by Hebby Roman
“Look,” she’d told him, lowering to the floor. “I love gay people. If you’re homosexual, it’s okay.”
He’d sat up and glared at her. “I’m not gay. I am so in love with you, I want to ensure everyone knows you’re mine and I want us to be the couple everyone envies. I want to be the one other couples strive to be like.” His face had brightened up. “We should start a YouTube channel.”
“What?” She gaped as he stood and began pacing, a strange wide smile on his handsome face. “I took the liberty of hiring a graphic artist to make a logo.”
“Stop.” Carmen got to her feet and shoved him in the chest. “What is wrong with you? Do you need a pill?”
Ignoring her, he’d gone to the computer and three clicks later she watched an animation of them walking hand in hand, her dog trotting next to them.
“What do you think?”
Carmen pinched the bridge of her nose. “I think this is creepier than you taking pictures of me while I sleep.”
A week later while he was at work, she’d moved out. Within two hours she and her dog were in her parent’s spare bedroom and every bit of her belongings were packed in her car.
The Atlanta airport was complicated and yet familiar to Carmen as she pulled into a parking space in the multi-level complex, exited her car and hurried to the terminal.
After dodging cars in the drop off and pick up area, she managed to get to the escalator and up to where she’d be able to wait for Jared.
Carmen fidgeted with her purse strap and once again checked the archway where the passengers would be coming out. Jared’s airplane had landed and with each passing moment, she became more excited about seeing him.
Finally he walked out. At six foot three, it was easy to spot him. His flat gaze moved across the crowd. A pair of women to Carmen’s left openly gawked.
When he spotted her, a grin split his face and she could barely keep from running to him. Instead, she waited for him to come closer and envelop her in a bear hug. She sagged against him needing the strength he radiated.
He lifted her face and his mouth immediately covered hers. Carmen closed her eyes not caring who watched and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I missed you,” he whispered into her ear, the warmth of his breath making her tingle.
Jared’s hand was wrapped around the “oh shit” bar, his knuckles turning white as she zigzagged through traffic. “Move out of the way moron,” she exclaimed. “Jeez.”
“You’re tail-gating,” he said not giving up his hold. “Maybe I should drive.”
She glanced at him. “You won’t survive. These people are out for blood.” She zipped into a tight space and continued forward. “I think it’s fun. Keeps me on my toes. I’m kind of like one of those Jedi fighters.”
“Right.” He let out a long breath and leaned back when they were narrowly missed by a van sliding in front of them.
“Hungry?” Carmen changed the subject.
“Starving.”
“Good, you’ll love this place.”
She took the next exit and took a few turns before pulling into a parking space in front of an eatery. “They make the best food.”
“Flying Biscuit?” Jared frowned up at the sign. “Interesting.”
It was hard to eat with her stomach tumbling over the announcement she was about to give Jared. Her mind was made up. Other than him visiting, she didn’t want him to waste any time visiting the police department there or whatever else he’d planned to do in order to start the process of transferring.
They walked in and were seated immediately since it was late morning and the breakfast crowd had cleared out.
“I-I.” Her stomach churned. Damn nerves. Jared lifted a brow.
“What’s up?”
“I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Carmen jumped up and rushed into the small eclectically decorated bathroom and stared at her reflection. She really needed to get a hold of herself. Yes, it was a big decision and sure each time she saw Jared again her hormones went haywire, but seriously, she was going to marry the man. They would spend the rest of their lives together, no need for so much drama.
“Get a hold of yourself Carmen,” she snapped at her reflection. After washing her hands, she went back out and stopped. Frozen in place, she watched as Randolph said something to Jared, who was standing up now. Randolph shoved his cell phone at Jared who looked at the display.
She hurried over, thankful there were only a couple of tables with people at them.
“What are you doing here?” She poked her ex in the arm with her finger. “Go away.”
He had the audacity to roll his eyes. “I’m informing this man who I am.”
“A psychopath?”
“Your boyfriend.”
It took counting to ten and two deep breaths before she could form a reply. “No, you are not my boyfriend. We broke up months ago.”
This time it was Jared who spoke. “What is happening? Who is this?”
“Jared,” Carmen held out a hand toward Jared and then swept toward Randolph, “Meet my stalker ex. Stalker, meet my fiancé.”
“I am not your stalker.” Randolph managed to look contrite.
“Then why do I have a restraining order against you?” She grabbed her purse and began digging in it. “It’s in here somewhere.”
Randolph chuckled. “It was a misunderstanding. We’ve seen each other since.”
“Like when you showed up at my building and I called the police?”
She’d probably left the restraining order in another purse, so Carmen gave up looking. Jared motioned to the cell in Randolph’s hand. “Why does he have pictures of you sleeping?”
“Eeww.” Carmen snatched the phone from Randolph before he could move it away. She began swiping and deleting. “See, this is what’s wrong with men today. You guys can slide right over the line from nice to creepy so easily. I don’t understand why you’re not out there dating some nice girl...or guy.” She turned to Jared. “These are old.”
“I’m not gay.” Randolph looked to Jared. “Do I come across to you as gay?”
Jared narrowed his eyes. “I’m not good at judging that.”
“Right,” Randolph replied with a firm nod as if Jared’s reply made his point. “I’ll be on my way. Best be the better person and allow you to move on with your life even if you are cheating on me.”
At the last words there was a gasp from a near-by table. “What?” an older woman asked her tablemate.
“The guy in the blue shirt is cheating on the flamboyant one. With a woman,” the woman replied so loudly everyone heard. A server giggled and several others in the room coughed.
“I’m not flamboyant,” Randolph said to the woman. “Why would you say that?”
“You’re wearing pink and the way you stand with your hand on your hip, it’s very flamboyant.”
The other woman nodded in agreement.
“I’m not gay,” Randolph said and glared once more at Carmen before storming from the restaurant.
“Can I start you off with drinks?” a cute blonde asked looking to them.
“Got any whiskey?” Jared asked and sat down.
“We’ll take two sweet teas please,” Carmen said and joined him. “Oh look here it is.” She pulled out a crumpled paper. “The restraining order,” she finished weakly when Jared lifted a brow.
“So is your ex gay?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Should I ask why you two broke up?”
This was not how she’d pictured the first day with Jared in town going. They had dinner plans that night with her parents, Juanito, Mila and her husband. She’d already told them about her decision. It was best Jared knew as well.
“We broke up because he’s a weirdo who wanted us to dress matchy-matchy.” She shook her head. “How tacky can someone be?”
“Matchy what?”
“Can we f
orget about Randolph and talk about us?” Carmen said, reaching for Jared’s hand.
“Mmm. Mmm. Mmm,” the women at the other table sounded off in disapproval and shook their heads in unison.
“Or, maybe we can pay for the drinks and leave. How about a drive through meal?” Jared asked standing. He tossed money on the table and took her by the elbow.
Half an hour later, they were seated at her small kitchen table with bags of take out.
Jared looked around the apartment. It wasn’t his first time there, but he scanned the surroundings as if it were. “You always keep your place so devoid of decorations. Why?”
“I always knew it was temporary.” She frowned considering it only took a couple hours to move out of her last place. “Sort of.”
“Do you not plan to stay in this apartment then?”
“No. I do not. As a matter of fact...”
The doorbell rang.
“What in the living hell is happening?” Carmen jumped to her feet and went to the intercom. “What?”
“It’s Nana. I came to help with the packing.”
Carmen closed her eyes as she pushed the buzzer. Her Nana was obviously confused.
“Packing?” Jared came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck. “I was hoping for some alone time.”
“Nana is confused. I don’t plan to pack until after you leave.” He backed away and gave her a confused look.
“What is going on, Carmen?”
Carmen threw her hands up. “I’m moving to Montana. I wanted to tell you in a sweet romantic way that I’ve decided to live in Missoula with you and then later at the ranch. I want to get married there too.”
“Why are you yelling?” Her Nana stood at the door. “For goodness sakes, you sound like a crazy woman.” Nana lifted a cheek for Jared to kiss and smiled. “Where should I start?
They ended up sharing the meal with Nana and each had a couple glasses of wine.
Nana settled onto the couch and clicked on the television. “I’ll watch my shows. You two young ones do whatever you want. I won’t hear a thing.”
“Oh my God,” Carmen exclaimed, her face growing hot. Jared laughed and tugged her out to the balcony.
He stood for a long time looking across the expanse of buildings and traffic. The blares of car stereos, honking, and hammering of construction filled the air. “Sure is loud here. You must have some thick glass on the door and window to keep it out of the apartment.”
Her arms around his waist, she rested her head on his back. “I can still hear it at night, that’s why I use a noise machine.”
“I must have been too tired every night last time I was here because I don't remember all this noise.” He chuckled at the innuendo.
“Must have.” Carmen waited a beat. “You haven’t said anything about my decision. What do you think?”
He turned and hugged her tight. “More than anything, I want you to be happy. You are concerned about the lack of minorities in Montana, and I totally get that. Also, it’s very different than this. Not as much culture and things to do.”
She backed away and looked at him. He was so damn sexy. Wearing a button-up shirt that he’d left un-tucked over a black t-shirt, he could rock the cover of any magazine. He definitely fit into any environment, whether city or small town. Jared could blend anywhere, however, she’d noticed the tight lines around his mouth whenever he was in Atlanta. Even while sightseeing and walking through the aquarium, although he’d smiled, it was obvious the crowds disconcerted him.
And yet this man cared so much for her, he was willing to move to Atlanta to be with her. Carmen’s heart melted at the thought.
“I can’t believe you’d be willing to move here.”
“Why shouldn’t I?” His expression was serious.
“Because you are not in love with Atlanta.”
“I’m in love with you,” he replied.
“And I am in love with both you and Montana. I crave the fresh air, the open spaces and ranch living. When I’m here, I miss you terribly, but also miss being there.”
When his lips curved, she rushed to him and pulled his face down for a kiss. The longer they kissed the harsher his breathing became and Carmen feared losing control.
“Get away from the edge. I’d hate to have to identify your bodies when you fall over and splat on the sidewalk,” Nana called from the door.
Carmen groaned.
“We’ll finish this later,” Jared whispered into her ear.
Chapter Twelve
Jared enjoyed spending time with Carmen’s family. They were warm and welcoming. Her mother, a darker older version of Carmen, reminded him of his Mom. She was easy going, soft-spoken but also not one to hold back or mince words. Carmen’s father, Juan, was jovial and boisterous. Mr. Dias didn’t have any problems showing affection to his children.
Juanito, Carmen’s brother, reminded Jared of the actor who played Aqua man. He was taller than Jared by at least two inches. With long wavy shoulder length hair and football player wide shoulders, he was intimidating until flashing his ever-present wide grin. Like his father, Juanito preferred bear hugs to handshakes.
They sat at a round table in a Mexican restaurant where the waiters knew the Dias family. Everyone was talking at once, pairing up into conversations and then switching to talk to others.
When Carmen threw her head back and laughed at something her Nana said, Jared couldn’t help but wonder how hard it would be for her to be away from them.
A waiter neared with a tray of shot glasses. Jared eyed the bottle of tequila and let out a long sigh. Tequila was his kryptonite. No matter how little he drank, it always kicked his ass.
“For the ladies,” the server announced.
“In our family, men don’t drink tequila,” Juan said. He leaned across to talk to Jared. “It makes us do crazy things.”
“Me too,” Jared admitted and they both laughed.
Everyone lifted their glasses. “To Carmen and Jared, may they be happy in Montana,” Mr. Dias toasted.
Carmen threw back the shot of tequila and smiled. “I can’t wait for everyone to come and hang out in Missoula.”
“Are there any single senior men in Montana?” Nana asked as she put her shot glass down. “I think it would be a good place for me to retire.”
“You moved here to retire, Mama,” Juan reminded her.
Nana scoffed. “Retired people can move around. It’s one of the perks.”
Hours later, totally spent, Jared lay sprawled across the bed with Carmen’s head on his chest. The sounds of traffic permeated and he couldn't help but frown at the sound of sirens growing progressively louder until the emergency vehicle went past and the sounds began to fade.
It would have been an adjustment for him. There was so much concrete where Carmen lived. However, once they drove a few miles out of the city, the scenery did change.
They’d discussed neighboring areas on one of his earlier visits and different police departments. They were not bound to remain downtown.
Carmen’s breathing evened out and Jared slid from under the beauty. He was as restless as he was tired.
Unlike in Montana, he was unable to walk out to a porch, so instead he slid the sliding glass doors open and stepped outside to the balcony.
Humidity and lights greeted him. He looked across from one side to the other, admiring how alive the area remained despite the late hour. Although the street straight below was pretty quiet, there were customers seated outside at the corner café and cars continuously went past.
He imagined it was much calmer outside the city, like where Carmen’s parents lived. In some parts of Georgia, life would not be much different than back home.
Why had fate brought him here? Of all the women he could have met, he’d fallen for one that lived thousands of miles away. Although he couldn’t fathom life without Carmen, a part of him worried how moving whether he did it or she did it would
affect their marriage if there was regret.
She wanted a winter wedding in Montana. Now that his family was no longer doing the winter festival, they planned to use some of the décor for the wedding at the same building where the festivities had been held.
The family who was taking the festival over was younger than his parents and enthusiastic about hosting the festivities on their land. Since their only son had gone off to college, the Clarks welcomed the opportunity to do the festival together as a couple.
“Are you okay?” Carmen sounded groggy as she came and stood next to him. The riot of curls shifted in the warm air and he couldn’t help but smile. God she was beautiful.
“I’m perfectly fine. Heard sirens and came out to see if we should run for our lives,” Jared replied with a chuckle.
Carmen peered down to the street below. “I’m sorry. I know it’s noisy and you’re not used to it.”
“Don’t apologize,” Jared said pulling her against his side. “Look at the people down there. The people at the table against the building keep feeding the other folk’s dog.”
She looked and giggled. “That is a huge dog. Maybe they are trying to stay alive.”
Jared took her face and lifted it up and looked into the eyes of the woman he’d just spent hours making love to. “Carmen. Please be certain you want to move. I don’t want to take a chance and risk losing you. If you are sure about the move and decide you are not happy, just one word and we’ll move back here.”
“I won’t regret it. I know it’s the right thing for me.”
“Promise me you will tell me if you ever feel you don’t want to live there.”
“All right fine. I promise. I promise.” She lifted to her toes and pressed her lips against his. “How about you come back to bed. We have a brunch date with Nana tomorrow morning.”
“You mean hours after I get up?”
She huffed and rolled her eyes. “I’ll have to teach you the art of sleeping in.”
Chapter Thirteen
December
This time the arrival at the Missoula airport was so different than the first time Carmen had come to do a story of a winter festival in a place she’d never even considered visiting. This time she was waiting for passengers disembarking instead of fighting her way out. She stood near the baggage claim waiting for her family, excitement bubbling.