"If he really wrote me a note just now, how come it ended up in your hands?" Gloria asks suspiciously on Tuesday afternoon when Daya hands her the envelope with her name on it, or rather, sets it beside her. She's visiting them while her sons are at Michael's house, along with Christina and Emiliano.
"I brought the mail inside and here it is, somethin' for you..."
"¿Y qué estás haciendo aquí?" Gloria questions Aleida.
and what are you doing here?
"To make sure you don't rip it up. He worked real hard on this," Aleida responds. "¡Solo leelo!"
Just read it!
Gloria rolls her eyes and opens the letter. "Fine." She pulls it out of the envelope quickly and unfolds it. Once she actually reads it, though, she gasps quietly and presses her hand to her heart as her spirits rise so high that they reach the sky.
My dear Gloria,
So, I'm just gonna say it. We clicked instantly. When we first got to know each other at the triple date at La Fontana's, I felt such a deep connection with you and the urge to protect you grew stronger with each passing second. Seeing you tortured by those animals who used to work at Martin Van Buren High, hearing about the way your ex mistreated you, and losing you temporarily due to being kidnapped by that beast was like getting stabbed in the chest a million times over. I'd go through hell if it meant you'd never be harmed again. I honestly care about you so much.
I really do like you, and not just as a friend. I am so sorry if I made you think I didn't, but I swear, I do. You're truly radiant. I feel like the happiest man in the world with you by my side. You make me whole. You're empowering, you're so pretty, you're amazingly strong, and I love your voice. It's a soothing melody, music to my ears. Your eyes are like two chocolates and I can't help but stare into them. I get the sweetest sensation inside, like bubbly. Your smile is mesmerizing, it shines like the sun on a bright summer day. You have such gorgeous hair, too. Needless to say, I'm very glad you exist. You're a very warm-hearted person and it's wonderful to be around you. You're so good with your sons, I can see how much they adore you. You're very smart. You have a soul that matches your beauty. Talking, joking, and chilling with you in general is so much fun. I'm happy to come over whenever you need me to, and you and your little guys are welcome to my place anytime. It's always been you, Glo, I promise. You're the first person I think about when I wake up in the morning. I have to confess, and please don't feel pressured to say the same, but I'm falling in love with you as the days go by. I can assure you though, that you never have to worry about rushing into anything with me. Take your time, okay? I will be patient and wait for you as long as it takes. I understand that you're traumatized and if you're never ready for us to become a couple, that's perfectly fine.
Please hear me when I say that all the "proof" Vee sent you from my phone was staged, as I told you before. She wanted my money-and I say that in past tense because she's dead from a freak accident. I can guarantee you that I'm not engaged, although, I was at one time, only because Vee declared that she was pregnant-she actually wasn't-but all I was doing was trying to be polite in helping her raise her kid-even if it wasn't mine. It turns out she was actually gung-ho about my money, and I split up with her and gave her back her ring, but she threatened to kill herself. That's part of why I didn't ever speak to her again. I never even hugged her. The other reason is you, of course. Getting rid of her was like taking a brick off my chest.
That was right after you and I glided around the Monte Carlo Room together that one very glamorous evening. It was one of the best nights I ever had with you, but who am I kidding? I always enjoy our time together, no matter where we are or what we're doing. You make my life so special and I constantly look forward to seeing your lovely face. Even without her interference, I'm ecstatic to have met you and I hope we can stay in each other's lives-whether it be platonically or romantically. I won't let you or your boys down. You're all too important to forget, even if you don't think so.
If you so desire, please meet me at Central Park tomorrow at five, and we can discuss this...at the swings, perhaps?
With all my heart, I wish to give you everything you deserve and more. Meeting you was like a dream come true!
Lots of love,
Fahri
P.S. I meant what I said…I left the drug cartel. You inspired me to finally do it. I realize that me being a dealer around your darling children will not work, so I choose you, Benny, and Julio. Always.
"Aw, that's so sweet, mama," Aleida comments. "Sappy, but cute."
Gloria blushes and hides what Fahri has written with her hand. "Don't read over my shoulder!" Now that her head is clearer and she thinks about it more, she figures that yes, Vee must have done something to make it appear as if Fahri was with her, when in actuality, he isn't-at least not anymore. The girls wouldn't just lie to her, and neither would her friends. Taystee knew for sure and she'd explained Vee's whole plan to her main group and it got around. As she rereads it again and again, she cries tears of joy.
Fahri,
I must say it was a pleasant surprise when you walked into my life. Without warning, no doubt. Never in a billion years did I expect someone to completely sweep me off my feet. I hope this goes someplace, but it'll take me some time to love again. All I know is that sparks fly when we hold hands and being in your arms is pure magic. Your hugs are so comforting and you're quite handsome. Forgive me for being forward, but I'm seriously enamored of you. I get giddy whenever you're near.
It's because of your comforting hand squeezes, your gentle hugs, the way you make me laugh, how you hold me after all my panic attacks, when you tell me you'll always be here, your eyes glowing with affection for me, your grin when I say something hilarious...it's absolutely endless and truly amazing. Okay, yes, I'm gushing, but for real, you make me feel like I'm in a fairytale. You're the charming prince to my damsel in distress who turns into a princess at the end when he asks her to marry him. Of course, I know I'm not some pathetic weak thing, you made me stronger. I'm a survivor and I'm no longer scared to date you, as you can see. You were incredibly sweet to carry me when I asked you to. So, please, just ask me if we can take the next step in our relationship. I will say yes. Not because I'd feel like I have to, but because I want to. I want to try it out between the two of us. Maybe a few small pecks, though, not a makeout session. I know you get that.
More people should be listening to what you have to say. I think you matter. You're very down to earth. It's good to see someone care so much. You're so understanding of all that I've been through and you're willing to go slow and steady. Your passion is contagious. Your confidence is refreshing. I'm happy I stayed alive long enough to meet you. You're a talented dancer and how you spin me around the room so and slow dance with me is just dazzling. It's like we're at prom, but for adults.
I love how you treat my kids wonderfully, too. It must be why you're such a fantastic daddy to Michaela and you were the best babysitter to Alex when she was little-you've been that way forever, apparently. Great with children. That's a huge plus in my book. My boys have an awesome role model to look up to. I'm glad they were with you during my disappearance. I can't cut you out of my life, ever. You're my other half. My soulmate. My best friend. Praying you can be my man, too, if you know what I'm saying. Letting you go would be the most horrible error of my existence.
If you feel as I do and that thing with Vee really was fake, find me in Central Park at five mañana. I'll be at the swings.
Yours truly,
Gloria
Upon reading Gloria's letter, Fahri is shocked that she holds such strong emotions of love for him. He'd thought she'd never reciprocate to anything he told her again, and here she is, penning him a romantic letter. He remembers how her eyes blazed with fury when she'd found out about what Vee had done, she'd seemed so jealous and sad-because she was, most likely. He feels bad about what has transpired and he wants to make amends, so he'll definitely join her in this location.
He'd been doubtful when first receiving the note from his niece, but Alison was determined that he should take a glance at it. She'd told him that when she took Farah to preschool, Gloria had given it to her for him to peruse.
Now he can't stop. It's the moment he's been waiting for. He's bursting with glee.
Daya is drawing a picture of Aleida being physically close to her with their knees touching when her mother comes into her room. She finds it wonderful that she finally got a boyfriend around the time Leon proposed to Aleida. "Hey," she murmurs while glancing up from her sketch.
"Whatcha doin'?" Aleida asks as she joins Daya on her bed.
"This." Daya shows Aleida her artwork.
"Nice work, nena," Aleida praises her, and they smile at each other. "What inspired it?"
"Oh, thanks!" Daya shrugs. "We're both pregnant...and we've grown tight as mother and daughter. Also...you finally got engaged to somebody good, and Adarsh and I locked lips at school today!"
Aleida gasps, her eyes lighting up with excitement and she cups Daya's chin while pecking her cheek. "That's real good, mija!"
Daya squeals. "I know! It was so...delightful!"
"I bet! Well, I'm happy for you!" Aleida grins.
"Thanks," Daya murmurs, smiling.
Someone raps on her door. "Mind if I join y'all?" Leon wants to know.
"Nah, it's cool!" Daya tells him. "I got somethin' I need to ask you, anyway."
He enters, beaming at them both. "Alright, go ahead!"
"What made you pop the big question so close to Ma's special day?"
"It was part of her birthday surprise." Leon strides to Aleida and brings her in for a long hug. Daya grins while watching them be too cute together.
"How weird, that's what Adarsh told me, too, about our first kiss!" Daya comments.
"Yeah, did you two plan to spoil us Diaz women with romantic gestures?" Aleida wonders aloud. She looks up at him with nothing but adoration and happiness in her eyes. He appears to be just as enamored of her.
"Yep! We talked about it so much while working." Leon nods toward the play structure and pool outside that's currently being built.
Gloria holds a bloodied Fahri in her arms, panicked, crying. "No, no, no..." she murmurs with grief, her voice cracking every few moments. There is salt on her lips from tears. She's holding on tightly to Fahri's shirt, his shoulder, his hand, roughly pulling him against her body, anything to try and keep him tethered to this earth. She kisses him as he dies slowly before her eyes. "No. No, stay awake-" she begs, but it's to no avail. She kisses him once more even when the life has left his body. "No. God, come back. Please, come back. Please, look at me, I'm right here!"
With a strangled gasp, she sits up straight in her bed and wails into her hands. "Only a terrifying nightmare..." Then, Gloria knows. She can't ever lose him, or it would devastate her completely. It's a good thing that Fahri had been part of a smallish drug cartel and Kubra and the twelve other members have been arrested. They won't be bothering him."He's safe, he's safe..." she mumbles, rocking back and forth and hugging her knees to her chest. "They're far away, they can't get us...they're locked up..." Gloria isn't sure if she should call Fahri right now and report that he was shot to death by Kubra and his people in her awful dream. One glance at the clock tells her not to; it's two in the morning and he's probably sleeping. Besides, it might jinx things.
She's tossing and turning, now thinking of Fahri with a bullet blasting through his skull and making blood spurt out the back of his head. It's a horrible image and she suddenly wants his arms surrounding her, comforting her, repeating that he's not in any danger. She's well aware that even though the bad guys are merely locked up, it doesn't mean they can't escape and find him and Alex.
Her stomach lurches and the bile in the back of her throat grows stronger. Alex...
The girl had killed Kubra's hitman; surely he would be seeking revenge around now. Gloria can't take this anymore; she doesn't want to worry herself into an anxiety attack. She's all about realism, but she'd also like to enjoy life. Alex lives with a police officer, for starters. Fahri is currently in witness protection and lives in an apartment instead of his big mansion. He's looking into law school so he can make tons of money and win cases for defendants who deserve to go free. He even changes his look slightly when he's out in public, wearing a blonde wig and blue contacts. He and Alex never say their real names to anyone they don't know. To Gloria, the boys, and their friends and families, they're still Fahri and Alex.
They're okay.
As she gets ready to meet Fahri on Wednesday, Gloria is in a tizzy. She's wearing a long dark red floral patterned dress, black stockings, a gray peacoat, and brown boots. Her hair is curled and comes down to her chin. She puts on her makeup, wraps her beige scarf around her neck, and sets her burgundy colored beanie on her head. After slipping on her black leather gloves and grabbing a purple umbrella off the coatrack, she's out the door and in her car. She begins driving to Central Park where he said he'd be. It's going to be a heavy rainfall today, but not until five. She just doesn't know if they'll be finished there by that time. It had showered on and off throughout the morning, but luckily slowed way down this afternoon. She hopes that not even a light drizzle will deter him from coming.
Gloria smiles when she sees him on an adult-sized swing and he grins back at her while patting the empty swing next to him.
"You actually came!" he says, surprised.
"You're here, wow!" she exclaims. "I can't believe it!"
"Neither can I, when you left on Friday, I was a wreck...I didn't think you'd show up, but you did..."
Gloria plops onto the swing next to him and holds the chains on either side as she gently moves back and forth. "Of course, I was just as sad as you!"
"You look great!" he compliments her and her cheeks warm.
"Thank you, so do you!"
"Decided to contact me the old fashioned way, huh?" Gloria raises an eyebrow, not knowing what he's talking about. "A letter..."
"I could say the same for you! Except...I didn't write you one."
"Neither did I, but...I got one from you..."
"I got one from you as well..."
Fahri chuckles. "Alison gave it to me...I knew it!"
"What?" Gloria is still confused, but then she understands. "Oh! Daya had one for me. Those meddling teenagers..."
"Many of them came to me right after the whole Vee fiasco and said they had an idea of how I could show you that I'm very into you."
"You talked to them? About me?"
He nods his head yes. "I did, but only good things, I can assure you!"
"So did you mean all of what they said?" Gloria asks.
"Every word," he says and her heart dances. "I had no idea you felt that way about me in return. Do you really?"
"Yeah, I've, uh...developed a little crush on you. I told some of the girls." Gloria laughs awkwardly. "I guess I needed a push in the right direction!"
"I did, too. I want you to know that you're not my second option." He takes hold of her hand and squeezes it. "You're my first!" She smiles with delight and so does he. They stare into each other's eyes and start to lean in. "So you don't mind if we share a kiss, right?"
Gloria shakes her head no. "Not at all." She thinks of something just then and holds up her index finger. "Hold it. Even if Vee wasn't crazy, would you still like me?" Gloria checks.
"Of course, yes!"
He sounds genuine and he's not pressuring her into making out with him or anything, so she takes this as a good sign. He's just looking at her with love in his eyes. "Could I caress your hair and touch your cheek first?"
"Please do. Sí..."
So he does, and ever so gently, too. She closes her eyes and beams as he runs his fingers through her hair and then skims his knuckles up and down the side of her face a few times. He places his warm hand on her cheek and his thumb rubs against it from side-to-side.
"Mmm..." Gloria sighs as his sweet breath fans her face. His soothing touches alight her with a new fire she's never felt before. She's been through fast and dangerous plenty of times already but now, she's more than grateful with slow and sensual. When their lips lock together, she sees stars coming to life. Butterflies flit about. A volcano bursts with lava. More sparks. Fire. Passion. It was one small peck, but oh, so powerful. She's still dazed and smiling when they pull apart. He's grinning and his face is flushed. Her skin is warm to the touch, too. Soon, tears are leaking from her eyes, falling down her cheeks like a fresh spring rain. She sniffles and wipes the moisture away, to clear her vision. "Lo siento..."
"Gloria, was that okay?"
"No...it was perfect! I'm crying from happiness, I swear! Ay diós mio...gracias."
"De nada."
She giggles. "You been learnin' Spanish for me?"
"Yeah!"
"That's awesome!"
The rain soon pelts down on them and they're both hugging it out and laughing while nuzzling each other's noses. It's been such a great day.
"Did I mention how adorable you look in my shirt?"
Aleida glances up at her husband-to-be and presses her lips together while beaming. "I do like dark purple...and this is hella cozy!"
Leon sits down beside her and she decides it's time to take a break from studying for her GED. His gaze upon her turns lustful. "Sexy, too!" He slides his hands up under her shirt and cups her breasts while kissing her deeply, and she giggles against his lips.
"You're fogging up my glasses," she murmurs. "I gotta take 'em off..."
"No," he whispers. "Leave 'em on, they're hot on you..."
"Ooooh, look who's horny all of a sudden!" Aleida teases him as he gently pushes her down on the couch and she shoves her textbook, papers, and pencil out of their way.
"I always am, for you! Is this okay, though?" Leon leans on his elbows and holds her waist.
"Of course, hell yeah! Daya's havin' Lorna over for a sleepover, they don't need us, and the little tykes are distracted with a Maya and Miguel marathon."
He carries her to their bedroom and they don't make love because kids are in the house, so they end up cuddling and he gives her a quiet orgasm. He rubs her clitoris and she pants and lets out tiny shrieks that wouldn't reach anyone's ears. She just lets herself bask in it and how good his fingers feel inside of her. She squeezes his wrist between her thighs and his muscles ripple as he continues causing her to be wet.
"You like when I finger bang your pussy?" he asks suggestively.
"I love when you talk dirty. Ohhh..." Aleida sighs sensually and her legs shudder a few times as the last waves of her orgasm wash over her. "Fuck yeah, I want oral and deep dick penetration as soon as we have this place to ourselves." She usually loves sex, but being pregnant is making her desire it each second of every day. She's so happy she has someone to romantically connect with and getting laid frequently is the best bonus ever. The days of being single or worrying about who Cesar was doing behind her back, are long gone. She doesn't miss any of it.
"Oh, baby, I'll give you the world if you requested it." Leon kisses every part of her, including her stretch marks. She's just mewling with pleasure as he does so. His hands and mouth are so warm on her body and she closes her eyes.
"Mmmm...I'm so glad you don't make fun of me for even thinking of doing the GED."
"Why would I do something stupid like that?" He pauses for a moment and his kind eyes meet hers.
"Cesar did. When I...I visited him."
"I love you, I support you completely." She swoons at his words and he caresses her hair and his knuckles slide up and down her jaw. "Unconditionally."
"I know...I love you, too!"
"I went to see that son of a bitch as well. He was cocky as ever...I had to get a bit verbally rough with him because I'm protective of you! I told him to stop treating you that way or things would get ugly...I even balled up my fists at him and shook 'em in his face! I said I loved you so much and would never betray you! Also, I let him know that I'm close to your kids and they're not terrified of me like they were of him!"
Aleida cracks up and covers her face. "How did I get to be so lucky?"
"I ask myself that every day!" Leon's soft lips touch her neck, then her shoulders, and all the way down her arms, her belly, and her legs. He returns to her cleavage when she starts lightly scratching the back of his head.
"I met Rosalita at her gravesite. Wanna know what my first words to her was?"
Leon nods as he sucks on a few spots between her breasts while holding her hands.
"I ain't gonna be a bitch 'cause you ain't even here no more but I'm takin real good care of your man on earth! Is that true, though, babe? Do I?"
"Yes, darling! Not a minute passes by where I don't appreciate you."
"I can see that...look at you, worshipping me." Aleida sighs with satisfaction. "Thank you, I needed a break from all that work..."
"I know you did," he murmurs as he rubs her feet.
"I can't help but wonder what it could've been like if I'd met you sooner, like during my bad childhood, Glo. We would've become best friends and I'd have gone to your house all the time after school and I'd get along well with you and your tía and went to them crying if it all got too much," Aleida ponders as she and Gloria take a walk around the ice skating rink where their men and children are. They're dressed for the cold; peacoats, beanies, scarves, gloves, leggings under jeans, and boots with heavy socks.
Gloria purses her lips and smiles. "That would've been nice, but then there would be no Daya or the other kids since Lourdes and I would've steered you on the right path."
"Oh yeah, none of my babies would be around," Aleida says regrettably. "Now, I feel bad for thinking about that..."
"Nah, it's cool, we all contemplate on different situations happening and what directions our lives would've taken if something had or hadn't occurred."
"Mm-hm..."
"Yo, congratulations on your engagement!" Margarita shouts as she strolls up to them. She seems genuinely happy for Aleida and Leon. Her face is even glowing with pride.
Aleida beams at her and Gloria is relieved that they're getting along quite nicely. "¡Gracias!"
Margarita turns to Gloria. "Hey, we haven't seen you on YouTube in a while, didn't you have a channel there last year?" she asks.
"I just assumed you deleted your account," Aleida puts in.
"Um...no, I didn't!" Gloria breathes in and out heavily. She knows a certain video of hers is on there, but she'd forgotten her password, so later, she changes it and watches Livin' with Arturo Cazador Ain't Easy in tears.
"S-so if this don't work out, I...I want somebody to take 'em and be the best parents possible. Please," she begs. "My aunt would, but he hates her a-"
"And he will kill her too," she finishes for the terrified woman she once was. He's no longer a threat, but still, she quickly takes it down. She jumps when she hears footsteps behind her.
"It's just me, Florecita," Lourdes murmurs, putting two gentle hands on her shoulders. "Inhala...y exhala..."
Gloria does both. "He...he didn't give a shit if anyone saw it...since nobody searched for my channel back then...and they probably don't now. In fact, I almost forgot to get rid of it until Margarita and then Aleida said somethin'. He forced me to block anyone I knew, so I...I had to restrict those I worked with or talked to at Martin Van Buren High. That's why he was so adamantly against me working there!" She gives out a shuddering gasp as she leans back against her aunt and clutches her hands.
"Oh, mi amorcita..." Lourdes kisses the top of Gloria's head. "You can make a new video now if you'd like...he's in Hell, so you're free. Do whatever your precious heart desires."
She beams. "I think I will."
"Good."
"My mommy has a new boyfriend, Mister Fahri!" Benny announces in therapy on Friday. "I like him because she said he was protecting us from a bad guy outside and he made sure me and Julio didn't get owies when Mama was taken away from us! He's really nice to my mommy, too."
"Buddy, that's wonderful!" Debbie exchanges broad grins with Gloria and Fahri, who are holding hands, and she gives the new couple two thumbs up. "He sounds like a great man!"
"Yeah, she calls him chaaaarrrrrming!"
"Oooooooh!" Julio and Emiliano squeal in unison.
"Like the prince in Cinderella?" Christina asks. Off Benny's nod, she cheers. "Yay! I have good news too, Miss Debbie! I don't have a lot of nightmares anymore! In my dream last night, I was sooooo happy because all the fairies and butterflies in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink dresses slid down the rainbow!"
Debbie's eyes light up. "Oh, wow, sweetie, that's fantastic!"
Christina fiddles with her brand new pink tutu that she'd gotten for ballet class. Aleida had just signed her up to join and her teachers are both Diane and Gloria; they alternate. "You know what I told the bad man before he went away forever? I'll fucking hit you with my fucking scooter!"
"Way to go!" Benny congratulates her.
Aleida suppresses a laugh and Gloria beams at her tearfully. Diane, Leon, and Fahri appear to be pleased, too. The children's therapist looks shocked that Christina had cursed out loud, but she should still understand.
"Mm-hm!" Christina points at Leon. "He built me a dollhouse, yaaaaay!"
"Tío Leon loves spoilin' us!" Benny adds with glee on his little face. "So does Mr. Fahri and Mommy and Tía Aleida!"
"I'm really glad for you kids, that no more sad and scary things are happening to you, and that you're being doted on because you really deserve it!"
"Me too!" the children chorus with glee.
After the therapy session, everyone hugs Debbie goodbye. "Hey, I just came to catch up! Charles is at the police station and I don't have a shift 'til later. How's your girl?" Diane wonders aloud.
Debbie smiles. "Nita's doin' great, thanks for askin'! I feel bad she's gotta work for a Republican, though...he's really against people who aren't straight, but he's all for two women together because of gross reasons."
"Ugh, that sucks," Gloria mutters. "He needs to step down, seriously."
"Fuckin' pervert," Aleida grumbles. "Not to mention, homophobic!"
Leon makes a face. "I'm real sorry to hear that!"
"Yeah, what a nasty bigot!" Fahri adds.
"I think she's gonna quit soon and look for somethin' else to do for a career. It's just too bad that she has to be the one to leave."
"Mm-hm," the adults agree at the same time.
"Other than that...she's been talking to me about adoption!" An excited gleam appears in Debbie's eyes. "I'm all for us being mommies to some precious kids."
"Oh, cool!" Fahri murmurs. "You'll enjoy it! Trust me, I've got a foster daughter, Michaela, and it's awesome!"
Diane toys with her gold bracelet and grins. "Aww, that'll be so nice for you two!"
"Judging by the way you treat our babies, you'll do an excellent job!" Aleida says cheerfully.
"Any kid will be pleased to have you as a parent," Gloria compliments Debbie, who smiles.
"I know the tiny ones all adore you!" Leon puts in.
"Thanks for the encouragement, guys!" Debbie grins.
"You're welcome," they respond as they head out. "Bye!"
"Bye-bye, Miss Debbie!" the children shout.
Debbie waves at them. "See ya later, alligators!"
"In a while, crocodile!" Christina calls out.
"Come on, Lida, you'll rock this interview," Red's son Vasily tells the blonde woman next to him as they stride past. He puts his arm over her shoulders and presses his lips to her temple. "These are seriously new tides for us!"
"If you say so," Lida mutters. "Thanks for having faith in me..." They continue talking, but their voices fade away as they disappear into an elevator near the waiting room.
"Hey, congratulations to you both for finally doing the first smooch!" Diane wraps Gloria and Fahri into a group hug.
"Yeah, I'm real estatic for y'all!" Aleida chimes in, grinning widely. "Cheers to the brand new couple!"
"Thank you!" Fahri and Gloria murmur in unison, smiling together.
On his way home from his job at the Stop and Shop that Saturday, Charles follows Diane's vehicle to an auto shop for repairs since she'd mentioned that it was getting old and needed to be fixed. They get out of their cars once they both arrive at their desired location.
"This janky green thing is about to conk out any minute now," she tells the guy as she and Charles hold hands. Their fingers interlock and he kisses her knuckles. She smiles at him, her blue eyes filled with adoration. After her car is taken in, they enter his and Charles begins driving them home. He blasts tunes and they exchange loving looks and laugh a few times. When they reach their stoop, he kisses her tenderly on the mouth.
"What if I had met you earlier...when I was a struggling single mother of an infant?" Diane asks. "Picture me with a messy bun, sweats, running late for work because baby Alex kept me up all night. I was carrying Alex at the time because I didn't have money for a stroller...and also had my purse on my shoulder and a bunch of food in a bag that's threatening to drop out of my hands because I've got Alex. I needed to go grocery shopping because we ran out of food and I got home so late that I didn't notice. Say you saw that I needed help...because I was struggling to hold my groceries while holding on tight to Alex, and an apple fell out of the bag and rolled down the street, I'm screaming, 'noooo!', then an orange juice carton crashed on the ground, I'm losin' all my stuff...but you picked it up for me and said, 'I got it, I got it!' and then assisted me in bringing them to my car."
"I would've done it, and we'd be married by now," Charles tells her honestly.
Diane's eyes sparkle and he grins down at her. "How long?" she asks.
"Hmm...probably like eleven years?"
"Yep! It would've taken me time to get used to a good man, and Alex would refer to you as Daddy."
"Well, you had Fahri to help you, so you would've never been in that position," Charles points out. "Hey, but it is nice to dream about us being an item for fifteen years!" He strokes her chin and grabs her hand gently. "Just glad I got you sooner rather than later, or not at all."
"Me too!"
"Oh, shit!" Gloria hisses as she grabs an oven mitt and a metal spatula. She quickly turns off her burner and growls aloud as she scrapes the hard rice off the darkened bottom of the pan. Most of it is coming off just fine, but some of the grains are either black or stuck. "I fuckin' burned it! I made a mess out of this..."
"Aw, that sucks! Do you want me to help you get the rice loose?"
"Nah, I'm doin' it, I just need to fill it with hot, soapy water when I get almost all the food outta here. Carajo, lo siento, Fahri, I ruined dinner...why ain't you freaking out?" Gloria is pleasantly surprised, but she's still slightly on edge when he comes over to inspect it.
"Hey, it's not that bad, things like this happen to the best of us," he assures her gently as she pours her concoction into a bowl using a rubber spatula.
"Arturo would blow up at me for it," Gloria says quietly. She bangs the pan into the sink and breathes in and out heavily. "Maybe you don't care when I'm cooking for myself, but if I'm making a meal for you, I better do it right, is that it?"
Fahri flips on the tap and turns it to hot. He squeezes the soap into the pan and she watches the bubbles appear. "Darling, no, it was just an accident," he murmurs, leading her away from the sink. "I promise that I'm not mad at you. Please believe me." He has a comforting hand on the middle of her back and he's gazing down at her with sincerity. She can finally inhale and exhale properly. "It's okay."
Gloria smiles at him. "A girl could get used to this!"
"She should, because I'll treat her with the utmost respect, dignity, and love." He brushes his lips across her knuckles and then he gives her a peck on her cheek and lips. Gloria swoons and grows weak at the knees, feeling more and more like she's a princess in a fairytale. She hopes their story is never finished, even when one of them goes to Heaven.
