Finding Mrs. Right

Home > Other > Finding Mrs. Right > Page 3
Finding Mrs. Right Page 3

by Kalani Zoldyck


  "Romero...uh...Romero Jones."

  "Ahhhh, hmmm, you look like a Juan or Jesus." she teased. Romero chuckled and rolled his eyes. "I'm just kidding. Life would be no fun if you couldn't laugh every now and then." she looked into a pair of dark eyes and imagined her Nat beside this man. Her smile spread even wider. "Promise me something, Mr. Jones." Romero looked at her, wondering what was with all the promises lately. First his mother, now this woman that he barely knew. Romero just gave her a nod to satisfy her. "Make her so happy that she'll never worry about being sad, afraid, or alone."

  xxxxxxx

  Natalie sat in her car and continued to wipe the tears. The handkerchief was soaked, yet it still smelled like the man. A light cologne that smelled expensive, yet wasn't overpowering. She felt the quiver in her stomach and threw the fabric to the side. Shaking her head, she muttered about not knowing the man's name. She started the car and drove toward her shop. She would do what her Grandmother wanted. Try to pretend everything was alright, yet knowing that until her Grandmother came home, she wouldn't be worried any less.

  Later that evening she carried a thermos filled with just soup to her grandmother's room. Natalie was slightly disappointed that she was asleep. She wished she had insisted on staying. Natalie sat her things down and opened up her dinner to eat. It was an full hour before her grandmother finally awoke. Natalie herself was ready to fall asleep, but she immediately became alert when she saw her Grandmother's eyes open.

  "Your'e late." Natalie teased. Lyn laughed openly at the quip.

  "So, you haven't completely become depressed."

  "No, but I would never show you if I was." Natalie stated. Lyn took the oxygen mask off of her face and took Natalie's hand with her free one.

  "I was worried about you, Nat Baby. But I see that you are going to be in good hands, so I feel like a weight has been taken off of my shoulder." Natalie looked at her confused.

  "What are you talking about?" she asked.

  "Your young man. He's so handsome Natalie and I can already see that he would be a good provider and loving husband." Natalie sat up straight and wanted to ask was the medication causing her to have hallucinations, but dismissed the thought. Her grandmother wasn't crazy, nor senile, so she could only think she talked to someone earlier.

  "Well, it's been awhile since I dated anyone to bring you to meet, well, actually never." she laughed. "I can't think of anyone that would come visit you, though. Only Deann and Vanessa know besides a couple of the people that you know personally."

  "Hmmm." Lyn looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, being that you just met him, I'm pretty sure it's too soon for anything. But Mr. Jones is nice and very caring. His mother raised him to be a gentleman and I'm sure once you two get to know each other better, it will be forever."

  "Mr. Jones?" Lyn replaced her oxygen mask on her face and made a small sound. Natalie looked at her. "Grandma Lyn?"

  "Yes, baby." she said though the mask and opened her eyes part way.

  "Nothing. You want to watch television." she asked.

  "Jeopardy is on?" Natalie laughed out loud and got up to turn on the tv. She switched the channel until they got to her Grandmother's program. Then played the game together, Natalie taking points like she'd done since she was a teen. Lyn watched her and felt relief flood her at seeing her even a little happy. Her grandchild had too much going on in her life and she didn't need anymore. She needed a stable love and someone to show her that trusting herself isn't as hard as it appears.

  Natalie made her way out of the room an hour later, hearing the voices in the next room, she could hear the deep baritone of the man from earlier that day. When she remembered her grandmother's conversation about a "Mr. Jones". Natalie sat in the waiting area wondering if "Mr. Jones" and Mr. Beautiful was the same man that her grandmother was referrring to.

  xxxxxx

  Romero listened to his mother as if her mind had an attack and not her heart. What she was saying was not what he envisioned. Marriage, family, love. All in one sentence. Romero looked around the room to make sure he was in the correct place. Yes, it was an hospital.

  "Say that again Mami?" he asked.

  "You heard me, boy!" she growled. "Let me tell you something, Rome. Avery, had wanted you to be as happy as he was when you got older. I wish that I have been able to keep his wish. Now look at you."

  "Mami, nothing is wrong with me. I am happy. I got you, my businesses, and all of our family."

  "Yes, but what about a woman that you can go home to at night."

  "I don't need that." he shook his head vigorously.

  "Rome, every person needs someone that will listen to their day, comfort them during their times of need, and be their rock when they need someone to lean on. Avery was all that for me."

  "And you are my rock, Mami." he insisted.

  "But when I'm gone...Rome." Rosa took a deep breath and let it go. Her son was so stubborn. "Look, honey, you are almost forty years old and I want to see not only you married to a good woman, but at least one grandbaby. I will do my part to stay here and take care of myself, but you...Rome, I need to know that you are happy, that you have let yourself know the love that your father and I have."

  "I will, eventually." he repeated. "Right now, my only concern is for you. You coming home healthy and yes, being there to watch me walk down the isle and bring my son or daughter in the world. It just will not happen now, Mami. I do not have time for it. I do not have time to meet a nice girl and date, romance, etc, etc..." he waved his hand.

  "Sometimes it doesn't take Romance, etcetera, etcetera, Romero. Sometimes all it takes is one look." she whispered. "Avery took one look at me the day I met him." Rosa began. Romero's ears perked at the story he'd never had the privilege to hear. "Do you know what he said, Rome? "Rosario, one day I'm gonna make you my wife." He said it with so much feeling and confidence it scared the daylights out of me. We were very young then and my father would not even let him near the house much less talk to me. During the summer I turned eighteen, Rome, he would come by and sit with my father. They would talk and go out. Papi loved him. Finally, he asked my father. "Papi Cruz, I'm in love with your daughter, Rosario. I want her to be my wife. Give her a good life in America. Show her the world.""

  Rosa looked down at the ring on her finger that she'd replaced after they'd taken it off. The antique gold with swirled design etched in the gold was special. She'd never taken it off, even when pregnant with Romero.

  "Papi told him, "Avery, you can do what ever you want, but it is up to Rosa." Avery and he had a good laugh that day, because they knew I would give Avery a hard time. They knew that I wouldn't give him the time of day. But truthfully, I fell in love with your father the day he told me I would be his wife. It doesn't take long sometimes, Rome. Sometimes a few words, a gesture, a look, or even a smile is all it takes. But the important thing is knowing when to recognize it and keeping it when you do." Rosa looked up from her hands to the face that reminded her of her husbands. "Your Papi wanted you to know love like ours, Romero. Promise me that you won't turn it away when it comes along just because you "don't have time"." She copied him. Romero chuckled.

  "I promise Mami. I promise."

  xxxxxxx

  Romero stepped out of his mother's hospital room wishing many things. Most of which was wishing his mother didn't worry about his personal life. He had more than enough time to do what she wanted. It wasn't that he didn't want these things eventually, they just weren't important to him at the moment. Romero turned to leave and was passing the waiting room when Natalie came in front of him. Her arms folded and a look on her face that said he was in big trouble. Her mouth was turned into a sly grin and although the tears from earlier had made him worry about her, he was happy to see the smile that appeared on her face in its place. Romero cleared his throat and undid his already loosened tie. With a sheepish look, Romero smiled.

  "Are you hungry?" he started. "I haven't eaten all day and if Mami finds out, she'll have my
hide. Dinner? My treat!" he grinned wider and Natalie rolled her eyes as he opened his arm and stepped aside for her to pass toward the elevators. Romero watched her walk away, this time with a bit more appreciation for the full curves that were encased in a pair of denim jeans and canary yellow collared shirt. Although she was nearly a foot shorter than him, Romero was more than impressed with her style and shapely stature. Rosa may want him to marry and have a family, but she didn't say anything about playing house.

  4

  Natalie looked at Romero strangely as they rode the elevator down to the lobby. She was too shocked to even comment on the dinner invitation. Actually she just wanted to tease him for being nosy and ask him what he was thinking. Not that she was complaining at being in his presence. The man was gorgeous and he still smelled wonderful even after a full day. But Natalie was feeling flattered and even though she didn't know the man, she liked him already. Small gestures that spoke allot were hard to come by in the real world.

  "Natalie, my name, since you've bypassed everything else and told my grand mother you were my boyfriend." Natalie giggled at the look on his face. Romero was blushing profusely, although he tried to hide it with a cocky look.

  "I didn't tell her that I was your boyfriend. She just assumed." he chuckled. "Besides, I wasn't going to make a sick woman sad."

  "Well, that was thoughtful of you. But, it's still nice to know who I was all married with 2.5 kids with." Natalie huffed playfully.

  "Mmmm, so let's get the formalities out of the way, Ms. Natalie. Romero Jones, but everyone just calls me Rome, and it is a pleasure to finally put a name to this pretty face in front of me." he held out his hand for her to shake and Natalie took it with a small laugh at his own playful demeanor. The unexpected undercurrent swept through both of them at the simple touch. It was of something neither could figure out at that moment and all Natalie knew was that it was everything but uncomfortable, yet she needed to pull away and pretend that it didn't happen. Romero on the other hand, was still trying to place that feeling that suddenly landed in the middle of his chest. He was thankful for Natalie moving the conversation, because at the moment he was too confused to speak coherently.

  "Well, thank you for keeping Grandma Lyn occupied." She finally got out pulling away gently. The conversation ended as each became lost in their own thoughts, still wondering whether the other felt that wave of feelings that passed between them. Natalie needing to get back in her comfort zone and told Romero she'd follow him to a nearby restaurant. Romero didn't argue, although he didn't want the woman to find an easy way out when dinner was over, but he figured it was best given the circumstances.

  When the two were seated and had ordered, Romero took the time to study her more closely. He still was trying to make sense of what had happened in the elevator. Actually what had been going on since he'd stepped into it that morning. She had a softness about her, yet after speaking with her grandmother, he knew that there was a story to this woman. Romero had a deep desire to know it. He also was attracted to her as he was sure any man would be.

  "So what did you and Grandma Lyn talk about, besides your relationship, or lack thereof, with me?" she teased. Romero shook his head slightly as he chuckled.

  "That is all we talked about. Why is she in the hospital?" Natalie took a deep breath and let it out. She played with her napkin for a moment, before answering.

  "She's been in and out the hospital for awhile. One of the reason's she stopped working and I have her in a Nursing home. I don't know about this time though." she whispered quietly. Romero felt her sadness and had nothing encouraging to say. "Is that your mother next door?" she smiled.

  "Yes."

  "I saw you last night talking to her. It looked serious." she grinned. Romero laughed aloud and sat back in his chair, relaxation and the worry from the day had seemed to push itself from his mind as he spent more time with the woman in front of him.

  "All of our conversations are filled with love." he remarked. Natalie laughed at the diversive tactic. "No, she is just worried about me and my future. This has frightened her. I'm sure she is wanting to make sure I'm taken care of also as your grandmother does you."

  "Well, they are our mothers." Natalie said. Romero sat forward and looked at her. Natalie would have been uncomfortable under such a direct stare, but his eyes seemed to smile at her.

  "You mentioned your grandmother was all you had. Where are your parents? I mean, I got the feeling from your grandmother that..."

  "I know you are just curious." Natalie cut him off. "But...I hope you don't take offense..." Romero realized that he was being too personal with her too soon.

  "No, you're right. I hope, eventually, that you can come to think of me as a potential friend, especially after tonight." he gave her a lopsided grin, then changed the subject. "How about we just have dinner and talk about ourselves?" Natalie readily agreed.

  xxxxxx

  Natalie walked into her home with Orange purring around her ankles. She instinctively picked him up and ran her hand over his thick fur.

  "Mmmmm, I missed you to sweetie. What did you do today?" she whispered, sitting him down on the floor before heading further into the home. She went through her late night routine, unaware of the smile that seemed reluctant to disappear. Natalie showered and climbed into bed with a cup of hot chocolate. She went through the evening for the third time. Romero had been engaging, telling her about his career as a contracted business consultant. It took up allot of his time, but he loved it and being in business for himself, he made more money than he'd ever imagined. He was impressed with her also, yet she wasn't as busy as he was, but the same mindset was there. Romero, to her, seemed very relaxed, caring, and although a gentleman, Natalie could see he was not the relationship type. It had saddened her a little when their dinner was finished and she'd passed on dessert. He was a nice man and she was sure he would make some woman happy in the future. But she'd made a great friend and you never had too many of those. She finished off her hot cocoa and was prepared to go to bed when her cellular rang. She debated whether to answer, but was afraid it might be the hospital.

  "Ms. Natalie?" Romero's deep voice came over the headset and Natalie felt the flutters in her stomach. She lay against the pillows and tried not to smile to wide.

  "Romero? I thought we said good night an hour ago." she heard him give a deep laugh at her teasing.

  "Mmmm, what can I say, you made an impression on me. I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful relaxing evening. I really enjoyed it and hope we can do it again. Maybe soon, I hope." Natalie had not expected an invitation earlier, and she didn't expect another one so soon either.

  "Just let me know the day and time." she answered.

  "Good, then I'll keep in touch. Goodnight again, Ms. Natalie."

  "Night." she told him. her voice was just above a whisper and held a note of wonderment in it. She pressed the button ending the call and decided to just go to sleep. The dreams she had was one that she wouldn't remember in the morning.

  xxxxx

  "What's up with that huge smile on your face?" Deann asked when Natalie walked into work the next morning.

  "Can't I just be feeling good today?" Natalie hedged. Deann snorted and shook her head.

  "Not when you've been moping around for the past week with worry. So, spill it honey...!" she urged and slid off of the stool she was perched on.

  "There is nothing to spill. I just feel a bit lighter this morning." She placed her jacket and purse away and went through what she had going on for the day.

  "If you say so. How is Granny Lyn?" Natalie's smile faltered.

  "I don't know, Deann. Right now, it doesn't look to good." Deann walked closer to Natalie and embraced her friend.

  "I'm sorry, Nat. Don't count Grandma Lyn out yet. She's a fighter."

  "I don't know about this time." Natalie pulled away, thankful for the comfort. "I think she's tired." Natalie remembered her conversation with her Grandmother last night. "You know w
hen they start talking about the past. What they didn't do and what they should have done. She's wanted to talk to me last night and I think it was about me being left alone when she was gone." Deann sat back on the stool and listened to her friend. Natalie leaned on the counter as she talked, her arms folded as if embracing herself for more comfort.

  "Nat, you can't read into stuff like that."

  "No, Deann, this was different and I'm really scared." she said softly. "Because I'm afraid to be alone too."

  5

  Natalie stood on the ladder as she replaced bolts of fabric on the shelf. It had been three days since she'd had dinner with Romero, her grandmother wasn't doing much better, but she wasn't doing worse either. Natalie was just thankful that the medications were helping, but she wouldn't be happy until she was out altogether and cooking her delicious dinners Natalie had been missing. She was placing the last bolt on the shelf when the tall figure popped in front of her. Natalie screamed, dropping the bolt and forgetting that she was a step ladder, moved back. She was seconds from landing on her back when Romero reached out and caught her, pulling her close to him.

  Natalie would have been thankful if not for the pure smell of the man didn't awaken a part of her that she'd not realized was dormant. The hardness of his body against hers and the feel of his big hands and arms spread firmly around her waist. She automatically held on to him, causing his face to be so close to hers, she could feel the warmth of his breathe as it brushed her skin. He smelled like the moon light. Mysterious, yet pure and clear. Her fingers lightly brushed the fine hairs of his head not missing the softness of it. She turned her face to look into a pair of entrancing brown eyes, sharp nose and lips that for a moment she wondered how they'd feel against hers. Natalie's heart speed up in the few seconds that they stood in the position. The close proximity was overloading her senses and in a moment she would be unable to think clearly.

 

‹ Prev