by Ancelli
His dad took his hand. “José, your mom and I are proud of you. I know you’ve had to learn the hard way, but you finally got it right.”
“Finally,” he said sarcastically. “I wish I didn’t have to disappoint my son.”
“Carlitos loves you. You talk to him every day, and you are financially supporting him.” His dad watched him. “Son, he will learn that he can’t have everything he wants. We as parents do the best that we can with what we have. You are doing your best.”
“I broke a promise.” José could feel his ears warm up.
“Then stop making promises. Next time, tell him ‘if I can’. I saw him last week, and he was on cloud nine because he had just spoken to you. Stop being so hard on yourself. You are not Miguel!” he bellowed.
José observed his dad. The man always found the words to make him feel good, regardless of the situation. Even so, this wasn’t how he’d wanted his dad to find out about Jewel. Now it became real.
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes, sir, I did. I’m better than that motherfucker.” José smirked.
“Good!” They both laughed.
“I’m glad you’re here. I know it’s last-minute but I was planning a little surprise get-together for Jewel.”
His dad gave him a weird look. “When?”
“Tonight.”
“Tonight!”
“Yep, why? Is there a problem?” José asked, sitting up straight.
“Oh no, what are we celebrating?”
“She was awarded teacher of the year last night.” José proudly stated.
Papo grinned. “That’s a wonderful recognition. I bet her family was proud of her.”
“She didn’t tell them.”
“What?”
“She didn’t tell them, just in case she didn’t win. Jewel didn’t want their pity.” José stood and grabbed the plate of food on the counter, then eased down into his seat. “I sent Jazmine a text last night when we got back. That’s why Mrs. O’Neal is coming over to help. I have to get her out of the house.” He began eating. “Will you be okay alone with Mrs. O’Neal?”
“Absolutely.” His dad smiled. “Tonight’s all about celebrations!”
What is that supposed to mean?
Chapter Fifteen
“Hi, Mom.” Jewel hugged her mother. She’d changed into a blue polo shirt and jeans long before her mother arrived, making sure she hid the love marks José had left on her body. She’d even found one on her thigh.
Her mom accepted her embrace, and drew back to kiss Jewel on the cheek. “Hello, baby.” Like always, her mother looked beautiful in a white blouse and washout jeans. Her brown purse matched her ankle boots.
Jewel turned around, easing the front door open. “How are you?”
“I’m well.” She observed Jewel. “Someone parked their piece of junk in front of your house.” Her mother glanced back and surveyed the vehicle before coming over the threshold.
“Mom!” Jewel gave her mother a dirty stare. José and his dad were in the house, and she knew they could hear her.
“That piece of junk is mine,” José said, coming from the kitchen. Jewel gave him a sympathetic gaze.
Her mom stared him down, making her feel uncomfortable.
“Good afternoon Mrs. O’Neal.” José moved closer to her mother, and extended his hand.
Her mom stared down for a few seconds, then shook his hand. “Good afternoon.” She rapidly released his palm. “You’re still here.” She gripped her purse.
“Yes, ma’am, I am.” José turned and grabbed his wallet off the counter.
“Mom, José’s my roommate. Of course he still lives here.” Jewel picked her purse up off the side table.
“I thought he would’ve found another place by now.” Her mom frowned at José, looking at his neck. “Don’t you want your own space? You know, for when your women come over.”
José glanced at Jewel. “I don’t have women coming over. I wouldn’t disrespect your daughter like that.”
“How would that be disrespectful? You do pay half of the mortgage,” she arched a brow, “right?”
José glared at her mom.
“Mom!” Jewel sighed, and gave him an apologetic gaze. “I’m sorry, José.” Then she scowled at her mom. “Yes, mother, he pays half of the mortgage.”
Her mother crossed her arms over her chest.
“Mom, we have to go to the grocery store. See you later.” She hurriedly gripped José’s hand and rushed him forward, stopping and turning when they reached the door. “Oh, and José’s dad is here too.” She slammed the door behind them.
José began to laugh. “Jewel, your mom is something else.”
“You’re not mad?” They strolled down the walkway together.
“No.” He pulled his keys from his pocket. “Your mom has her days. When it comes to me, she thinks I’m a thug.”
“Don’t say that.” Jewel touched his hand.
“It’s the truth,” he said, placing the key in the car door. “That’s what people see when they look at me.”
Jewel stepped in front of him, and cupped his face. “Well, I don’t.”
He kissed her fingers. “You’re crazy.” José’s smile was intoxicating. “I can’t believe you left your mom the way you did.”
Jewel giggled. “I know your dad can deal with her, because he handles your mother.”
“You’re right about that.” José opened the passenger door, letting Jewel in.
“Thanks.” She smiled.
“Anything for you.” José bowed down, brushing his lips against hers, and then closed the door.
He ambled to his side, opened the door, and got in. “I hope they don’t kill each other.” José looked at the house.
“They won’t. My mom will play nice.” Jewel rolled down her window.
“My dad is very overprotective of his kids.”
“My mother, too.” She chuckled. “Hurry up, let’s go.”
José turned his key in the ignition, and the vehicle roared to life. “Good luck, Dad,” he cried as he drove off.
***
“What the hell did she just say?” Lauren said to herself, staring at the door Jewel had just slammed.
“Why do you have to be so damn mean?”
Lauren rapidly turned around to glare at the man who’d spoken. “Excuse me?”
He walked slowly into the living room. “You haven’t changed. Your tongue is still sharp.”
“You must be Papo. Yes?” Lauren placed her purse on the couch. “You don’t know me.”
He chuckled sarcastically. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes.” She placed her right hand on her hip, but chose not to make eye contact.
He stepped in front of her, invading her personal space. “Look at me…”
She glanced at him, and then at the door.
Papo tipped her chin up with his index finger and thumb, making her stare into his eyes. “Lauren Wilson, now O’Neal…but I call you Lilly. I could never forget you. You’re still as beautiful as the day I met you.”
Lauren swallowed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Lilly, it’s only you and me here now.” He caressed her skin. “Stop the bullshit.”
She gently took his fingers off her face, and stepped back.
“I’ve wondered for years about you, and look at us now, all grown up.” He snickered. “I never thought I would see you again. Life is full of surprises. You’re my daughter-in-law’s mother. Who would’ve thought?”
“Papo.” She could do nothing more than stare at him.
“Are you still afraid of Alfonso?” His jaw tightened. “He can’t hurt you anymore.”
“You’ve mistaken me for someone else.” She didn’t show any emotion.
“Lilly, I know it’s you, but I’ll play your game.” He sighed. “Just listen to me.”
She took a breath but Papo placed his index finger to her lips.
“Don’t
say anything, just listen.” He dropped his hand. “I loved you with all that I was, and I lost myself when you disappeared, but now I understand why you had to leave.”
“Papo…” she whispered.
“Please let me finish.” He tipped her chin up again.
“I remember everything about you. Our first kiss, the first time we made love, even the way you smell. The way you taste… I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. You made your dreams come true.” Papo paused. “I wondered what became of you, if you were happy? Now I know. Your brother threatened your family’s lives and my life, and you made the same decision I would’ve.”
Lauren blinked to hold back her tears.
“This is not about us anymore.” He took her hands in his. “José is a good man. Give him a chance. He’s been through a lot.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Lauren rubbed his fingers.
“Because I can see that he has deep feelings for your daughter.”
She released his hands. “He’s not good enough for her.”
Papo smirked. “So I wasn’t good enough for you?”
“I don’t know you.” Lauren widened her eyes. “I never said that.”
“Your brother thought I wasn’t good enough for you, but you thought differently. Now I’m asking for the same thing for my son. José isn’t your brother, or me.” Papo caressed the side of her neck, making her twitch. “You’re still ticklish.”
He took a step back. “Lauren… Let the love we once felt for each other blossom through them. Let José and Jewel have what we didn’t have.” He smiled. “Javier and Jazmine found one another. I see the love they feel every time they look at each other.”
One single tear ran down her face. “I know Javier loves my daughter.”
“I have one request from you.” Papo gazed lovingly at her.
“Yes?”
“Give my son a fair chance.” He moved closer to her again, framing her face with his hands. “If I ever meant anything to you, please give José a break. Get to know him. He’s a good boy who was dealt some bad cards in life; he’s changed. Treat him with respect.”
She swallowed and didn’t say anything.
Papo’s emotions were taking over, as his voice started to rattle. “Lilly, I finally get to have closure. We both found people to love. We even share grandbabies.” He chuckled. “Not the way we planned, but nevertheless we share beautiful grandkids, and If I’m right, more to come.”
Lauren placed her hands over his.
“Who would’ve thought that after thirty-three years, I would finally have the chance to say goodbye?” He caressed her cheeks.
Papo leaned into her and kissed Lauren, her lips felt exactly like they did years ago. She slightly opened her mouth, allowing him to slip his tongue in to her cavern. Their tongue met after three decades, dancing to their own love song. Their lips conveyed what they felt for each other.
Papo regrettably pulled away from the kiss, placing his forehead on hers. Oh God he wanted this woman, but his wife and kids happiness came before his. “No one will ever know, we knew each other.”
Lauren touched his cheek, tears rolling down to her chin. “I’m so sorry…but I’m not the Lilly you’re talking about.” She slowly moved away.
“Goodbye, Lilly.” Papo smiled, extending his arm. He finally got closure. “Hi, I’m Mateo Martinez. My family and friends call me Papo.”
She wiped her tears, and shook his hand. “Hi Papo. I’m Lauren O’Neal.”
Chapter Sixteen
“Do you think your dad will tell my mom what he saw this morning?” Jewel asked anxiously as José helped her out of the car.
“Naw, he won’t. Why? Are you afraid of your mommy?” José asked, laughing.
Jewel didn’t find it funny. She arched her eyebrow. “I’m not afraid of anyone. I’m a grown woman.”
“You should be afraid of me.” He smacked her ass. “Wait until tonight.”
“José, you didn’t even try to hide that hickey.” She pointed at his neck.
He grabbed a shopping cart from the parking lot and rode it to the entrance, making Jewel giggle.
“You’re such a kid.” Jewel bumped him with her hip, and took the cart away from him as she sashayed into the store. She went toward the produce area, stopping and picking up fruits.
He lifted one up, showing her. “Do you know what this is?”
Jewel rolled her eyes at him, and smirked. “Yes.” She grabbed a couple of plastic bags, and picked up a bunch of bananas.
“What is it?” José smiled.
“Mango.” She placed the bananas in the bag, and grabbed the fruit out of his hand. Dropping it in the cart, she continued.
Damn. He shook his head, watching her walk away. Her ass swayed from side to side, making his manhood jerk. He couldn’t wait until they were alone again.
José picked up a container of strawberries, and took one out. “Muñeca...”
She turned and he took a bite of one of the strawberries, and strolled closer to her, offering some. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching them.
“You didn’t pay for that or wash it.” A red hue flushed her skin as she gazed at him. He bit into it again, licking his lips.
He moved closer, barely touching her, and lifted his hand to her mouth. José was hypnotized by the anticipation swirling in her brown eyes. “This one is clean.” He grazed the fruit against her mouth. At that moment nothing mattered but them.
Jewel wrapped her full lips around the fruit, and bit into it, making juice drip from the corner of her mouth.
José leaned down and licked the nectar from her lips. “You taste so good.” He caressed her neck.
An older Hispanic lady cleared her throat, glaring at them, shaking her head. “There are children around. They don’t need to see that.” She continued down the aisle.
José peered around the area. “I don’t see any kids.”
Another woman waved at the other lady’s retreating back. “Young love. Don’t mind her.”
Jewel was embarrassed. José could see her cheeks turning an even darker shade of red, and he knew she wasn’t wearing blush.
“Do you guys have kids?” An older man took the woman’s hand.
“No,” José answered. “Not yet.”
The guy smirked. “Good. Enjoy your time together.”
“Max, stop it. Don’t pay any attention to him.” The woman hit him before grabbing their basket off the floor. “You two make a gorgeous couple.”
José lips curled up at the corners in agreement. “I know.”
“Excuse me.” Jewel turned abruptly, gripping the cart, and continued down the aisle.
What the hell just happened? José followed her. He didn’t understand women, and he knew he never would.
He moved behind her, caging her in by clutching the handle next to her hands. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.
“What are you doing?” Jewel stopped, making his erection bump into her ass.
He dipped his head, and leaned in to her ear. “What?”
She twisted her head and stared at him.
José moved forward, pushing the cart and making her walk ahead of him. “Do you think I care what these people think?” He kissed her neck.
Jewel maneuvered herself out of his embrace and trotted down the cereal aisle.
José caught up with her. “Jewel, stop!”
“Why are you acting like you want more?” she snapped. “You only wanted one night.”
“You were the one that mentioned a one-night stand. I never said yes.” He wrapped his hands around her waist. “I want more than one night with you.”
“You wanted Connie.”
“I didn’t know what I really wanted. Connie is not the woman for me.” He rubbed his fingers along her side. “She was an illusion.”
“She’s a fantasy that you couldn’t have, so I’m next?”
Though her words hurt, José could see how it could appear that
way. Jewel was wrong. She was the fantasy he didn’t think he deserved.
He shifted and hesitated, then decided to say what he was thinking. “I could’ve had her.”
“So, what do you want?”
When Connie had asked him that exact question, he’d answered honestly, that he didn’t know what he wanted. With Jewel it was different. For the first time in a long time he knew.
“I want you.” He cupped her face.
Jewel stared back into his eyes. “You do?”
José chuckled softly. “Yes, I want to be with you, muñeca.” He touched her ear. “I was afraid I would hurt you.”
“Hurt me?” she whispered.
“I finally threw caution to the wind.” He palmed her neck. “You have become the one constant in my life. You see the good in me. I thought I would end up hurting you, like I did every body else.” He glanced away. “I can’t promise I wont fuck up, but I will try not to.” José watched the fleeting look of hope on Jewel’s face before she quickly masked it with a stoic expression. “I desire you, need you… Do you want me? Because I’m yours for the taking.”
“I don’t know.” She looked away, grinning. “You didn’t feel like this before we had sex.”
“Who said?” He frowned, pulling his hand away from her. “Did you ever ask me?”
“No, but—”
“I can say the same thing. You didn’t want me until I put it on you last night.” José arched his brow.
“We’re friends. I didn’t want to ruin our relationship, or come between you and whoever you were seeing at the time.” She paused and tilted her head. “And you thought I was a lesbian.”
“There you go, bringing that shit up again.” He sighed. “That’s something I made up in my head, so I wouldn’t fuck up and try to seduce you.”
Her lips lifted into a smile. “That didn’t work.”
“Nope, you seduced me. I’m not complaining.” He kissed her nose. “Come on, let’s get some wine and beer.”
She didn’t move. “I didn’t give you my answer.”
“Yes, you did.” He took her hand.