Page 74 of Deceptive Desires

In this moment, I know what pure happiness feels like.

I’m about to introduce the perfect man to my family.

A man who I’m sure will be my family.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Chapter 51

Cecilia

The car ride to Worcester took almost two hours after work today. Friday traffic was crazy. I texted Carmen during the drive, letting her know we’d be late.

Roman holds my hand the entire drive. The love radiating from him only strengthens my excitement at introducing him to my family.

“A few tips. Eat everything offered. Turning down food is considered extremely disrespectful. I’m sure they made a ton, so I’m sorry if you get full,” I wince as I tell him.

“Sunshine, I’ve tasted what they taught you to make. Nothing could ever make me turn down that food. It’s delicious,” he tells me with a sure smile.

“Okay. So, my abuela’s name is Luz Marina. You should call her Doña Luz Marina. My papá’s name is Hernando. You should call him Señor Hernando. And my mamá’s name is Ana Lucía. You can call her Señora Ana Lucía. My older sister’s name is Carmen. It’s her birthday. Her husband is Felipe, and theirdaughter is Rosa. My younger sister is Valentina. And that’s everyone.”

“Umm, sounds good,” he says nervously.

“Oh no! That’s a lot. I should’ve written it down,” I start to get nervous. It’s all formalities, and they’ll forgive him if he messes up, but I don’t want him to mess up. I want him to do well. “I’m sorry. I feel like I didn’t prepare you enough.”

I want to cry. I should’ve done better.

“It’s okay, sunshine. They’re your family. I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he calms me.

We pull up to the two-story, four-bedroom house. Our penthouse is bigger than the house and a third of people live there. For a few beats, I feel guilty for how lavishly I’ve been living. But I snap out of it quickly. My family is happy, even if they aren’t wealthy. Money won’t change that. Plus, I still only make a PT tech’s salary.

We park on the street in front of the house, and Roman walks around the car to open my door. Instead of walking up the path, he goes to the rear door of the car, opens it, and emerges with four bouquets, a potted orchid, a bottle of wine, and a bottle of rum. I stare at him, mouth agape.

I didn’t tell him it was customary to bring gifts. I’d honestly forgotten. But here he is, surprising me in the best way, as always.

“Oh, Roman. Thank you. They’re going to love it.”

I kiss him on the cheek, and he leads me up the path to the door.

We knock, and it immediately swings open.

“¡Cecita! ¡Mi hijita! Me alegra tanto que estés aquí.” Mamá hovers then pulls me in for a hug. She kisses my right cheek, and I return the greeting.

“I’m really happy to be here.” I step aside, presenting Roman. “Mamá, this is my boyfriend, Roman. Roman, this is my mamá.”

He steps forward and kisses her right cheek as she does his.

“Señora Ana Lucía, thank you for hosting me. I’m grateful to be here.” He hands her the potted orchid. “This is for you. Cecilia told me she gets her love for gardening from you.”

Mamá swoons. She takes the plant and fusses over it.

“Roman, this is gorgeous. Thank you so much. I’ll take care of it and grow it into a beautiful flower,” she promises him. She opens the door and welcomes us in.

Abuela comes down the hallway, practically running. I swear her cane has trouble keeping up with her.

“¡Hola, Ceci María! Ven, dame un abrazo,” Abuela orders.

I comply and give her a warm hug, kissing her right cheek. She squeezes me tighter then pulls back.