Let Me Tease You

by Mia Madison

  Nobody knew what I was up to, and I liked it that way. It made for a better surprise.

  By 7 PM, I picked up Beverly, who looked stunning in a pale pink peplum top and pants. Ms. Erika was at the door, and I looked at her.

  “Ms. Erika, are you hungry?”

  I learned you didn’t have to tell her twice. Within minutes, she’d also grabbed her purse to ride with us for dinner.

  When I pulled up to the restaurant on Collins, it seemed like any other night, until I led both ladies to a private room in the back.

  “Hey, there’s Romeo!” My mother squealed. Her eyes widened in delight when she took a look at Beverly. She sat next to my father.

  Beverly blushed, and gave me a look that asked, “What’s going on?”

  “Beverly, Ms. Erika. I’d like you to meet my parents, Paolo and Domenica. Mom, Dad? This is Beverly, and her mother, Ms. Erika.”

  My parents were friendly, hugging and shaking hands with Ms. Erika and my lady. It was then that I noticed the space on the table where Nick and Dilayla should be sitting were untouched.

  “Where’s Dilayla?”

  “They’re running behind,” my mother answered. “They’ll be here shortly.” She gave me a look that let me know Dilayla was being a brat. I was certain she knew of our disagreement the other night; Dilayla told her everything.

  We didn’t have to wait too much longer before her arrival. She showed up, Nick in tow, and greeted our parents warmly. She gave me cordial greeting, and a simple, civil nod to Beverly and her mother.

  Ms. Erika was polite and charming. She and my parents were engrossed in conversation. Beverly and I were fine, but she tenses up the moment Dilayla arrived. I did my best to soothe her by squeezing her hand and keeping her engaged in the conversation, but the tension was clearly there.

  Despite the fact that everyone at the table seemed to be in good spirits, Dilayla refused to interact with Beverly. Whenever Beverly responded to something someone said, Dilayla would get quiet, shut down, or completely ignore the conversation until she was directly addressed.

  “I’m sorry, I was distracted. Can you repeat that?” was her phrase for the night.

  When she turned her head, Nick looked at me and shook his head. He couldn’t say it in front of her, but he knew she was being uncivil. My mother also pursed her lips in disapproval, yet remained silent. This was neither the time, nor the place.

  Despite the case, the food and ambiance were amazing. And by dessert, we’d all had a good meal settling into our bones.

  That’s when I decided to give everyone what they didn’t know they were waiting for: the real reason why I was there.

  “Excuse me everyone,” I said, raising my hand to stop the conversation. “While we’re waiting for dessert, I have an important announcement.”

  Silence controlled the air as I held a captive audience.

  “Beverly,” I started. “In the time I’ve known you - the short, short time - I’ve come to see everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman. You’re passionate, serene, loyal, and fiercely honest. I love that you’re focused, creative, and know what you want out of life.”

  She blushed, and smiled. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome - but most of all, I love how you make me feel when I’m around you. You excite and interest. You show me it’s okay to take risks of a different kind.”

  “That’s why…“

  I stood and reached into my pocket. Dropping to one knee, I popped the velvet box open and showcased a 5 carat teardrop diamond ring. I heard the mothers gasp as light hit the ring, illuminating its brilliance. Its magnificent sparkle held everyone in a trance. Tears came to Beverly’s eyes as I finished my statement.

  “… I need to know if you would do me the honor of taking you off the market. Will you marry me?”

  Her eyes were teary, but her lips quivered. She looked like she was in complete disbelief. “Romeo… We literally just met?”

  “Baby, I know we just met, but I already know I don’t want you with anyone else. We both want the same things out of life, so let’s get them together.”

  She didn’t seem completely convinced, so I added. “We don’t have to get married tomorrow. We can take our time getting to the altar. Maybe three months —“

  “Three months?” Dilayla interrupted. “That’s not taking your time.”

  I glared at her unwelcome comment, completely turned off by the bitchy attitude she continued to display, and placed my focus back on the woman I hoped to make my wife.

  “Mi amor,” I said, putting on the charm, “All I need is for you to say yes to a chance at love. With me. The flowers, the dinners, the romance, the passion… You can have all of it, but you’ll get my underlying commitment, loyalty, fidelity, and security too.”

  Her pupils dilated and her eyes softened. I dipped my head, arching a brow to wait for her response. She nodded yes, and I beamed inside. Happy tears spilled from her eyes as I slid the ring onto her finger, pleased that it looked so perfect on that hand.

  Everyone was shocked by the unexpected proposal, yet they were pleased with the outcome. Well, almost. While my parents, Nick, and Ms. E congratulated Erika and myself, Dilayla remained quiet.

  I did my best to ignore her. Beverly did the same as well. But as dessert came and things quieted down, my mother asked Beverly about bridesmaid ideas. Beverly responded that she had no idea who she would pick, but considering the way things played out, she didn’t have a problem with a small wedding.

  “I wouldn’t mind making Dilayla and Raquel bridesmaids,” she said. “I did meet you through them.”

  Her words forced Dilayla’s hand. She set her dessert down, and the cauldron of her eyes burned with a scalding fury.

  “Let me make this clear for you,” she seethed. Anger burned hell-hot in her gaze. “I don’t really know you like that, so I would never be your bridesmaid. And since I don’t really care for you after what happened the other night, I will never approve of this wedding.”

  A collective hush of disapproval filled the table. My mother’s jaw dropped, but her voice hardened.

  “Dilayla!” She warned. “You are being disrespectful.”

  “So?” Hate beamed from her eyes like hit-and-run headlights. “She’s the reason Romeo and I aren’t speaking.”

  I grabbed Beverly’s hand. Her grip was weak and she was trembling. Hurt conquered her expression.

  “You know what? I’ve got to go.” She stood to leave, and I attempted to stop her. It was deja vu all over again, except this time she was pushed out the door by my sister.

  Ms. Erika stood to leave with her, thanking my parents for the lovely dinner. She gave Dilayla a reproachful look and grabbed her daughter’s hand as they left.

  I stood there, speechless as to how a moment so beautiful could be destroyed with such malice.

  Beverly walked back in a moment later, restoring hope to my heart. But that joy was quickly shattered when she slid her ring off, handed it to me, gave me a regretful look, and walked right back out of my life again.

  Crushed, I stood, holding the ring I picked out for her while we were eating breakfast early this morning, and looking at it in my hand.

  I didn’t care what Dilayla’s problem was. Beverly was the woman for me. And I wasn’t going to let her destroy that for me.

  I choked back my anger, but spoke hard and cruel as I faced my little sister. She glared at me in contempt.

  “You’d better hope I get her back. On God, I swear if I don’t, I’ll never forgive you for this.”

  Beverly

  For two days, I ignored my phone. I didn’t leave my room. I didn’t talk to anyone.

  Every time I replayed the other night, hot tears of shame spilled from my eyes. My heart was heavy with grief, and nobody would be capable to understand how bad I felt.

  My mother attempted to talk to me, but I said nothing during our Uber home. My head banged with tension, and I felt sour and withdrawn after what I’d just
been through.

  Of course, Romeo attempted to come by and speak to me. I didn’t answer the door. I didn’t come when my mother called.

  I just couldn’t face him.

  Family was everything to me. My mother and I were a small family, and I didn’t speak to my father often. I knew Dilayla and Romeo were close with one another. Having me in his life would only drive them apart, especially seeing as she hated me so much.

  The doorbell rang. I ignored it. I had no interest in answering it, and I wasn’t expecting company.

  BANG. BANG. BANG.

  The doorbell stopped ringing, and transformed into bangs. Unwilling to deal with the persistence of whoever it was, I pulled myself together to answer the door.

  It was Raquel.

  And Romeo.

  “You’ve been avoiding me long enough,” he said.

  I swallowed and looked away. I had to take a breath, otherwise I would have crumbled. Sorrow and sadness were etched on my face, but compassion and concern were etched on theirs.

  With expectant looks, they waited. I finally stepped aside to let them in.

  “Your place is lovely,” Raquel stated. Romeo closed the door behind him, and shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “Thanks. Have a seat. You can sit anywhere. I… need to grab something to drink. Would either of you like something?”

  “What do you have?” Raquel asked.

  “Cranberry, orange, Sprite, water —“

  “Sprite.” They both answered in unison, eliciting the first giggle I’d had in days. When I returned, two Sprites and a bottle of cranberry in hand, I took an Advil and sat back.

  “Romeo told me what happened…” Raquel started. “How’ve you been? Would you like to talk about it?”

  I shrugged, feeling the sting of that night refresh itself in my body. I winced as if I’d been cracked by a whip.

  “I mean… you already know what happened. You don’t need to hear that story again, do you?”

  Raquel nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry about Dilayla. I have no idea why she’s being this way.”

  Romeo cut in. “I don’t care why she’s acting like this. She’s not going to control who or what I love, just because she doesn’t approve.”

  “That’s the thing.” Raquel’s eyes locked on to me. “Her attitude is more about her than it is either of us.” She narrowed her eyes and spoke. “I think she feels threatened by you.”

  My eyes bugged. “Threatened? By me? I haven’t even done anything to her. I don’t want her husband or anything.”

  Raquel shared a sweet yet sad, tight-lipped smile. “It’s not about you taking away Nick. She’s completely solid on him.”

  She ticked her head toward Romeo. “I think she’s threatened of you taking her brother away.”

  My lip curled in confusion. “How would I do that?”

  “Romeo has always spoiled and adored Dilayla,” Raquel began. “Seeing him in love with you, especially as fast as this has been happening, might have thrown her off.”

  “Well, let’s be real. This — everything — has been happening way too fast. It’s barely been a week, and we’re already talking about getting engaged.”

  “We are engaged,” Romeo corrected, his expression deadly serious. “And while I appreciate Dilayla’s protectiveness and concern, the truth is I refuse to have her bully you because she’s not ready to share me.” He chuckled ruefully and shrugged. “I didn’t pull this kind of shit when she married Nick.”

  Raquel scoffed in agreement.

  “Do you think she feels threatened by my friendship with you too?” I asked, turning to Raquel.

  Raquel blushed as the focus came to her. “It’s possible. We’ve been best friends forever. And while we met under the strangest circumstances, you and I have built a pretty cool bond.”

  I nodded.

  “In her defense,” Raquel added, “She’s also been very concerned about Romeo moving too fast on you until we“ — she pointed between us — “cleared the air about what happened with Alex.”

  I gave her a puzzling look. “She has nothing to do with him though.”

  “Alex hurt me deeply. And Dilayla saw that. She also knows I’m generally friendly, although I tend to keep to myself.” She smiled with a tiny shrug. “If anyone comes into Dilayla’s circle, she likes to vet them thoroughly. Make sure they’re honest and trustworthy.”

  “Ah, circle of trust.” I understood that.

  “To the extreme,” Romeo added.

  “I mean…” I drew a ragged breath. “I understand. Alex stung, but I understood why you didn’t say anything. Nothing positive probably could have come from that, no matter what I said.”

  “Everything happens for a reason, and with perfect timing,” Raquel asserted. “We’re cool now. And you’re getting married - congratulations, by the way - so we’re all practically going to be family.”

  “We are?”

  She sat back on the couch, exposing me directly to my handsome fiancé, who stared at me intently during our exchange.

  “You have this hunk of burning love right here. He’s practically my big brother. And he’s willing to do anything it takes to show you he wants you.”

  “You guys just had to come over when I looked like shit,” I retorted, a rueful smile on my face. Even though I felt like shit, they were definitely making me feel better.

  “You look beautiful.” Romeo’s gaze bore into me. He looked so hard it was almost as if he were staring at me naked.

  Romeo stood up and walked toward me. My heart threatened to burst through my chest, and my body became aroused, but I swallowed in shame.

  He sat next to me, and I wanted to die. I hadn’t showered in two days, my eyes were puffy from crying, and no man should be brave enough to smell the funk of my depression.

  “I stink…” I whined, squirming for space as he attempted to hold me.

  “So?” He shrugged, holding me harder. “For better or worse, funky or fresh.” He pressed a kiss against my temple, and I released another girlish giggle.

  “You still want to do this?” I asked, doubt in my tone. “You really want to marry me despite the fact that your sister hates me?”

  “She doesn’t hate you,” Romeo said. “She’s just hormonal.”

  “I’ve never had a period make me that evil,” I replied.

  “Oh no, darling.” Raquel’s smirk was wry. “She’s not on her period. She’s pregnant.”

  Shock registered at her words. “Really?”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Raquel added. She patted her tummy. “And guess what? She’s not the only one. I’m pregnant too.”

  Romeo and I exchanged looks as we processed the news.

  “You want to be next?” Romeo asked, wiggling his brows flirtatiously.

  “No. God no.” He almost looked hurt, but I caressed him. God how I missed the way his skin felt under my touch. “I just think we need to take our time, that’s all.”

  He nodded, and kissed my hand so sweetly I could melt.

  “I’ll give you all the time in the world, love,” he promised. “You just have to give me your hand in marriage.” Without asking, he slid the flawless ring back onto my finger. The damned thing was so brilliant, it was almost obscene.

  “Yeaaaaah,” Raquel cheered as he pushed it back onto me. He leaned in for a kiss, but I turned.

  “Romeo, I stink.”

  “You stink of missing me.” He growled seductively. “Give me my kiss.” I made a playfully petrified face as my lips pursed.

  “A real kiss,” he demanded. “Not these grandma pecks you’re trying to give.”

  He was so persistent and sexy, I gave up and gave in. I spread my lips and allowed him to penetrate. Our tongues met and I felt myself dissolving into him again.

  It was so strange, and new, what we had. But it was real. It was love. And as long as he worked with me, it would all work out. All of it.

  Romeo picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. “Which
way’s your bedroom?”

  “Oh my god. Why?” I protested. We absolutely couldn’t have sex right now. My eyes, mortified, looked to Raquel for help, but she simply shrugged.

  Yeah, no, we couldn’t fuck, especially and most definitely not with Raquel in the living room to hear everything.

  “So I can find you some clothes to put on after I throw you in the shower and then fuck the shit out of you,” he said, so matter-of-factly I knew he meant every word.

  “Help…” I called out to Raquel, but she only wiggled her fingers and blew a kiss.

  “Enjoy lovebirds.”

  After an enhanced, thorough shower, complete with the shower sex Romeo promised, the three of us went out for lunch.

  We pulled up to Orange Blossom, the restaurant Romeo took me to when we first met. As we approached the hostess, Romeo informed her that he’d called. She gave a look of recognition, nodded, and led us toward the back.

  Seated in our booth, was Dilayla. She had a stiff, uneasy look as Raquel slid next to her. Romeo wanted to sit on the outside of the booth - he said it was the chivalrous thing to do - so I was forced to look her directly in the face.

  I looked into her brown eyes, and looked away.

  “Ladies,” Romeo said, opening a menu. “This is how it’s going to go. Dilayla, you and I have spoken. You already know Beverly isn’t going anywhere - and neither are you.”

  Dilayla’s eyes fell to her fingers, which she played with solemnly as he spoke.

  “Beverly is going to be my wife, which means - like Raquel - she’s pretty much going to be your sister.” He gestured to all of us. “We’re all family at this table — all of us — and it’s time for us to bury the hatchet, or whatever it is that has you so upset with Beverly, so we can build peacefully as we prepare for the wedding in the next few months.”

  Save for the hostess coming to get our drink orders, silence filled the air. We said nothing, waiting for Dilayla to speak up. She fiddled nervously before speaking her peace.

  “…I…” She started and sighed. She closed her eyes, gathered her breath, and when she opened them, she looked me straight in the eye. “I owe you an apology, Beverly.”