The four of us gather around the kitchen, eating and drinking the new wine that I just purchased earlier today. About thirty minutes later, the apartment buzzer chimes again so I let Gia and Brad inside. Because Gia is Gia, she busts through the front door yelling out, “Let’s get this party started!”
After making introductions, Gia hands me a bag full of liquor and beer. I bring it into the kitchen and place it on the counter. Brad follows me in and washes his hands, ready to start mixing a few drinks.
I smile at him as he dries them. “So, you and Gia huh? I’m really not that surprised.”
He returns the smile as he watches Gia talk to Rob in the living room. “Yeah, she makes me happy and I hope I’m doing the same for her. From the first moment I saw her walk in that club a year ago, I knew right then and there she was the one for me. But for her to choose me, it’s so surreal.”
Placing my hand on his shoulder, I reach up to kiss his cheek. “Believe me when I say this: she’s crazy about you. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. She’s happy.”
He sighs. “Thanks Melanie.”
******
An hour passes and there’s still no sign of Roman. I have the urge to text him, but I figure he would’ve showed up by now if he intended to come.
Gia notices my doubt and pulls me to her. “Don’t worry, he’ll show up. I have a good feeling.”
I frown at her attempt to cheer me up. “It’s almost eleven Gia. I don’t think he’s going to show.”
“Hey, stop that nonsense. He’s going to show. Trust me.”
I glance at her while she sips on one of Brad’s martinis. “And how do you know you?”
Her quirky attitude shines as her body shakes with anticipation. “He’ll be in here in 3…2…1.”
At that exact moment, the apartment intercom buzzes. Gia and I stare at each other as our jaws drop. She squeals out, “Holy shit! That worked! I’m fucking psychic!”
She starts to clap her hands while hopping up and down as Brad grabs a hold of her. “Let’s get you some coffee shall we babe?”
Putting down my wine glass on the table, I rush toward the front door and jet downstairs to the lobby. The rest of the gang follows me as we make our way down the stairwell. A surge of excitement and nervousness flows through me as I land on the last step and see Roman leaning against the wall in the vestibule. The wheelchair is folded up, waiting to be lifted up the stairs.
He catches me staring at him and immediately beams into a bright smile. His straight white teeth sparkle in the darkened hallway as I open the lobby door for him.
My breathing hitches as I stand closer to him, taking in his handsome look. His hair is gelled into a nice style, a pair of dark jeans hugs his hips, and it’s all accented by a red button down shirt. His black coat is laying on the ground by his feet; I guess that it probably slipped from his grasp as he rang by doorbell.
He opens his arms as I step inside, leaning my body into his. “You showed up. I didn’t think you were coming.”
“Stupid traffic, the cab took forever just to drive fifteen blocks.”
I glance up into his eyes. “I thought you were at your aunt’s.”
“No, I’ve been at my apartment this week. It’s time I start to learn to fend for myself. I’m a grown man and need to start acting like one. Besides, my building has an elevator so it isn’t that bad being home alone.”
His eyes look deep into mine and I look down toward the ground, blushing with embarrassment. He lets go of his hold on me, slowly stepping into the hallway.
Taking his hand to steady him, we see the crew at the stairwell, waiting to meet him. Clearing my throat, I announce, “Uh, everyone, this is Roman.”
They all rush up to him as we do introductions. Gia pulls him into a hug and plants a kiss on his cheek. “So, you’re the one that she won’t shut up about. Good to finally meet you.”
I flash her a don’t-you-dare-say-anything look as she laughs at my plea for silence. Duke and Roman shake hands as Duke thanks him for his service in the fire department. “It takes a lot of guts to do what you did. I’m honored to have met such a brave and courageous person.”
Roman nods. “Thanks man. I appreciate it.”
I reach down to grab Roman’s coat off the floor as Raya picks up his wheelchair. Rob steps forward and assures Roman he won’t drop him. After careful handling, both Duke and Rob haul him up the stairs and into my apartment. I lock the door behind us, hanging up his coat on the coat rack as Raya sets the wheelchair up in the living room.
Roman hands me his iPod and asks me to plug it into my stereo and start his playlists. Gia pulls Brad to a stand as she starts to dance against him, letting the beat of the music flow through her body. As the pair of them dance, Raya and Duke snuggle up on the sofa, and Rob watches the New Year’s Eve special on TV.
Gesturing for him to follow, I head into the kitchen and Roman follows so we can enjoy a little alone time together. The music fades into the background as Gia continues to cheer out while dancing. I hear her call out for Raya to join her and shriek aloud. I only assume that Raya did.