Page 24 of Deceptive Desires

“Okay, that one is actually see through. I need to wear my green tank top under it.” I counter.

“No. Wear your green bra under it,” she counters.

“Absolutely not!” I’m horrified by even the suggestion.

“Fine. What about your green bandeau?” she compromises.

“If you insist,” I concede. Mainly because I don’t want to fight, but partly because I know it’ll look good.

“On to jewelry. Wear your long, green tagua necklace, your gold filigree earrings, your gold metal cuff, and your regularstack of rings. Keep your seconds, thirds, conch hoop, and helix hoop the same.”

I’m a jewelry lover. I’m a gold girl; it brings out my natural tan and is common in my heritage. A lot of my jewelry is from Mamá and Abuela. The rest is from thrift stores and estate sales, one of Gracie and my favorite activities.

I put on the outfit and do a twirl for Gracie.

“What do you think?” I ask nervously.

“Sexy and gorgeous, but still totally you.” She grins.

“So… do you think he’ll like it?” I turn to the mirror hanging on my closet door but make eye contact through it.

“If you’re talking about Roman, then yes. He’s going to be tripping over himself when he sees you,” she assures me. “But if you’re talking about Leo, I’m going to lock you up in this apartment and order a therapist until you get some sense.”

“Gracie, be nice to him. He’s a good guy. I’ve known him for years, and he’s never given me any indication otherwise,” I reprimand her. “Also, it’s his birthday.”

“Fine.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Just, please don’t spill a drink on him this time.”

“It was an accident!” she grunts out.

“Okay, I believe you. Just, no more accidents. Please,” I beg her.

“It’s going to be okay. I’ll be fine. Now let’s get there so you can be with your God of Darkness.”

“Gentle giant or hero,” I correct her.

“Yeah. Sure. Whatever you say.” She rolls her eyes.

Well, this is going to be an interesting night.

Chapter 16

Cecilia

We’re sitting on the T, but I have that same feeling of eyes on me as yesterday. I glance over my shoulder, but there’s no one in this car watching me. I shake my head and turn to face Gracie.

“What’re you looking at?” she asks, glancing over my shoulder.

“Nothing. Just nervous.” Mentioning to Gracie that I feel like I’m being watched is a first-class ticket back to our apartment.

“Hmmm… okay. Don’t be nervous. Roman’s going to swallow his tongue when he sees you.”

I laugh at the absurdity despite willing it to be true.

When we finally get to our exit, we get off the car and head to the bar. It’s only two blocks from here.

A figure waves at us, and we make our way over.