by Ruff, K. S.
I hustled back to answer the door when the doorbell rang again. “Hey, Shae. I’m so happy you’re here!” Cenia and Shae had become fast friends after the personal risk seminar. I was thrilled when Cenia decided to invite her. I waved at Chance as he continued on to Rafael’s house.
Three more women followed Shae up the stairs. “You must be Cenia’s friends from work,” I surmised. “Come on in. She’s in the kitchen.”
Gabi was lining up Blow Jobs all along the center island. The shots were part amaretto and part Irish cream with large dollops of whip cream on top. “We’re supposed to drink these with our hands behind our back,” Gabi claimed.
I eyed the drinks. “How are we supposed to accomplish that?”
Gabi spread the drinks out as all nine women gathered around the center island. “Pick the glass up with your teeth and knock it back.”
I started giggling. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
She laughed. “Get over here.”
I sidled up to the counter.
“To passion, love, and romance!” Gabi cheered.
We grabbed the shot glasses with our teeth and dumped the syrupy sweet liquid down our throats. I was pretty proud of myself for not spilling the liquor down my chin, but I had whip cream all over my nose. So did everyone else. We burst out laughing. I insisted on taking a picture before anyone cleaned up.
“Why don’t you guys load up your plates with appetizers, grab another drink, and we’ll go sit in the family room,” I suggested. I waited for everyone to get situated before I revealed the first activity I had planned. I glanced pointedly at Cenia. “I want to make sure you and Roger know each other well enough to get married, so I developed a little survey. I have Roger’s answers. Now I need yours.”
Cenia’s eyebrows arched questioningly. “Why am I just now hearing about this?”
“I told him it was top secret,” I admitted. I was thrilled Roger had kept the secret for me. “For every question you get wrong, you have to drink a shot.” I nodded at Jean.
He carried a little tray full of shot glasses over to the coffee table and placed them in front of Cenia. “Enjoy.”
Cenia picked up one of the glasses and sniffed the liquor. “What kind of drink is this?”
I smiled. “Those are Screaming Orgasms. They’re made with vodka, amaretto, coffee liquor, and Irish cream.”
A number of our friends whooped and whistled their approval.
Cenia narrowed her eyes at me. “What happens if I get the answer right?”
My smiled widened. “You get to assign the drink to someone else.”
Cenia grinned. “I’m in.”
I pulled my notes out from under the pile of magazines where I’d stashed them. “Okay. First question. How many children does Roger want?”
“Two,” Cenia replied confidently.
“Wrong. He wants four.”
The smug look fell from her face. “Four?”
“Drink! Drink! Drink!” our friends cheered.
Cenia downed her second shot. I was counting the Blow Job Gabi had given her.
I poured a glass of water and set it in front of her. “You might want to drink this. Ready for the second question?”
She nodded a little less confidently.
“Who is going to manage the finances?” I asked.
“We both are?” she replied questioningly.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Roger would like to share that responsibility.”
“I’m assigning you my drink,” she announced.
I shook my head. I had suspected as much.
“Drink, Kri!” the women shouted. Jean laughed.
I knocked back my second shot. “Question three. What’s Roger’s favorite position?”
“What?” Cenia gasped. “Position… like sexual position?”
I nodded.
Cenia huffed out a breath. “He prefers to be on the bottom. He says he likes it when I do all the work.”
I shook my head. “He likes to be behind you.”
Her face blanched.
“Drink up!” I cheered along with the other ladies.
Cenia drank her third shot. “How many questions are there?” she inquired worriedly.
“I have four more questions,” I replied. “Question four. Which position does Roger think is your favorite position?”
Cenia’s face turned a pretty shade of pink. “I like to be on the bottom.”
I laughed. “That’s what he said.”
“I’m assigning this drink to Trena,” Cenia stated.
We cheered Trena on as she drank her second shot.
“Fifth question,” I announced. “What does Roger prefer you wear to bed?”
“Nothing,” she replied. “He likes it when we sleep naked.”
I frowned. “Then why are we having a lingerie party?”
“Am I right?” she asked.
“Yes,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
“Shelby’s doing the next shot,” she announced. “And we’re having a lingerie party because I like lingerie!”
I waited for Shelby to drink her shot. “Sixth question. What does Roger love most about you?” The room suddenly grew quiet.
Cenia looked surprised, then stumped. “My sense of humor?”
I smiled. “How kind you are.”
“That’s so sweet,” Gabi cooed. Words of agreement sounded all around.
Cenia drank her fourth shot.
“Seventh and final question. What does Roger think is the key to a good marriage?” I asked.
“Sex,” she replied without hesitation.
I tossed the interview notes onto the coffee table. “He claims the key to a good marriage is respect.”
She rolled her eyes. “You know Roger almost as well as I do. What do you think he really believes?”
“Okay. I’ll give you that one,” I consented. Everyone laughed.
“Gabi’s drinking this one,” Cenia announced.
“Thanks!” Gabi replied before knocking back the shot.
“Let’s grab some dessert before you open your gifts,” I suggested. We shuffled into the kitchen. I brewed coffee while sampling the lemon merengue pie.
“What’s up with all the spray whip cream?” Shae asked. She was peering inside my refrigerator.
“That’s one of the party favors,” I replied.
Everyone gathered around the refrigerator. Ten cans of Reddi-wip were stacked on the top shelf. “What are we supposed to do with that?” one of Cenia’s co-workers asked.
“What do you think you’re supposed to do?” I replied.
Gabi started cracking up. “Do you think they’ll let me carry that onto the airplane?”
Cenia shook one of the cans. “I don’t know. Would you consider Reddi-wip a liquid or a solid?”
I took the can from Cenia and shoved it back inside the refrigerator. “I think you’re going to have to put that inside your checked luggage,” I told Gabi. “Let’s open presents!”
The women filed into the family room with their presents, coffee, and dessert. I ducked into my office to retrieve a notebook and pen. Shae handed me a cup of coffee and a plate full of chocolate dipped strawberries when I joined her on the couch. I recorded each of Cenia’s gifts and a few of her comments while she opened the presents.
Cenia received an ivory silk nightgown from Marie that she thought would be perfect for her wedding night. Her friends from work gave her some red and black lace lingerie to spice up her honeymoon. I gave her a rather scandalous black corset, black garter belt, silk stockings, and a silver and black beaded G-string, similar to the one Maxim had given me. The G-string garnered the most remarks, especially when I announced that everyone would be receiving a pair as one of the party favors.
I had one final announcement after Cenia finished opening her gifts. “There’s an old wives’ tale that claims you can predict how the wedding night will go by recording the bride’s remarks when she opens her gifts at the bridal shower,” I began.
I grinned. “Here’s what Cenia had to say… Oh, that’s beautiful! It looks a little big. Do you think it will fit? Oh! I like that. What the heck am I supposed to do with this? I’ve never seen anything like that. Will it hurt when I try to walk? Stop drooling on my stuff! Looks like I’m set. Thank you. Thank you so much!”
Cenia rolled her eyes as the room filled with laughter.
I patted my friend on the leg. “You’re going to be a happily married woman.”
Chapter 8 – Story of my life
My arm tightened around Rafael’s back as we approached the security line. I felt sad watching all of the other travelers load their belongings onto the conveyor belts. “I hate being separated from you. Promise me you’ll come to McAllen if you finish up early.”
Rafael pulled me in for a hug. The security line had ground to a complete stop. “I think I’m in for a long battle with the mayor and the other property owners. There are a lot of wealthy individuals living within the eight arrondissement. They’ll view this as an honorable endeavor, but they’re not going to want political refugees living next door to them.”
“But the refugees wouldn’t be living next door to them, not for any significant length of time. We’re providing temporary accommodations, just long enough for them to gain refugee status and move to the United States,” I protested.
“The accommodations may be temporary, but they’ll still view this as a security threat. Even though we’re in the United States, I’m still concerned the SVR will come after you. Their concerns are no different. They don’t want to draw corrupt governments, militias, mafias, or mercenaries to their doorsteps,” Rafael explained. We took a few more steps as the security line started moving again.
I sighed dejectedly. “I appreciate your willingness to talk to them, but it sounds like we may be fighting a losing battle. If you can’t alleviate their concerns, we’ll just have to sell the house and try to find some other way to help.”
Rafael planted a kiss on my forehead. “There are lots of ways we can help. Now, I want you to stop worrying about this. I want you to get on that plane, help your friend with her wedding, and have fun.”
“I still wish you were going with me,” I grumbled. There was an eerie sense of déjà vu swirling around me. The last time we parted at an airport, I was heading to Ukraine. There were too many parallels, especially with Rafael traveling to Paris.
“You’re going to be just fine,” Rafael said, as if reading my mind. “Kadyn, Cenia, and Roger will be with you this time. They’re completely capable of keeping you safe. Isn’t that what you’ve been telling me these past few weeks?”
I gradually released the breath I’d been holding. “Yes.”
Rafael lifted my chin as he forced me to look at him. “We’re going to focus on our relationship and our future together once this wedding is over. See that your friend is happily married so she can do the same for you.”
All of my internal organs collided, as if we’d just rocketed over the top of a very big hill. “Okay.”
His thumb caressed my jawline as he lowered his lips to mine. My lips parted on a sigh. His tongue explored my mouth as he coaxed me into a soft, lingering kiss. I slipped my hand under his shirt, so I could feel his skin.
Rafael groaned when I stepped between his legs and pressed my body to his. I rolled onto my toes and deepened the kiss.
I stilled when Rafael hardened against me. He broke the kiss but continued holding me in his arms. “Don’t move,” he pleaded. “I need a minute.”
“If you were joining me on this flight, we could take care of that,” I whispered teasingly. “I’ve always wanted to join the mile high club.”
He feigned a pained expression. Both of our cell phones chimed with an incoming text. He glanced at his phone. I did not. I was still thinking about his erection. I’d always thought sex in bathrooms was tacky. Now, I wasn’t so sure. Maybe it was just… necessary.
“Your friends are waiting for you at the gate,” Rafael explained. He offered me a chaste kiss before nudging me forward in the line. “If I can get everything wrapped up in Paris by Thursday, I’ll fly directly to Texas. The wedding is Saturday, right?”
I nodded. The wedding was only five days away. By the time Rafael flew to Paris and back, it would be tight. Still, I was pleased to hear he might join us. “Give me a call when you arrive in Paris tonight.” His flight was scheduled to depart an hour after mine.
He adjusted his backpack and kissed the back of my hand as he stepped out of line. “Your wish is my command.”
My heart sank as he backed away from me. I really didn’t like being separated from him. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” he replied. His eyes suddenly looked sad.
I loaded my belongings into the gray plastic bins. Every step that increased the distance between us was harder to take. Tears pooled in my eyes when I stepped through the x-ray machine. I brushed them aside and blew him a kiss when I crossed over to the other side. Why did crossing through security checkpoints make me feel so vulnerable and alone? My cell phone rang before I could reclaim all of my belongings. I smiled when I saw who it was. “Yes?” I answered. My eyes searched for him in the crowd.
“I’m just a phone call away,” he replied. “You can call me anytime day or night.”
“Keep talking,” I pleaded as I slipped my shoes on. I was dangerously close to bursting into tears.
“Planning these trips separately was a mistake. I promise, from this point forward, we’ll travel together,” he said.
I started walking toward the gate. “You’re just saying that so you can join the mile high club.”
“I think I should purchase another jet. Maybe I’ll buy one while I’m in Paris. I’ll try to find one with a bed. A private bedroom would be even better,” he replied. I couldn’t tell if he was joking.
I glanced up at the signs dotting the concourse. I still had twenty gates to go. “What kind of wicked things would you be doing to me in that bed?”
He laughed. “Listen closely, baby. You’re about to find out.”
My face was a brilliant shade of red by the time we disconnected the call. Rafael had gotten me so worked up, I was tempted to duck inside the bathroom so I could finish myself off. I tucked all of his wicked thoughts into the back of my head and went to Starbucks instead.
“You’re such a junkie,” Kadyn razzed when he saw the Starbucks cup.
“Trust me. This is better than the alternative,” I said.
He gave me a curious look. “What’s the alternative?”
I chose not to respond.
“Do you have your passport?” Cenia asked. Kadyn and Roger had wandered into the bookstore.
“Yes. Do you think we’ll have time to go into Mexico?” I asked. I was watching a steady stream of passengers exit the plane now docked at our gate.
She followed my gaze. “Mom and I are planning to go to San Fernando tomorrow so I can have a bridal portrait made for the wedding. You’re welcome to join us, but it’s going to be a long day. San Fernando is a two hour drive from McAllen.”
I glanced at her questioningly. “You’re getting your wedding pictures taken before the wedding? But you said you didn’t want Roger to see the dress before the wedding.”
“Roger won’t be in the picture. Just me,” she explained. “The women in my family have a long standing tradition. The bride has her picture taken before the wedding so the portrait can be displayed at the reception. The rest of the pictures are taken after the ceremony.”
I eyed the long line of people anxiously waiting to board the plane. “Why are you having your portrait made in Mexico?”
Cenia peered toward the bookstore. “My grandmother, my mother, my aunts, and cousins have all had their bridal portraits taken at this studio in San Fernando. The photographer who took my grandmother’s picture died a few years ago, but she passed the business on to her daughter,
who’s an exceptional photographer.”
We stood as the gate agent invited first class passengers to board the plane. I tossed my Starbucks cup in the recycling. “Where are they?” I asked Cenia. Kadyn and Roger had yet to return from the bookstore.
She shrugged. “I think they’re still in the bookstore. We should wait. I’ll never hear the end of it if we board the plane without them.”
Roger poked his head out of the bookstore and peered down the hall. Cenia waved her arms in the air. He ducked back inside the bookstore before walking out with Kadyn. The two men cut across the hall and walked the short distance to our gate.
“What section are they boarding?” Kadyn asked. He was shoving the latest book from the Hunger Games series into his backpack.
“First class,” I replied as we fell in line. I pulled the cell phone out of my purse so I could text Rafael. Departing on time. Please fly safe. Win the property owners over, purchase the jet, and meet me in McAllen.
You got it, he promptly replied.
* * * * *
Kadyn and I pulled the luggage from the trunk of the rental car while Cenia and Roger greeted her parents. They had met halfway up the sidewalk to her parents’ house. Cenia waved us over. “This is my mom and dad, Isabel and Alejandro Perez. Mom, Dad, I want you to meet, Kri and Kadyn, our maid of honor and our best man.”
I reached for her mother’s hand. “Thank you for inviting us to stay with you, Mrs. Perez.”
Her lips brushed against my cheek. “Isabel, por favor.”
Cenia’s father gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and a hug. “I always think someone’s referring to my father when I hear Mr. Perez. Please call me Al,” he requested with a warm smile.
Isabel reached for my hand while nudging Cenia toward the house. “Please, let the men bring the luggage in. Are you hungry? You look like you haven’t eaten in weeks.”
Cenia laughed. “Mom! I’m no thinner now than the last time you saw me. Quit trying to fatten me up!”
Isabel examined her daughter a bit more closely. “You’re too pale. You need some color in your cheeks. You should at least eat some beans.”
My stomach growled the second I entered the house. I could smell the beans and ham simmering in the kitchen, as well as fresh pressed garlic, onion, cilantro, and some kind of pepper. Jalapenos maybe. “Whatever you’re cooking smells amazing,” I groaned more than said. I glanced around the house, then gawked at the terracotta tile floor. There was no carpet to speak of, only tile.