“So Desiree, how does it feel being so far away from home?”
Desiree let a grin form across her lips.
“Well honestly it's great knowing I am in the same city as Zack is right now so I don't really miss it. Even though I am sure it misses me.”
“Oh?” Gia asked.
“Yeah tonight was supposed to be my girls night out with my bestest but I am here and she won’t go without me.” Desiree said thinking about Nikki. Aj looked at her.
“So what would you guys be doing?”
“Oh who knows it's something different every night. Recently it's been going places she picks because she has people stationed there and gets them to bump into me. I think she is trying to tell me I need to settle down.”
They laugh and Aj looked at Ramón.
“Maybe that’s what we needed to do for you because it's been pass time for you to settle down.”
Desiree glanced at him with a curious look.
“Can I ask why you haven’t?”
“I am looking for the real thing you know. Not just something to have or do, I want love.” Ramón looked towards her and smiled. Desiree blushed and looked down to the table as she fiddled with her napkin and fork.
“I get that. That’s why I divorced Charles if you want love you deserve to be loved and he just wasn’t in love with me anymore.”
She looked up and was surprised to see him looking at her. “I feel it.” He said smiling to her.
As their plates arrived and Desiree bowed her head to pray she felt someone grab her left hand. She smiled as Ramón took her hand in his and shuttered at the feel of him.
Ramón knew it was a mistake to touch her hand after he felt a tingle run up his arm and to his chest. He cleared his throat.
“Would you like to do the honors?” he asked her.
“You go ahead.”
She lowered her head again not wanting him to see her lips quiver at his smile and touch. Ramón began to pray.
“Lord we thank you for this meal and for the great company around this table. Amen.”
“Amen.”
As they began to eat the uneasiness Desiree felt coming into the evening vanished. Gia and Aj made her feel a part of the group and it touched her. She glanced over to Ramón who was laughing at the story Aj was telling about the first time they met, Desiree realized they had been friends about as long as she and Nikki had. While she and Nikki started off as friends immediately, Ramón and Aj competed with each other.
Hearing stories of Ramón’s life made her realize that even though he was famous and rich he experienced a lot of the things she did. Every once and a while she would find herself laughing just so she could touch him , wanting to know if the tingling feeling that shot through her hand and up her arm would ever go away. As of now it hadn’t. After they finished dinner Aj and Ramón pulled out the girl’s seat and lead them to the game room. Desiree and Gia stepped back as the Ramón and Aj began to play with the basketball hoops. They laughed as Ramón tried to block Aj’s shots and vice versa. They were like little kids fighting to be the best and Desiree found it hilarious. Ramón turned towards her and pulled her up to the game.
“Ok time to play.”
She shook her head and smiled. “Play? No way put me in a race car or that trivia game basketball is a sport I watch not play.”
“Why not?”
“I don't know.” She shrugged her shoulders and he pulled her closer to him and the game.
“Well here give it a try.”
Desiree took a breath and grabbed the basketball. Ramón stood behind her.
“Now you want to hold the ball and between your fingers like this.”
He helped her hold the ball and let his hand caress her shoulder. Desiree shivered at his touch not wanting him to stop touching her. His arm fell to his side and she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She lifted her arms and shot the ball at the hoop. Just as it was about to go in the hoop moved to the side and Desiree became intrigued. “Oh so that’s how it is?” She asked the game half expecting an explanation then began to toss the ball again.
Ramón laughed at her determination because even after missing shot after shot she still continued to play. As time ran out she stepped back contemplating her next move. Ramón expected her to suggest a different game but instead she smiled and turned to him.
“Ok I am ready.”
He smiled at her. “Ready for what?” he asked really wanting to know.
“I am ready to kick your butt.” He placed his card into the slot and started a new game. Desiree grabbed the ball and began tossing it in the air as Ramón followed suit on his side of the game. As she missed the first two shots, she grabbed another ball and tossed it at the hoop and it went in. she grabbed another one and didn't know why she keep shooting but she did. When the timer got to zero and the balls stopped coming out she looked at Ramón.
“Now this was fun.”
“Wanna play again?”
“Of course I gotta try and beat you.”
“Never gonna happen I am a professional ball player.”
“We’ll see.”
As they placed the game, card in the slot and began to play again she felt for the first time in a long time she let her guard completely down. Between making or missing shots and bumping Ramón, so he would miss she was having fun. As they walked towards the racecars, Ramón and Aj were stopped by a group of people. Some snapping photos with their camera phones others shoving napkins in their faces.
Gia pulled Desiree closer to her so she wouldn’t get pushed out the way.
“I have learned when things like this happen you just stay back these people mean well but some can be pretty aggressive.” She said watching the girls and guys crowd around.
“I can see that.”
Gia looked at Desiree “So are you having fun?” she asked with a hopeful twinkle in her eyes.
Desiree grinned from ear to ear. “I am. This is the most fun I have had in a long time I am glad I came out with you guys.”
“Me too. You know I have to admit when Aj said we were going on a double date I was skeptical I didn't know what to expect. Girl one time this little hoochie momma ok she was trifling I went to the bathroom and when I came out she and one of her friends she called were all hugged up on Ramón and Aj talking bout come back to our room and we will show you both a good time.”
“Girl I know you handled them.”
Gia smirked. “Ramón had asked for extra gravy and they brought it out in this huge cup I dumped all over them and kicked them little sluts to the curb.”
“A woman after my own heart. I can’t believe they would do that you couldn’t have been gone that long.” Desiree said thinking of how strong Gia must be to go through all this every day.
“Girls will do anything to get at these men. I was ready to leave Aj plenty of times but love overcame that.”
“You are so lucky you and Aj are perfect for each other.”
“Well who knows maybe you and Ramón are perfect for each other.”
Desiree glanced down to the floor. “I don't know about that.”
Desiree looked over to a smiling Ramón and blushed. Gia smiled.
“Uh huh I was the same way. Didn't want to admit I was falling for a ball player because I didn't want to get hurt.”
“We are just hanging out. We just met and it's the first time we have actually been around each other and I don't know. Is it wrong to fall head over heels for a man you just met?”
“It happens. And it seems he is falling for you just as hard as you are falling for him.”
“You think?” she asked.
“Ramón and Aj have been friends their whole life. I met Aj about four years ago and I heard all the rumors about him and Ramón in some ways they were true in others they were lies. But seeing Ramón now and how he is acting towards you I do think he is. And I am glad he is finally falling for someone who is as sweet and down to earth as you are.”
; They guys motioned for them to head out. As they began walking towards the exit Ramón and Aj walked in front of them and asked them to close their eyes. The women did as they were told and when they opened their eyes they guys were holding up pink teddy bears. Gia grabbed hers and kissed Aj. Desiree took hers and hugged Ramón.
“Thank you I love it.” She said loving the gift.
“You are very welcome.” He said pleased with her reaction.
“Come on Desi.” Gia called as she stepped out the building. Desiree caught up with Gia and smiled as she took her arm and began talking all the way to the car. Aj looked at Ramón.
“This was a good idea I like her.”
“Me too.” He said looking after them.
“I can tell. She is down to earth and funny. And not to mention Gia loves her. I think you have found a winner.”
“She is nothing like the other girls I have been with.”
“And that is a good thing…Well it's getting late.” Aj said as he looked over to the women. “Wifey Come!”
Gia laughed and hugged Desiree. “Call me in the morning and I can’t wait to meet Zack. I can’t wait to become a mom.”
“I already know you are gonna be great.”
“Thanks for that.” The women hugged as Aj unlocked his 2010 white escalade.
“Wifey your husband needs attention. Seeya tomorrow Desiree.”
“Bye.”
Aj opened the car door for Gia as Ramón opened the car door for her.
“Can I show you something?”
Desiree looked at her watch.
“It’s almost 1am.”
“It won’t take long.”
“Ok.” She said nervously wondering where he wanted to take her.
He got into the other side and smiled as he drove off. As they drove in silence he snuck a glance over to her. No she wasn’t anything he was used to. And that was a good thing. He was tired of the yes mans and women who only wanted him for his money. He finally found someone who wanted him for him and he had every intention of spending as much time with her as he could. He drove her to a cliff point and stopped the car. Desiree opened the door and smiled as she looked over the edge and out to the distance.
“It’s so beautiful and peaceful.”
“I know sometimes I come out here to clear my head and think.”
He reached in the car and turned up the radio. “Cherish” by Brian McKnight came over the speakers.
“Dance with me.”
“What?”
“Come here.” Ramón pulled her to him. She smiled as she was facing the middle of his chest.
“I keep forgetting just how tall you really are.”
“So what dance with me?”
He spun her around then pulled her close. She leaned against his chest as they danced to the music. Desiree held him close and closed her eyes. She didn't want this day to end. She loved the way his heart seemed to beat with the time and how the feel of him rubbing his hands up and down sent shivers and tingles all over her body.
She sighed into his arms. “I never knew anything could be so perfect.”
“I know what you mean.” Ramón said not wanting the moment to end.
Ramón spun her around he pulled her up to him. She smiled as he looked into her eyes. Never in her life has anyone ever made her feel so beautiful and wanted. He had a way of getting her to put all her guards down just by one piercing look. Her heart jumped to her throat as he moved closer to her and she knew he would kiss her. Desiree closed her eyes wanting to feel his lips on hers to see if they sent the spark through her like his touch did. However as their heads descended and lips barely touch, “Brick House” starts to play. Desiree pulled back and laughed. As Ramón moved closer to her and began to sing and dance.
“She’s a brick house she’s mighty mighty letting it all hang out.”
Desiree laughed and sang with him. Neither of them remembered when they had so much fun. And neither of them wanting the night to end.
***
Desiree arrived at the gym the next day wearing a huge smile. Ramón was everything she ever wanted in a man he was sweet and caring and fun. He kissed her cheek after walking her to her hotel room and told her a car would be around to pick her up at 10. Even though her flight left that day she was looking forward to being around him and Zack as long as she could. She straightened out her Brown and Black animal print caplet top with the light brown tank attached underneath, she double checked wondering if the added black leggings and sandals were a good mix.
Her smile widened as she stepped out the car. A smile she kept on her face as she walked over to Zack and watched as he did his drills. She saw Ramón walk into his office and stood wanting to go in there and thank him again for a wonderful time. As she reached his door, she didn't want to eavesdrop but they were talking pretty loudly.
“So you are the talk of the day. Rumor has it you were on a date last night.”
“I was not. I went out with Gia and Aj.”
“And some chick.”
Desiree was offended she was referred to as some chick.
“Not some chick her name is Desiree and she is the mom of one of my campers.”
“So you’re dating a camper’s mom?”
“We are not dating it was nothing.”
“From what I heard it wasn’t nothing. You guys were seen hugging and laughing.”
“How many times can I tell you it was nothing?”
Desiree couldn’t help but feel a little angry I mean it may not have been a date but it certainly was something.
“So you’re telling me you just took her out to be nice?”
Ramón sighed. “Look she is from out of town and I felt sorry for her. I figured it could be the highlight of her life getting to hang out with us.”
“Ramón I get it you’re young and you want to be there for all of your fans, but I am your publicist and before you do your charity work for the young and hopeless you need to let me know. But its fine it's just now I have to try to spin this in your favor.”
“Wait what?”
Desiree couldn’t listen anymore. Never in her life had she felt so stupid. She thought he liked her, she thought as he held her and they danced they had a moment. But, all she was to him was his charity case. She was so glad her flight left in a couple of hours and once camp was over, she wouldn’t have to be around Ramón Norris ever again. She sat down on the bleachers putting on her most convincing proud mother face. She wouldn’t let this hurt her. She got a free trip to see her son, and Ramón didn't owe her anything.
She walked back to the court as the kids began to get ready for their scrimmage. She forced a smile as she waved at Zack and Madison. It wasn’t until the game got into full effect and Ramón walked out smiling at the campers, did she really feel like she was betrayed. She felt like he played her and that was something she wouldn’t take. After the scrimmage was over Desiree walked to Zack.
“I hate that I have to leave but I will see you in a few weeks.” She said pulling him to her.
“I'm gonna miss you mom but I am glad you came here.” He hugged her back not caring if the guys saw. He was not ashamed to love his mother.
“Me too. So you do what you are supposed to and keep calling me ok.” She said smoothing down his jersey.
“I will.” He promised.
“I love you.” She said smiling down to him eyes glistening.
“Love you too mom.”
“And I will give Aunt Nikki your gift. She is gonna be so proud when she sees the pictures of you and your team. Like I am.”
He gave her another quick hug and then pulled away.
“Ok mom it's time to go that’s enough getting mushy in front of the guys.”
She figured he must have seen the tears brimming her eyes. She wiped them gave Zack one last hug and walked out the gym pulling her duffle bag. As she waited for the Cab she called, Ramón walked over to her.
“Hey Desi what are you doing out here?” he
questioned.
“Waiting for my cab.” She said offensively.
“Oh I can take you to the airport I wanted to see you off.” he moved closer to her but she help up her hands.
“Yea no thank you the charity train ends here.”
“The what?” he inquired puzzled.
“The charity train. I appreciate you bringing me here I do and don't worry if they ask I'll smile sweetly and say how great of a man you are.” She said giving a fake smile.
“What are you talking about?” he demanded.
“Don’t try and deny it I heard you.” She said fully turning towards him. “I heard everything.”
“Heard me what? Ok I’m really confused here?”
“In your office.” She stated. “I’m just a camper’s mother you were trying to help. A charity case. Well thank you so much.”
As the cab arrived, she walked to it but Ramón held her back.
“Wait you got it all wrong.” He defended. “I like you so much and I thought you felt the same.”
“Let me go.” She pulled away from him angrily. “When we went out yesterday no I didn't think it was a date but I thought we could go out as friends. Then you took me to that cliff and thought ok so maybe it was a date and I enjoyed it. But I didn't know being out with you was your good deed for the week.” Tears threatened her eyes and it stabbed Ramón in the chest. He moved a little closer to her.
“It’s not like that.”
“It’s my fault really I mean what was I thinking? Ramón Norris actually being interested in me?”
“I am.”
“Stop!” she screamed louder than she anticipated. “I don't need you to feel sorry for me. I might not look like Gia or some model and I may not be able to afford a lot of things but I work very hard for what I have and you are a jerk.” She threw her bag into the cab and started to get in but stopped. “And btw hanging out with you and finding out who you really are, is the not huge the highlight you think it is.”
She pulled out a book and looked at it.
“I got this for you as a thank you.” She held it up so he could see it. “I woke up early caught a cab and went around to two book stores to find It.” She stared at him feeling hurt and betrayed, a feeling she was all to use to. That thought inflamed her anger. “But now think of it as a screw you.”
To Love a Man Page 9