chapter Twenty-Four
Special Surprise
Victoria
Things had changed so much over the summer. I was so broken hearted the night Lorenzo told me the truth that I shut everyone, except for Maria, out. We had become extremely close.
Maria was the only one I told about the break up. She told me to give it time that I would find it in my heart to forgive Lorenzo. I guess I’m not surprised, she’s his real mother. Maria has always had this way she gets with him.
Lorenzo and I were always together, it just never felt like enough. It broke my heart again, when I heard he was moving out to go to school. I didn’t want him to leave.
Things had gotten so crazy though, after a while I forgot all about it. I was too busy learning to protect myself. I wanted to talk to him about it all, but we just never talked.
I wasn’t ready to trust him before the night I showed up at his apartment. Going there and being in his arms made me feel so safe. I just wanted to forget everything else that happened.
Lorenzo was what was important. I needed to be with him. Staying the night with him proved that to me so much more. He was so sweet and caring, it never crossed his mind to take advantage of me at all. I could tell. It was as if he was being cautious not to scare me away.
Now we were trusting each other with our lives. I had already saved his once and he vowed he would return the favor. If only he knew, he already did, the moment he agreed to move me in with him.
The Maria and Alfonzo thing made things weird, but we were focused on saving the families from the pending massacre. We knew Maria could plan, large last minute events, and make them epic. So, we allowed her to plan the wedding.
We couldn’t move as fast as we wanted to because there are witnesses that needed to be flown in to view the union. Being that we had to wait, everyone thought it best if we showed our unity to the watching families anyhow. One thing was for sure, there was a mole in one of the families.
The two men I took care of hadn’t followed anyone there. Someone had to have told them where we were. Uncle Mike knew them from one of the smaller families.
He had said something about Florida. Lorenzo wasn’t willing to move back in with Alfonzo, yet. Not after finding out the truth about his parents. So, they thought it best that I move in with Lorenzo.
My father had some problems of his own, outside of the whole marriage mess. My mother was no stranger to money or power before she met my father. My grandfather, my mother’s father, is a very powerful and wealthy man.
He didn’t agree with my mother’s deciding to wait around for a married man, so he kind of disowned her. She isn’t to use her true last name and she was stripped of her trust funds. My grandfather sends for Toni and me about four times a year. Mostly, around Christmas and other random times during the year, but that’s the most contact we have with him.
Rumor is my grandfather threatened my dad when I was born. If anything, ever happened to my mother or me, he would kill him. Apparently, my grandfather is trying to make good on his word.
My mother has tried to calm things down, but there’s still some tension with the two families now. I have a bunch of uncles and aunts on that side of my family. They all love my mother dearly. That’s not helping matters at all.
My mother had returned home, but Toni was still with my dad, which was my mother’s idea. She thought he would be safer there. Toni and Maria were getting along a lot better.
Toni has Uncle Sal take him to see Lucie a lot. I think that helped him settle in.
I was being home schooled for my senior year. I was a little bummed about that, but they promised when things cooled down I could return to school. Lorenzo only had classes in the early part of the week, so we spent a lot of time together. This all has been hard on all of us, especially Toni.
With the secret was out, we went to see Maria a lot. Lorenzo and Maria were getting along great. You can see how much she loves him.
One afternoon, Lorenzo asked. “Why didn’t you come around more. I understand you could be my mom, but why not spend more time with me?”
I watched the tears well in Maria’s eyes. “I would stay away because it hurt too much to see you with Sharon, doing everything I wanted to do with you. You were my little boy, but I missed out on so much. I came around when I could handle it,” Maria choked out.
My heart broke to see the sad look in Lorenzo’s eye, but I knew he understood. After that day, Lorenzo and I tried to make up for that as much as we could. We spend as much time with Maria as we can.
Lorenzo and I had been living together for five months and the attacks had stopped. We were getting along great. I take care of the laundry and we share the cooking.
Uncle Mike comes to take the dry cleaning out and brings it back. He also comes to stock the refrigerator and the pantries. I had to fuss a lot about Lo and the mess he makes in the bedroom, but he had been getting better.
We were running around a lot that week, with the wedding coming up. Lorenzo promised we would spend Saturday in that weekend. It was noon and we were still in bed.
I was curled up on my side as usual, while he consumed the whole bed. I totally understand why he always has king sized beds. I was about to give up and go take a shower, when he grasped my waist.
“Don’t move,” he mumbled into his pillow.
“Then give me some room, you hog,” I giggled.
He moved to the center of the bed, pulling me into his chest. It felt nice to have his warm chest against my back. I could feel his heat through my tank top.
I hoped he would stay still long enough for me to get a little more sleep. Maria was worse with the wedding planning than she was with the birthday party. At least we were getting a say in this though. I just needed one or two hours sleep most. Lorenzo started to play in my hair, which always helps me relax.
“Hey, Beautiful, what do you want to do today?” Lorenzo asked.
“Sleep!”
He laughed. “Okay, after you sleep. You want to go see a movie?” He had to be kidding. I was so tired my body was hurting.
“Not if it isn’t in our living room, no.”
“Fine, how about we go to dinner tonight?”
“Lo, dinner will be at Chateau Botticelli tonight,” I grumbled.
“Vic, we’re really going to spend the whole day locked up in this apartment?”
“I’m so tired, Lo. We go out all the time. Don’t you want to stay home with me?” I whined.
“I have no problem staying home with you, Baby. I just want out of this apartment. This little box is driving me nuts,” he grumbled.
“Maybe we should go house shopping,” I teased.
“Baby, are you serious? I’d love to buy you a house. Let’s go. Get dressed.” I could hear the excitement in his voice. I couldn’t believe he was taking me seriously.
“Lorenzo, I was joking.” I turned to see his face. “What’s the matter with you?”
“I’m not joking. Let’s go.”
He got out of the bed and headed for the shower. I wasn’t going to pay Lorenzo any mind. While he was in the shower, I was going to get me some much needed sleep.
I had drifted off while he was in the bathroom. I took full advantage of having the bed to myself. I only woke up because he was hovering over me, dripping wet, as he kissed at my neck.
I was caught off guard. We still weren’t very physical. Even though we slept in the same bed every night, Lo had set boundaries that respected both our wishes.
However, when I woke, I noticed he was only in a towel. My body tense underneath him. I tried to think. Did I say or do something to trigger this? Lorenzo was always the perfect gentlemen.
Maybe I was dreaming or something. I ran my fingers down his back, causing him to moan in my ear. Nope, not dreaming. I could feel his muscle flex beneath his warm skin.
“Lorenzo, honey, what are you doing?” I asked.
“You want to stay home. This is what’s on my mind when we stay home,” he whispered in my ear, causing a shiver to run down my spine. “Now get up and go get dressed. I’m buying you a house. This apartment is too small.”
“Oh, come on! You promised we could stay home today,” I whined. “I don’t care what’s on your mind. I can sleep through it.”
“Oh, trust me, you wouldn’t sleep a wink,” he whispered with a low growl.
I tried to ignore him, but he was persistent. Lorenzo snatched the covers back, pressing his hard body into mine. He kissed and nibbled at my neck, as he rubbed at the skin on my legs.
I was so tired, I thought I would let him have his way if it meant we could stay home. However, my body was a traitor. I could feel my core becoming moist. Things that shouldn’t tingle started to tingle. Lorenzo slid his hand under my t-shirt, rubbing at my stomach.
I was wide-awake. He was right, there would be no ignoring him. Not with his length pressing into me and my body melting for him.
“Crap! Fine, I’m getting up. Get off me,” I murmured.
He rolled onto his back, laughing at the top of his lungs. I rolled out of the bed and stumbled to the bathroom. I would go house shopping if it meant I got my own room and my own bed.
“You’re lucky I didn’t force you to sleep on the couch. How was I supposed to know he would take my joke seriously?” I mumbled to myself through my whole shower.
It wasn’t my fault he bought a one-bedroom apartment. He had been complaining for weeks that the place was shrinking. I would just move to another room when he started that.
“Do you want me to leave,” I had asked him one time.
“Your big hair isn’t the problem. We needed more space regardless,” he said jokingly.
I wish he would have solved this problem last week, so I could sleep now. I stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and headed for the closet. Lorenzo was already fully dressed in black slacks and a black dress shirt.
He sat on the side of the bed with his phone, sending a text. I rolled my eyes as I crossed the room. I was so irritated.
“Funny… I walk pass in a towel and you pay no mind. Why can’t you sit in the apartment for a day and do the same,” I mumbled.
“I’m well aware of you and your towel. I just don’t want to be late for our appointment,” he grinned. “Alfonzo called his realtor for me, she texted me an address to meet her at.”
“Whatever,” I hissed.
Walking into the closet, I wanted to grab the first pair of jeans I put my hands on. I knew that wasn’t going to fly. So, I grabbed a pair of black fishnet stockings to wear under a black pencil skirt.
I hunted for my navy silk ruffled blouse. I had the perfect pair of navy blue silk platform pumps, waiting for me to wear this blouse. I had a new leather swing coat that was perfect for the outfit and the weather.
When I came out of the closet, Lorenzo wasn’t in the room. I was tempted to climb onto the bed and go back to sleep. Instead, I headed for the bathroom to see if my hair was savable or would I have to wet it and let my curls snap into play.
I had gone to get it straightened and cut earlier this week. Lorenzo almost had a cow. I only took off a few inches, but he wasn’t happy I cut it at all. As if I couldn’t spare an inch or two.
I pulled the band from my hair and shook it out. It was only starting to curl around the edges, nothing I couldn’t fix on my own. I pulled out the flat iron to straighten the few curl and flip my ends, and got to work.
I was so sleepy, I knew I was moving in slow motion. I was trying not to burn myself. Lorenzo appeared in the doorway, grinning, as he looked me over.
“Hey, Beautiful,” he crooned.
I wrinkled my nose and kept working on my hair. I wasn’t in the mood for talking. He was getting on my nerves today.
“Go away,” I murmured.
“I thought you’d be happy I want to buy you a house,” he said teasingly.
“Lo, you do know I was joking about the house. I already own a bunch of them. Couldn’t we just move into one of them?”
“No… those are your houses, you don’t own one with me,” he said as he stepped into the bathroom and stood behind me.
“You don’t own one with me,” I mocked and made a face, as he watched our reflection in the mirror.
“Wow, you’re moody,” he chuckled. “Do you think you might want to move a little faster? We do have somewhere to be.”
“You know, you’re not cute when you’re annoying,” I hissed.
“You’re always cute,” he laughed and hugged me.
“Get out, Lo,” I hissed. “I’ll be ready in a minute.”
He kissed the top of my head and walked out laughing to himself. I wanted to throw something at him, but I couldn’t find anything. I just finished flipping the last section of my hair and threw on some lip-gloss.
I marched out of the bathroom for the kitchen to grab an apple, only to find Lorenzo with the last one in his hand.
“Ugh, seriously?” I groaned and slammed the refrigerator door closed.
“Oh, Babe, I’m sorry. Look at, I only bit a little of it. You want?” he said, as he realized what I was looking for.
“No, I don’t want your half-eaten apple. How much time do I have? Can I make something to eat?” I grumbled.
“Not really, but if you’re hungry, I’ll wait,” he said giving me a puppy dog look.
“No, we can go,” I said as I remembered the pineapples I stashed in the back of the refrigerator. I had to hide them away from Chris the last time he was over.
“We’re taking your truck,” Lorenzo announced.
I raised my eyebrow at these words. “Fine, but I’m not driving,” I said as I put my arms in my coat, he held up for me.
My father had bought me an in the city truck, since I’ve been staying with Lorenzo. It was nice, nothing like my Maserati, but it did the job. I had no clue why Lorenzo wanted to drive it.
He had just traded his 350 for a brand new geared up blue one. I didn’t give it a second thought. I was getting in the car and going to sleep.
He could drive whatever he wanted. As long as he stopped driving me crazy by wanting me to stay up, I really didn’t care. He could drive to the moon and I wouldn’t mind.
We were heading to Jersey. I knew Lorenzo was homesick, despite only being a few minutes away from our families. It figures he would choose to buy our home in New Jersey.
I was out for the count before he hit the bridge. I wasn’t paying neither him nor his buzzing phone any mind. I was just happy the seat felt so nice and the car was nice and warm.
The forty minutes of sleep was enough to help me focus for a few more hours, without ripping off someone’s head. Lorenzo brought the car to a stop, causing me to wake, as I felt the soothing motion stop. I opened my eyes to see we were parked in front of a humongous estate.
My eyes widen at the sight of it. I turned to look at Lorenzo, wondering what we were doing here. He had a huge grin on his face and this proud look in his eyes.
When he said he wanted to buy me a house this wasn’t what I had in mind. I know our apartment was small, but this was more than enough space for us plus any family members that wanted to move in.
“You like?” he asked in an anxious tone. Almost like a boy seeking his parents’ approval.
“I thought you wanted to buy me a house,” I said humorously. “Lorenzo this isn’t a house. This is a palace.”
“A palace for a princess,” he returned, letting the grin widen into a smile that reached every inch of his face, including his eyes. “Let’s go see.”
Lorenzo got out of the car to let me out, as I pulled the mirror down to check my face. Once he opened my door, I stepped out of the truck to get a good look around. I noticed a red BMW parked behind us. A thin brunette stood by the massive steps that lead to the entrance.
She was very pretty, tall, long legs magnified by the black skirt suit and sheer stocking she wore. Her hair was long and shiny with neat bangs. Her skin was fair, but not too pale.
We made our way to where she stood. I couldn’t help but wonder if Lorenzo notice how pretty she was. She looked a little young for a realtor. It made me start to question how often Alfonzo went house hunting.
She seemed to stand up straighter, as she caught a look at Lorenzo in his suit. I noticed her looking him over and the smile that smugly crossed her face. She took one glance at me and seemed a little more confident in the thoughts she was having.
That annoyed me a little. She was pretty, but not that pretty. She would need a lot more to take Lorenzo from me. I already didn’t like her.
“Victoria, I want you to meet, Amy.” Lorenzo gestured toward the brunette. “Amy, this is my fiancée, Victoria. She’ll be the one you are looking to please today.”
“Very nice to meet you, Victoria,” she said, not really looking in my direction. She was too busy focused on Lorenzo. “Did you bring a checklist? What am I up against today?” Her tone was joking. It was obvious she and Lorenzo shared some inside knowledge I didn’t get.
“No, Victoria is nothing like my mother. I think she’ll let you know what she wants when she sees it,” Lorenzo said, in an adoring tone, as he stared down at me.
I reached out my hand, wanting to be polite to Amy, even if the way she stared at Lorenzo made me want to snap her neck. How old was she? Did she not hear him say I was his fiancée?
She finally looked in my direction to reach for my hand. I made sure to shake her hand extra firmly. I could see her face wince at my grip.
“Very nice to meet you, Amy. Lorenzo’s right, no checklist needed. I’ll let you know when you’ve done your job,” I said curtly.
Lorenzo placed his hand on the small of my back and gave me a wink. I knew he was telling me to relax. Um. I’d think about it.
Amy gave a weak smile and turned to take us into the house. I decided to refocus myself on the mission we were here for. Buy a house, so that next weekend Lorenzo wouldn’t try to drag me out house hunting again. That would cut down on the number of times we had to see Amy as well.
The estate looked very well kept. The landscaping was beautiful. We entered the huge red oak doors, once we reached the top of the stairs. The foyer opened to a large intricately designed, black iron railed staircase, finished with red oak wooden handrails.
It was pretty. Not as beautiful as my father’s house or the Botticelli estate, but pretty. The chandelier that hung over the stairs in the foyer was glamorous. It was my favorite feature in the space. The floors were large white square tiles with tiny black diamond accents. Making the entry appear even larger than it really was.
Amy was babbling in her whiny voice about the entryway, the moldings, and the design. Lorenzo busied himself watching me, to see if I liked what I saw so far. The expression on his face said he so anxious. I hoped that something in this house would make me want it.
I knew how happy it would make him to give me something like this. However, I also knew I wasn’t going to settle on just any house. I wanted Lorenzo happy, but I wanted to be happy too. I wanted some place I could see us in.
We walked through a few of the rooms on the lower level, which were nice. A large great room, living room, and study, all beautiful and well-lit, but nothing special. When we got to the kitchen I was done with this house.
I was sure this was not our home. From the look on Lorenzo’s face, he knew the same thing. I could tell he saw I wasn’t impressed at all. Amy was too busy babbling on and touching Lorenzo, every chance she got, to notice.
“Amy, I think we can move on to the next one,” Lorenzo interrupted her in mid-sentence. “This isn’t what she wants.”
“Oh…well, there’s so much more house to see. Are you sure?” she replied.
“I know my princess, this isn’t it. We can move on,” he said abruptly. Lorenzo’s voice boomed with dominance that was downright sexy.
“Okay, well, I have a few more I planned to show you. You guys can follow me to the next one. It isn’t very far and its actually newer construction.” She rushed the words out, noticing the change in Lorenzo’s demeanor.
We were back in our cars in no time. I liked watching Lorenzo take charge. It made him look taller somehow. Although he was still giving me what I wanted, he was showing his authority.
I watched him as he drove behind Amy, following her to the next property. I could see the wheels turning in his head. He had something he wanted to say.
I just waited for him to decide to say it. His phone started buzzing again, but this time he ignored it. His phone sure was going off a lot today. Chris was probably trying to get him to hang out. I wouldn’t mind if he wants to go out. I would be safe sleeping in by myself.
“You look like something is on your mind,” I decided to ask, since he was taking so long to decide himself.
He smiled. “Is it that obvious?” Lorenzo is very easy to read. We spend so much time together, it’s like second nature.
“Yeah, you look like you want to say something. What’s up?” I encouraged the conversation.
“What didn’t you like about the house? Was it the size? Victoria, I can give you the house you want don’t worry about it being too big. I could more than afford that house,” he said, looking a little worried. “I don’t want you to walk away from something you want because you think I can’t handle giving it to you.”
I laughed. “Lo, I know you can afford to give me what I want. That house was…plain. It’s not what I want. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when we find it. Thank you. Be careful what you ask for,” I teased, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. “I think I’m rubbing off on you now. You’re worrying too much.”
He chuckled back and reached for my hand. Ahead of us, Amy had pulled into a little community of large estates. Some were visible and others were pushed back behind trees. As we drove in, I noticed the nicely kept houses and the peaceful area.
We turned off into what didn’t even seem like a road. After half a mile, we pulled up to a large gated entry. I have to admit, I was a little excited this time.
We passed through the gates and drove up the long tree lined driveway. It was beautiful. The mouth of the trees opened, letting us into a large courtyard that boasted a large circular centerpiece of landscaping in the middle of the driveway.
The house was beyond grand. I was truly excited this time. The house had large windows and all kind of interesting curves from the outside. Some of the roof had pointed peaks that made me want to see the inside.
Lorenzo parked behind Amy, turning to see the excited expression on my face. This house looked as big as the first one, so I was sure he knew I was telling the truth about the size not being the problem. He reached for my face, kissing me hard before getting out to open my door.
“Okay, guys. This house is on five acres it’s much larger than the first house we looked at.” Amy was all business this time. Her eyes were on me as she spoke. “Victoria, there are thirteen bedrooms, sixteen baths, an indoor and outdoor pool, a theater, recreational room, and two ten car garages to start.”
“Wow, Lo, where will I put my cars?” I teased.
He gave me a wink and squeezed my waist. Amy turned to walk us up the three steps that led to the cove covering the huge espresso wooden, double doors. Large pieces of glass were embedded in the centers. The door handles were brush nickel curves that invited you in. Everything about it scare me.
We entered the heavy doors to walk into the enormous foyer and I knew I was home. A gorgeous chandelier dropped down from the two-story ceiling, bringing all the drama necessary for the colossal ivory double staircase that wrapped the foyer. The ivory travertine floors, sung in perfect harmony with the curved polished ivory columns that handle up the espresso handrails.
I suppressed the smile I was on the verge of releasing. I don’t want Amy to read how much I wanted this house. I slid my arm in Lorenzo’s coat and rubbed his back so he would understand what I didn’t want her to see. I felt his hold tighten in understanding.
We walked through the first floor of the beautiful home and I could see it come to life. When we entered the office on the first floor, I could see Lorenzo with his books, studying and me bringing him something to eat, as he has been studying for hours, much like I do now. When we reached the kitchen, I could see the staff we’d hire to help me take care of him.
The kitchen was gorgeous, there were the granite countertops and large tiled floors and maple cabinets. All the appliances were stainless steel and brand new. I knew that would make Lorenzo happy.
Lo was all business at that moment, turning on the water and checking the burners to see if they came on. It made me think of the way I felt when he let Amy know we weren’t interested in the other house. It was sexy.
As Lorenzo made his rounds, checking out the functional aspects of the house, I continued to daydream about our new life in this house. I stared out at the pool and outdoor entertainment area. I could see Angie, Matt, and Chris hanging out at our pool, during the summer, while we grilled steaks and turkey burgers. It made the smile I was hiding surface on my lips.
I could hear Amy telling Lorenzo about the butler’s kitchen and the walk-in pantry. She was breaking a sweat in this house. Lorenzo hadn’t said a word and I believed she missed my smile because my back was to her. I felt Lorenzo walk up behind me, as he placed his arms around me.
“You okay? Is this the one?” he whispered and kissed my face.
I gave a small nod and turned to face him. “Do you like it?” I whispered. I hoped he did. It just felt right.
“That doesn’t matter, but, yes,” he said as he gently swayed me in his arms.
“I think it may be the one. I want to see the rest, but it feels right,” I admitted.
We made our way through the rest of the house. Lorenzo watched me as I entered into each room, imaging our life here. I was so ready to live in this house with my Lorenzo.
I could see our family with our little brown, grey-eyed babies running through the halls. Lucie and Toni chasing after them, being the perfect aunt and uncle. Maria and her decorators making sure each of the rooms were perfect. This would be our home it had to be. I was already picking colors for the walls in my mind.
We were standing in what would be our bedroom. It felt so different to know this would be where we would stay once we were married. The room was so open. The double doors that lead inside were so tall and wide. They opened right to a sitting area. As you walked passed the sitting area, you stepped into the huge main bedroom with tall ceilings.
The closets were twice the size of my huge closet at my father’s house and there was one for each of us. There was one closet on each side of the room and bathrooms that connected to each of them. I could stop fussing at Lo about the mess he leaves, when he’s rushing out of the house.
Lorenzo stood at my side, playing in my hair, watching me daydream. Amy gave up on trying to talk to us. She stood off by the door, failing miserably at fighting off a huge frown.
Standing in this room made me think about this afternoon in our apartment. Once this was our home Lo would be more than free to think and do whatever he wanted. I grinned at the thought. Lorenzo’s reaction made me feel as if he could hear my thoughts.
As if Amy weren’t there at all, Lorenzo placed his arms around me. He took me completely by surprise, kissing me so thoroughly, me foot propped up off the floor, as I bent my knee.
I felt like I was in a dream. I clinched his collar holding him to me. Lorenzo started to nimble on my bottom lip as he moaned. His hand slide down to squeeze my backside.
I slid my hands to his chest, not sure how to react. He was stealing my breath away. I found myself gasping and lost in his command for my attention. I could feel my nipple press at the fabric of my bra, causing me to want something, just not knowing exactly what.
I relaxed into his embrace, causing him to pull me closer. I could feel him, pressing into my belly and the grin on his lips. I was sure he’d had the same thoughts about this room that I was having. I couldn’t wait to explore every thought he had.
“Can I make this our home?” he breathed into my face.
“Yes, please,” I whispered back.
“Thank you. I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too, but why are you thanking me?”
“Because you are making me happy by letting me make you happy, thank you,” he said and kissed my forehead.
“You’re welcome,” I sighed. Lorenzo is so sweet.
“Amy, I don’t think we need to look at anything else. Can you get the paperwork to me by Monday, so we can make an offer?” he said, in his business voice again.
“Sure, Mr. Botticelli, we could go over to my office now and I could have it taken care of today,” she replied eagerly.
“No, I have some place I need to be. Tomorrow or Monday will be fine. I want to close before our wedding though, so this needs to happen fast,” he replied.
“No problem, Mr. Botticelli. I will make sure everything is taken care of. Should I contact your father or would you like me to talk directly to you?” Amy asked with a hint of, ‘I’d rather deal with your dad’, in her voice.
“Either is fine, Amy. I have a lot to do this week and I don’t want to hold this up, so if you can get Alfonzo faster than you can reach me, that will be fine,” Lorenzo said, as he pulled out his phone that was buzzing again.
He took a few steps away from me to send a text. I was beginning to wonder what was up with all the text messages, but I was too excited about the house to focus on that at the moment. I followed Amy back downstairs.
She became extra nice now. As she talked I realized Lorenzo said we were not able to go to her office because he had some place to be. I was definitely curious as that thought entered my head. Where was he going and was I going too?
Lorenzo lagged behind, as we walked out of the house. I stopped at the bottom of the steps to see what was taking him so long, but he just walked out of the house smiling. He pulled the key to the truck out of his pocket, reaching for my hand. Without a word led me to the truck.
I was not sure if I wanted to ask questions yet, so I just got in as he held my door open. We weren’t heading home when we exited the community our new house was in. Where was he headed now? Was being at home with me really that bad?
“Lo, where are we going now? Where do you have to be?” I asked hoping to get an answer I could change.
“I know it’s your night to cook. You look so tired, I made reservation so you don’t have to worry about it,” he said with a smile.
I could live with that, he was right. I was too tired to go next to a kitchen. Although, if I were being honest, going for take-out would sound even better. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I didn’t protest his plans. I just sat watching him, still a little curious about the texts.
Lorenzo looked so happy. I haven’t seen him look like this for a while. He always looks so stressed about my safety lately. Always watching over his shoulders for danger.
He refused to stop living over what was going on, but he was extra cautious, especially with me. But in this very moment, that feeling was missing and it was nice. I decided that the silence add to the peace in his eyes, turning to sit back and enjoy it too.
We pulled up to a restaurant I had never been to before. The valet opened my door and I stepped out to wait for Lorenzo. He was at my side in no time, as the valet placed a ticket in his hand.
With his hand on my back, Lorenzo walked me into the restaurant. As we entered he nodded to the hostess, but walked right by her to the back of the restaurant. I looked up at him, wondering what he was up to.
I could tell he was fighting a smirk, as he held his phone in his hand sending a text again. I tried to peek this time, but he was holding it out of my sight, pressing send too fast.
We reached the back of the restaurant and turned toward a pair of black and gold doors. The room behind them looked dark. I looked up at Lorenzo with my brows pulled into the middle of my forehead. He looked down at me and winked, as he pushed one door open for me to walk in. I did as he wanted and walked through.
“Surprise!” A crowd of voices called.
I almost jumped out of my skin, falling back against Lorenzo’s chest. He had one arm around me to steady me against him. I could feel him shaking with laughter behind me.
The lights came on, allow Maria, Angie, Aunt Joann, and Sharon to come into view. They were all heading toward me with smiles and open arms. Angie holding a veil in her hands. There was a crowd of smiling women behind them. I turned to look at Lorenzo. He was smiling from ear to ear.
“Have fun,” he leaned to whisper in my ear and kissed me on the cheek. “Call me when you’re on the way home,” he said, as he handed me the ticket from the valet.
“Wait, how are you getting home?” I asked confused and shocked.
Lorenzo hadn’t let me out of his sight unless he had to lately. I didn’t see Uncle Mike anywhere in the room. Was he really just going to leave? I was happy I always carried just in case. At that moment, the extra weight in my purse was very reassuring.
“Chris is outside waiting for me,” he said noticing my panic. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. I wouldn’t leave if you weren’t.”
I nodded and reached up to kiss him before he turned to leave. I would have to forget about sleeping for a few more hours. As soon as he walked away, I was surrounded.
Angie placed the veil on my head and Sharon gave me the biggest hug ever. It was nice to see her. I only get to see her when she would come to my father’s to help with wedding plans and that was not too often. Maria was the next one to give me a bear hug.
“Your mother wanted badly to come, but she was scared to put you in danger. She said to tell you, she loves you and she won’t miss your wedding for anything, promise,” she whispered.
When Maria released me, we both had tears in our eyes and we hugged again. Maria had started to give my mom a break. I know she was doing it because of me. Maria was a lot like a mom to me now.
We let each other go, so I could greet the rest of the guests. Aunt Joann, with her silly self, whistled at my outfit, as she took my coat and give me a hug. I was happy I didn’t do jeans and sneakers like I wanted to. It dawned on me that Lorenzo had planned all this. Me suggesting the house hunt only helped him out.
The room was filled with friends from my high school, the neighborhood, and family. All people I knew my father trusted. I relaxed in no time, forgetting all about sleep.
How could I sleep. I had women coming at me from all angles, giving me advice on how to be a good wife. They all had suggestions on how I should keep Lorenzo happy.
I tried to stay clear of Lorenzo’s aunts, Sharon’s sisters. Their advice was more than I wanted. I was glad for my darker skin, to hide a little of the blushing their words brought on. Their gifts matched their advice. Angie and my friends from school got a kick out of that.
I wanted to kill the person in charge of the entertainment. They not only hired one stripper, but four. One of which was a little more interested in me than I thought was necessary.
Sharon and Maria noticed and almost had to barricade me behind their own bodies. It was a little embarrassing and uncomfortable. I never let Lorenzo touch me the way he had tried.
Angie and Jennifer, whose mom was also there, were the only girls from school that were allowed in the room during the show. I wanted to disappear to wherever the others went.
When they were done, I could see the aggressive dancer still checking me out. They were all nice-looking guys. The blonde one was tall and lean, but very toned. He was very tan for this time of the year, which made Angie and me laugh a little.
Another, had very low cut dark hair and was shorter with a football player build. He was twice my complexion, making him look like liquid chocolate, as he danced.
Then, there was the dark haired, blue-eyed one who looked like he was just as interested as the aggressive dancer, but had a little more respect for the veil and the ring I was wearing. He was tall too, but he looked more like a body builder. His tan was much more even and managed.
Then there was my fan, he was a couple of shades lighter than me with dark brown eyes. His face was the nicest of them all, but I think him knowing that was a disadvantage to his own character. He looked like he belonged in underwear ads, not too muscular, but still cut in the right places.
I wasn’t too sure how Lo was going to feel about the entertainment part of the night. I didn’t know how much he knew about what was happening here. There was a toast, cake, and the older women were having cocktails.
The little champagne I had during the toast was more than enough for me. It was making my stomach turn in disgust. I hadn’t even finished the whole glass. I was happy to see Uncle Mike and Uncle Sal show up to help me load my truck with my gifts, so I could go home.
My guests were all getting ready to leave. Maria handed me a basket of favors to stand at the door with, so I could thank everyone and say goodnight. My friends from school took the longest to leave. They squealed about me getting married and how hot Lo is.
A couple of the girls mentioned the fight with Sabrina. Asking if it was because I took her boyfriend? That annoyed me a little, but as usual Angie had my back.
“No! And I do remember telling yous to mind your own business,” she snarled. I chuckled to myself and changed the subject.
When we finally had the last of the guests out of the door, I tried to help clean up, but Maria and Sharon insisted I get home. It was about a forty-five minute to an hour-long ride. Angie came running over when she saw me putting on my coat.
“Hey, Vic, I know Chris is at your place. I don’t get to see him or you much lately. He has classes and practice all the time. Plus, I’ve been busy with senior year,” she explained nervously. “I know he spends a lot of time with Lo, when he can. Um, I brought some clothes with me. Can I come over tonight? Please.”
I chuckled at the sad puppy face she made. “Oh, please, Angie, do you really need to ask? Lo’s place is my home, he won’t mind. I would love for you to come over. Just don’t expect me to be any company tonight, I’m so tired,” I told her. “I didn’t think anyone else will have a problem with it. You’re riding with me, right?”
“Yeah! I came with my mom, in case you said it was okay,” she chimed.
“Ok, get your things. I’m going. You want to drive?” I asked.
“Sure, give me one minute,” she called over her shoulder, as she ran for her things.
I was out of the door. Uncle Mike was outside, with my car parked right out front. I climbed in the passenger side and made myself comfortable, as I fished my phone out of my bag.
I sent Lorenzo a text to let him know I was coming home. I couldn’t fight it anymore. My eyelids were closed and I could hear the snores coming from me as I slept.