CHAPTER 46
~*~*~
One week before my annual departure to Brazil, I was already in my mode to leave. The source to my calm was nearing. I was going to use the trip to assess the Robert situation.
My hope was that I would come back more clear-minded and with a plan to move forward.
Of course my entire trip wouldn’t be used for thoughts related to home because I would be robbing myself if I allowed that to happen.
I needed Paraiso Belo for my peace of mind, and it never failed with providing the serenity I craved.
It was a world gifted to me from a deep hurt, yet grew to be a great love and something that provided comfort to me when nothing and nobody else could.
~*~*~
I wasn’t surprised that as the date neared, Robert became withdrawn.
The first year we got together, he didn’t pose questions about Brazil because he recognized it as something that pre-dated him.
The second year, he hinted at going, reminding me that it was always somewhere he wanted to go and us going together would be ideal.
When my last trip approached he threw out, “How do I even know Brazil is where you’re going?”
When I refused to entertain him with a response, he reached a point where he went days without calling. He even declined one of my mother’s invitations to dinner.
I never led Robert on. I was always as up front with him as I could possibly be about where my feelings were and what I was able to contribute in the way of our relationship.
I was honest when I told him that I wasn’t in love with him and that although I wasn’t in love, there were feelings present that went beyond a basic liking of a person.
I felt that I had compromised in some areas – particularly, introducing him to my parents – but it hadn’t seemed to satisfy him.
My feelings became, if he wanted to be upset, then so be it. If he wanted to break up, by all means he should do so. My ego wasn’t such that I would get bent out of shape if he dissolved the relationship first.
With so many last minute details to tend to before leaving, it was easy for me to give Robert his space. I left him to his attitude.
I wasn’t going to stop and worry about what was going on in his head. I was too ready to board my flight to be bothered.
Needless to say, when so much time had passed since the last time I spoke with him, I was surprised to get a text the night before I left:
“I’ll be by to pick you up for the airport.”
“You really don’t have to do that, Robert.”
“I know…I want to. I want to keep my word. Besides, it would be nice to see you before you left since you’ll be gone for a bit.”
I sent a simple response.
“Ok. I appreciate it. I’ll cancel the car service.”
Cool!
~*~*~
I rose early the next morning with a burst of energy.
In four hours I would be sitting in my seat on American Airlines and en route to paradise. Much-needed retreat, here I come!
I went into my home office, checked emails, responded to a few. Then called my mom to make sure she didn’t have any pending to-do’s for me that needed my attention prior to departure.
“Rise and shine, Mama!” I yelled into the phone.
In an agitated morning voice not yet ready for the day, she yelled, “Gabriella!” It’s 5 AM!”
“I know Ma, but I wanted to check in to see if you have anything pending for me that I need to go over with you before I take off?”
“Did we not spend the entire day together yesterday? Was I not there in the salon with you when you cut all your beautiful hair off against my better judgment?”
“You said you liked my hair, Mama!” I said, instinctively taking my fingers through my short tresses.
“I love it. Not the point though. The point I’m trying to get across is that I just saw you yesterday and we covered all that we needed to cover. I’ve done this too many times to not know what I’m doing,” she said suddenly sounding fully awake.
“Not doubting that…just wanted to make sure.”
“How long has Goodie Bagg been open? Six years. How long has the club been opened? Three years. How many years’ experience did I have before you were even born, little girl? Please! And how many times have you gone to Brazil, returned home and all was well? Probably better than you left it? Huh?” she proclaimed sarcastically.
“Ha! I highly doubt it!”
“Please don’t. You’re messing with a powerhouse in the flesh.”
“Oohh…somebody’s bragging, I see.”
“Yep, somebody’s earned bragging rights…long before you were an embryonic thought, thank you very much.”
We broke into a hearty laughter and it made me realize how silly and overprotective I was being. When the laughing was done, my mother was the first to speak.
“I got it handled, sweetie. Promise. Di is pitching in to watch over things. She’s bored now and needing something to do, so we’ll be tag teaming and kickin’ ass at it.”
“Mama…you know I appreciate you, right?”
“Prove it! Bring me something back!” she kidded.
“Don’t I always?”
“You do, my love. Oh yeah!” she suddenly blurted out. “Make sure I get lots and lots of pictures of you and Natalia in your Carnival costumes…and footage if they have that.”
“Yeah, the school’s videographer is on top of it so you’ll have plenty of visuals when I come home.”
After a half an hour of joking and everything in between, mother and I were coming to the end of our conversation.
“I love you, sweetheart. Enjoy yourself and kiss the family for me.”
“I love you too, Mama. Kiss daddy for me when he’s up.”
“Muah!” she sounded into the phone.
“Back at ya!”
Ahhhh…I was breathing and fully relaxed knowing, as usual, that things were in good hands.
It wasn’t that I doubted my mother, it was that Club Rendezvous and Goodie Bagg were my babies, so I wanted that last minute reassurance they were in good hands.
When my mother and I disconnected the lines, I texted Di: “I Love You, Auntie!!! Thank you for your help while I’m out of town. Expect something nice.”
I was restless and a bit anxious once my calls were made and text messages were sent, so I took my nervous energy and headed to my bedroom to finish last bits of cleaning.
In my OCD state, I needed the entire house spotless before I exited my front door, so that I could return to a clean environment. It would simplify the unpacking process because I wouldn’t have the task of cleaning and unpacking.
I dressed for comfort for my lengthy flight. No need to deal with hair, the new pixie cut was wonderful! Allowed me to ruffle my fingers through and go. No makeup, minimal lip gloss application and I was ready…and right on time apparently, because no sooner than I did, Robert called from outside to announce his arrival.
I was surprised when I saw that the “ride” was a limousine. I knew exactly what he was up to…and I sure as hell wasn’t gonna fight him on it.
“Good morning, Beautiful,” he said when I opened the front door. His eyes widened when he took a closer look. “You cut your hair!”
I blushed and ran my fingers through the waves, as if feeling them for the first time. “I did…yesterday! Got a little bold and decided on something different for a while.”
“Wow…I like it. It fits you perfectly.”
“Thank you! I appreciate that.”
He smiled. Robert was a beautiful man. When he smiled, I was reminded of that.
“Not everyone can pull off what Halle pulls off…but you’ve done it, lady and it’s working for you.”
“Awww!” I couldn’t help it. I leaned up on my tiptoes, and kissed him on his cheek.
“So, you ready to take off?”
“As ready as I can be.”
He picked up one of my bigger
bags and signaled for the driver to assist with what was left, while I waited to lock my doors behind them.
CHAPTER 47
~*~*~
I had loved limousine rides since my very first one – Robert’s prom night, 10 years earlier. There was something so leisurely about being able to relax, be hands-free and let another drive you to your destination.
Removed all pressures of the road.
That morning’s limo ride to San Francisco International Airport was pleasantly erotic. I was definitely relaxed. My hands were free…free to clutch the leather above my head as Robert gave me the ride of champions.
We were like magnets. As mad as we were days before, none of it seemed to matter, in the heated moment happening across the leather of the backseat.
With the stellar performance Robert engaged in, I was certain he would be a frequent thought as I played the nights away in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Early in our relationship, I told Robert that one of my fantasies was to get fucked in a moving object…airplane, car, bus, train, as long as it was in transit. He obliged on a few occasions during our relationship, and it gave a whole new meaning to riding in style.
Robert was far from being my first, but when he fulfilled that fantasy, he became a first to do so and it was phenomenal. It was a flight of the imagination I’d had since I began thinking about penis.
Always the pleaser, he certainly had consistency. I had yet to walk away dissatisfied from a session with that man.
I was thanking the gods for Bay Bridge traffic!
Normally, I’d curse the road minions who seemed to think cruise control and the all too frequent use of brake lights were the way to drive. That morning however, there were no complaints from me. I was winning. No better preparation for a long flight than multiple orgasms…the ingredients, relaxation were made of.
The final thrust that pinned my clitoris firmly beneath its hood sent me shivering, weak-limbed, panting labored breaths and ready for a nap.
He slowly withdrew from inside me while tracing my nipples with his tongue, then planting kisses in several places on my face, and neck.
“Thank you Robert,” I purred. “That was wonderful. You make such magic, baby.”
“And you make it easy,” he responded, zipping his pants. “I love fucking you.”
And there it was – mood assassination.
Thank you very much, Robert.
We pulled into a parking space behind a procession of cars as I fixed my clothes and re-applied my lip gloss. Rasheed, the driver, opened the door to allow me out, a knowing look on his face.
He was no dummy. Even with the music turned up and the privacy glass secured in place, he was well aware of what happened in that backseat. Smiles were exchanged between the two of us.
The bags unloaded, and excitement building in my belly, I turned to Robert to blow him a kiss. “Glad we were able to settle our differences, play date.”
“Me too…” he said.
Or at least I thought he did. I was already walking toward check-in.
~*~*~
A New York layover and many hours later, sheer excitement set in when the blonde-haired stewardess stood at the front of first-class and announced over the intercom that we were descending over Rio.
“Thank you for flying United Airlines. Welcome to Brazil, we hope you enjoyed your flight. The weather is beautiful and Carnival is in full swing! As you can imagine there will be lots of activity so be safe and enjoy. We hope to see you again soon.”
As a ritual, when I walked past the crew, I shook hands with the attendants and pilot. Safe flights and the ones, who got us there in a single piece, very much underrated and underappreciated.
“Thank you for a safe flight,” I announced to the staff.
“You’re so very welcome. Enjoy your time in Brazil.”
“I intend to…”
Oh boy, did I.
CHAPTER 48
~*~*~
Paraiso Belo never ceased to amaze me. Every time I pulled up to the massive, mansion-type compound, one word came to mind…gorgeous! Paraiso Belo was always beautiful, but the new and improved…amazing!
It boasted three floors of beautifully structured architecture; with 25 suites, spanned across several acres of land. It went unnoticed from a street perspective to maintain privacy and exclusivity.
There was an endless lap pool and an 18-hole golf course, with all the amenities of the office for the man that couldn’t leave the hustle behind.
Yes! The panoramic views...
The resort featured an open area of interconnected networks that included a horizontal pergola. It was a unique, one of a kind, structure.
Thirteen months went into the redesign and anyone could see that a lot of thought, and style was incorporated. I expected nothing less with Valentina’s knack for style, but it was nothing short of a masterpiece.
On the inside, there were many luxuries: A restaurant that served Brazilian cuisine, and a full salon, to name a few. All geared toward keeping the visitors happy. All that anyone could need was onsite.
If that was the sole intent…mission accomplished.
~*~*~
After getting settled into my suite, I met Valentina and Natalia near the pool for a small lunch and catch up time.
Of course, screams and hugs were in abundance. While we were mostly caught up with current and personal affairs, there was never a shortage of girl talk.
We covered it all: How was business? Had Robert become suspicious about my trips yet? Did I plan to settle down with him? Did I ever feel guilty about lying to him about my trips? I answered: Wonderful! Yes, No and Not at all.
“Awww. I was rooting for you guys,” Natalia said.
“I know you were, and if it’s any consolation, he’s not completely out of the picture, though he might be by the end of this trip. I know that he wants something long term that will eventually lead to marriage, and I honestly don’t see that with him – or anyone right now.”
“Or ever,” Natalia spat.
I chose not to entertain with a verbal comment, but did manage to roll my eyes at her.
“It’s very big of you to not string him along,” Valentina complimented.
“Thank you, Valentina. I appreciate your support,” I said, looking Natalia’s way as I did so. “Robert is a sweet guy, successful, great in bed and beautiful to look at. He’s just not for me, unfortunately.”
“No guy is for you, Gabriella!” Natalia proclaimed sarcastically.
I understood where Natalia was coming from; we’d had the conversation time and time again. She wanted me happy and to embrace what a relationship might have to offer. However, I recognized that she was also transferring her own desires onto me.
She felt I had more freedom to venture into something intimate with a man, where she didn’t. She had pigeonholed herself and for some reason believed she was stuck there.
“That’s not true Talia,” I said responding to her comment.
“Uh-huh…if you say so.”
“I do say so. Not everyone is the hopeless romantic that you are. On your wedding day, I’ll be there with bells on, doing my Maid of Honor thing full of pride, probably shedding more tears than necessary, because I’ll be happy beyond measure for you. It just isn’t my turn.”
“It could be though…” she pressed.
Valentina interjected, “Alright Natalia, stop that. She’s here to enjoy herself, not feel guilty for not reciprocating his feelings.”
“Yeah, Natalia…I’m here to enjoy myself. How about we change the subject and you fill us in on the progress of you and Mr. Stanley Coxler?”
Her face turned three shades of cherry and when Valentina wasn’t looking, she stuck her tongue out at me, at which point I burst into laughter.
“Você pode repartir-lo, mas você não pode levá-lo.”
“You’re an evil person, Gabriella!”
“Whatever you say, Natalia!” I sang.
“Come on kiddies!” Valentina joked. “You crack me up! Tell me this…are you excited about tonight?” she asked.
“That has to be rhetorical,” I responded. “You know it sets all the good stuff in motion! It’s the beginning of the beginning, and something like the highlight for me.”
“Yep, what Gabriella said,” Natalia added.
With promises to catch up later, we finished lunch and headed off to get dressed for the night’s reception.
~*~*~
Back in my suite, I took a moment to check e-mail. After messaging my parents to let them know that I’d arrived safely, I returned to my inbox to read a message from Robert:
Hey Gabriella,
I just finished jacking off thinking about you…
What the hell? Who does that? Did he think that was a turn on? Who am I kidding? Of course he did. Newsflash, Robert…it’s far from sexy.
…and that ride to the airport. I missed your body so much. That night after dinner when I decided to leave instead of spend the night, I regretted it all the way home, but I couldn’t bring myself to come back. I was hurt. I’ll be handling things a lot better going forward. I miss you and can’t wait to see you when you get back…
Okay, he’d somewhat redeemed himself there, but geez! As explosive as our sex was, a girl liked to be sweet-talked. At least I did – some of the time, anyway.
…I was thinking that if you’re up to it when you get home, we can drive to Monterey for the weekend. I don’t know how cold it will be, with it being February and all, but there’s plenty to do indoors. Wink, wink.
Let me know you made it safe.
After replying made it,” I logged off, and headed to the closet for the sexy royal blue, one-shoulder jumpsuit that I was dying to wear.
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