She shook her head against my chest.
“That rarely happens when you’re carrying twins. But I’m sure you know that. Now, when she gave birth to me, she had me at thirty weeks. I was so premature, well… you know what happened. And look at how incredibly stunning I turned out. The babies will be driving you crazy in no time.”
She hugged me tighter, a sad laugh warming my chest where her mouth was. “I hope so.” She stepped back and wiped her eyes, peering at me funny. “I felt weird calling you about this. But I wanted to. So bad. I was hoping you’d feel how much and call me first.”
“Why would you feel weird?”
She shrugged. “Maybe weird is the wrong word. Maybe what I felt was too strong for having just kissed you this morning. I was afraid you wouldn’t want to be there for me.”
I deciphered her words the best I could. She was madly in love with me and yearned for me all day and night long but didn’t want to freak me out by asking me to marry her already. “Why didn’t you just say that?” I took her hand. “I’m here for you, Rya. Have I given you a reason to doubt that?”
“No,” she mumbled miserably, tightening her hand around mine. “Can you stay?”
“I can stay until five-thirty. I have to get Mama’s car back before work.”
She gave me a tentative smile. “Did you steal your mom’s car?”
“I took it without waking her up. Sounds to me like I was being considerate. She works a lot, you know. She needs her rest.”
She let out a small giggle, shaking her head at me. “Come on, Mr. Considerate.”
When we made it to labor and delivery, I spotted Kenzie sleeping on a man’s shoulder; her drool had created a puddle in his gray shirt sleeve. He looked over, and before he spotted anything, he spotted my hand wrapped around his daughter’s. He closed his eyes in dismay and looked at the ceiling.
“What is he doing?” I whispered.
“Praying,” she whispered back. “Daddy, this is my friend, Romeo. Romeo, this is my dad, Chad.”
I jutted my hand out to him. “Don’t kill me.”
He blew out a breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Rya, I’m glad you have a friend that’s willing to be there for you right now, honey, but does this friend have to have a penis?”
Rya sat down on the other side of Kenzie, tugging me to sit beside her. “Don’t stress yourself out more, Daddy. It’s okay. Has there been any more news?”
Just as she asked, a nurse came back and said they were taking Alex to delivery now and Chad was the only one admitted into the room with her. Kenzie woke up, wiping the slobber from her chin. I understood why Rya thought it was weird to call me when they all three hugged their father. I was an outsider for a moment, witnessing their worry and prayers. I said my own prayer for the babies and her mom and then sent it up to God just as Rya plopped back down, bringing her knees to her chest.
“Have you guys eaten dinner?” I asked.
They both shook their heads.
“Not hungry?”
Another duel shake. Kenzie also brought her knees to her chest. It was the first time they’d acted like twins. They were so vastly different inside, their physical similarities hardly made an impact.
After an hour of sitting there, Rya’s head started to droop. I guided her to my chest so she could sleep.
“Can I borrow your other shoulder?” Kenzie asked.
I gave it to her, hugging both sister’s as they tried to get some sleep. I tapped my foot, fighting the impulse myself. It felt rude to fall asleep now. I had to keep guard for them. But my eyes were tired, and they started to droop…
I awoke to the sensation of being watched. My eyes snapped open. Her father was standing there, exhausted, sunken blue eyes watching me. He had his blue disposable scrubs still on. After looking down, I realized why he was watching us. Rya had shifted in her sleep and her legs were between mine and she was snuggled so tightly to my chest, there was a slobber puddle on my sweatshirt. Kenzie had left one too.
It must be a twin thing. To slobber on an innocent person.
“You mind waking them up?”
“Is everything okay?” I asked before I did that.
He gave me a tired smile. “Alex wanted me to thank you for being here for them. She said not to give you a hard time. And since I couldn’t be more in love with that woman than I am now, I’m going to do what she says. But you should know, Romeo, I have no problem calling in a favor to my old army buddies. Is that clear?”
Not really. But I nodded anyway. “Crystal.”
“Good. Wake them up. Alex wants to see them before they meet the twins. I’ll be back after I change.”
I shook them awake, trying not to laugh at the confused look on Rya’s face when she sat up. She looked at me, her eyes widening, and then at her surroundings. I told her what her dad had said, and she sagged in relief, putting her face in her hands. “Oh, thank God.”
“I should head out.” The clock on the wall said it was almost five-thirty.
Her eyes shot to mine. I saw the flare of disappointment in them before she hid it. “I’ll walk you out.”
“No. It’s all right. Go see your mom and brother’s.”
“Sister’s,” her dad corrected, coming up in his regular clothes. “Four daughters and not a single boy.” But he grinned. Too tired and happy to care.
Rya and Kenzie hugged their father. I slipped away before they could notice, heading home in a fuzzy state of exhaustion and relief. Mama was drinking coffee in the kitchen when I came home. She paused when she saw me coming in through the front door, and then shrugged, like she was too tired to deal with me.
“I was at the hospital.” Her eyes widened, and I told her what happened before she could slip into panic mode. “And I put gas in your car so you can’t give me attitude for being a good friend and son.”
She laughed, blowing on her coffee. “Your heart is so tender, son.”
I snorted, reaching for the coffee pot. “Sure, Mama.”
“Are the new babies going to be okay?”
“I think so.”
“Good. Who is this girl? I don’t think I know anyone named Rya. Is she from the neighborhood?”
I dreaded that part. “No.”
“No? Then where is she from?”
“New Hampshire.” I studied her face. Waited for it to sink in.
“Oh,” she said, brain churning. “She isn’t Mexicana?”
“Nope.” I hid my smile by taking a sip. “She’s a blonde, green-eyed American who sticks out like a sore thumb and thinks Taco Bell is Mexican food.”
Mama shuddered, horror screwing up her face. “No. Absolutely not. You bring her here and I’ll cook my best recipes. Taco Bell?” She shook her head and crossed her heart. “Dios Mío.” She muttered under her breath as she went to her room, falling for my trick.
In the face of possibly dishonoring her beloved cooking, she’d never care that Rya wasn’t from my neighborhood. I wasn’t sure why I told her about Rya. Why I felt the need to cement us in my mother’s mind. But once I did, I felt slightly less terrified.
“When?” I called out.
“Huh?”
“When can she come over for dinner?” I walked into Mama’s room, watching her sit on her bed as she tied her shoes.
She looked at me. “You’re eager.”
“I get paid tonight. Give me a list and I can pick up what you need after work. Maybe you can call Abuelita and ask her for some recipes.”
“Romeo, slow down. I can’t cook an entire meal by tonight and work two jobs. How about Sunday? After church. She can come with.” She rose, pointing at me. “Nothing above the knee. Jesus doesn’t care where she’s from.”
I gaped at her. But I knew better than to mess around with her Sundays. “I’ll ask her.”
She leaned close and pressed a kiss to my head, both my cheeks, and then between my brows. “You want to impress her,” she stated.
“Maybe. Is that an awfu
l thing to want to do?”
“No, not awful. It is telling though. Daddy used to impress me.” She winked. “He is a very impressive man.”
Good thing I hadn’t stopped gaping at her. I backed away in horror. “Gabby, Antony! Time for school!”
Mama was still laughing when she left for work. After showers, breakfast, and a million arguments, our early start on the day somehow turned into beating the clock with the twins. I raced them to school and then raced to mine, unsurprised to find Rya absent. Figuring she was busy with her mother and the babies, I didn’t bug her.
Which was hard.
Harder than I thought.
I hung out with the crew at lunch, slipping into my old self without Rya around. The empty, Kings River me I’d always had to be. Raf came over, sitting down next to me.
“Where’s Cinderella?”
I stole his fries, shoving a handful into my mouth. “Getting her shoe fixed.”
Enrique laughed, the stench of his joint burning my nose. “You have to admit she’s kind of brave hanging out with us. I think I like Cinderella.”
“She doesn’t care if you like her,” I bit out.
Only making him laugh harder. “You should bring her to the party tonight.”
“What party?” Raf asked, burger meat flying from his mouth.
“It’s Friday, fool. We have a party every Friday.” Enrique shook his head at Raf like he was the dumbest person he’d ever conversed with. “This guy gets on my nerves.”
I laughed. “Try growing up with him.”
Raf grinned, a proud tool bag, mouth open to no doubt hit us with an even worse line when a familiar voice growled his name. We all looked over to find Rosa sitting with her homegirls, beautiful Latina women who were as dangerous as they were hot.
Enrique took another hit, blowing smoke into the air. “She’s lucky she’s Sergio’s cousin. I have respect for her. I’d lay down my life for her. But she’s still a raging puta.”
Raf and I looked at each other, and then we burst out laughing, spewing fries and burgers all over the place. “You’d better go before she pulls her whip out.”
Raf thought about it. The exact moment he chose not to, I saw the old Raf. The annoying crap-talking boy I used to play ball with until Mama would scream from the front porch for me to come inside.
“Sergio won’t like that,” Enrique needlessly informed him. “But I like it.”
I texted Rya on my way to class after lunch.
Me: What’s up?
She didn’t have a response until school was over and I spotted Raf heading my way.
Rya: We’re still at the hospital. Mom’s okay but the babies are in the NICU. We can’t take them home for a while. They’re amazing though, Rome. So tiny and sweet.
I smiled, quickly texting back.
Me: What are their names?
Rya: Aria and Aliza.
Me: Cute. Maybe we can talk later?
Rya: Missing me?
Yes, I texted, not the least bit ashamed. I have to hang out with Raf tonight. You shouldn’t feel too guilty, all things considered, but if you wanted to feel a little guilty for leaving me with him, I wouldn’t mind.
Before I could even look up, she’d texted.
Rya: Be careful. Don’t do anything dangerous. Do not forget what you promised. Talk to me first. Before you do anything stupid.
Define stupid, I wrote back.
Rya: Romeo. Promise me.
Me: I promise, Angel. Go be the best big sister and I’ll call you tonight.
Rya: I’m missing you 2. XO.
“Dude, you’re turning into one of those boy band members.” Raf read over my shoulder, making kissing noises. “You’re going to start singing about love and then you’re going to turn into a pussy whipped loser.”
I stared at him until the irritation passed. “What do you want?” I put my phone back in my pocket, wishing it was tonight already and I could hear her voice. Crap. What was happening to me?
And why did it feel so good?
“You should kick it with us tonight. I know you gotta work, but after?”
I shrugged. I had nothing else to do. “I’ll come over after my shift.”
He punched my shoulder, giving me a goofy grin when I tried to smash his face in. If I didn’t have to get the twins, I’d add a few more bruises to his stupid face. After my shift, I trudged home, exhausted and aggravated. I’d had a hard time breathing all day and I knew why. Deep down inside.
After a shower I stood on my porch, scanning the neighborhood. The park was overloaded with people. Barbecue smoke floated into the air, the scent of grilling carne filling my nose. I followed the scent to Enrique’s house. It was at the other end of the block on the far corner. I crossed the park to get there, feeling eyes on me.
After a surreptitious search I found Sergio chilling on the front steps of one of the elder’s houses. He blew smoke into the air, the orange tip of his smoke illuminating his eyes for a fraction of a second, but it was long enough for me to know that he knew I was there.
Because Sergio would never let it go.
He’d never stop trying to make us pay for my father’s fallout.
He whistled, the shrill sound cutting through the air. Faint rap music pounded from Enrique’s house. I wanted to keep walking. I wasn’t his dog. I didn’t come when he called.
“Rome.” His bite was deep and commanding. “Come talk to me.”
I fixed my face and took my time getting to him, leaning against the railing a step below him. “What’s up?”
“How’s your mother?”
My hackles rose. “Fine.”
“And the kids? They doing good?”
“I guess.”
“And what about your new chica? She fine too?”
I held his eyes. He already knew he had a card to play, so I played one as well. “Rya’s always fine.”
His jaw twitched and he blew smoke in the air. I didn’t dare cough. Didn’t dare give him what he wanted: a reaction. Sergio was a cold sonofabitch. He was half the age of the elders and yet he ran a gang that wasn’t supposed to be his. It was impossible to beat a man who didn’t have a heart. Not when he played with everyone else’s.
“Bring Rya around sometime. Let her meet her future family.”
I laughed humorlessly. Unable to help myself, I gave in to my anger for a second. I leaned closer, until I was slightly over him. The fury I felt was swift and damaging. “This family will never deserve her.”
I was pinned against the porch column before I’d even had a chance to regret what I did. His hand was around my throat and he was squeezing so hard I hated myself when I tried to breathe.
He put his face close to me. “I wanted to have a sensible conversation with you, Rome. But you’re disrespectful. Disrespect won’t be tolerated.” He squeezed harder, crushing my windpipe. The pain lanced through me, turning my stomach. But I didn’t beg. Didn’t ask him to let me go.
I didn’t dare give him the satisfaction of begging for my life like my father had begged for his. Why else would Papa take the fall, if Sergio hadn’t threatened his entire family?
“I’m in a giving mood, so I’ll give you another chance to prove yourself. You’re going to help Raf and Enrique tomorrow night with a job they have to do. Screw the job up and I’m killing all three of you.” He released my throat, sending me falling to the porch. The warn wood dug into my palms as I gasped for breath.
I was so rage-filled, my eyes blurred. “No.”
He paused, his feet stopping on the stairs. “What was that?”
“I said no.” I struggled to my feet. “I’m not doing your bidding. I’m not risking my life or my freedom for you. If you want it done, do it yourself.” I tried to walk past him.
He grabbed my shirt and launched me against the front door. He turned the handle and tossed me inside of the dark, quiet house. “You’re just like your father. Your bravery is going to get you caught up.” He rolled up his sleeves
. “Get up. You want to be a man, then act like one.”
I got to my feet. Sergio was bigger than me and colder than me, but he wasn’t as pissed off as me and he didn’t have anything to lose the way I did.
“What is it like having lights in your house?” he asked, catching me off guard.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact that your mother works her ass off to support you, and it’s never enough. Who do you think she goes to when she can’t make rent, or bills, or pay for the kid’s clothes?”
“Not you,” I accused, seeing red.
He shook his head, a satisfied sneer turning up his mouth. “Me.”
I was too infuriated with my mother to respond. How could she take money from a man who was responsible for getting her husband locked up? “Is that your guilty conscious helping out my mama? Because if it weren’t for you, she’d still have my father. She’d still have a husband.”
Sergio gave me a heavy, knowing nod. “You’ve been waiting to get that off your chest for a long time, haven’t you, Rome?”
“No. I always knew you killed that guard. I always knew Diego and I would have to pay for Papa’s sins. I always knew who you were, Sergio. But that doesn’t mean I have to respect you. Respect comes from right here.” I patted my chest. “I respect my mother for working her ass off for us. I respect my father for paying for mistakes he didn’t make. But I will never respect you.”
He smiled at me, like I was entertaining. “I already have your respect, niño. Because I have your fear. I have your soft spots. I have your mother, your brothers and sister. And I have your father. One word, and the Kings inside would be glad to off a traitor. I don’t need your love. I need your loyalty. So, here’s the deal. I continue to help your family and you become a part of mine. Otherwise, your family might find themselves out of a place to live and your father might not find things so easy inside without the Kings on his side.” In a move I couldn’t have—but should’ve—seen coming, he sent his fist squarely into my jaw, knocking the lights out of my eyes.
Romeo and the Angel: Impossible Crush Chronicles Page 15