Page 104 of Who's Loving You
“Nic,” Valentina hisses.
“I’ll take a water with lime. I’ve got a game this weekend so I’ve got to be in tip-top shape.”
“He plays football,” Lucy adds, helping me make my case even more.
The waiter looks at Lucy and nods, “Yeah. I know who he is.”
“And her boyfriend, in case you didn’t understand.”
“Lucy.” Valentina snaps at her but Lucy couldn’t care less as she takes a long sip of her margarita. “I’m so sorry. We’re good for now. Thank you.”
He looks me up and down as he walks away and I smile, knowing I’ve won and he’ll never have a chance. I pull out a chair and sit down, staring directly at my beautiful girl.
“Hi mi Reina. You look beautiful.” I lean over, angling to give her a kiss, but she turns her head and I land somewhere in the area of her jaw and ear.
“What are you doing here Nico?”
“Having drinks and dinner with two of my favorite ladies. Well, you’re my favorite. Lucy is a welcome bonus.”
“Hey,” Lucy pipes up then shrugs. “I guess that’s fair.”
“How did you know I would be here tonight?”
I reach over and rest my arm on the back of her chair. “I know your places. It was easy to figure out where you’d be on a Thursday night after a long week.”
Lucy’s eyes twitch nervously from side to side, trying to keep her participation in all of this hidden.
“Damn you, Lucy. You told him, didn’t you?”
“I’m sorry. You just–wait. You know what? I’m not sorry. I’m tired of seeing you get in your own way. You’ve been super cranky and sad, and enough is enough. Quit being so stubborn and just let yourself be happy for once. I know you miss him. Every time I mention his name, your face does this wholepoor mething and it’s played out, sister. Just talk to the poor guy and get over it. Jesus.” She chugs her margarita and slams down the empty glass while wincing, painfully. “Dammit. Brain freeze. I’ll be back.” Her chair squeals as it slides across the wood floors and she stomps off.
Valentina sits quietly staring at her fingers wrapped around the stem of her glass. Heavy thoughts swirl behind them and I kind of feel bad for surprising her this way. I wasn’t trying to upset her, I just really needed to see her.
“I didn’t mean to ruin your night, but I miss you. Over the last four months, we’ve only gone a few days without seeing one another. Between games and all the extras as a “couple”, we’ve spent very little days apart. And since Mexico, I’ve been lucky to kiss and hug you every day. Do you know how cold my bed is without you in it?”
She doesn’t budge and the only way I know there aresigns of life in her is by how her fingers twirl the glass slowly.
“It’s not just my bed, Valentina. My life is cold and dark, and so lonely. You are my warmth, my sunshine, and I can’t thrive without you.”
“Nic, you’re pushing me and I just don’t know if I want to be pushed in your direction. I’m hurt and now I question everything you ever said. How do I know you’re being honest?”
I grab her hand and lay it on my chest over my pounding heart.
“Ask me anything. You’ll know if I’m lying.” She deadpans at me, but I refuse to back down. “Did I sleep with anyone while we were dating? No. Did I hide a secret from you? Yes. Do I love you? More than anything.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears and her jaw clenches, holding back the cry that threatens to spill. I see the love in her eyes. I know it’s there. But does she realize that? She may not recognize the feeling because she’s never had it before.
With my hand over hers, I stand from my chair and her eyes follow me. She cranes her neck to look at me and I gaze at my beauty. I lift her hand to my mouth, kissing it and closing my eyes, soaking up the moment.
“I’ll wait for an eternity for you. Whenever you’re ready.” I place her hand back on the table and walk away.
I descend the small stairs and before I disappear out of sight, I look back at her and find those gorgeous eyes fixed on me. I wink and see her cheeks blush, then walk away, knowing she’s within reach.
All she needs to do is hold out her hand. I’ll hold it tight and never let go.
36
VALENTINA