Chasing Us (Dark Love 2)

“Relax, would you? He’s still in his boxers.” Rocky rolls his eyes. How he remains calm is beyond me.

And so, we continue watching until the music changes. They don’t get fully naked wearing only thongs. I relax. I mean, what’s the big deal, right? Until Nikki rips off a thong and a dick flings out in all its glory. She shrieks in delight, rubbing herself up against him until Rocky yells, “That’s it, I’m going in!”

We attempt to hold him back, but he’s determined, that is until he pulls us up, and the three of us pummel through the door, falling flat on our faces. The music stops, and the women gasp, followed by laughter.

“Nicola Joanne Romano, you better have a damn good explanation for what I just saw!” Rocky is furious, his normal laid-back attitude a far

cry from the jealous streak on parade.

Finn looks scared, probably from breaking the playhouse.

And me?

Charlotte gazes directly at me, giving me a wink, and just like that, I know I have nothing to worry about.

Nothing at all.

CHARLIE

I run my fingers along the intricate beading and the fine lace designed so beautifully down the sleeves.

My eyes gaze at the soft pattern of the fabric, so delicate and unique, yet a timeless classic design. Adriana really outdid herself. She stands beside me waiting impatiently for some sort of reaction from me, but I’m literally speechless. My dream has somehow morphed into reality, and I need to pinch myself to make sure it is real.

Unfortunately, Adriana does that for me.

“Okay, you haven’t spoken for like ten minutes. You hate it, don’t you?” Adriana sulks.

I motion for her to be quiet as I continue to stare at the dress.

“She’s having second thoughts, I know it,” Nikki complains.

I ignore their comments, my eyes fixated on this exquisite creation. I’m not the type of girl who has her wedding all planned out since I was five, nor do I go to sleep at night imagining the dress I will wear. The truth be told, when Lex and I got married the night in The Hamptons, I was somewhat happy to skip the formalities. It isn’t until five minutes ago that the desire to wear this perfect dress, walk down the aisle, and say the ‘I do’s’ in front of everyone has consumed me.

I want it, I want him, and I want every woman in the world to know Lex belongs to me. Call me a selfish bitch, but when God hands you the smartest, most delicious and unbelievably caring guy in a box with a giant red bow, you say thank you and take it with the utmost appreciation. I should wrap a bow around his beautiful cock too. Mmm, great thinking.

Lost in my perfect little Lex’s cock-bubble fantasy, I haven’t noticed Nikki is still rambling on about me getting cold feet. Please, my feet are boiling hot. That’s how sure I am.

“Paciencia, let her take in this moment.”

The voice is oddly familiar, a voice I’ve heard a million times before. I turn around slowly to see my mom standing behind me with her hands cupped to her heart.

“Mom?” I break out of my moment and run into her arms, the overwhelming familiarity of the warmth of her embrace comforts me more than I thought I needed.

I don’t dare to let go, holding onto her tight, not realizing the tears are streaming down my face. When I gather myself enough to pull away, I wipe my eyes able to see her clearly. My mother has always been a beautiful woman, and I have to admit as a child, I used to be jealous. I wanted to look exactly like her, and I remember scrutinizing the features I inherited from my dad.

My mother was born and bred in Cuba, a hot-tempered Latina as my dad would say. Her skin was nicely tanned all year round, and her frame naturally toned, but I would say that was because of her love of dancing, especially salsa. She has these mesmerizing hazel eyes, eyes her mother once told her were full of wisdom from the moment she was born. She hasn’t aged one bit—her secret papaya and something-or-other concoction clearly isn’t bullshit.

“Mi corazon,” she pauses, lifting my face to meet hers.

I’m met by her concerned stare, the one I witnessed several times when she would do readings for her friends.

“Estas con niño?” she asks, shocked.

Fuck, she asked if I’m with a child. I can’t hide the pregnancy any longer, especially since everyone knows besides her.

“Mom, please, we need to talk, and before you ask, no, I’m not marrying Lex because I am pregnant.”

She continues to examine me, taking her time to study my face. I know what she’s doing, trying to get some sort of insight as to what the hell is really going on. I remember what she once told me, so I stand still, smiling and reminiscing about all the happy times Lex and I shared—the past, the present, and to the future. Like an open book, she reads me. I see the look of concern fade, and once again, I can see that slight sparkle in her eyes, along with the shimmer of hope.