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The Thing About Love... (The Thing About... #1)

Page 20

by J. M. Raphaelle


  I frown at him confused — he has a car, I have a car…

  "I'm going to rent a convertible," he explains. "I'll leave mine at your place, rent the convertible, and then I'll get the rings at Tiffany."

  "Tiffany! Do you have any idea what a diamond costs at Tiffany? Fucker, how much money do you make?" I ask dumfounded.

  "I'm just getting the wedding bands. I'll get the diamond later, let her choose one she likes," he replies, laughing at me.

  "Text Marie, and tell her we're headed to Vegas. Ask her to pack a bag for Ellie but without her knowing, because it's a surprise. Do not tell her that my intention is to marry Ellie, because that secret she will definitely not be able to keep to herself. And ask her to dress up. I'll text Ellie."

  "Anything else, Mr. Milian, Sir?" I roll my eyes.

  "Yea, make sure you shower and put on dress pants and a shirt, no jeans," he orders.

  Shower! What are you, my mother, you fucking bossy SOB! If you weren't my best friend, I'd kick your ass!

  "What?" he asks, like he can hear my irreverent thoughts.

  "Nothing."

  "We'll meet back at Ellie's in an hour or so. I'll text you when I'm on my way," he starts walking to his car.

  I drop him off at the rental and head back home. I text Marie, before I start working on complying with His Majesty's requests.

  Sam: Need a favor

  Marie: What

  Sam: You can't tell Ellie

  Marie: Why?

  Sam: It's a surprise from Jack

  Sam: He's taking her to Vegas today

  Marie: Ok

  Sam: We're going too

  Marie: Well that's a surprise!

  Sam: Prepare a bag for her don't let her see you

  Marie: Ok. Anything else?

  Sam: Dress up like in a nice dress heels or something

  Marie: Why?

  Sam: It's a surprise

  Marie: Tell me

  Sam: Just do it please. Surprise!

  Marie: Fine

  I make reservations at the Aria, a suite for them and rooms for Marie and me, plus the chapel, which I pay for — my wedding gift to them.

  Shit, I hope she marries him, because I won't get a refund.

  We arrive at Marie's at the same time. Jack's in a brand new, silver metallic Mercedes Benz AMG S63 Cabriolet with red interior.

  I'm convinced he's been holding out on me, and his company is doing a hell of a lot better than I thought.

  Fucker, and he just turned 26!

  I eye the car with envy, and he throws me the keys.

  "You're driving," he smirks. "My future wife and I have business to discuss in the back seat," he winks, proud of himself.

  Sly, romantic motherfucker!

  TRANSLATIONS

  Muñeca (muñe): Doll — In Spanish, it's used as a term of endearment i.e. sweetie.

  ¡Salud!: Cheers!

  Las Mañanitas: A traditional Mexican song, accompanied by mariachi, that's sung to people on their birthday.

  Michelada: Your favorite chilled Mexican beer — highly recommend: Dos XX Lager, Corona, Pacífico — mixed with a ¼ cup (more or less) of lime or lemon juice and salt to your liking. Some people opt to add tomato juice and/or hot sauce. As for the hot sauce, I'd recommend Tapatio or Valentina.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  J M Raphaelle

  Mexican-American

  Bilingual

  BA, Columbia College Chicago

  Lives in Southern California

  Instagram: JMRaphaelle

  Twitter: J_M_Raphaelle

  FB: J M Raphaelle

 

 

 


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