CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Two years later
Natalia
“So how is everything going with you guys?” Aliza asks from her end of the line, and I sigh contentedly. Lounging back on the bed, I cross my feet at the ankles and stare at the ceiling.
“Everything’s so great…I met my family.”
“I’m sorry, what was that?” she asks, sounding completely shocked, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Luke talked me into it, but I’m so glad he did. I met my mom’s family…well my family, actually.”
“Wow. That’s just…wow, Natalia. That’s so great. How did it go? Tell me everything!”
I sigh into the receiver. “Well, Luke was away for football and I couldn’t fly out to see him, so he surprised me by coming home. Before all the contracts and stuff, he wanted to get out and do something one last time without his agents telling him what to do, so we went to Mexico. I don’t know how he did it Aliza, but he found out where my mom’s family lived. I was so scared the day I called, I felt like a complete idiot when I couldn’t talk back to them in Spanish. But all I had to say was my mother’s name and the lady on the other line gasped. She turned out to be my grandma. Long story short, I met up with them, and they’re the sweetest people I’ve ever met.
“At first, I was so angry at my father for keeping me away from them because we’ve missed out on so much time together, but they explained that he did what he thought was best. I was so emotional Aliza, looking at all the pictures of my mother…having them all tell me I look just like her resonated deeply. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more at peace.”
Aliza sniffles on her end of the line.
“That’s beautiful Natalia. I’m so happy for you. Your mom would be so proud of the woman you are today.” I can’t help the smile that tugs at the corners of my lips because I know she’s right. “Have you spoken to your dad at all?”
I blow out a breath. “Yes. I actually did. After I met my family, I made some time and called him. It was awkward at first. So much time had passed since the last time we talked but…I’m glad I did it. All family, no matter their mistakes is better than no family.”
“Now that’s what I like to hear!”
“Except Gina.”
Aliza laughs. “I figured that much.”
“How’s everything with you and CJ?” I ask, changing the subject. When she’s silent, I check my end to make sure the call hasn’t dropped.
“Aliza?” I prod.
“I’m scared,” she whispers, making my heart drop.
“Of what, hon? What’s going on?”
“What if I’m not enough for him?” she asks, and I sigh in relief. Aliza always thinks she isn’t good enough, which is utter bullshit. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to CJ.
“Aliza, stop it, you know—”
She cuts me off. “Just listen to me Nat. I know Chase loves me, I really do, but not being able to give him a family…it’s just really starting to get to me. I see the way he looks at other families and it just….” A choked sob erupts on the other line, making my eyes sting with tears.
“Aliza, you listen to me. That man loves you with or without a family, and you know that. Sometimes having kids isn’t in the cards for everyone. You can always consider adoption, but please, please don’t for a second think he doubts you or his decision to marry you, because I know he doesn’t. CJ loves you, Aliza.” She sniffles into the line then blows out a breath.
“I know he does. I’m just being stupid and insecure. What’s new?”
I laugh at her response and hope my best friend can continue living through her happily ever after with no problems—she out of everyone deserves it the most. She’s lived through hell and still made it out unscathed. She’s an inspiration to everyone.
“When are you guys coming to visit us? We miss you.”
I can practically visualize Aliza’s pout. It makes me laugh. “Why don’t you guys ever visit us? We’re only in San Francisco. It’s not that far away.”
“CJ and I have been thinking about it, but Sam would be pissed if we went without her. She’s been super busy lately.”
“Yeah, I know,” I grumble into the phone. “Too busy to even return my phone calls.”
“Oh, c’mon. You know she misses you like crazy. I’ll make sure she calls you soon.”
“Okay.” I sigh. “I guess this is where we’re supposed to hang up now, right?” I laugh awkwardly.
“I promise, we’ll talk again soon, maybe see you guys even sooner. I love you.”
“I love you too. Give Sammy my love.”
“I will.”
The line goes dead, and I slouch back onto the couch, closing my eyes. This is always the hardest part. Being five hundred miles away from my best friends—my family—my sisters.
A little over two years ago, Luke was drafted, and picked up by his dream team. The San Francisco 49ers. Since he grew up in Frisco, Luke always dreamed of playing for their team, and I guess, dreams really do come true. We made the successful move from San Diego to San Francisco, with teary goodbyes, but also excitement for future opportunities. So far, Luke has become a shining star on the team. No more than a few months ago, he was considered a rookie, but after his winning catch in the last four seconds of one of his games, landing his team in the playoffs, he’s become somewhat of hero to his teammates, and everyone else in the NFL. He’s now referred to as Luke “The Catch” Caldwell.
Warm hands slide up my thighs, prompting a smile to spread across my face and my eyes to open. Luke, dressed in basketball shorts, and nothing else, is leaning in front of me with his knees on the floor, and mischievous glint in his eye.
“You look like you’re up to no good.”
He chuckles and continues running his hands up and down my thighs in a seductive manner, clouding my brain. God, this man.
“Who was that on the phone? The girls?”
“Yeah, well, no. It was Aliza, not Sam—we were just catching up. I’ve missed them.”
Something flashes across Luke’s face, and he blows out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Babygirl. I know you never wanted any of this.”
“Hey, hey, hey,” I say, cupping his handsome face in my hands. “I do want this Luke, more than you’ll ever know. If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t, and you know that.”
His full lips purse, like he’s thinking about objecting, so I place a finger over his plump lips, stopping him from saying anything else. “Moving here has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Yeah, it sucks that the girls live so far away now, but nothing beats being with you. I have my dream job here at the university counseling students who want great careers. All my dreams are coming true, babe, so don’t think I’m not happy here, because I am.”
Whiskey eyes stare at me intently, sending heat shooting throughout my body. The corners of Luke’s mouth tip into a crooked smile. “Have I told you how much I love you lately?”
I purse my lips, feigning a look like I’m deep in thought. “Hmmm, not entirely enough.”
“I love you,” he says, trailing kisses up my jean-clad thighs.
“Still need more,” I taunt playfully. He cocks an eyebrow and that playful glint is back in his eye.
“What if I did something else to show you I love you?” he asks a in a husky voice that hits me straight between the thighs.
“That might work,” I breathe. Smiling up at me, Luke undoes the button of my jeans and slowly pulls them down my thighs. For the rest of the day, he proceeds to show me just how much he loves me.