That dream was awesome.
As I enter my bathroom, I catch sight of my appearance in the mirror above the sink. Got the just had sex look going on with my hair. My cheeks are a rosy pink, my gray eyes twinkle. And I’m smiling, stoked at how good I feel this morning.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think I had sex last night.
No, it’s simply a combination of alcohol consumption, my ex downstairs, and possessing the very active and healthy imagination of a twenty-one-year-old.
During my shower, as I lather up and wash my body, when the soap hits my thighs, my girly parts are happy and sore. I know! My dream got so hot, I wound up pleasuring myself.
Satisfied, I finish up with a grin. What an incredible way to begin the day.
7
Devlin
The days leading up to Saturday go by in a blur. The weather remains constant with biting temperatures, but no snow. Inside the Garcia house, the four of us go up to the lot in the Skyview Shopping Center around noon and buy a tree. The ladies all love a six-foot Fraser Fir, and the owner knocks the price in half. After exchanging season’s greetings, we return home. I secure the tree into its base, and we decorate. Abuela makes a delicious hot cocoa and spikes it with peppermint schnapps while Dulce and Kitty hang ornaments and tinsel.
Following Abuela’s direction, I suspend stockings from hooks hanging from the fireplace mantle. She also asks me to string lights along the front windows. By two o’clock the main floor appears quite festive. Every time I look at Kitty, I blush. So does she. I don’t know why she does, but I had quite a vivid dream about her. I regret chasing that gyro down the other night with three beers.
Dulce’s fiancé Dwight picks her up at three. She says they want to spend some time together before the evening’s celebration begins.
By four o’clock, I wait in the foyer for Kitty and Abuela. She told me to call her that, and I oblige. Besides, I don’t mind. It’s easier to tell the grandmothers apart with different names.
I've always lived in apartments, in small rooms. Having floors and several bedrooms, a garage and small backyard, is all new and exciting. The world Kitty's family has welcomed me to is addicting. When the time comes for me to leave, will I be able to? I've only been here less than a week, and already I dread having to say goodbye.
Kitty comes down holding two large containers, her long red wool coat already on. She checks out my clothes, smiling appreciatively at my choice. After I got paid yesterday, I went to some stores on Fordham Road and took advantage of the sales. Now I’m wearing black jeans, a white button-down shirt and a grey vest. My look says casual with a touch of prep. While I was out, I also picked up some gifts, which are in my room.
"Let’s go," Kitty urges me on. Before we leave I take the plastic tubs filled with favors and last-minute decorations from her. Her car is parked in the small gated driveway on the side of the house. While I wait for her to unlock the trunk, I stare up at the lights blinking in the windows and imagine being a kid again. She takes the supplies from me, and I don't budge.
“What’s so fascinating about the lights?” The trunk soon slams shut, and Kitty joins me, stomping her feet together for warmth. I finally tear my gaze away to meet hers.
“A house was something I always asked Santa for.” I shrug. “I know, stupid kid stuff. I imagined living with Gran and Aunt Annie. Back then, I was dumb enough to include my parents in the dream. We'd have meals together and decorate for the holidays…” It's better to stop talking before I divulge more about myself than she wants to hear, especially tonight. This shower means a lot to her.
She cocks her head, and those long locks glide freely across the front of her coat. “I never knew that. I don’t think it’s stupid either.” Motioning to the car, I get the hint and open her door.
“That's because I've never told anyone before. I was naive. Then I grew up.” Seated, I buckle myself in, and we're on our way. She leaves the gate open to make it easier to pull back in when we return.
“I'm glad Dulce's parents will bring Abuela. She'll get to see family she hasn't seen in a while. Is this your first co-ed shower?”
“Yeah. First wedding party to be in, too.”
We stop at a light on Broadway. “I know I said I didn’t want to get into the past.”
I glance over. She stares straight ahead. “Go ahead. I owe you an explanation.”
Kitty lets out a breath before turning onto the Saw Mill River Parkway. “You just didn’t leave me that night…something happened. There was no hot, big-boobed blond. No trip to Miami. Right?”
Her voice sounds tiny. So unsure. Something inside my chest cracks. I should’ve just called her and told her everything, instead of keeping quiet. My stupid pride. Staying away merely hurt her more. "Kitty, there was never anyone else. I-I got involved in something I shouldn't have. Then I made things worse by letting my temper take over. Afterwards, I had to pay for everything. And as my Gran always said, “I had to make things right.””
“Okay. That’s all I needed to know. For now.” We sit in some minor traffic for a half hour and talk about the upcoming party.
“So, it begins at seven and ends when?”
She laughs. "Technically, ten, but we know my family. My Uncle Tomas closed his club for us. He will offer pitchers of beer, sangria, and sodas. Food and desserts are being provided by a bunch of our mothers and grandmothers. My family is very cost-conscious. I doubt we'll be out of there by eleven. Probably midnight."
The congestion breaks up, and soon she is pulling into the parking lot of her uncle's bar, merely called "Tomas" on Jerome Avenue. Red and white lights hang from the signage. The lot is well lit and empty. We’re the first to arrive.
We empty the trunk of supplies. After she unlocks the back entrance door, I follow Kitty inside. She wanted to get here very early, even though she and her friends started decorating the night before. Clicking on lights as she goes, we walk down a main hall past numerous doors and a kitchen, and finally enter the two main rooms.
Right by the doorway we put the goods on a table that already has tools, tape, and other items. I guess this is the work station. I slip off my jacket and look around, not having been here in years.
This used to be our Thursday night hangout. A rock band of four brothers and their cousin were regulars and Kitty loved them. Since we were under-age, we had to wear orange bands around one wrist. We drank soda. No big deal. This was the place to listen to good, local music, dance, and talk.
The bar takes up the entire left side. The old wood of the bar and the shelving on the wall behind it has been renovated. The mahogany shines. New metal stools are positioned in front. Guess Tomas got tired of replacing those wood ones that were once used. The small round tables that fill the rest of the space are also a new addition. The booths lining the two walls have been made over with new cushions. That’s where we spent a lot of time, especially the one in back.
Separated by a long wood partition, the other half of the room has a small stage where speakers and other DJ equipment sit. Banquet tables are joined together against one wall. Other long tables, positioned in rows of two, have their tabletops already filled with floral centerpieces. This is where we used to dance or stand and watch the band.
Something jabs my back. “When you’re done reminiscing, we have work to do.” Entirely serious, Kitty hands me a small box filled with different colored crepe paper and tape. I did offer to help. “C’mon over here.”
I trail behind her to a spot I hadn’t noticed. Right by the entrance more tables provide different stations. One’s for games, another tells the couple's story through photos and items unique to them, and the remaining three are for the bridal gifts. From the signs hanging in front, the theme is “Welcome Home.” Each space boasts another sign representing each room in the couple's new house.
“I’m a newb so help me out here,” I say. “The presents are placed here according to the room they belong in?”
Kitty s
crutinizes me as though horns sprouted out of my head. “Yes. You hang the paper behind the tables like this.” She shows me a Pinterest photo on her phone. “Got it? It’s a backdrop.”
Someone might think she’s being a bitch when she gets like this, but I know she’s only taking her responsibility seriously. This no-nonsense version is hot. I grab a ladder and begin.
Kitty starts a playlist on her phone she wirelessly hooks up to the speakers, and in seconds Linkin Park is playing. Now I don’t mind decorating listening to them.
Forty minutes later and after a great assortment of our favorite LP songs, I’m done with the walls. I take the opportunity to pay her a compliment. “I hope you know you’ve done an incredible job.”
She blushes a pretty shade of pink. “Thanks. Ready for your next assignment?”
“Sure.”
Pointing to the doorways, she says, “Frame them in a crisscross design. Like this.” Another photo on her phone is displayed. Then she gives me more crepe paper. I take them.
“You are so agreeable. Some guys, like Emilio, wouldn’t be here helping out.”
Cling 1? “Why mention him?”
Kitty blinks. “Because you asked about him during the get together. I told you I’d explain. We’re dating.” After dropping that bomb, she moves on to something else.
Why would she date that dude? He’s not her type. What did I expect? That Kitty would wait for me? Who she dates isn’t my business. Turning my attention to the job at hand, my fingers won’t cooperate. Every time I twist a ribbon of paper into place, by the time I attach the tape, it goes limp. When it does curl, I rip it by being too rough. These doorways should’ve been finished in fifteen minutes. I adjust the final corner a half hour later. Tossing an empty dispenser out, I hear the opening notes to “Roads Untraveled.”
This song holds a special place in my memories. Kitty was listening to this song inside the art room one afternoon. She’d started a Manga Club and that day no one had come. Determined, she waited in the room for the duration of the meeting, in case anyone showed up.
I did. I’d stayed after for baseball practice, but coach had cut the session short. I went to find her and heard this song.
She sat at the table, pad and pencils before her, with this sad look on her face. I felt bad and walked in, asked for her hand. When she gave it to me, I pulled her up and asked her to dance. We’d only been going out for about three months.
Kitty laughed. “Why not?” I drew her against me. We swayed to the hypnotic beat, singing along in spots, joining together for the chorus. That’s the moment I knew I was falling for her. She was game to do anything.
I search for her, spotting her by a table near the DJ stand. She’s so into setting up favors inside baskets, she doesn’t hear me approach.
“Can I have this dance?”
A handful of favors go flying as she clutches her heart. I pick up the bags filled with pastel-colored candy and put them away. Then I notice her dress. My mouth drops. I’d been so busy at the house and here, I hadn't seen her outfit. She’d had her coat on. But now— “Wow, Kitty, this is supposed to be Dulce’s party. Man, you are divine.”
Tomato sized splotches stain her cheeks. I take in all of her from the white shirt with its black lace panel to the skirt made with that embroidered lace. The material hangs, longer in the back and on her sides, and is much shorter in the front. Black sandals finish it off.
“You like it? Is it dressy enough?” Suddenly shy, this is the girl I fell in love with.
“Dressy? It’s perfect.” My mouth waters. I’d love to touch that material, let it fall between my fingers like water, and then see what’s underneath—instead I grab her hands and twirl her towards the open space. The timing is perfect. Her eyes widen before she grins. When I pull her close, she wraps her arms around my neck. We sway to the melody, letting the music do its magic.
“Just like old times. Remember their concert at Jones Beach?” I break the spell by murmuring into her ear. Her lavender scent drives me crazy. How could I ever walk away?
"They were great! Loved it. So glad you scored tickets. Gosh, I miss Chester so much."
“Yeah, what a singer. A legend.” The material is like an aphrodisiac. Goes straight to my head, taking over my senses. “Is it serious between you and Emilio?” The question pops out before I can corral my damn mouth.
Immediately, she stiffens. Mood killer. “Why do you ask?”
Why not? I stop moving and draw her closer. “I need to know if I have any chance of winning you back.”
Instead of an answer, she begins to giggle.
Whoa, maybe I’m wrong, and she’s been laughing at me ever since the kiss in the closet. I suppose it would be a form of revenge. Kitty wouldn’t lead me on, right? “Did you hit the Bacardi already?” The peppermint schnapps are lightweight.
Her laughter grows louder, and I can't help grinning at her, the sound infectious. She smacks my forearm. “No! I'm driving.” She wipes her face, careful not to smudge her make-up. “I'm laughing because I haven't had the opportunity to break up with him yet. I will tonight, if he shows.”
It’s my turn to stiffen. “Oh? Is his crew coming too?”
Turning serious, Kitty gapes at me. “Did prom night have something to do with Ricky? His guys?”
I stare at the floor.
“Dios," she whispers. “I should’ve known. I’ve had my suspicions. They always used to bully you, call you stupid names. Then you disappeared, and Ricky showed up after prom. He was wasted and started hitting on me. I told him off, but he had this look, like he knew something. I asked that cabròn if he'd seen you. He said no. The fucker lied to my face.”
She’s no longer smiling or happy. In fact, she seems downright miserable. Not again.
“Hey,” I draw her close. “We didn’t finish our dance. I’ll tell you everything I should have four years ago. Just not tonight. Okay? You’ve worked too hard for this party.”
Right before me, Kitty changes into the strong, confident woman I know. She shakes it off and grabs the front of my vest. We're inches apart. “You’re right, Dev. It’s a party, and I’m the hostess. Another time,” she whispers, raising her face towards mine as I lower my head. I've waited for this moment for so long.
“Hey, hey, let’s get this party started! What’s with this white boy music?” Zoe, Amanda, and a handful of their girlfriends enter the room and stop together when they spot us.
Amanda laughs. “Looks like the party started for those two. Que sabroso.”
With a groan, Kitty pulls away with an apology in her eyes. She gives her friends her full attention. “Amanda, who the hell are you calling ‘yummy?’”
Zoe raises her hand and Amanda smacks it. All the girls do. “See? Told you she’d want to beat your ass with that comment.”
I’m confused.
“Sweetie,” Kitty says. “Close your mouth. They were baiting me. To see if I still wanted you. Otherwise, about four of them would be fighting for your attention tonight.”
“Oh.”
They’re fixed on our every move.
“Devlin, there’s no way I’m letting any of my friends go after you. Okay? Let’s have fun.” Kitty yanks my chin, dragging me to her level, and kisses me.
The contact is quick, but filled with the promise of a continuation.
All eyes remain glued on us as Kitty shakes her hips and strolls away. “Escucha! We have some last-minute things to finish. Let’s go!”
The group take off their coats and jackets before greeting Kitty.
“Hola mami, check out that dress.”
“Ay, chica. You look gorgeous.”
“Te ves caliente.”
Yes, she certainly is a hot woman.
The compliments flow freely like a river, and she absorbs them.
Once they hang up their outerwear, they come back. Always the leader, Zoe asks, “What needs to be done?”
Just then the back door opens, and someone yells insi
de, “The food's here. Ayúdenos por favor.”
Everyone, including myself, goes out to help as requested.
* * *
By seven-twenty, Tomas is packed with family and friends. I sit at the bar, watching Kitty run the party. The happy couple sits together in their own special chairs. Zoe announces dinner is ready. The far banquet tables are covered with aluminum trays brimming with so much food. The amazing scents draw everyone over.
I wash my hands in the men’s room, and when I return, go to the end of the line. Kitty lures me over to a table with her girlfriends, and I soon realize, their dates. “Here, sit next to me. This is where Sal would be.” There’s a plate already there. “Coman. Stuff your face. I grabbed your favorites.” She sits beside me.
I think back to the lunchroom at school. How she'd wait for me every day to join her and her friends. The guys from the team couldn’t understand why I didn’t sit with them and their cheerleader girlfriends.
They’d accepted me because I could play a sport. What I didn’t do was forget where I came from. Being raised poor, with parents either incarcerated or high, kids like them kept their distance from me in elementary school. I found acceptance with similar kids from my neighborhood. They didn’t care where or how I lived. Or what kind of car my Gran drove.
The first morning of high school, Kitty walked up to me while I stood at the city bus stop. Our uniforms were the same blue plaid. "Do you know me? I live across the street from you."
Oh, I knew her. She was the prettiest girl around. I stupidly said, “Yeah.”
“Good. Since this is our first day of high school, we need to stick together. Friends?”
“Sure.” With that declaration, she shook my hand. All day I kept remembering how soft her skin felt next to mine. My hands were calloused from helping Gran clean houses and businesses over the summer to make some spending money.
Covet the Curves: a Romance Collections Anthology Page 34
