He nods. “Yes. He’s actually still in Vegas. He managed to be the victor of a few fights so he’s pretty stoked about that. He should be back home next month or so.”
I smile. “Well, that’s good for him.”
Heading toward the sofa, we get comfy as we wait for my other guests. Passing him a tray of a few snacks, I ask about his work at the firm and tell him about my new friendship with Roman.
“So, that’s the guy from the fire, and the bakery? Wow, small world. You used to love that bakery. I remember always seeing you with those chocolate pastry things in school.”
I nod. “Yes, they’re called éclairs, and they’re my absolute favorite. I invited him tonight but I’m not sure if he’ll make it.”
Rob questions my invite. “Wait, you invited him here?”
My brow arches at his concern. “Yeah, why?”
Rob shakes his head and lets out a small sigh. “You know for someone so smart you really need to have some common sense. The dude is in a wheelchair. How will he get up to your apartment? There’s no elevator.”
My mind goes blank at my idiocy and panic starts to rise. “Oh fuck. I’m so stupid. What are we going to do if he shows up?”
He rubs his chin while he thinks. “Well, I could always carry him up.”
I place my hand on his arm. “He’s bigger than you. There’s no way you could lift him. Besides, I don’t want to injure his back again.”
His hand covers mine, assuring me it’ll be all right. “Relax, Duke and I will handle it.”
At that instant, the intercom buzzes again and I stand up to let the remaining guests inside. Raya and Duke step into the apartment as Rob and I greet them with open arms. The gang’s back together again and it feels so right. It’s amazing how the four of us have managed to stay in tune with each other after everything that’s happened in the last five years. I’ve been so blessed in finding such an amazing group of people and for them to be my best friends is simply perfect.
“Melanie you look gorgeous! Why all dressed up?” Raya twirls me around as she scans my dress.
Rob chimes in while making himself laugh, “She’s looking to get some action tonight!”
This time Raya slaps him. “Oh, can it Rob! Don’t you dare embarrass her.”
Duke drops onto the couch, flipping through the channels. “So, what’s going on now?”
Breathing with a little irritation and annoyance, I fill in Raya and Duke about the possible appearance by Roman and the stupid obstacle that I completely forgot about. Both Duke and Rob assure me that they’ll be able to lift him up here and tell me not to worry.
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.
Roman takes a quick peek around the apartment. “Nice place. It’s very cozy.”
I hand him a beer and say, “Thanks. I know it’s small, but I love this apartment. It fits me perfectly.”
His dark brown eyes scan my body as his ja
w clenches. He reaches out to hold my hand and presses a small kiss on it. “You look gorgeous tonight.”
Shots of electricity shoot up my arm from my hand, stimulating my body. I thank him and immediately feel the rush of heat flow through my body and up to my face. We continue our talk in the kitchen as the others stay in the living room.
Moments later, Gia calls out for us. “Hey you two, it’s almost midnight! Get out here.”
I hadn’t realized how long Roman and I had been talking. We head back into the living room and Gia gasps, her eyes growing wide with excitement.
She clasps her hands together. “Oooh! We should head up to the roof to watch the fireworks.”
Everyone stares at me as I shrug my shoulders. “Well, I see don’t see why not. The roof is only two floors up. There might be people up there already.”
I grab my keys and coat while everyone puts theirs on. Before heading up to the roof, I hand out everyone’s New Years hats and party glasses. Gia pulls out a multicolored boa and winds it around her neck. Raya and Duke walk hand in hand up the stairs as Rob hoists Roman up the remaining two flights. We decide to leave the wheelchair in the apartment and I’ll just help Roman keep his balance.
Brad pushes the roof access door open and shouts back toward us, “It’s empty up here!”
We all step outside as Rob places a brick in between the door and the frame, preventing it from locking us outside. I hold Roman’s hand as he leans against me, steadying his balance. I place my hand on his lower back, adding another source of balance for him.
Gia yells out, “One more minute!”
We all crowd together as we wait for the last ten seconds of this year. I can’t believe the year is over, but I’m so ready to start a new one. I never would have imagined that Roman and I would be standing here together, holding hands. This past year has changed my life completely. And to think that earlier this past spring, I didn’t even care enough to have someone in my life. All I cared about was work, but look at me now: I’m happy just being where I am right now, at this moment.
Anticipation builds inside of me as Gia starts the countdown. Roman looks down at me and winks, squeezing my hand as we join in on the countdown.
The five of us shout at the top of our lungs, “Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!” We all cheer and scream out loud, welcoming the New Year. I glance around to see Raya and Duke and Gia and Brad sharing their New Year’s kisses.
Instantly my stomach drops as nerves fill my body. I feel Roman’s hand travel upward from my back to my arms, then up toward my face. My eyes meet his as he stares at me with a heated passion, his lips curving into a smirk. Not knowing what to do, I inch closer to him, lean in, and kiss his right cheek. The feel of his scarred skin brushes my lips as I peck his face with fondness and devotion.
My lips leave his face as I stand back to give him a smile. “Happy New Year.”
He remains silent as his hand cups the side of my left cheek. His dark eyes stare at me with an intensity I’ve never seen before. His chest heaves up and down as I sense his beating heart. I swallow, trying to calm down my nerves. I lose all my ability to move as I stand there frozen in place, stunned as he inches closer and closer. His eyes travel down to my lips with a hunger he’s never shown. I bite my lower lip, trembling as he holds me.
The space between us closes as he bends his head toward me. My eyes shut, waiting to feel the brush of his lips on mine. His breath fuses with mine as I sense his lips are mere centimeters away from mine, and then we touch. His soft lips press into mine as sparks of emotion heat my blood. I raise my hand, pressing it against his chest, feeling his heart pound underneath his coat. Our lips glide across one another’s as I revel in this wonderful moment.
Suddenly a loud blast sounds from the sky, startling us and breaking me out of his grasp. Fireworks shoot into the sky, illuminating across the city skyline. Gia cheers at the display as Brad holds on to her.
I stare at the spectacular fireworks as Roman leans in to whisper, “Happy New Year Melanie. This year is already ten times better than the last because I have you in my arms.”
Melanie
LIFE HAS BEEN amazing this past month. Roman has recovered quickly to the point where he’s almost walking again. I make sure to visit during every physical therapy session he has just to show my loyalty and admiration toward him. Tom has even commented on the vast progression that Roman has endured. His only concern is that he feels that something is keeping Roman from fully letting go. He has the potential and the strength to walk again, but for some reason, he hasn’t pushed forward yet.
The two of us have been inseparable since New Year’s, spending as much time together as we can. Sometimes he visits me or I’ll end up visiting his aunt’s house in the Bronx. No matter how we spend our time, I love being around him. He makes me feel different in a way that no one has ever made me feel, even Duke. Back in high school, I thought I was in love with him; maybe I was, but it wasn’t the same as it is now. I don’t know how my life would be right now if I didn’t have Roman in it. I’d probably be alone and miserable, still working my ass off night after night at the hospital.
Looking at my reflection, I dab on a coat of lip gloss as my cellphone chimes, indicating a text message. Glancing down, I see it’s from Roman and click to read it.
Roman: On your way yet?
I smile at his enthusiasm.
Me: Yes. Be there soon. What’s for dinner?
Roman: Top secret. Hurry up.
Me: What’s the rush?
Roman: I miss you. I need to see you.
His honesty revs up my breathing as I imagine him in his apartment typing out those thoughts. Butterflies flutter all over my stomach as I read his words. A smile spreads across my face as I become eager to see him again.
Me: You saw me two days ago.
Roman: It’s never enough.
Me: Be there soon. XOXO
Roman: Be careful.
A few minutes later, I put on my coat and grab my purse, locking the door behind me. Practically running down the stairs, I burst out of the building and make my way to the subway. Even though it’s only February, the air is starting to warm up again. It’s only about thirty-five degrees today instead of the usual ten or fifteen during this time of year. The snowfall from last night has already begun to melt, leaving slush and puddles all over the city streets. I hate the slush. Taking extra precaution as I walk, I enter the subway terminal, sliding my Metro card into the pay station.
As the train approaches the platform, my cellphone chimes with another text. Looking down I read Gia’s text.
Gia: OMG! You are not going to believe what happened yesterday.
Me: Shouldn’t you be at work? What happened?
Gia: Yeah, I’m at work, which is why I’m texting you. Easton got fired!
Stepping onto the train, I find an empty seat and respond back.
Me: Fired? Why?
Gia: He showed up to work drunk. The past few months his attitude’s been shit. I told you he kept asking me about you and where you worked.
Shocked at her response, I’m glad Easton finally got his. He had it coming.
Me: Wow, that’s crazy. So they just let him go huh?
Gia: Of course! You can’t have a drunken doctor on the job. Good for him. Stupid prick.
Thinking back to the last time she mentioned him, a hint of worriedness creeps along my skin. Glancing around at the passengers, a sense of eyes watching me causes the hairs on my neck to stand. With no one looking suspicious around, I ask her a question.
Me: I thought he stopped asking about me. Was this recent?
Gia: No, he kept on until two weeks ago. I told him to fuck off or else I would complain.
Me: But you should’ve told me he was still asking about me.
Gia: I know. I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to upset you, especially with Roman around and everything.
I can’t be mad at her, even if I wanted to. I know she alw
ays has the best of intentions, even if at the time it’s the stupid thing to do.
Me: I understand. I’ll call you later okay?
Gia: Yea have fun with Roman tonight. ;)
Me: Don’t start.
Gia: Call me as soon as you can. I need the details!
I laugh as I read her last message and put away my phone in my purse. The train ride calms my nerves as it makes its way up north. Fifteen minutes later, I step off the train at the 77th street station and head toward the stairwell, hiking up toward the street. Walking north the few blocks, I glance around the neighborhood, filling my heart with the love of this city. I could never leave this place. It means too much to me.
Making a left onto 82nd street, I peek at the apartment building numbers to find Roman’s address. Just a couple blocks down I reach his apartment and step inside the building. Scanning the intercom buttons for his apartment, I find it and buzz apartment #6B.
His voice answers through the intercom, “Yea?”
I smirk and respond, “Chinese delivery.”
“Uh, I didn’t order Chinese. I’m waiting for a beautiful woman to come save me from my loneliness.”
Laughing out loud, I bush the button again. I notice the smile in his voice. “Yes?”
“Come on, let me up. I know you know it’s me.”
The door buzzes as I push it open and walk toward the elevator. As I wait for it to pick me up, I practically dance in place with so much excitement just to see him. Seconds later, the elevator door opens up and I step inside, pushing for the sixth floor. As it lifts me to his floor, I check my reflection in my cellphone’s screen, making sure I don’t have anything in my teeth. I spray a quick squirt of body spray and fluff up my hair, making sure I look my best. The elevator stops on his floor and I glance around the hall as I step off.
“Hey.”
His voice echoes from behind me, startling me as I turn around to see him. He’s perched against the doorframe of his apartment, wearing those hip-hugging jeans again and a black V-neck shirt. As I step closer to him, he reaches out to grab my hand and welcomes me with a kiss. Our lips lock as we stand in the doorway, not giving a shit if anyone sees us. His hands wrap around my body, pushing me harder against his. My hand touches his scars, soothing them with the soft flesh of my palm. After a couple minutes, he steps back into the door, gasping for air.
Little Moments Page 20
