Chapter 37
I sigh as I watch Apollo from my room, sitting on my floral couch, deep in thought.
He removed his leather coat due to the warm weather and is now sporting a charcoal gray, V-neck tee that shows off his muscled torso.
Tattoos are visible on his arms and upper chest, making me shiver.
I wonder what’s going through his head. That beautiful frown on his face gives me pause. That detached stare makes me curious.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
He looks at me and his eyes go round as saucers. “Where are the rest of your clothes?”
I look down at my short jean shorts with a high waist, paired with an off-the-shoulder white blouse. I look killer. But this must be a shock for Apollo, coming from a world that is very formal.
He stands up, eyes devouring me. “I do not understand this world. It leaves very little to the imagination. ”
I laugh. “What were you thinking of?”
“You.”
I frown. “Good or bad?”
“Let’s walk and talk.” He winks at me, smacking my ass as I pass him. “I can’t believe men in this world are able to function with their women wearing such things. I can almost see your ass in this.”
I feel him grab me there, seemingly unable to keep his hands off me, making me laugh.
“It’s just the style, people here are used to it,” I say, and look back, seeing him still eyeing my body from behind like I am naked. “So, what were you thinking?”
We make it outside on the busy streets and I turn again to wait for him to catch up. He is purposely walking slow. “Apollo?”
He looks up at me with confusion, making me laugh again. These shorts seem to have him mystified. “I asked about what you were thinking?”
Apollo grins and grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips. “I was wondering if you will be happy with me, or if you will miss this crazy place.”
Apollo’s eyes widen when a dude with a green mohawk walks by in a dog collar and Gothic clothing.
I chuckle into his muscled arm. His face is priceless.
“Apollo, I will be very happy with you, you can trust me. I know we have had our issues, but I have nothing left to hide.
“Honestly though,” I kiss his warm shoulder, never wanting to let go, “I don’t care where I am at as long as I’m with you.”
He looks down at me, a blond ringlet falling free. “No more secrets between us, Angel.”
“Agreed.” I pull his arm so he will lean down, kissing his soft lips. ~Yum.~ “People are taking your picture.” I giggle in his mouth .
He glances up and sees a few camera phones aimed at us.
“They probably think you’re some celebrity or a fitness model,” I say, and grab his arm tighter. ~He is mine, ladies~ .
Apollo glances down at me. “I’m pretty sure you in those shorts are causing the fuss. I am having a hard time watching these men staring at your legs without losing my temper.”
I smile ~. I disagree.~
Apollo is unnaturally hot. It does not take a genius to see that. “Where are we going?”
“Over here.”
I falter just a bit. It’s where this all started. Where Cherie and I first saw Pierce standing there with his amused smirk.
That day forever changed my life.
I look to my left and see Mrs. Martinez, the Burrito Lady, and I freeze. Longing crashes through me.
This woman makes the best burritos in all the universe, I’ll place money on it. She carries a large cooler full of tinfoil-wrapped, steaming-hot, green chili burritos.
“Apollo!” I say, dragging his arm with me, startling him. “Have you ever had a burrito?!” I need to contain my excitement. I glance back to him, pulling him harder.
He looks confused as he follows me.
I am about to rock his world.
We walk up to her, and I say, “Mrs. Martinez!”
She glances up to us and a wide smile spreads over her face, wrinkles softening her dark eyes. “My Viola, I was wondering what happened to you!” She gives me a tight hug .
After a few moments, her eyes drift over to Apollo, and they widen. She says something in Spanish and laughs, elbowing my side, giving me a wink.
Apollo raises an eyebrow at me as I glance toward her. “He,” I say loudly, pointing to Apollo, “has never had a ~burrito~ !”
I say it like it is a sin breaking one of the Ten Commandments.
She does the sign of the cross on her chest and mutters something under her breath. She immediately opens the cooler and a cloud of delicious stream rises followed by the best smelling Mexican food.
My mouth waters and I grin at Apollo’s curious expression, his abnormal eyes glittering with mirth.
Apollo’s a big boy. I bet he can put down some food.
I try to pay her, but she waves my hand away, giving us both a heavy, wrapped burrito. I say thank you and give her a kiss, knowing that this will be the last time I will eat one of her burritos.
I glance at Apollo as we walk toward the Fairy Godmother Inc. door and stop. “Open it like this and take a bite,” I command, doing the same.
“We are very late, but this smells very good,” he says, and takes a large bite.
After seconds of me holding my breath, waiting for any reaction that would tell me that this is the best food he has ever eaten, he closes his eyes with an expression of bliss.
“What in the fuck is this?” he says as he covers his mouth.
I take a bite, hot green chili coursing through my mouth like a storm of ecstasy. “I know, right?!”
“It’s insane.”
“Out of this world.”
“Sorcery. ”
“I might orgasm.”
Apollo nods. “I won’t judge.”
“Oh my gosh, did you get a chunk of beef and cheese?” I whimper.
He does not say anything as he finishes his last bite and wipes his mouth. “That was wonderful, thank you for that.” He looks mystified.
I laugh and give him my last half, which he gladly takes with enthusiasm. We both stand there wiping our faces, and I crack up, leaning in to give him a kiss.
He hugs me tight, his hands roaming over me.
“We’d better go,” I say, feeling excited.
“Ladies first.” He holds the door open, his hand still gripping mine like he doesn’t want to let go.
We walk up the staircase and push open the metal door to see the same elegant office that I first saw and remember. Cheers and claps erupt when we enter fully, seeing Laura and the rest of the girls who want to return.
Laura runs up to me and hugs me, then scolds Apollo, saying, “ ~About time!~ ”
I glance past Laura to see Pierce, Mort, Leenie, and the Fairy Godmother all staring at us. My heart constricts. I thought I would never see them again.
The room quiets.
Zora walks up to us in a white, fifties-style dress, and I swallow, feeling nervous. She looks beautiful with her perfect face and a high bun.
“You both are cutting it close,” she condemns with an eyebrow raise.
I close my eyes, knowing it is my fault. I will leave out the steamy apartment incident, they can’t prove anything there.
“I’m so sorry. That’s my fault. I saw Mrs. Martinez outside and I thought…just one last time.”
Zora’s eyes widen as she grabs the necklace at her neck, looking back to Pierce. “ Mrs. Martinez.”
Pierce lets out a breath and checks his watch, looking troubled. Everyone exchanges looks, confusing me. I shift uncomfortably as I glance at Apollo.
Zora shrugs at Pierce. “I could eat a chicken burrito before I leave to the seventh gate.”
“We don’t always have to be on time,” Pierce agrees, as everyone in the office chimes in with eagerness.
I place a hand over my mouth to contain my amusement and relief that I am not in trouble. I guess everyone knows about the magical burritos.
I hear Laura from my left. “I’ll take one for the road, Pierce, please.”
“I second that,” Mort says.
“All right, let’s make this fast!” Pierce says and takes out a notepad. “Orders, please! Speak now or forever hold your peace.” Pierce points at Apollo. “You want another, big guy?”
Apollo looks at me with an amused smirk. “Give me two. I think I need to take one back and study it for our cloning facilities.”
Pierce nods. “Never a normal day at Fairy Godmother Inc., that’s for damn sure.”
***
~In the briefing room~
I will say goodbye to Earth forever, and it does not bother me because I am staring at the most seductive, ~dark~ eyes. Apollo walks around me and clasps the Darling necklace around my neck.
Pierce walks up to me with a grin. “I get to make your wedding gown, my dear. It will be my honor. And do tell me when you’re with child, I am quite good at sending great baby clothes.”
I hug Pierce fiercely, knowing that he is such a special person. Apollo and I did not use protection, so the idea that I might be pregnant could be very true.
A surge of delight courses through me when thinking about having a child with bouncing blond ringlets. I look at Apollo and I can see that he may be having similar thoughts.
He squeezes my hand and I feel butterflies in my chest.
This is a ~happily-ever-after.~
I feel my eyes gloss over.
“I have never seen two people glowing as much as you two.” Pierce laughs. “You will all be missed, but rest assured, we all get together at the annual Fairy Godmother Christmas party.
“Think of it as a company Christmas party. You will always be a part of our family. And yes, we celebrate Christmas. Every world has something similar, trust me. Every world needs saving.
“The big man upstairs likes us a lot.” He winks.
“I can’t wait,” I say, feeling Apollo rubbing my wrist. I look at Apollo. “Do you have Christmas on Delorith?”
“Yes.” He moves his head to the side. “We call it something a little different.”
Pierce nods. “Isn’t it Savioright Day?”
“Yes,” Apollo agrees.
“There are a few worlds that don’t, but most do, anyway.” He claps his hands. “When you both are ready, step into the pod and press the blue button. I will bid you both farewell, until we meet again.”
When he leaves, I glance down at my lovely pale green gown and smile up at Apollo. “This is it.”
“This is it, Angel.”
I frown up at him. “How’s your head? Will this be okay for you? ”
“I will be fine.” He kisses my forehead. “I should be back to full health. I only experience head pain occasionally. No more confusing thoughts.
“I had one more treatment before I came, and I am feeling back to normal.”
“I am so sorry.”
He laughs. “Angel, I would have died for you.”
I close my eyes at that, then feel his lips on mine, the kiss turning passionate as his mouth moves over mine. I lift my head. “Tarren will be so happy Laura is coming back.”
“Yes, that will save our relationship. He was devastated,” Apollo admits.
“Am I pregnant?” I take his hand and put it on my stomach.
“I hope so, but if not, you will be soon,” he says with a dark glimmer. I laugh as we make our way into the pod.
I take a breath and grab his hand. “Let’s push it together.”
“I love you.”
He grabs my chin and kisses me right as we both push the button.
***
“That, my friends, is a ~happily-ever-after~ ,” says the Fairy Godmother with a wink, and a generous bite of her burrito.