by Blue Saffire
We walked through the first floor of the beautiful home and I could see it come to life. When we entered the office on the first floor, I could see Lorenzo with his books, studying and me bringing him something to eat, as he has been studying for hours, much like I do now. When we reached the kitchen, I could see the staff we’d hire to help me take care of him.
The kitchen was gorgeous, there were the granite countertops and large tiled floors and maple cabinets. All the appliances were stainless steel and brand new. I knew that would make Lorenzo happy.
Lo was all business at that moment, turning on the water and checking the burners to see if they came on. It made me think of the way I felt when he let Amy know we weren’t interested in the other house. It was sexy.
As Lorenzo made his rounds, checking out the functional aspects of the house, I continued to daydream about our new life in this house. I stared out at the pool and outdoor entertainment area. I could see Angie, Matt, and Chris hanging out at our pool, during the summer, while we grilled steaks and turkey burgers. It made the smile I was hiding surface on my lips.
I could hear Amy telling Lorenzo about the butler’s kitchen and the walk-in pantry. She was breaking a sweat in this house. Lorenzo hadn’t said a word and I believed she missed my smile because my back was to her. I felt Lorenzo walk up behind me, as he placed his arms around me.
“You okay? Is this the one?” he whispered and kissed my face.
I gave a small nod and turned to face him. “Do you like it?” I whispered. I hoped he did. It just felt right.
“That doesn’t matter, but, yes,” he said as he gently swayed me in his arms.
“I think it may be the one. I want to see the rest, but it feels right,” I admitted.
We made our way through the rest of the house. Lorenzo watched me as I entered into each room, imaging our life here. I was so ready to live in this house with my Lorenzo.
I could see our family with our little brown, grey-eyed babies running through the halls. Lucie and Toni chasing after them, being the perfect aunt and uncle. Maria and her decorators making sure each of the rooms were perfect. This would be our home it had to be. I was already picking colors for the walls in my mind.
We were standing in what would be our bedroom. It felt so different to know this would be where we would stay once we were married. The room was so open. The double doors that lead inside were so tall and wide. They opened right to a sitting area. As you walked passed the sitting area, you stepped into the huge main bedroom with tall ceilings.
The closets were twice the size of my huge closet at my father’s house and there was one for each of us. There was one closet on each side of the room and bathrooms that connected to each of them. I could stop fussing at Lo about the mess he leaves, when he’s rushing out of the house.
Lorenzo stood at my side, playing in my hair, watching me daydream. Amy gave up on trying to talk to us. She stood off by the door, failing miserably at fighting off a huge frown.
Standing in this room made me think about this afternoon in our apartment. Once this was our home Lo would be more than free to think and do whatever he wanted. I grinned at the thought. Lorenzo’s reaction made me feel as if he could hear my thoughts.
As if Amy weren’t there at all, Lorenzo placed his arms around me. He took me completely by surprise, kissing me so thoroughly, me foot propped up off the floor, as I bent my knee.
I felt like I was in a dream. I clinched his collar holding him to me. Lorenzo started to nimble on my bottom lip as he moaned. His hand slide down to squeeze my backside.
I slid my hands to his chest, not sure how to react. He was stealing my breath away. I found myself gasping and lost in his command for my attention. I could feel my nipple press at the fabric of my bra, causing me to want something, just not knowing exactly what.
I relaxed into his embrace, causing him to pull me closer. I could feel him, pressing into my belly and the grin on his lips. I was sure he’d had the same thoughts about this room that I was having. I couldn’t wait to explore every thought he had.
“Can I make this our home?” he breathed into my face.
“Yes, please,” I whispered back.
“Thank you. I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too, but why are you thanking me?”
“Because you are making me happy by letting me make you happy, thank you,” he said and kissed my forehead.
“You’re welcome,” I sighed. Lorenzo is so sweet.
“Amy, I don’t think we need to look at anything else. Can you get the paperwork to me by Monday, so we can make an offer?” he said, in his business voice again.
“Sure, Mr. Botticelli, we could go over to my office now and I could have it taken care of today,” she replied eagerly.
“No, I have some place I need to be. Tomorrow or Monday will be fine. I want to close before our wedding though, so this needs to happen fast,” he replied.
“No problem, Mr. Botticelli. I will make sure everything is taken care of. Should I contact your father or would you like me to talk directly to you?” Amy asked with a hint of, ‘I’d rather deal with your dad’, in her voice.
“Either is fine, Amy. I have a lot to do this week and I don’t want to hold this up, so if you can get Alfonzo faster than you can reach me, that will be fine,” Lorenzo said, as he pulled out his phone that was buzzing again.
He took a few steps away from me to send a text. I was beginning to wonder what was up with all the text messages, but I was too excited about the house to focus on that at the moment. I followed Amy back downstairs.
She became extra nice now. As she talked I realized Lorenzo said we were not able to go to her office because he had some place to be. I was definitely curious as that thought entered my head. Where was he going and was I going too?
Lorenzo lagged behind, as we walked out of the house. I stopped at the bottom of the steps to see what was taking him so long, but he just walked out of the house smiling. He pulled the key to the truck out of his pocket, reaching for my hand. Without a word led me to the truck.
I was not sure if I wanted to ask questions yet, so I just got in as he held my door open. We weren’t heading home when we exited the community our new house was in. Where was he headed now? Was being at home with me really that bad?
“Lo, where are we going now? Where do you have to be?” I asked hoping to get an answer I could change.
“I know it’s your night to cook. You look so tired, I made reservation so you don’t have to worry about it,” he said with a smile.
I could live with that, he was right. I was too tired to go next to a kitchen. Although, if I were being honest, going for take-out would sound even better. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I didn’t protest his plans. I just sat watching him, still a little curious about the texts.
Lorenzo looked so happy. I haven’t seen him look like this for a while. He always looks so stressed about my safety lately. Always watching over his shoulders for danger.
He refused to stop living over what was going on, but he was extra cautious, especially with me. But in this very moment, that feeling was missing and it was nice. I decided that the silence add to the peace in his eyes, turning to sit back and enjoy it too.
We pulled up to a restaurant I had never been to before. The valet opened my door and I stepped out to wait for Lorenzo. He was at my side in no time, as the valet placed a ticket in his hand.
With his hand on my back, Lorenzo walked me into the restaurant. As we entered he nodded to the hostess, but walked right by her to the back of the restaurant. I looked up at him, wondering what he was up to.
I could tell he was fighting a smirk, as he held his phone in his hand sending a text again. I tried to peek this time, but he was holding it out of my sight, pressing send too fast.
We reached the back of the restaurant and turned toward a pair of black and gold doors. The room behind them looked dark. I looked up at Lorenzo with my brows pulled in
to the middle of my forehead. He looked down at me and winked, as he pushed one door open for me to walk in. I did as he wanted and walked through.
“Surprise!” A crowd of voices called.
I almost jumped out of my skin, falling back against Lorenzo’s chest. He had one arm around me to steady me against him. I could feel him shaking with laughter behind me.
The lights came on, allow Maria, Angie, Aunt Joann, and Sharon to come into view. They were all heading toward me with smiles and open arms. Angie holding a veil in her hands. There was a crowd of smiling women behind them. I turned to look at Lorenzo. He was smiling from ear to ear.
“Have fun,” he leaned to whisper in my ear and kissed me on the cheek. “Call me when you’re on the way home,” he said, as he handed me the ticket from the valet.
“Wait, how are you getting home?” I asked confused and shocked.
Lorenzo hadn’t let me out of his sight unless he had to lately. I didn’t see Uncle Mike anywhere in the room. Was he really just going to leave? I was happy I always carried just in case. At that moment, the extra weight in my purse was very reassuring.
“Chris is outside waiting for me,” he said noticing my panic. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. I wouldn’t leave if you weren’t.”
I nodded and reached up to kiss him before he turned to leave. I would have to forget about sleeping for a few more hours. As soon as he walked away, I was surrounded.
Angie placed the veil on my head and Sharon gave me the biggest hug ever. It was nice to see her. I only get to see her when she would come to my father’s to help with wedding plans and that was not too often. Maria was the next one to give me a bear hug.
“Your mother wanted badly to come, but she was scared to put you in danger. She said to tell you, she loves you and she won’t miss your wedding for anything, promise,” she whispered.
When Maria released me, we both had tears in our eyes and we hugged again. Maria had started to give my mom a break. I know she was doing it because of me. Maria was a lot like a mom to me now.
We let each other go, so I could greet the rest of the guests. Aunt Joann, with her silly self, whistled at my outfit, as she took my coat and give me a hug. I was happy I didn’t do jeans and sneakers like I wanted to. It dawned on me that Lorenzo had planned all this. Me suggesting the house hunt only helped him out.
The room was filled with friends from my high school, the neighborhood, and family. All people I knew my father trusted. I relaxed in no time, forgetting all about sleep.
How could I sleep. I had women coming at me from all angles, giving me advice on how to be a good wife. They all had suggestions on how I should keep Lorenzo happy.
I tried to stay clear of Lorenzo’s aunts, Sharon’s sisters. Their advice was more than I wanted. I was glad for my darker skin, to hide a little of the blushing their words brought on. Their gifts matched their advice. Angie and my friends from school got a kick out of that.
I wanted to kill the person in charge of the entertainment. They not only hired one stripper, but four. One of which was a little more interested in me than I thought was necessary.
Sharon and Maria noticed and almost had to barricade me behind their own bodies. It was a little embarrassing and uncomfortable. I never let Lorenzo touch me the way he had tried.
Angie and Jennifer, whose mom was also there, were the only girls from school that were allowed in the room during the show. I wanted to disappear to wherever the others went.
When they were done, I could see the aggressive dancer still checking me out. They were all nice-looking guys. The blonde one was tall and lean, but very toned. He was very tan for this time of the year, which made Angie and me laugh a little.
Another, had very low cut dark hair and was shorter with a football player build. He was twice my complexion, making him look like liquid chocolate, as he danced.
Then, there was the dark haired, blue-eyed one who looked like he was just as interested as the aggressive dancer, but had a little more respect for the veil and the ring I was wearing. He was tall too, but he looked more like a body builder. His tan was much more even and managed.
Then there was my fan, he was a couple of shades lighter than me with dark brown eyes. His face was the nicest of them all, but I think him knowing that was a disadvantage to his own character. He looked like he belonged in underwear ads, not too muscular, but still cut in the right places.
I wasn’t too sure how Lo was going to feel about the entertainment part of the night. I didn’t know how much he knew about what was happening here. There was a toast, cake, and the older women were having cocktails.
The little champagne I had during the toast was more than enough for me. It was making my stomach turn in disgust. I hadn’t even finished the whole glass. I was happy to see Uncle Mike and Uncle Sal show up to help me load my truck with my gifts, so I could go home.
My guests were all getting ready to leave. Maria handed me a basket of favors to stand at the door with, so I could thank everyone and say goodnight. My friends from school took the longest to leave. They squealed about me getting married and how hot Lo is.
A couple of the girls mentioned the fight with Sabrina. Asking if it was because I took her boyfriend? That annoyed me a little, but as usual Angie had my back.
“No! And I do remember telling yous to mind your own business,” she snarled. I chuckled to myself and changed the subject.
When we finally had the last of the guests out of the door, I tried to help clean up, but Maria and Sharon insisted I get home. It was about a forty-five minute to an hour-long ride. Angie came running over when she saw me putting on my coat.
“Hey, Vic, I know Chris is at your place. I don’t get to see him or you much lately. He has classes and practice all the time. Plus, I’ve been busy with senior year,” she explained nervously. “I know he spends a lot of time with Lo, when he can. Um, I brought some clothes with me. Can I come over tonight? Please.”
I chuckled at the sad puppy face she made. “Oh, please, Angie, do you really need to ask? Lo’s place is my home, he won’t mind. I would love for you to come over. Just don’t expect me to be any company tonight, I’m so tired,” I told her. “I didn’t think anyone else will have a problem with it. You’re riding with me, right?”
“Yeah! I came with my mom, in case you said it was okay,” she chimed.
“Ok, get your things. I’m going. You want to drive?” I asked.
“Sure, give me one minute,” she called over her shoulder, as she ran for her things.
I was out of the door. Uncle Mike was outside, with my car parked right out front. I climbed in the passenger side and made myself comfortable, as I fished my phone out of my bag.
I sent Lorenzo a text to let him know I was coming home. I couldn’t fight it anymore. My eyelids were closed and I could hear the snores coming from me as I slept.
Chapter Twenty-Five
More Than a Girl
Lorenzo
I’m very pleased with my day I’d managed to get Victoria to her party, without her knowing a thing. Something I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull off. It had been perfect when she suggested buying a house.
I had been trying to figure out how I was going to go about that as well. Victoria gets so funny about me spoiling her. I wasn’t sure how she would react to me wanting to buy her a house.
It worked out perfectly. I’d already looked at a bunch of places online to narrow down what I thought she would like. Amy had been emailing my dad properties for weeks.
I knew if I gave Victoria fewer options it would be easier to get her into a place she couldn’t refuse. I knew she would hate the first one we went to. That was my plan, to take her to exactly what she didn’t want so when I got her to the others, she would be more willing to say yes. I knew she would love the house, she picked.
She was more willing than I thought to let me give her what I wanted. Just watching her in the house made me want to tell her she could have it no m
atter the cost. She glowed in a way I’d never seen before.
It made me forget about all the chaos. I was already a little on edge about the party. I wasn’t willing to let Victoria out of my sight, but Venny and my dad promised to send Uncle Mike and Uncle Sal to watch the place and to follow her home to me.
While I waited for Victoria to come home, Chris sat on the couch eating us out of house and home. Chris was used to all the drama around my family. He grew up with all the security and arms, my father had around us. Chris saw a little more than he should have a few times too many.
He was like my brother to me and my dad treated him like a son. He knows how to use any one of the guns lying around the apartment, just as much as I do. Chris was with me at my first lesson. If I could trust anyone to have my back, Chris was the one.
He didn’t ask questions about what was going on. He just understood, Victoria was my priority. Chris has been trying his best to keep Angie out of whatever is going on. He won’t bring her here, when he comes over. I know that’s hard for him because he stays the weekend, whenever he does come. Angie begs to come down with him, but he refuses.
We’ve always been joined at the hip so I get why he spends so much time here. I try not to put him out too often. Just when the food is running out and I know Uncle Mike isn’t coming for a few days to fill the place back up.
However, I wanted to kick him out now. I only refrained because it’s been a little while since he has been over. I have plans for Victoria. I’d broken my promise about staying home today. I’m going to make that up to her big time. I felt so bad, she looked so sleepy when I left her.
I don’t care if Chris is there or not. I was going to make it up to her. I’d just been waiting for Victoria to text me that she was on the way. Then I would set up. I had already taken a shower and made myself something to eat.
Chris sat in his basketball shorts and a t-shirt, proving he wasn’t leaving for the night. I laughed to myself, wondering what he’s going to do when I got married. I guess it’s a good thing I’m buying a house and moving back to Jersey.