Chapter 18 #2
I beamed while typing my response. After checking the time on my phone, I noted how much longer I had left.
I couldn’t wait to talk to my man later.
My eyes widened at the thought. We weren’t official yet, but it seemed pointless to address him as anything less.
A knock at the door pulled me from my musings.
“Your dad is in the kitchen,” Carmen said, humor dancing in her eyes.
Wiping the corners of my mouth, I stood while groaning. “I’m coming.”
My quiet moment had come to an end. Who knew a few bites of food and silence was all I needed to recalibrate. The sound of laughter and cheers had me curious to see what my dad was doing. I shook my head at him and Opal plating heaping portions of paella.
“You didn’t get enough?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
My dad smiled sheepishly. I caught a glimpse of Raven when his eyes met mine. Leave it to Carlos Gold to sneak a peek behind the curtains.
“I didn’t.”
“Take what you want.” I rolled my eyes playfully. Opal packed the remainder of the paella for him. He kissed my forehead, something he knew I’d hated since I was twelve. There was nothing more humiliating than my dad reminding everyone that I was his little girl.
“Tu abuela te está sonriendo desde arriba,” he said for only me to hear.
The embarrassment of having my dad kiss me in front of my employees was replaced with pride. I hugged him tightly, feeling how much his words rang true.
“Where are you?” Raven’s voice jolted me from my bed as I looked around the room.
“I’m on my way.” Clearing my throat, I tossed the covers back and hurried to the bathroom.
“You sound like you just woke up! Robyn, if your ass isn’t here in the next ten minutes,” she warned.
I placed the call on speakerphone so I could wipe and wash my hands. “Ray, I swear I’ll be there soon.”
My sister was a nervous wreck about hosting our mom for breakfast. Anytime we had plans with her, Raven got antsy and a little bitchy.
“Okay. I just texted Mom to get her ETA. Hold on, she’s responding.”
My “okay” came out as a jumbled mess as I brushed my teeth. While scraping my tongue, I brainstormed outfit ideas. I was going to my sister’s to debrief and spend time with her and Mom. However, I knew better than to throw on a shirt and leggings like I would’ve worn any other time.
“Mom says twenty minutes away. You’re lucky.”
I sloshed water in my mouth before spitting it into the sink. “Great. See you soon.”
After ending the call, I read through the sea of congratulatory texts from friends. Nadir was at the top; his message must’ve come through while I was talking to Raven off the ledge.
NADIR:
You home?
ROBYN:
Yes.
I opened my closet and sifted through my dresses for a cute but casual option.
After deciding on a black T-shirt dress and sandals, I took the jumbo flexi-rods out of my hair.
A knock at the door had me hurrying to see who was there.
While raking my fingers through my hair, I looked through the peephole.
All I saw was a bouquet and butterflies filled my belly.
With the biggest smile, I opened the door. Nadir peeked at me from around the flowers. My heart fluttered at the sight of him.
“I won’t hold you up, just wanted to drop these off before I go to work.”
Nadir handed me the arrangement of yellow and orange roses, daises, and pink ranunculus. I accepted the flowers while wrapping my free arm around his neck. He hooked an arm around my waist, drawing me closer. I inhaled his scent and a wave of comfort covered me.
“Thanks, my darling.” I beamed at him.
If only I didn’t have to get to my sister’s, I would’ve made him late. Seeing him today was truly a treat given how busy I’d been with work. Last night, we talked on the phone until I drifted to sleep. I didn't remember the last time I did that with someone, probably not since high school.
“These flowers are gorgeous,” I said, then sniffed them.
After placing the vase on my coffee table, I grabbed my keys and purse off the couch. When I turned around, I bumped into Nadir. He held my chin and looked deeply into my eyes. Warmth and adoration glimmered in his gaze.
“I also came to do this.”
Nadir took my bottom lip between his lips and sucked.
I sighed as heat crept up my neck. When his tongue slipped into my mouth, I wasted no time doing the same.
His arms settled around my waist and mine around his neck.
The feeling of my dress lifting and his hand slipping under had me pulling away from him.
“We have places to be.”
Running a hand over his face, he sighed. “Right. I’ll walk you to your car.”
On the way downstairs, I shared my plans for the day. After leaving Raven’s, I planned to go to B my cheeks were on fire.
What was I going to do with my darling loverboy?
We shared one last hug before parting ways. My heart danced. I must’ve smiled the whole way to Raven’s house. My soft opening was a success. I felt lighter after sharing my true feelings with Nadir. Life couldn’t have been better. I floated to my sister’s door, nothing could ruin my high.
“Finally,” was Raven’s greeting.
Never mind the fact that I’d shown up with an overpriced bottle of her favorite champagne.
“You’re in a good mood,” I said as we walked into the kitchen.
“Mom ambushed me last night.” Raven’s nostrils flared as she uncorked the champagne.
My eyebrows met. “What? How?”
Raven shared how our mom asked about children while the cameras were up.
“What did you do?” I followed my sister to the balcony, carrying two champagne flutes.
“I don’t even remember. Probably said something witty which caused her to change the subject. You know she doesn’t want us depicted on TV as anything other than perfect.”
“Do you blame her?” I said with a mirthless laugh.
“Not at all. But she doesn’t need to create a storyline at my expense. I already don’t want to be on the show and last night didn’t help.”
“So, is this brunch going to be okay?” I wasn’t in the mood to referee my mom and sister today.
Raven picked up a bag of gummies from the table and smiled. “It’s going to be great. I’m not going to bring it up because today is still about you. I just needed to vent before she got here.”
“Come here,” I said, reaching for her arms. Raven sighed when I squeezed her. “Your feelings are valid, and if you decide to say something, I’ll back you up.”
She patted my back. “Thanks, baby sis.”
Raven hurried past me to go inside.
“You need a hand?” I called out
She waved me off, which was expected. While awaiting her return, I sipped my champagne and admired their view. Moments later, Raven returned with our mom closely behind her.
“Hey baby,” she squealed. Raven and I shared a look then laughed. My mom ignored us and hugged me like she hadn’t seen me less than twelve hours ago.
Unlike the lavish spread she made for me, Raven prepared my mom’s favorite dishes.
We started with a strawberry salad, then eggs Florentine and French toast on challah.
By the time she pulled out the mini berry Chantilly cake, I was ready for a nap.
We kept things light, only talking about my parents' last trips and business ventures.
I sighed in relief. We successfully ignored talking about the show.
“So, Robyn. I was expecting to meet someone last night.” My mom’s perceptive eyes were penetrating. I coughed, then reached for my drink. I spared a glance at Raven who was looking at her nails.
“Someone like?” I probed my mom for details.
“A new boyfriend or special friend.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.” I tried for humor.
“I just assumed since Raven said you took the engagement news better than expected.”
I laughed. “Actually, I didn’t take the news well. In fact, I cried my eyes out.”