUV came zooming toward her, out of nowhere. Actually, she may not have seen it as she was checking out Benjamin. He appeared to be at least six feet tall and she could not wait to get to him. Before she could react the SUV was closer to her and she felt like a Super Klutz, trying to get out of the way. She was petrified of falling in front of Benjamin, as she would not recover from the embarrassment.

  Camille heard a crash and something that felt like it was scratching flesh from her face, then a piercing to her abdomen, sent heat through her entire being. Her hands begin to burn as if she was falling onto hot coal. Was she on fire? She tried processing what was overtaking her. Then it hit her, IT WAS PAIN! Violent Pain! It took control of her limbs before they began turning cold and were going numb. Camille closed her eyes as the numbness took control of her body, but before it took total control, PAIN returned with a vengeance, going through her side. Her head started to pound and it was UNBEARABLE. Her body shut down and she lost consciousness.

  Camille struggled to open her eyes and squinted to see Paige and Kevin kneeling at her side. Someone was holding her wrist taking her pulse, it was Benjamin. She motioned to get up but the pain she felt all over her body did not allow such movement. If Camille was not sorely embarrassed and aching enough, Paige put her to shame by her screaming. Her screams into already ringing ears felt like fluids were running from them.

  “MILLE YOU OKAY GIRL? WE CALLED 9-1-1. THEY SHOULD BE HERE IN A MINUTE. YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK. YOU DON’T KNOW TO LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS THE STREET? I KNOW YOUR MOMMA WAS ABSENT BUT DIDN’T YOUR DADDY TEACH YOU THAT?”

  Camille thought, great Paige, let’s just spill out Camille’s issues while I’m lying in the middle of Main Street, likely dying. But all she could do was close her eyes and grimace, as piercing pain went from her head to her toes. Benjamin let go of her wrist and whispered in her ear as she began to slowly fade.

  “Do not think you are getting out of a date with me. Rest now, I hear the ambulance coming. You will be all better in no time.” Camille drifted off under his soothing voice. What a way to go, if it was her time!

  ***

  Later in the Emergency Room

  “She has been back there for two hours!” Paige screamed while she paced back and forth in the waiting room of the Downtown Trauma Center. Ben observed his friend Kevin being the patient boyfriend as he tried to soothe Paige with rubs on her back and by helping her take a seat. Paige was a nervous babbling wreck over her friend. Ben was happy to see this kind of dedication existed between women. Kevin was now a contrast from his Assistant D.A. role. He was in with vigor at the accident scene after Camille and Paige left in the ambulance. Kevin pulled out his state’s identification and took statements from over thirty bystanders, along with their contact information. Ben figured it was his police academy training, that allowed Kevin to be sharp enough to know the year, make, model of the 2013 Ford Expedition that hit Camille. Ben had no clue how Kevin managed to get the license plate numbers to give to the police because the accident happened so fast. Kevin told him he believed for him to be an effective attorney he needed to know all aspects of the law. So he completed police academy training, although he never swore in to be an official officer. Kevin had vowed, the driver who hit Camille and drove off like a coward, would be found and charged within twenty-four hours. Now the three of them waited for a doctor or any medical professional to come out and give them an upd
ate on Camille’s condition.

  Ben found himself worried as if he had known Camille for a lifetime, and had actually googled the possible injuries she could have encountered from the hit and run. The injuries could range from minor cuts and bruises, to spinal and brain injuries. She opened her eyes briefly but did not say anything. He could only pray her injuries were not life threatening. He sent a text to his mother requesting prayer for a friend who had been in an accident. As his mother always said “Prayer never hurts.” She would get their church’s prayer warriors to intercede for Camille to recover.

  Ben lifted his head as he heard Paige yell, “ABOUT TIME!” He chuckled to himself out of amazement and fear. Paige actually had her hand in the doctor’s face pointing at him. The nurse who had called for the family of Camille James was now trying to calm Paige down. Finally, Kevin took her by the arms and the doctor was able to proceed.

  “Ms. James, is a fortunate lady. For her to have withstood such a forceful impact, her injuries could be more severe.”

  Paige blurted out, “ARE THEY SEVERE?”

  Dr. Reid swallowed and continued to ignore Paige. “Ms. James has suffered a head concussion from the impact of the fall. The right side of her face and both palms have burns and abrasions from when she was dragged down the street. The scans have also indicated possible spinal damage. However, we won’t know the severity until the swelling goes down and we do more test.” Dr. Reid took a breath to observe Paige for any possible outbursts.

  Paige remained quiet and allowed him to continue.

  “We will keep Ms. James here for the next couple days to continue monitoring her brain functions and her spinal progress.” Dr. Reid then looked to the nurse.

  She began, “I am Nurse Kay. I will be here until 7 a.m. to take care of Ms. James’ healthcare needs. We typically encourage a love one to stay, as well. It often helps the patient recover faster.”

  “Oh no problem, Paige replied. I will stay. Is she awake?”

  Ben held his breath because that was the question he needed the answer to.

  Nurse Kay stated, “not at this time, although we expect her to wake soon.”

  “Thank you Nurse Kay and Dr. Reed.” They said in unison and the medical professionals exited through the double doors.

  Paige buckled to her knees causing Ben and Kevin to reach for her. She sat on the waiting room floor with her head resting on Kevin’s chest, she wept and spoke with short breaths.

  “Camille has to be alright. She is the only best friend I have. MY SISTER. She has too much going for herself. Her business! OH Goodness, she has a big client she needs to meet in the morning. I have to call Karen, her assistant. OH GOD, this can’t be happening.”

  “Paige!” Kevin spoke firmly to Paige with direct eye contact.

  “You have to calm down. What is Karen’s number? I can call her.”

  “No Kevin.” Ben interjected. “I can call Karen. I’ve spoken to her every morning for the last week, so you two can stay here. I can go to her office tomorrow and maybe help. Camille has told me about the new account she is trying to bring on as a client. It is the least I can do. I mean she was coming to meet me.”

  Kevin turned to Benjamin and gave him daps and said, “Thanks man, that would be great.” Then Kevin raised an eyebrow and gave Benjamin an incredulous look. “You know this is not your fault. We all wanted Camille to come and hang out. She is always working and reading and we just wanted her to have a night off.” Ben remained silent, but nodded his head in agreement.

  Paige gave Ben a piece of paper that contained Karen’s contact information and thanked him. Ben hugged them both and exited, feeling this was a way he could assist. As he walked to his car, Ben could not shake the eeriness of the walk he was making. He had made a similar, one not too long ago. Just like that time he felt a connection, like a part of him was in that hospital with her life on the line. Only that time, Lauren his girlfriend of 7 years died. Ben was praying Camille did not meet the same fate.

  ***

  Downtown Trauma Center

  Camille & Paige

  “Hey there,” Paige excitedly said to Camille. “I am so happy to see you up. How are you feeling?”

  Camille tried to speak but then scrunched up her face and closed her eyes tightly. Paige saw her discomfort and began to panic.

  “Camille don’t try to talk. I’ll call the nurse. She told me to, as soon as you woke up.”

  Paige ran out the door, in a frenzy. Camille wondered why she was getting the nurse instead of buzzing the front desk. Camille looked down at herself, both hands were bandaged. IV’s were in her arm and she wondered what in the world had happened to her. She would wait to question the nurse, but her eyes felt so heavy and she did not have the strength to keep them open. Oh here they come, Great! Camille wanted to tell the nurse about the pain from the top of her head to her back.

  When the nurse and Paige entered the room, Camille motioned to speak but she felt vibration. It felt like an earthquake occurring within in her body. She could hear Paige scream. “What’s happening to her?” Could Paige not feel the earthquake? It must be the New Madrid fault, that she had always heard would occur in Memphis. Why was Paige and this nurse not feeling it? Then suddenly blackness!

  ****

  The Home of Benjamin George Adams

  It was after midnight when Ben made it back home and settled down to call Camille’s assistant. He pulled out the slip of paper that Paige had given him and dialed the number to Karen Locke.

  “Hello.” A sleepy voice answered.

  “May I speak to Ms. Karen Locke?” Ben tried to maintain a crisp voice but it felt like a knot had formed in his throat.

  “This is Karen. Who’s speaking?”

  Ben cleared his throat. “This is Benjamin Adams. I was out tonight with Camille, Paige Richards, and Kevin Michelson, and I regret to inform you Ms. James was hit by an automobile tonight.” Ben heard Karen gasp.

  “OH MY GOD! IS SHE OKAY? IS PAIGE WITH HER NOW? DID YOU REACH MR. JAMES?”

  “Karen, I am praying Camille will be okay. Paige is spending the night with her. They’re at the Downtown Trauma Center. Mr. James, Camille’s father lives overseas correct?”

  “Yes, he lives overseas and must be notified immediately. He is the only biological family she has.”

  “I’m sorry Karen, Paige only gave me your information.”

  “That’s fine umm... Benjamin, thanks for calling me. I will notify Mr. James, he would be upset if he heard the news from a stranger. I need someone to tell me Camille is going to be ok!”

  Ben did not want to repeat what the doctor and nurse said over the phone, but he had to answer Karen. He tried doing so as calmly and encouraging as possible. “Camille needs our prayers Ms. Locke, she took a nasty fall and has suffered a concussion. The medical staff won’t know more until she awakens.”

  Karen let out another gasp and his heart broke for her. He had known Camille for a week and felt such a strong connection. Why on earth would he deliver this news to her assistant, who by Camille’s own admittance was a close friend?

  “Karen are you going to be okay?”

  Karen struggled to speak but finally said, “Yes, Yes, I will be. Camille is strong and stubborn. She will make it through this.”

  Ben hoped Karen was right. “That is the right spirit to have I am agreeing with you on Camille making a complete recovery. Karen, Paige also wanted me to remind you that Camille had an early morning meeting tomorrow or later today considering the time. Will you or another employee be able to handle the client?”

  “Yes she does, but I can handle that.”

  “Okay, that’s great. Paige is staying with Camille tonight. Camille’s room number is 318. Hopefully, I will be speaking to you soon with better news.”

  “Thank you so much for calling me Benjamin. It sounds like Camille had a date with a nice gentleman.”

  “I try to be Karen. Get some rest and we will stay in touch.”

 
Benjamin disconnected the call and exhaled. He thought about calling Paige but if she was sleep he did not want to disturb her. Just as that thought left his mind his phone buzzed with Kevin’s pic.

  “What’s the word man?”

  “You will not believe this Ben. Paige just called me and said Camille woke up but was having problems speaking. Paige went to get the nurse, when they returned to the room Camille had a seizure and lost consciousness.” Kevin paused trying to gather his emotions and continued, “They say she is in a coma now and has been taken for some scans and may need another surgery. I’m headed back to the hospital, to be with Paige.”

  Ben’s heart beat rapidly against his chest, as he saw flashbacks of another love. One who was being worked on by Emergency Respondents, trying to shock life back into a beautiful, dying women. Not again he thought. “Kevin I’m on my way!”

  ***

  Several Hours Later, In Transit Systems

  Karen Locke, Camille’s Executive Assistant

  Karen exhaled as she gathered the signed contracts of ITS’s newest client. Camille would be proud that she closed the deal with Specific Designs. Camille had worked on the deal for weeks to bring on the up and coming retailer for household décor. Karen had no doubt that Camille was going to pull through surgery and her company was going to be just as she left it, if not better. Karen vowed within herself to not let one person or department slack in Camille’s absence. Karen and the employees of ITS, could not have asked for a better boss or friend. Camille was the catalyst behind Karen finishing her Business Degree as a 25-year-old single mother. With the Tuition Assistance from ITS, Camille made balancing her budget less challenging, by personally helping Karen financially. To add to the generosity, Camille would babysit Nikki, who was now three years old, but still in the terrible 2-year-old stage. Camille’s babysitting allowed her to complete projects and attend night classes, when the babysitter was not available. Tears swelled in Karen’s eyes thinking about what life would be like without Camille. The thought was simply too much to bear. Nikki was the product of a one-night stand with an older man. Karen loved Nikki with her entire heart but regretted her reckless action that night, with a man she did not know. She could not file for child support because she did not know his last name. He had left her in a motel room, with a note and cab fare, after their drinking. That had been her one and only time experimenting with cocaine. Karen loathed herself for trying to drown out the pain with alcohol, sex, and drugs. Grateful that her ringing phone took her out of those haunted memories, Karen was relieved it was an international call. She could now tell Mr. R.D. James about his only daughter.