by Blue Saffire
I thought about my father and how angry I was with him. I felt like he had asked too much of me and was giving me little in return. It wasn’t really about the car.
It was about him doing what he said for a change. I wanted him to spend time with me, being my father. Not my secret or my tyrant. I had so much going on, I see why I lost it.
Before I could get too lost in my thoughts, Chris and Matt walked up to where I was stood. Chris shook his head, while laughing at whatever Matt was saying. Matt was laughing as he spoke.
I could see Chris’s mouth fall open, as he turned in my direction. I could just imagine what Matt was telling him. I groaned and rolled my eyes.
“Victoria, wow, I would never have taken you for a fighter. You look like such a good girl,” Chris chuckled.
“What?” I mumbled.
“Watch out, she may hit you,” Matt laughed.
“Oh, he doesn’t have to worry about me. You on the other hand, are now on my list,” I warned him.
“Aw, Victoria, if I would’ve laid a hand on Lorenzo you would’ve fought me after anyway. So, I guess I lose either way.”
I just rolled my eyes again. Matt went on telling Chris stories about some of the trouble he has seen me get into. I walked around to the driver’s side to get away from them.
I was so relieved when Angie and Lorenzo appeared in the parking lot. Angie gave me a hug and handed me my purse. Lorenzo swung a bag in front of me, wearing a huge grin on his face. I reached for the bag and he gave it to me as he kissed my lips.
“Thank you.” This was the first gift I’d ever taken from a boy.
“You’re welcome. Are you okay to drive or do you want me to?”
“I think I’m fine.” I reached in my bag for the key.
He reached to open the door for me as I unlocked the car. As I went to get in the car, I noticed Angie getting in Chris’s car, not Matt’s. I laughed to myself. I guess something good did come out of this trip.
I pulled out of the parking spot, followed by Matt then Chris. Lorenzo was quiet, speaking only to give me directions. It seemed like he was thinking about something. I wished I did let him drive, so I could focus more on him.
I wondered if I should ask him what he was thinking, but the look on his face made me not want to interrupt is thoughts. I wanted Lorenzo and me to just get a chance to live outside the drama for a while.
I am not sure how soon we have to marry, but it seems like he is getting to go to grad school. I wondered how far away he would go. Any distance would be tough to deal with. So, for now, I wanted to forget about everything else and just be us.
chapter Eighteen
Decisions
Lorenzo
We arrived at my house in no time from the mall. During the ride, I sat while in deep thought about everything Victoria said. I heard her words about her heart being ripped apart.
All I wanted was to figure out how to fix it. I know I can’t do anything about her father. Though, I did understand why he couldn’t meet her. It was business first with men like him and my father.
I know Victoria wouldn’t understand that if I told her, so I didn’t bother. I mean to think about it. How much did she know about the business her father was really in.
I don’t believe she has a clue of how dangerous her father is. I know all about my father and what he does. From what I know, Venny is ten times as powerful and dangerous.
If Victoria only understood that sometimes things come up that can change things at any time, she would understand her father a little more. However, I knew it all went deeper than that. Sabrina had just made a poor choice by approaching Victoria today.
I was so pissed when Sabrina and her friends ganged up on Victoria. I was ready to call a few girls I know from school that would love to do me a favor. I had no idea Victoria was more than capable of handling it on her own.
I was shocked by her short fuse. Even hearing her temper before this wasn’t the same. When she hit Sabrina, I wanted to shout for joy. I kind of thought Denise deserved the slap she got for involving herself.
However, it was when Victoria went after Tracy and Amber I knew she was out of control. They were backing away from her like terrified children. They had no intentions of fighting Victoria.
For Victoria, all of this was about Venny. She hadn’t made the separation in that moment. She would’ve taken all of what she was going through out on those girls.
Victoria was hurt about the secrets and the lies. She just wanted the truth from her father. I get that.
I wasn’t sure what to do with that. I wanted to help her understand and feel better, but I wasn’t sure how. I decided I would do my best to distract her from it.
I didn’t see her as a brat, as she called it. I saw a girl I wanted to give any and everything. I already saw her as my wife. She would get nothing but the best from me.
To think she wanted to pay for that swimsuit. The spoiled girls I have been with would’ve insisted I pay for it before I had a chance to offer. Victoria was far from a spoiled brat.
Angie had picked out a swimsuit for Victoria while she played twenty-one questions with me about Chris. I can tell she likes him. Before she finally made a decision on what to get Victoria, she held up several swimsuits to ask me if I thought Chris would like them. I think she picked like five bikinis for herself, before she quickly handed me one for Victoria.
“Is Chris seeing anyone,” she asked.
I smirked. “No, not at the moment. To the best of my knowledge.”
“Well, you would know. You guys are tight. Do you think he’s into me?” She pushed some more.
“I guess from what I can tell,” I shrugged, trying to hold back a laugh.
“What’s his type?” Angie looked up at me through big brown eyes, biting her lip.
I couldn’t hold back my smile. I really looked at Angie. She has a nice shape. Though nothing compared to Victoria’s, and her large brown eyes were rather pretty.
She did look a lot like Victoria, but without all the features that made Victoria perfect to me. If she dyed her hair red or blonde Chris would’ve thought she was perfect. Although, I don’t think her hair color was enough to make him ignore her.
I snorted and winked at her. “You’re not far from it at all,” I replied.
To be honest, I could tell Chris liked Angie too. I was sure he was going to have his own twenty-one questions later when she was gone. Honestly, Angie was more Chris’s speed.
I wasn’t surprised to see Chris offer Angie a ride to my house. I kind of felt bad for Matt, having to hang with us. We were all coupled up, but he seemed cool with it.
When we got to my place, I understood why. My god sister, Martina was parked outside my house. She jumped out of her car and went straight to Matt’s truck as we pulled up. I was surprised to see them embrace when he jumped out of the Escalade. I had no clue they were dating.
Martina is strange. She often came over to see my mother and hang around the pool. I paid her little attention.
Her father works for my dad and her mother used to watch Lucie when my mother decided to open a flower shop. Martina used to follow me around, when her mother was with Lucie. I just thought she talked way too much.
Seeing Matt and Martina standing together seemed to work. Martina is a pretty girl. She has light blue eyes and dark brown hair. Her skin has a sun booth tan that would carry her closer to an orange version Victoria complexion, with a few more sittings.
Martina had just started getting blonde highlights this year. She isn’t too tall, but not too short either. I was sure she towered over Angie and Victoria.
Martina’s purple and blue knit bikini top and a mini skirt, showed off her thin long legs. Personally, I thought she showed up at a good time. We needed to feed her something.
Matt is taller than Martina, about my height and build. He has dark brown hair like Victoria’s, but without the hints of red I noticed in hers. Matt’s eyes are green.
I
believe that comes from his mom, who I’ve met a few times through Maria’s parties. Matt stood with a tan that reminded me of Angie’s complexion tanned. He was dressed in a white t-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts, looking as if he and I planned to coordinate today. Matt and Martina looked like a cool Ken and maybe-Barbie.
After helping Victoria out of the car. I started for the house. I had called my mother on the way out of the mall to tell her we were coming. She was setting up the deck so we could grill.
My mother was never much on letting the staff do everything. She likes being a housewife. I think that’s why the flower shop being a full-time thing didn’t work out so well.
As we entered the house, everyone was involved in a conversation except for me. I was still in my thoughts from the car. I heard Victoria’s voice talking to someone, but I wasn’t certain on who.
Just as I started to pull myself from my thoughts, Victoria touched my arm to grab my attention. When I looked at her, concern laced her pretty features. I focused on her, offering a smile.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked with the same concern in her voice.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said and placed my hand on the small of her back.
“Okay. Well, Angie and I wanted to know if you have a shower we could use? I kind of got all sweaty and need to cool off, if that’s okay,” she said, as she melted into my side.
I couldn’t help the images of her in the shower that ran through my head, before I answered her. I gathered my thoughts quickly. “Sure, you guys can use my room,” I replied.
“Are you sure that’s okay?” she asked.
“Sure, I’ll wait for you guys to finish. Matt and Chris will be able to find anything they need in the pool house. Chris knows his way around and so does Martina.
“She doesn’t need anything. Lucie’s room is two doors down from mine. She’ll give you anything I don’t have,” I reassured her.
“Okay, maybe Lucie has something we can pull our hair up with.”
“Come, we can go see,” I chuckled.
I took Victoria’s hand to lead her upstairs, as Angie followed. I knew Lucie was probably in her room sulking because I was supposed to be taking her out for ice cream. Seeing Victoria would cheer her up and hanging out with a bunch of adult girls and guys would top that.
The thought of the mess my room had been popped in my head. I breathed a sigh of relief that I’d cleaned up over the weekend. The place was embarrassing a few days ago.
When we got to Lucie’s room, her door was opened. She was thrown across the bed with her face in the pale pink comforter. Just like I expected, sulking.
I tapped on the door, causing her to look up. Lucie sprung up off the bed with an excited smile on her face. I love this kid, she is so cute. Lucie ran over to Victoria and hugged her waist.
“Hey, Vicky,” she squealed.
“Hey, Lucie,” Victoria answered while rubbing Lucie’s hair, and smiling brightly.
Lucie had her own huge grin. Reaching up to mirror Victoria gesture, playing in Victoria’s hair. Lucie peeked around Victoria at Angie and waved. Angie smiled, returning the wave. Victoria waved for Angie to come closer.
“Lucie, this is my cousin, Angie. Angie, this is Lucie, Lorenzo’s little sister.”
“Hey, Ang, nice to meet you,” Lucie said and waved again.
“Hi, Lucie, it’s nice to meet you,” Angie replied.
“Hey, Lo, I thought you were taking me for ice cream. Then mom said you’re having friends over for a pool party. Did you forget about me?” Lucie asked with a pout on her face.
“No, munchkin. I didn’t forget you. We’re not having a party, we’re just hanging out. I thought you’d want to hang out with us, before I take you for ice cream.
“Victoria promised to come with us and we can watch movies after.”
I winked at Victoria, hinting at the movies later. I know her dad would be okay with her spending so much time with me. This would all work in my favor.
“Really, Lo, I can hang out with you and your friends?” Lucie squealed.
“Yeah, Lucie, you can. Since there’ll be girls there, I don’t see why not, Squirt,” I told her. I could see Victoria out of the corner of my eye, smiling up at me.
“Thanks, Lo. I promise I’ll be good,” Lucie chimed.
“Good, you can start by helping Victoria and Angie out. They’re going to use my bathroom to shower and change, but they need to ask you for some girl stuff.”
“Okay, what do you guys need? You can use my bathroom if you want. Lo can keep a mess in his room when he wants to,” she said and wrinkled her nose at me.
“I thought you were being good,” I teased.
“Oh, sorry,” she murmured.
“Actually, Lucie, I’ll take you up on that offer if you don’t mind,” Angie said giving Victoria a sly look.
“Okay!” Lucie chimed. “It’s right over there,” she pointed it out to Angie, with the hand she held free of Victoria’s hair.
“Hey, Lucie, I just need something to pull my hair back and hair pins if you have,” Victoria told her.
“No problem, I have all types of things for my hair from ballet. Madame Mona wants our face and neck free to express every line,” Lucie said, rolling her eyes.
She pulled Victoria over to her vanity and pulled one of her boxes from it. She and Victoria dug through until they found what they needed. Victoria stood talking to Lucie for a few minutes. Lucie was beside herself with joy. Victoria reached down and kissed her forehead, and in the next motion turned to walk to me.
I took note of how much I love the way she is with my sister. It increased how much I wanted to make this girl happy. When Victoria reached at my side, I took her by the waist and led her to my room.
Once we were inside, I closed the door behind us, before pulling her for a kiss. Victoria placed her finger to my lips and shook her head at me. I wrinkled my brows, puzzled by her reaction.
“I’m behaving myself. Can you show me your bathroom, please?” she smiled.
I laughed. “Cute, it’s over there,” I pointed and released her to go.
She walked away swinging the bag with the swimsuit in her hand. Once at the bathroom door, she turned to wink and blow me a kiss. I love this girl so much, she’s driving me nuts.
I went to fall back on my bed while I waited for her to finish. I listened to her moving around in the bathroom to undress. I could feel my heart race when the water came on in the shower. Right then, I knew showering in my bathroom would never be the same.
Though she was only in the next room, I found myself missing her. I tried to think of something else, but every thought came back to her. Once again, I found myself thinking of my choices for grad school.
I hadn’t realized how much I never even considered the schools close to home. I would have to sit down and put some real thought into this. Victoria had become a part of my life I’m not willing to give up. I wasn’t going across the country now that I had her.
I heard the shower cut off, and found myself anxious for her to return to me. I could hear her fussing about the swimsuit through the door. I started to chuckle.
I had a feeling Angie should’ve paid more attention to shopping for Victoria. Just as I sat up to go knock and see if she was okay, Victoria came to the bathroom door with her arms folded across her chest frowning. She still stood halfway behind the door.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Why would she pick this out for me? What was she thinking? I’m gonna kill her,” she grumbled.
“Let me see. It can’t be that bad.”
Victoria stepped out of the bathroom, she looked amazing. Her caramel skin glowed under the shiny black fabric. The bikini top tied behind her neck that was exposed by her hair being pulled back into a high ponytail.
It looked like the top was painted onto her voluptuous curves. My eyes traveled down to her waist that showed her beautiful skin, as if to taunt me. The bikini bottom was cut way below
her waist. The boy cut shorts followed the flow of her hips, looking just as painted on as the top.
I bit my lip as I examine her. It dawned on me how clean-shaven her skin was. The low-cut bikini should have exploded some hint of growth, but she was clean as a baby’s bottom.
I can’t deny my curiosity. I pulled it together, waving for her to come to me. She did as I asked, stopping right in front of the foot of the bed, where I sat. I reached for her hand, turning her so I could see the back of the suit.
I started to sweat when her back was to me. The bikini bottom was definitely cut way too low for her waist. It stopped just before too much was revealed.
If that weren’t enough, it clung to her skin in ways that should’ve been illegal. I could understand why she was upset. I would’ve been too if I wasn’t enjoying looking at my future wife.
Victoria looked over her shoulder at me and caught the huge grin on my lips. She rolled her eyes and frowned. As she turned to face me, I pulled her down onto the bed beside me. I rolled to lay over her and her hand rose to press against my chest. A sweet giggle slipped from her lips.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Misbehaving,” I answered, as I pressed my lips to hers.
Victoria giggled more as I kissed her. “See, that’s what I meant. Why would she pick something so revealing for me? Lorenzo, stop it, I can’t wear this,” she gasped, as I kissed her neck.
“It will be fine. You look great,” I breathed. “Stop worrying. I like it.”
“Yeah, I can tell,” she giggled, as I continued to kiss her skin. “Lorenzo, please don’t do that. I don’t feel comfortable in this. You’re making it hard to think.”
I pulled away and stared at her. This was a first. I’m usually fighting her off. She did look uncomfortable. I sat up off of her and moved beside her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” I apologize immediately.
“No, no,” she said quickly, rising to sit on my lap. “It’s not you. It’s the bikini. I feel like something is going to pop out at any minute. That would be so embarrassing. That toad Angie only did this because she and Maria talked me in to waxing every inch on my body, at the spa the other day.”