Rodrigo thought Gerard was a bit weird and didn’t understand why Lena was attracted to him. He answers “Oh, I was doing some shopping and thought I recognized you. So are you buying something special for your lady?” Gerry’s face lights up instantly thinking about Tura and replies “Yes! Yes, I am!” he says excitedly. “I never thought I would be bitten by the love bug but I guess I’m its next victim. I plan on proposing to my girl on Christmas day.” That comment piqued Rodrigo’s interest. “So you are popping the question to Lena?”
That’s the question Fahim’s hears when he walks up behind his brother. His ears instantly perk up, and he waits for Gerard’s response before revealing his presence hoping he doesn’t land in jail after beating this white boy’s ass if he didn’t answer correctly. “Oh no!” Gerard quickly says backing up a bit. “Lena and I are just friends. We tried the dating a couple of times but realized we are better off as friends than being in a serious relationship. Cupid's arrow struck me after setting my peepers on the most beautiful woman name Tura. She literally made my heart try to escape from inside my chest; I was so mesmerized by her beauty. We found out immediately we were attracted to each other. I never believed in love at first sight, but with Tura, it was spontaneous combustion. I’m so in love with that woman it hurts to breathe sometimes. We’re different as night and day, but I believe that is what makes us so compatible. I love her so much.”
Fahim stood taking everything in Gerard was spitting out and realized he been wrong about the white dude and he wasn’t a threat to him or his relationship with Lena. He should have listened to both Lena and Tura when they told him Gerard was just Lena’s friend. He was going to have to apologize to the two of them. Stepping from behind Rodrigo with his arm outstretched to introduce himself he says “Hello. I don’t know if you remember me. But this nosy compañero you’re speaking with is my little brother, and I’m Fahim Zavala, the man madly in love with Lena Campbell.” “Aaah. I see” Gerry replies with a smirk on his face. “You’re the fella Lena told me she loves. Well, you’ve chosen well. Lena is a good person with a loving heart. But if she hasn’t told you I will let you know right now I have no romantic intentions toward her. We are friends and nothing more. I also figure since the two ladies we love are best friends, we will be around each other quite a bit. I don’t have very many friends, and it would be nice to maybe have someone to hang out with from time to time.”
Fahim feels terrible the way he’s talked about Gerard. “That sounds like a plan amigo. But I do have a confession to make. If you have time, let’s go grab a bite to eat at Chili’s, and I will explain everything.” Gerry looks at Fahim and then Rodrigo and back at Fahim confused but figured he would find out soon enough what he’s talking about. “Sounds fine. Let me finish up my business, and we can leave. Grabbing something to eat was next on my agenda anyway.” “All right,”Fahim says a bit uncomfortably. “My brother and I will wait for you by the door.” Gerry nods at them both and walks away to pay for the items he found.
Fahim asks Rodrigo as they walk towards the exit “Did you get the twins gifts?” “Hell no! I’ll do if after we eat. I was going to Jared’s to get Robin another Pandora charm. I check there and see if they have any of those pendants.” Drigo looks over at his brother and asks “Are you really going to tell this guy how you’ve been acting and the names you’ve called him?” “Sí. I feel very guilty about how I’ve acted. I think the white dude and I can be friends, but for me not to feel guilty and uncomfortable around him I’ve got to tell him how I’ve treated him behind his back.” “You’re a better man than me, bro. I would let that shit fade into the wind and keep on truckin’.”
“I would do the same thing if Lena and Tura weren’t mixed up in everything. Lena told me this morning she confessed all I’ve said about Gerard to Tura including me calling him her white boy toy. Hell, if you remember Patrick was offended when I called Gerard out of his name the other night. I rather he hear it from me instead of his pissed off girlfriend.” “Why is Tura mad, Fahim? What did you say to her? Hell, I didn’t even know the two of you have met.” “We hadn’t until earlier this morning and words were said that might lead her to tell him all she knows. Lena was pissed as well after hearing us yelling at each other. That mujer pequeña is a spitfire. Gerry is going to have his hands full with that one.” “Sounds like Lena isn’t far behind. She will be keeping you in check, bro.” “And I wouldn’t have it any other way” Fahim admits.
Gerry is at the door ten minutes later, and they head back into the crowd of people heading towards Chili’s to do some male bonding and have a good meal.
Several hours later, Lena’s Chevy Traverse pulls into her driveway, and it’s loaded down with two Christmas trees, decorations, gifts, and everything needed to make their first Christmas in their new home special. Looking through her rearview, she smiles seeing Tamisha knocked out in her booster car seat. Lena thinks back when she finally made it to Robin’s house to get her daughter. Tamisha had talked to her and Tura nonstop regarding every subject her active mind could think of. Their time together was very enjoyable seeing Tami so excited about Christmas.
She looks over at the passenger seat to see Tura napping as well after many hours of walking, shopping, and eating. Tura was just as enthusiastic and excited as Tamisha about the holidays. At times Lena felt like she was dealing with two kids instead of one. It’s going to be a great holiday for them all.
Lena mind wanders as she recalls her blissful time with Fahim, and her body ached with need. She wished they were tangled together exploring each other again. As her garage door opens and she’s ready to enter it, she suddenly remembers the trees are tied down to the roof, so she stays parked in the driveway instead. “How am I going to get these trees inside the house?” Lena mumbles to herself. Now would be a good time for Fahim to show up and help with her dilemma.
Sighing heavily, she shakes Tura to wake her up. Tura’s jumps forgetting where she is and who she’s with. With confusion showing on her face, she looks over to see Lena staring back at her, and it all comes back to her. Stretching her arms she giggles and says “I guess I was a bit tired. Sorry, I fell asleep on you.” “You’re good. Tamisha decided to join you, so it was a peaceful ride home after hearing you both chattering nonstop the majority of the morning and afternoon.” Tura wrinkles her nose at Lena. “It’s just exciting watching Tami’s eyes light up seeing all the different Christmas themes in the stores let alone having to choose what decorations she wanted on her trees.”
“Yes, it was unforgettable watching her make serious decisions” Lena answers. “The best part of our day I believe was our photo shoot with Santa Claus. Tamisha had to have her way, and we each took pictures with him and his elves. Then we had to take one as a group in several different poses. Now that was hilarious.” “Girl,” Tura says loudly, “I think Santa copped a feel when I was sitting on his lap. He kept his hand at my waist moving it higher at times and brushing against my breasts!” “Girl you too?” Lena says. “I whispered in his ear if he wanted to get paid and not have me make a scene, he’d better behave! He smiled at me, copped one more feel and controlled his flirtatious urges.” “He was a character but was all business with Tamisha, and the photos did turn out well.” “Yes, they did. I want to thank you Tura for all your help especially keeping Tami entertained while I got more gifts for her she saw while we shopped today.” “Sis you ain’t got to thank me. I love spending time with my niece. That’s what aunts are for. I do believe we bought the majority of the stores home with us.” “We really did, and now we have to get it all inside including both trees tied to the roof” Lena groans.
“I completely forgot about those. Here’s what we will do. You call Fahim, and I will call Gerry. They can help get the trees inside. Does that sound like a good plan?” “I don’t know Tura. Fahim is still touchy when it comes to Gerry, and I know that’s what ya’lls heated conversation was about this morning even if the two of you wouldn’t admit it. We don’t need them getti
ng into a fight especially in from of Tami.” Tura frowns and looks carefully at her bestie. “Lena, Fahim is going to have to get used to having Gerry around. I’m staying here during the holidays and Gerry will be hanging here as well. They are bound to run into each other. We might as well get their introduction out of the way so we can enjoy our time together instead of bickering when we all happen to be around each other.”
Lena still wasn’t convinced and was ready to say more when several headlights turn into her driveway. She recognizes the vehicle Fahim was driving earlier and the other as Gerry’s. Smiling, Tura looks at Lena, hunches her shoulders and says “Well it seems like it’s out of our hands and their introduction to each other is happening sooner rather than later.” She squeezes Lena hand to reassure her everything would be okay and adds “Just have faith, my sister.” Lena sighs realizing she has no other choice but to hope they are civil to each other. Looking back to make sure Tamisha is still sleeping, she follows Tura’s lead and opens her door and steps out of the vehicle to wait and see what occurs.
Fahim gets quickly out of his Highlander to have a taste of Lena’s sweetness as he notices her standing outside her SUV. Seeing the apprehension of uncertainty displayed on her face, he smiles at Lena to let her know everything was all good. Walking up to her, he grabs her hands brushing his fingers over her knuckles to calm the uneasiness she’s undergoing. “Hola mi amor” he says with a smile still showing on his face. “It seems you bought out the stores today. Did you all leave anything for other people to buy?” Lena is puzzled by his cheerful demeanor. “We didn’t buy everything at the stores Fahim she answers finally relaxing a little seeing his attitude is cheerful. “You must not have left too much” he replies with a chuckle while wrapping his arms around her wanting to feel her warmth against him again.
Kissing her passionately, he whispers in her ear “I missed you mi amor.” Lena relaxes in his arms and answers “I missed you to Fahim. Are you okay? You know that is Gerry who pulled in behind you.” “Yes, I’m good bebé. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine.” Lena frowns again not believing him. “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m more than sure. We will discuss things later. First let's get all your stuff inside and Tamisha as well. Where is my little chatterbox?” “She’s still inside asleep in the backseat. It’s been a long day for her, and she’s worn out.”
Fahim laughs and looks inside to see his angel sound asleep. “I’ll get her inside the house and lie her down on the sofa in the den. Afterward, I will return so Gerry, and I can help you ladies get everything else. It’s cold out here. I’ll help you get warmed up when we’re done” and winks at her before kissing Lena again. “Uncle Fahim” they both hear Tamisha say and realize she is no longer sleeping but looking at the two of them curiously. Yawning she asks “What are you doing here and why are you hugging and kissing my Momma?” Lena looks at Fahim who looks back at her, and they both hunch their shoulders and step away from each other.
Fahim opens the door and leans over her to unbuckle the seatbelt holding her in her booster car seat. Still looking confused, Tamisha wraps her arms around his neck as he grabs her up into his arms and kisses her cheek. ‘I missed saying good morning to you mi pequeño ángel.” Tamisha giggles as she snuggles closer to him “Yo tambien te extraño tío Fahim” she answers in Spanish. “Sooo why were you kissing my Momma? Is she sad?” “No cariño she isn’t sad. Lena is very happy, and so am I. Let’s get all the things you got today into the house so we can get out of this freezing weather and when we’re done your Momma, and I will sit down and answer all your questions. How does that sound?” “Tamisha smiles answering “Okay” and turns toward Lena holding her arms out saying “Momma I’ve got to go to the bathroom.”
Lena blows out the breath she didn’t know she was holding and laughs. “Okay, sweetie. Let’s get you inside the house so you can do what you need to do.” She takes Tamisha from Fahim, and they walk toward the house. She begins talking again about an entirely different subject causing Lena to laugh again.
Tura and Gerry walk up beside Fahim holding hands. She clears her throat ready to get things settled, so there won’t be any tension as they all hang out. Before she can say anything, Fahim speaks first. “Tura I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for what I said earlier, and I’m more than willing to let bygones be bygones.” Tura looks at him suspiciously and asks “What changed? You were so stubborn this morning, not wanting to accept the truth about things.” “Let’s just say I had an epiphany and saw the error in my thought process, right Gerry?” Gerry smiles and answers “Yes, Fahim and I are going to be great buddies.”
Tura is very confused not understanding what was going on in front of her. Gerry sees her confusion and kisses her forehead. “My love, let’s get Lena’s car unpacked, and we will all sit down and talk about the situation okay? Trust me.” “Okay but I don’t understand how things have changed in just a few short hours, but I’ll wait to see what you both have to say.” Lena has returned hearing the last part of the conversation and adds “Yeah, I’m curious as well what has taken placed between the two of you. Something isn’t adding up.” Fahim and Gerry look at each other and chuckle which confuses the ladies even further. Come on everyone. We’ve got a lot to do and a little girl inside waiting to see Christmas decorating her home.” They all nod in agreement and begin the tasks of taking all the packages inside including the trees.
Hours later, the trees are decorated, and Tamisha is running back and forth between the living room and the den making sure the pretty trees don’t disappear. Lena and Tura are making turkey and ham club sandwiches with all the fixing and frying french fried potatoes. Gerry and Fahim are in the den sipping on beers relaxing and discussing the upcoming football game playing the next day between the Titans and the Broncos.
Lena is still surprised how well the two men are interacting with each other. “Tura, what do you think happened the few hours we were away from our boyfriends?” “Honey, you tell me! I’m just as surprised as you are. The way Fahim was acting earlier, I was under the impression if they were anywhere near each other some kind of blowup would arise.” “So did I” Lena agrees. “When I saw both their vehicles pull into the driveway, I was ready to call for backup to get here quickly to diffuse the situation. Then again if I called Fahim’s brothers to help might have been the wrong thing to do. But it seems we were worried for nothing. They act like best buds hanging out together.”
“Speaking of the devils in question,” Tura says quickly as they watch their men enter the kitchen laughing it up. Tamisha is in Fahim’s arms laughing right along with them. Fahim walks over to Lena and kisses her on the lips, and Tamisha kisses her cheek. Lena smiles at their show of affection and is so happy. Tamisha is happy. Tura and Gerry are happy as she looks over to see them embracing loving on each other. And then there is Fahim, the man she almost let walk away showing her so much love. She was getting her holiday wish much earlier than she expected and silently thanks the man upstairs for allowing real love to find its way into her life. Lena kisses Fahim’s lips again and then Tamisha on both her cheeks which makes her giggle loudly and wiggle around in his arms.
Lena and Tura return to preparing their impromptu dinner and Fahim places Tami in her booster seat before helping to set the table. Gerry takes a seat and watches not wanting to get in anyone's way and tries to entertain Tamisha. While Gerry is trying to get her attention, Tamisha mind and eyes are elsewhere watching her Momma and Uncle Fahim. Still curious about why they are kissing so much she blurts out “Momma, Uncle Fahim, are you going to be my new daddy?” The room grew very quiet as four sets of eyes zoom in on Tamisha shocked by her question.
Fahim was the first to recover and stops what he’s doing to sit in the chair next to Tami with Lena sitting on the other side of her. “Why do you ask cariño?” “Because you and Momma are always kissing and touching. I’ve never seen you do that to her before. That’s also what Matti and Teo’s mom and dad, Uncle Drigo and Aunt R
obin do all the time. So does Uncle Sal and Aunt Tasha, Uncle Patty and Aunt Lovey and everybody else who’s married. So I want to know since you’re kissing Momma so much if that means you’re my new daddy.”
Lena is about to answer, but Fahim shakes his head slightly, so she lets him continue. “Would you like for me to be your father, Tamisha? I would love to have you as my daughter.” “For real? You really would? I’m so happy to hear you say that. You treat me a lot better than Wayne does. He says all the time I’m not his child. He’s really mean to me and Momma. I’m glad we finally got away from him. He wasn’t very nice. But you tell me all the time how beautiful I am and that you love me. You buy me things for no reason, and you talk to me all the time even on the phone when you are in New York.” Tamisha pauses for a minute to think and continues. “To me, you’ve always been my daddy because you are so nice to me so I would keep pretending hoping to make it true. But now that I see you and Momma kissing I wondered if that now makes you my daddy.”
Lena has tears running down her face she’s so emotional hearing her daughter speak what’s in her heart. She never knew Tamisha had this kind of thoughts. Wiping her face, she pulls her daughter into her lap and hugs her tightly. “So if you and I have Fahim join our family that will make you happy Tamisha?” “Oh yes. I asked Santa today to make Uncle Fahim my daddy. I want him to be with us all the time Momma” she admits happily.
Lena looks at Fahim who looks right back at her, and he squeezes her hand behind Tamisha’s chair. “So if I ask your Momma, my Lena, to marry me that would make you happy?” Clapping her hands together while bouncing on Lena’s lap she answers “Oh yes, and you will be marrying me too so that way we can all have the same last name.”
Tura is also weeping quietly from the emotional scene, and Gerry wipes some wetness from his eyes as well. Before speaking, Fahim clears his throat he so choked up as his heart swells with such love for the child in front of him. Standing, he takes Tamisha from Lena’s lap sitting her back in her booster chair. Getting down on one knee he looks at her seriously and asks “Tamisha Campbell do I have your permission and blessing to ask your mother, Lena if she will marry me and be my wife? Do I also have your permission and blessing to ask you to be my daughter?”
Hypnotic Magnetic Seduction Page 18