Romulus

by Tina Martin

  Romulus glared at his brother.

  “Whoa,” Regal said, hands up. “I didn’t say I wanted her. Simmer down, man. I just said she was hot. I love Derra like a sister, same as Gianna and Gemma. What about you, Rom?”

  The waitress lowered two trays of wings on the table. The aroma had Romulus grabbing a wing when he thought he didn’t have the appetite to eat.

  When the waitress walked away, Romulus resumed the discussion by saying, “Of course I love Derra.”

  “That wasn’t my question,” Regal said. “I asked you if you loved her like a sister?”

  “Yes,” Romulus answered quickly. He took another wing.

  “So why when I said she was hot, you looked at me like you wanted to beat the crap out of me?”

  Romulus took another wing.

  “You never felt anything for her besides just a friendship, huh?” Regal asked.

  Romulus wiped his mouth. Sipped beer. “What’s with all the questions, man?”

  “Our conversation the other day got me to thinking…you asked me if I would date a woman exclusively if she was amazing. One of a kind. Special. There’s only one woman who’s been in your life long enough to fit into those categories.”

  Romulus didn’t confirm or deny his brother’s assessment, but he was dead on. Siderra was the only one and she was all of those things and more. “We’ve been rocky lately.”

  “You and Derra?”

  “Yeah. The friendship, I mean. We used to be tight—now, things are changing.”

  “I recognized that when she didn’t show up for the last family dinner. You looked pretty ticked off that night.” Regal took a bite of a teriyaki wing.

  “I was,” he said downcast.

  “Why? She obviously had other plans. She couldn’t make it. Things come up. You can’t always expect her to be there.”

  “But it wasn’t just any plans. It was a date.”

  Regal shrugged. Licked his fingers. “So what? Is she not allowed to date? Does she need your permission?”

  “No, but she’s known me longer than this guy she’s been seeing, yet when the decision is between me and him, she chooses him. She missed the family dinner for him. We were supposed to go see a movie tonight but that didn’t happen. Why? Because she stood me up. For him. That’s why I’m out alone tonight. To be honest with you, I wasn’t even here when you called me. I got here a few minutes before you showed up.”

  “I see,” Regal said. He tossed back the rest of his Jack Daniels. “Do you think you’re supposed to come first in her life?”

  “No, but I do think I should be given more respect than some man she doesn’t know.”

  “Or, you could be happy that your best friend has found someone who makes her happy.”

  Romulus frowned, eyes burned with annoyance.

  “You’re in love with her,” Regal said.

  Romulus looked shocked. “No, I’m not.”

  Regal chuckled. “That wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Stop lying to yourself and admit it, Rom, before it’s too late. Do you think you’re the only man who realizes how amazing Derra is?”

  Regal was giving him too much to think about in a short period of time.

  “Look, Rom—here’s the bottom line and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but here goes. If you love Siderra more than just this surface-layer friend kind of love, make a move. Her heart is already yours for the taking.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. Derra is in love with you, playboy.”

  Romulus shook his head. He already had a feeling that was the case, but how in the world did Regal come to that conclusion?

  “Shake your head all you want, but I’ve seen how she acts around you and you’re too smart to not have noticed it. You know when a woman is feeling you.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “If she was feeling me, why am I the one who got stood up while this goofy-looking fool Jamar got his mouth on her?”

  “What?” Regal asked frowning, not understanding.

  Romulus explained, “I went to Derra’s place around eight o’clock to take her to the movies. We’d planned on catching a movie and grabbing a bite to eat afterward. I get to her apartment, ring the bell—she’s not home. I called her, didn’t get an answer. Texted her. No answer. So, I camped outside of her place and waited for her to get back. Hours later, she returns with Jamar. And that guy, man—”

  Romulus blew a frustrated breath. “He proceeds to walk her to the door and he kissed her.”

  “So?” Regal shrugged. “Why do you care? You don’t want her.”

  Romulus’ face twisted. “My point is if she was feeling me like you say, why is she kissing some other guy?”

  “Simple. She can’t have the man she wants so she’s settling for one that wants her.”

  Romulus sighed. Drank more beer. “I’m not oblivious to how Derra feels for me. In denial, maybe, but not oblivious. I just can’t go there with her.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m no good for Siderra, man. I’ve never been attached to a woman. Never took the time to get to know any of the women I’ve dated on a deeper, personal, intimate level. Never had a desire to. The thought never even crossed my mind. What am I supposed to do with Siderra? The same as the others? Sleep with her and bounce?”

  “It won’t be that way with her.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because you love her.”

  “What if love isn’t enough,” Romulus asked. It was one of his fears. What if he went down this road with her and didn’t have enough feeling and emotion within himself to give her what she needed out of a relationship?

  Regal grinned. “If love isn’t enough, we’re all in trouble. Here’s the deal, Rom—instead of being upset because she didn’t come to dinner or pissed because she’s out having a good time with some other guy, why not make an effort to try having a relationship with her?”

  Romulus smirked. “I can’t believe those words came out of your mouth. This is the kind of crap I expect to hear from Ramsey.”

  “Well, what can I say?” Regal asked. “I learned from the best. It’s about time you did the same.”

  Chapter 13

  Siderra | Felicity | Gianna | Gemma

  “Oh snap,” Felicity said watching Gianna and Gemma walk in together, heading for their table at Port City, a waterfront restaurant in Lake Norman. “I see my girls are in formation tonight. Y’all look good!”

  “So do you, as always,” Gianna said to Felicity.

  Felicity had on a white and black polka-dot shirt, black jacket, ripped jeans and lime green pumps.

  “Thanks, girl,” Felicity said. “I see you and Gemma-doll dressed alike.”

  “It wasn’t intentional,” Gemma said. “I was running late because Royal wouldn’t let me get dressed…talkin’ ‘bout he preferred me with my clothes off. So, last minute, I grabbed the only thing I could quickly coordinate—this little black dress.”

  “And I just wore black to hide my new curves,” Gianna said. “I’ve been feeling more voluptuous since I gave birth.”

  Felicity laughed. “Voluptuous? You’re funny, Gianna.”

  “Why are y’all laughing?” Gianna asked, tickled herself.

  “Because you don’t even look like you had a baby,” Felicity told her. “How much weight did you gain when you were pregnant? Five pounds?”

  Gianna cracked a smile. “Well, my boobies are definitely bigger.”

  Gemma shook her head. “Gianna, never say boobies ever again.”

  The women laughed together.

  “Hey, where’s Siderra?” Gianna asked.

  “She went outside to take a call. She should be back any minute now,” Felicity said. She glanced up and saw her approaching the table. “Oh, and here she is now.”

  Derra approached the table, smiling. She was wearing a black, low-cut blouse with a pair of red pants and black, dressy sandals.

  “Look at this hot tamale,” Gemma said.

/>   “Hey, ladies,” Siderra said hugging Gemma and Gianna. “How are y’all doing?”

  “Good,” Gianna said. “What about you?”

  “I’m...ugh...umph…I don’t know what I am to tell you the truth. I’m glad to be out with my girls, though.”

  “What do you mean you don’t know how you are?” Felicity asked. “This is girl’s night, honey. Let your hair down. Be stress-free, chile.”

  “I know. I know. I so needed this girl’s night. I think I’ve had too much testosterone around me lately.”

  “Yeah, and we want details,” Gemma said. “Who’s this guy you’ve been dating?”

  “Okay, I’m going to need a drink,” Siderra said. She got the waiter’s attention, ordered a peach daiquiri then said, “His name is Jamar. He is a musician – plays the guitar.”

  “Oooh. Nice,” Gemma said waggling her brows. “Jamar the musician.”

  Siderra smiled. “And he’s good at it. He also sings.”

  “How long have you been seeing him?” Gianna asked.

  “Umm...we’ve been sort of hit and miss for a couple of months.”

  “Wait,” Felicity said with a finger up. “What do you mean by hit and miss, because in today’s society, hit and miss can take on several different meanings.”

  The women laughed together again.

  The waiter brought over Siderra’s peach daiquiri and she took a long pull from the straw instantly realizing it wasn’t strong enough and said, “This came just in time. I should’ve asked for an extra shot of rum.”

  They laughed again.

  “Okay. By hit and miss, I mean we’ve been trying to date on and off but our schedules sometimes get in the way.”

  “Oooh. Okay. Got’cha,” Felicity said. “Continue.”

  “We just went on our third date last night. Well, I guess you can say it was a date…I don’t know. I went to see him perform at The Fillmore and he was so good y’all. I got home from the concert and crashed because I’m tired and old.”

  Felicity chuckled. “Girl, please. You ain’t old.”

  Gemma and Gianna laughed.

  “I know. I was just tired. So anyway, it wasn’t until this morning I realized I screwed up big time. And I mean big time.”

  “Why?” Gemma, Gianna and Felicity asked together in unison.

  “I totally forgot I told Rom I would see a movie with him Friday night. I didn’t see his calls and text messages until this morning. I called him back immediately to apologize but he won’t answer his phone. I sent I’m sorry text messages. I left voicemails and told him to call me back. Nothing. I think he’s really upset.”

  “You think so?” Gemma asked. “Romulus usually lets things roll off his back.”

  “Yeah, but look how upset he was at me when I didn’t come to the last family dinner.”

  “Oh. Right. He was pretty angry about that,” Gianna said.

  “Come on…he can’t be that petty,” Felicity said. “You forgot about the movie. It was a mistake.”

  “He’s not petty,” Siderra said, sounding like she was coming to his defense. “Romulus is very—um—how do I put this?”

  “Different,” Gemma said.

  “Yeah. Different. Hard to read. He likes to brush off his feelings and be nonchalant and in control.”

  “If he’s all nonchalant, why would he be mad at you?” Felicity asked.

  “I’m not sure if he’s mad or not. All I know at this point is, he’s not answering his phone.”

  “Does he make it a habit of not answering your calls?” Gemma asked.

  “No. He usually answers every time.”

  “Then my guess is that he’s pissed,” Felicity said.

  “Derra, you know they’re all kickin’ it with Ramsey tonight,” Gemma said.

  “I’m glad I drove,” Felicity said. “I do not want to run into Regal. No, I take that back. I would like to run into him—with my car.”

  The women laughed.

  “He only teases you so much because he likes you,” Gemma told her.

  Felicity quirked up her lips. “He doesn’t like me. He’s just a pain. He likes to annoy me.”

  Siderra sipped her drink. She tried to make light of the Romulus situation but she was really worried. She definitely didn’t want to have another blowout with him but why was he not answering his phone? She peeked at her phone again – nothing from him.

  The women shared appetizers – spinach dip, chips and boneless barbecue wings.

  Felicity ordered a lime margarita on the rocks.

  “Anyway, Derra, tell us more about Jamar,” Felicity said. “Do you like him?”

  “Yeah. He’s cool.”

  Felicity raised a brow. “Sooo, you’re not into him?”

  Siderra laughed uncomfortably. “I said he’s cool.”

  “He’s cool is not how you describe a guy you’re into.”

  Siderra chewed on her lip. “It’s like this – I like him because he’s a distraction from a guy I really like.”

  “Now we’re getting somewhere,” Felicity said. “And the guy you really like is—”

  Siderra shied away from answering.

  “Romulus,” Gianna said matter-of-factly, answering for her.

  Siderra didn’t confirm or deny her answer. She just took a sip of her drink but couldn’t get the telling smile off of her face. She set the glass on the table but still held on to it when she said, “When I’m with Jamar, I don’t have butterflies. I like hanging out with him, but as for being anything more than friends, I can’t see it. I want to be with a guy who gives me butterflies to the point that I feel sick and high at the same time. Do you married ladies know what I’m trying to say here? Did you have butterflies when you and Royal started dating, Gem?”

  “Well, it didn’t start out with dating for us,” Gemma said. “We were friends but he wanted to be more than that and I had no idea. So we didn’t go through the traditional dating thing. With that being said, he does give me butterflies. Even now.”

  “What about you, Gianna?” Siderra asked.

  Gianna smiled. “Honestly, Ramsey gave me butterflies when I didn’t even know who he was.”

  “Okay, let me chime in on this since this is basically what I do for a living,” Felicity said. “Now, while it’s important to feel a certain level of chemistry when you’re with someone, it’s not necessarily a gauge to determine compatibility. With that being said, Siderra, if you know you’re feeling someone else, why string Jamar along making him feel like you’re interested when all he is to you is a placeholder?”

  “That sounds awful,” Siderra said. “He’s not a placeholder. He’s—”

  “A substitute for the man you want but can’t have,” Felicity interrupted her to say. “In other words, a placeholder.”

  Siderra sighed. “Okay, tell me this—what am I supposed to do when I like a guy but he doesn’t want me? Move on, right? Date other guys, yes?”

  “Stop trying to talk in code,” Gemma said. “We know you’re talking about Romulus. Right?”

  “Okay, yes,” Siderra finally admitted. “I’m talking about Romulus. I love him, okay. I love him so much I just want to—” she growled, balled her hands into fists and punished the table. “I just want to eat him.”

  “Dang, girl.” Felicity chuckled. “You got it bad.”

  “I do, but I’m invisible to him. I try to dress like the women he dates—did my hair like the last girl and nothing. I’m completely invisible.”

  “You’re a beautiful woman, Derra,” Gianna said. “I’m sure you’re not invisible. My guess would be more along the lines of being off limits to him. You’re his friend. Untouchable.”

  Untouchable…yeah, right. He sure did a whole lot of touching and grabbing the other night.

  “That may be so,” Siderra said, “But I don’t want to be his friend. And it’s like…if he didn’t like me in that way, why is he jealous of Jamar? He always finds something negative to say about him.”

&nb
sp; “It could be his way of looking out for you,” Gemma told her. “St. Claire men have that trait embedded in their DNA.”

  “Yep,” Gianna said before eating a chip.

  Siderra shook her head. “That could be the case, but I think it’s more than that.”

  “Here’s a crazy idea,” Felicity mumbled, covering her mouth since she was talking and eating at the same time. “Why don’t you put your big girl panties on and tell him how you feel?”

  “I want to. I’ve thought about it so many times, but I just can’t bring myself to say it.”

  “If it’s bothering you this much, you should go ahead and say something.”

  “Since he’s not talking to me, it’s going to be difficult to talk to him don’t you think?” Siderra finished her drink. “Here’s an idea—maybe I should stop trying so hard to find love and let love find me. Is Wedded Bliss accepting new clients?”

  Felicity glanced up. “Um…what was that?” she asked. Her company, Wedded Bliss – a marriage matchmaking company – matched people based on their likes and other commonalities. Thanks to Wedded Bliss, a lot of strong marriages were formed. She even bragged about helping to put Gianna and Ramsey together.

  “You heard what I said,” Siderra told her.

  “Wedded Bliss is only for those people who are ready for marriage.”

  “In that case, I’ll fit in just fine. I’ve been ready.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Positive,” Siderra said. “My life is good. I have my own business, living a modest apartment that allows me to save money. I have a good foundation, but I don’t have anyone to share my life with. It’s tough, seeing you ladies so happy and I’m nowhere when it comes to love. Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for you, but lately, I find myself daydreaming about when my fairytale is going to happen?”

  “It’ll happen,” Felicity said. “You can’t rush it, though.”

  Siderra took a wing and dipped it in blue cheese dressing. Desperately needing a change of subject, she asked Gianna, “How’s little Rianne doing?”

  A smile grew on Gianna’s face. “She’s good. I love the cute little baby noises she makes, and she’s starting to stare at me more—recognizing my face. And Ramsey...oh my goodness. He’s infatuated with her.”