Page 35

NINE

Bomp .

“Ahhhh!” I gasped, braking completely.

My hands flew in the air as my head ducked in between my shoulders.

“Easy, baby. Easy on the brakes. Remember, slowly lower your foot on the pedal. Now, let’s go. Start from up here.”

I looked ahead where Saint was pointing. Every orange cone he’d set out in the enormous parking lot was turned over. I’d hit everything in sight, including the makeshift stop sign.

“You know, Saint,” I breathed, “There’s a reason my entire family gave up on teaching me, right?”

“I don’t care, Rome. You’re going to learn to drive.”

“I have drivers. I’ll never be alone long enough to drive myself anywhere, anyway. It’s pointless,” I reminded him.

“I saw that look in your eyes. It doesn’t matter that you don’t have to drive. I know you want to. It looks risky and it feels risky to you. That’s because a woman like you barely takes risks, if any at all. You keep it safe. Security and stability are your crutches.”

“I can think of at least one risk I’ve taken,” I admitted, turning to look at Saint.

He was still dressed in running gear. I was supposed to be underneath the shower head allowing the water to cascade down my body after having a well-balanced breakfast. Instead, he shoved me into his car and demanded we have our first driving lesson.

“Yeah?”

“Mm hm.”

“I’m listening–”

I pulled in air and then released it slowly.

“Saint. Saint De Bacco.”

His cheeks fattened. His teeth peeked through the smile forming on his face.

“I’ve never as much as looked in another man’s direction,” I confessed, rubbing the front of my neck with the tips of my index and pinky fingers for comfort.

“Why is that, Mellow?”

“Because, since a girl, I’ve been seeing the man I was created for in my dreams. I hardly knew how he looked, sounded, or his government name, but discernment wouldn’t let me believe anything other than our destiny. We belonged together.

“So, instead of wasting my time or energy on things and people that weren’t meant to be in my world, I remained focused. Eyes straight ahead. Hands on the barres. Spine straight. More accuracy. Less mistakes. No excuses. Just work. Improvement. Progression.

“And, in waiting, I became a better version of myself. Perfected my craft. Learned about the woman I am. The woman I’m becoming. And, the woman I hope to be one day. It wasn’t punishment. Waiting wasn’t. It was necessary time alone. Had I met you sooner, I wouldn’t have been ready.”

Saint listened intently until I’d finished. And, then his words were delivered slowly and sincerely. I read his freshly licked lips as he spoke.

“Hearing you talk about a love we’ve yet to embark on in such high regard makes me sad and elated at once.

Sad that I didn’t wait, too, even though I was sure the perfect person for me existed somewhere.

Elated because just from your eyes and the tone of your voice, I know it will be beautiful.

I just know. Your experiences, your dreams, must’ve been– must’ve been astounding. ”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I began to tell you how profound they’ve been.”

He peered out the front windshield, shaking his head.

“I should’ve waited.”

“You had no idea.”

“To some degree, I did. I think. Maybe. Shit, I had to. I’ve been knowing I wanted to marry a special woman since I was around eight or ten or something along those lines. It was early. That’s what I do recall. And, I always remember feeling like she was out there.”

He leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. Magic happened. My skin thickened with goosebumps. My canal sprang a leak. And my eyelids sealed themselves involuntarily.

Muah.

“But now she’s right here.”

Muah.

“In my $4.5 million dollar whip.”

Muah.

“Hitting everything in sight.”

Muah.

“I’d like to blame her.”

Muah.

“But I blame myself for loving that look in her eyes when she saw it move.”

Muah.

“And, I’m learning.”

Muah.

“Whatever she wants, she gets.”

Muah.

“Even if she never mentions it.”

Muah.

He pulled back. Shamefully dazed, I opened my heavy eyelids. Saint was back on his side of the car again, but he still felt too far away suddenly.

Oh God . Public intoxication had never been my style, but he’d left me with no choice.

“Hop out, Mellow. Let me get you home. You have practice, and we have important plans tonight.

Dazed, I exited the car and rounded the front. Saint's feet halted in front of me.

“Excuse me.” I chuckled, unable to get by his long frame.

He turned toward the maze he’d created. I followed. Together, we stared in silence.

“You really annihilated this whole setup, huh?”

There wasn’t a cone still standing.

“Yes. If I’m going to wreck something, I’d rather it not be something that will cost me $3 million to fix. So, if we’re going to keep doing this please– let’s choose a different car. Preferably something under a hundred thousand dollars if you have it.”

Sniggering, Saint grabbed the sides of my face and brought me closer to him.

“I do, but as soon as you’re ready, we’re back in this motherfucker right here.”

Muah .

He kissed my lips a final time before taking off for the other side of the car. He slid into the driver’s seat and I settled in the passenger seat, right where I belonged.

I stepped back, in full view of my camera. There wasn’t a detail missing from the 360 degree spin I managed in slow motion.

“What do you all think?”

“You look edible, baby,” Roulette shouted, first. “Make sure that nigga eats.”

“Again,” Royce joked.

“See, this is why I can’t tell you all nothing.”

“You have no choice. You don’t have any friends. We are your forever besties, babe. Don’t fight it,” Rather reminded me.

The one person I considered a friend was lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life.

I have to get back to the hospital to see her .

“I’m not. I just don’t feel like being clowned every day about the things I confide in you all about.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. That was not my intention,” Royce admitted. “Just poking fun. It happens to us all.”

“I know, Royce. Maybe I’m the sensitive one.”

“And, that’s alright. Nothing’s wrong with that, sister girl. Be you, boo,” Roulette said, “Be you, honey. Let others adjust. We’ve told you that once, and we’ll tell you again. Every time you need a reminder. That’s what the hell we’re here for.”

“I appreciate you all. I really do, but I have to go now. He’ll be pulling through the gates at any minute.”

“We love you!”

“We love you.”

“Have fun.”

“Be safe.”

“Love you!”

“In this lifetime and the others–”

“We promise to find you.”

“I’ll wait,” I said as I blew a kiss into the camera.

I ended the call and popped open the new LV bag that Saint had gifted me. My cell fit right inside with my coin pouch, gum, Riot travel-sized bottle, and blot sponge in case my makeup got a bit too dewy for my liking.

I gazed at my reflection in the round mirror above the console table. With the help of my sisters, I’d chosen a powder pink mini skirt with chiffon waves hanging down to the floor, a cream top one-strap top and gold accessories courtesy of Subtle .

Admittedly, I felt as though conquering the world would be an easy task tonight. I pushed out my chest and lifted my nose higher in the air. Childers' blood ran all through me. Not only could you tell by my genetic makeup, but by my mental as well.

Bright lights flashed across my foyer. I took one final look in the mirror before turning toward the door. My heartbeat slowed to a creep. Anticipation crept up my spine like a chill in the night air.

He’s here . I concluded, watching as his shadow appeared at my door.

With my nose and chest in the air, I stepped forward. A chill crept up my spine. My entire body quivered.

“Uhhh,” I groaned, shaking off the trembles.

Ding.

Dong .

I twisted the knob. The door parted from its frame, revealing the most handsome gentleman, clad in cream and denim. Big, audacious flowers weighed on his hands, nearly covering his entire stomach and chest, ending along his neckline.

“Oh–” I gasped, “Wow.”

I stepped aside, quickly acknowledging the fact that I wouldn’t be able to carry the bouquet inside myself. Saint stepped into my home, making it apparent that he didn’t expect me to. He traveled through my hallway and entered the kitchen.

Never asking for directions.

Never asking for instructions.

Nothing .

The hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention as he met me at the kitchen entry. The flowers were carefully placed on the counter to await my return. They didn’t need a vase.

His hand was carefully placed on my cheek. His lips were carefully placed on top of mine. His tongue was carefully placed in my mouth. And, his head was carefully angled for maximum efficiency.

Our tongues danced, sloppily communicating our thirst for one another. Our hunger. Our yearning. Our desire.

“Good evening, Mellow,” he rasped, wiping my gloss from his lips.

Breathlessly, I gazed up into those big amber eyes. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. He was all-consuming. And, I was wrapped around the long fingers he was caressing my backside with.

“I’ve missed you,” I rushed out.

A smirk accompanied a nod as Saint rested a hand on his chest.

“I’ve missed you, Rome, probably more than I could accurately describe at this moment.”

“Every day,” I breathed as I swallowed.

“All fucking day,” he responded, leaning down again.

His lips touched mine. Gently. Softly. His eyes were still on mine as he pulled away. He took me by the hand and led me out of the front door.

Click.

Clack.

My heels plopped against the floor while following Saint like a sick, lovestruck pup. I was partly surprised as I climbed into the SUV with his assistance. He made it around to his seat as I tried processing the fact he’d changed vehicles.