Thank you for beta'ing, A Star In My Universe!
Warning: harassment, talks of suicide, violence, and murder
I went to my close friends' fancy wedding a few weekends ago, so it inspired me even more when writing this chapter! It was so amazing, I was a bridesmaid and really got myself dolled up, and I got to see my real life OTP get married! So full of love that day was.
"I noticed that four-hundred-pound sadist on his phone and not letting me see it, since he was supposedly textin' his new girlfriend and actin' shy. The hell is wrong with him? He should die for preyin' on you and those kids!"
Gloria nods in agreement at Tiffany's statement. "I got no idea...he's just rotten through and through."
"Another red flag was that last year, in our hotel room, he said I could commit suicide and not have to live through prison...I thought it was a joke. Before, we were at a seedy bar having beer with my rapist...can we call him Donuts? He used to sell those."
"Sure, but only if it stands for the hella nasty stale or moldy kind."
"That's what I mean. Anyway...I was dressed as a boy and this volleyball game came on the television. These douchebags around me were lusting after hot blondes on the screen and like, totally talkin' about 'em like they were objects," Tiffany goes on. "Then, my mugshot popped up in a news story. Some idiot next to me said it was sexy."
"Typical." Gloria scoffs. "Those two fuckers wanted to keep you there and murder you, or get you in trouble for escaping?"
Tiffany shrugs. "I dunno. He said we could leave Donuts there, but I didn't wanna, at first. He noticed we had a Sleeping with the Enemy type of relationship...he watched it-"
"I hate that movie now. It's too relatable," Gloria mutters.
"I feel ya." Tiffany pats Gloria's hand and the two smile sadly at each other. The girl rakes a hand through her hair. "So, uh...that humongous dumb fuck ended up walkin' away from me and my skinny ex, who had way too much hair on his ugly face and head, by the way...seriously, he really looked like a violent rapist that time."
"Ew. Creepy son of a bitch. You're braver than I am." Tiffany sends Gloria a quizzical look. "You left him on your own, whereas the cops got to my ex before I had a chance to escape."
"It's not really a competition, we're just like...two survivors out of many, and we're safe from our abusers, that's what's important!"
Gloria nods and grins at Tiffany's words. "You got a point."
"Why didn't you call the cops on that fucking rapist once you saw him standing right next to my daughter?" Boo demands as she walks into the backroom where Gloria had said to meet her and Tiffany.
"I didn't wanna freak her out," Gloria answers while standing with her arms crossed. "It'd be upsetting for her to see the aftermath...and he wasn't doin' shit to her at the moment. Look, I'll trap him next time he texts me...I'll just tell him to meet me someplace and let Charles know exactly where he is, he'll be arrested right away, swear to God."
Tiffany runs into Boo's arms. "Gloria's right, Mama. She's hella smart, too. She taught me...and you...that he was a bad man. Her girls have an advantage with that cop." She glances at Gloria. "Maybe send him a message now? I know you can't stand looking at him and associating with him, but just get it over with...please?"
"Okay...I will." Gloria shakily pulls her phone out of her pocket and opens it to find that the horrible subhuman has contacted her again. You filthy little cunt, how dare you ignore me and only speak to Tiffany! I won at darts, and I can teach you how to play if you're not too stupid to learn. Otherwise, I'll just make your face a target instead of the board.
I'm waiting for an answer. You're lucky, you know. I can bomb that goddamn apartment you live in with your little family and leave you for dead on the side of the road, but a cat can't catch and kill a mouse before he torments it, right? You wouldn't be a fun toy if you were slain.
Her fingers tremble as she types a response. I'm sorry, I was busy at work. I'll be at The Sparrow Tavern in twenty. I need to drive there, so it'll take some time.
Just as she's calling Charles, though, her phone vibrates and she nearly jumps out of her skin. I'll get you at your shop. I'm closer to it!
"Oh, shit..." Gloria looks up at the ceiling in desperation and exhales loudly. Fine, but I left the bodega...I can just return there. See you in twenty. "Can you two check to see if he's out there? I'mma get Charles on the phone right now!"
Boo and Tiffany nod and leave. Gloria quickly finishes dialing Charles' number on the store's landline as she worriedly glances around her, in case Dixon could be hiding somewhere in the store and coming through the back exit to do something awful to her. She has her lit candles for protection, but he could easily turn them on her before she gets a chance to touch them. She hopes using pepper spray will work for tonight if she needs it, but she most likely won't with Fahri. It's just for when she goes to the bathroom and a terrible person barges in and tries to attack her.
"'Sup?" Charles answers.
"I'm at my store where I work...and I'm scared that Dixon could grab me at any moment. He...he keeps threatening me, and I...I set him up to come here so you could arrest him...just get to the place now, por favor..." she begs.
"Of course!"
"Thank you!" Gloria murmurs gratefully.
"No problem."
Gloria doesn't breathe a sigh of relief until Dixon is stuffed in the back of Charles' vehicle, locked in handcuffs and yelling that she tricked him. She doesn't even glance in the horrible creature's direction, and she exchanges hi-fives with Tiffany and Boo because of how well the plan had worked.
"Still up for that candy?" Boo asks Tiffany.
"Naw, I lost my appetite," Tiffany says sadly.
"It's okay, son. Next time." Boo slings her arm around Tiffany's shoulders and they walk out together while waving goodbye to Gloria.
"Bye!" Gloria calls out.
"It's a shame Lorna's not here," Alex mutters as she, Flaca, and Daya venture into a creepy looking doll shop. "P didn't interrupt her family time for this weirdness!"
"Her sister's back, so P gets that," Daya points out.
"Yeah, they probably gotta catch up and shit." Flaca gazes around the store. "This is actually kinda cool. Like...sometimes, I believe in voodoo dolls."
Alex rolls her eyes. "You would."
"Lookin' for somethin'?"
The girls jump and turn around to face Debbie Doggett and her son, Donny. "We are," Daya responds. "Um, do you know if someone bought a voodoo doll here, like last September? It could've been before that."
"We stopped putting those up for sale."
"I killed a bald eagle, stuffed its butt with a Coors Light, and grilled it." The girls stare at Donny curiously. They'd always thought him to be a bit off, but a ten-year-old committing murder is unfathomable.
"Donny, be quiet!" Debbie reprimands him.
He ignores his mother. "Just like my daddy taught me. I was in the middle of having it for dinner, when I got thrown in juvy...all the way in Virginia. Now I got an Oxy addiction, and it's all the cops' fault."
Debbie pushes him back a little ways. "Don't mind him. He ain't right up here." She taps her temple.
"I know you're friends with that girl who my sister was always mean to. I guess karma bit her in the ass. Sorry, but she was a real bitch. I tried to tell her some girls were out to get her, but she just called me retarded."
"Yo, who wanted to attack her?" Flaca wonders aloud.
"They all looked like you, but one had really messy hair-"
"Did she have a unibrow?" Alex presses, and Daya suddenly doesn't want to know more about these people or the drama that always surrounded Piper. She resents her former friend, since if it weren't for her, they wouldn't be getting these ominous texts from the omnipresent P.
"Yeah, but there was also a girl who had a bandage over her nose and long brown hair...she was white like us." Donny gestures between himself and Alex. "I'm not sure who exactly destroyed your cult leader. Too many gives me a headache."
Daya couldn't agree more, but she's shocked at how much this little boy knows. She really hopes he's wrong.
"Donald Doggett!" Debbie yells and turns fully around. "Get the fuck outta here." She faces the girls, who are now slack-jawed. "Well, I gave y'all an answer. You can browse or just-"
"She got a fate worse than death," he continues. "Branded like a cow-" Debbie cuts him off with a hard stare. "I'll go, I guess." He trudges off, but then points at Alex. "Someone you love is in danger."
Alex narrows her eyes at him and follows Daya out. They both wheel Flaca down the sidewalk, one on each side of her. "This is so strange...he's sayin' like, a bunch of Latinas and a whitey wanted to see Piper six feet under," Daya mutters.
"Blanca, her people, and Alana. He laid it out for us," Alex says simply. "I fuckin' knew we couldn't trust Maria, Ouija, Pidge, or Zirconia, and I can understand Blanca...but wow...Alana?"
"Piper was pretty mean to her," Flaca mumbles.
"Why are you believing a kid hooked on Oxy?" Daya asks. "He was probably just high and spewing some bullshit rumor he heard from someone's younger sibling!"
"Either that, or he's got a connection to Maria. Possibly she babysat him," Alex grumbles and shows them her phone. They gasp at the text she'd just received.
Your girl's in the hospital. Come see her as soon as you get this. -Maria
"Lo siento, llegué tarde, había mucho tráfico en el camino desde recogerlos después de la escuela," Lourdes apologizes as she quickly comes into the bodega, holding the boys' hands.
I'm so sorry I'm late, there was very bad traffic on the way here from picking them up after school.
"Está bien," Gloria murmurs. She comes out from behind the counter. Benny and Julio let go of Lourdes as soon as they see Gloria and make a beeline for her.
It's okay.
"Mommy!" they shout cheerfully.
She kneels down, embraces them, and kisses their cheeks. "My babies, how are you?"
"Good," they reply in unison.
"Oh, I'm glad!" She stands up and hugs Lourdes tightly. "Tía...tengo tanto que quiero decirte...y ellos."
I got so much I wanna tell you...and them.
The boys stare up at them curiously. "Adelante, Florecita," Lourdes urges her.
Go ahead.
Gloria releases her aunt and bounces on the balls of her feet. "I'm...I'm going out tonight again... with Fahri. Just us two."
"Oh yeah, me and Julio met him! He's not a bad man. He's really nice to Mama," Benny reports before Lourdes can react to the news. She raises an eyebrow at Gloria.
"Yaaaay!" Julio pipes up.
"Es cierto, tía. Los presenté formalmente a él. Él es tan bueno, lo juro. Voy a traer spray de pimienta esta noche, pero realmente no creo que termine usándolo," Gloria confirms.
It's true, auntie. I formally introduced them to him. He's so good, I swear. I'll bring pepper spray tonight, but I really don't think I'll end up using it.
Lourdes beams. She holds up a finger and hands the boys a bag full of toys. Gloria and Lourdes start arranging things on the shelves. "Me reuniré con él esta noche," she decides aloud.
I'm meeting him tonight.
Gloria sighs. She knows it's time for Lourdes and Fahri to meet. "Si eso es lo que quieres, ¡seguro!"
If that's what you want, sure!
"¿No tienes miedo?" Lourdes asks, her eyes filling with a hint of concern.
You're not scared at all?
Gloria lets out a giggle. "No. Estoy solo...mareado. Deberías ver lo que hace cuando recibo incluso el más pequeño de los ataques de pánico...calma mis temores casi de inmediato. Él me protege. Él respetó mi espacio personal cuando bailamos juntos...con una canción lenta y música de salsa. Pasé la noche más maravillosa en nuestra cita triple con nuestros amigos...y luego, cuando fuimos al cine con Aleida y Leon, le dije que quería tomarme de la mano, pero nada más, ¡y él estaba bien con eso! Dios mío, y él es como...tan dulce para los pequeños. Él tiene una linda sobrina nieta y él es excelente con ella. Él no los trata a ninguno como cargas...y él es muy bueno conmigo también...incluso podrías decirme que tienes mucho cuidado, como lo que hace y dice. Siempre me está tratando como a una princesa, y puedo decirte en este momento, tía...este hombre me ha hecho desmayar y sonrojarme...y reír como nunca antes lo había hecho con mis ex. Mi corazón no se sintió tan bien en años," she gushes and squeezes Lourdes' hands. She leans back against the side of the counter and sighs with bliss. "Me siento como si tuviera quince años."
No. I'm just...giddy. You should see what he does when I get even the smallest of panic attacks...he calms my fears almost right away. He protects me. He respected my personal space when we danced together...to a slow song and salsa music. I had the most wonderful night on our triple date with our friends...and then when we went to the movies with Aleida and Leon, I told him I wanted to hold hands, but nothing further, and he was fine with that! Oh my god, and he's like...so sweet to the little ones. He has a cute great-niece and he's excellent with her. He doesn't treat any of them like burdens...and he's real good to me, too...you could even say extra careful around me, like what he does and says. He's always treating me like a princess, and I can tell you right now, Auntie...this man has made me swoon and blush...and laugh like I never did before with my exes. My heart hasn't felt this good in ages. I feel like I'm fifteen.
Lourdes appears to be surprised, but delighted. She cups Gloria's cheeks and kisses her forehead. "¡Estoy tan feliz por ti, Florecita!"
I'm so happy for you, Florecita!
Gloria beams and spins around. She wants to pamper herself silly now. "¿Que hora es?"
What time is it?
Lourdes checks her watch. "Tres treinta."
Three-thirty.
"¡Oooh, tengo que darme prisa y prepararme! ¡Deberíamos irnos ahora para no llegar tarde!" Gloria curses herself for losing track of the time. She bends down to her sons' level. "Guys, Mommy has to get ready for her date. We gotta go!"
Oooh, I gotta really hurry and get ready! We should leave now so I'm not late!
"Los tendré aquí conmigo y me ocuparé de la bodega. Los traeré a casa cuando Fahri llegue a tu casa," Lourdes says before the boys have a chance to answer Gloria.
I'll keep them here with me and mind the bodega. I'll bring them home by the time you get back to your place.
"Gracias, Tía." Gloria quickly pecks Lourdes, Benny, and Julio on their cheeks. She practically flies out of the bodega, jumps into her car, and speeds off to Sophia's salon.
"Oh my god, Michelle!" Alex exclaims as she, Daya, and Flaca burst through the door of her girlfriend's hospital room to find Blanca and Zirconia on either side of the cot where Michelle is laying with a cast on her arm and only half of all her fingers are peeking out. Alex hurries to Michelle's side and strokes her hair as she bends down to kiss her lips. "Baby, I was so worried...I panicked the whole way here! What the fuck happened?" She takes a seat beside Michelle.
"I'm okay, sweetheart. I just got a broken arm...I fell off a ladder."
Alex eyes Zirconia and Blanca suspiciously. "How?"
"Don't look at me, I wasn't even there until after the incident," Blanca says sharply.
"She's right," Zirconia confirms.
"I'm supposed to believe you?! It's no secret that you people got beef with Chelle because I'm dating her! I can fuckin' see that! I'm not blind, you know! You dumbass bitches tried to kill her!"
"Alex, please stop it," Daya mutters.
"It was an accident," Michelle adds. "B was nowhere near me when this happened."
Blanca folds her arms across her chest and nods. "Z, come out in the waiting room with me. We should let Alex have privacy with Michelle." She squeezes Michelle's unscathed hand. "Feel better soon, chica." She leaves, but Zirconia doesn't follow her.
"I know what you did to Piper!" Alex tells Zirconia angrily.
Zirconia glares at Alex. "We didn't do nothin' to that stupid ho!"
"Yo, like they say, honesty is always the best policy," Flaca pipes up.
"Well, here's the truth, straight up. I don't know who the fuck murdered your homegirl and made Chelle fall off her ladder." Zirconia lifts her arms and lets them fall to her sides. "White people gotta stop interrogating everybody who don't look like them. Adiós."
Blanca appears at the doorway. "Z, vamos."
Zirconia rolls her eyes. "Comin'."
When they leave, Alex lets out a huge breath of air and Daya and Flaca come over to them. "Did Zirconia push you off?" Alex wants to know.
"I ain't sure, but she and Maria were keeping the ladder steady...at least I thought they were, but Ouija and Pidge joined them down below, and some people were genuinely upset that I got hurt, others wanted to spook me on purpose by jiggling it, but nobody actually meant for me to fall to the ground," Michelle responds.
"Oh, they probably did, Chelle. One of them is P, and the others are her minions! They were gonna take down Piper, and they most likely wanted to do the same to you."
"How do you know?" Michelle asks.
"Well, they're not particularly fond of me and they think of you as like, betraying them..."
"Somebody did call me a traitor."
"Who?" Daya wonders aloud.
Michelle shrugs. "I couldn't tell. Everything was fuzzy. They all sounded the same to me."
"We gonna get to the bottom of this," Flaca says.
"Yeah, I'll scare 'em into a confession," Alex chimes in. "I promise."
Michelle smiles up at her and kisses her hand. "Thanks, sweetie...and Blanca ain't part of this P shit. She avoids drama and keeps her head down as much as possible. She only truly despised Piper, nobody else. Just focus on the others."
"Okay, I'll leave Blanca alone." Alex leans down and connects their lips. "I'm gonna be super overprotective of you from now on, though, you know that, right?"
"Mm-hm!" Michelle giggles. "I adore that about you." They stare into each other's eyes for a few moments, and Alex falls more in love with her as the seconds pass.
"Hey, only two visitors at a time!" Dr. Chapman interrupts them, and they jump in surprise.
"Sorry, we can go," Daya says.
"You're super precious together," Flaca gushes as she and Daya walk out of the room.
"Michelle, how are you doing?" the doctor asks.
"I'm in pain, but Alex is making it better. Could I go home now?"
"Tomorrow, I need to give you a sling."
"Great, spendin' the night here," Michelle complains.
"I'll stay with you," Alex promises her, and Michelle beams adorably.
"Well, normally, I charge a hundred and eighty-seven dollars for both hair and makeup," Sophia informs Gloria.
"I don't have that much, this was like, on a whim...and I literally just planned this night out with Fahri, like, sixteen hours ago! I really gotta pamper myself for it...and I can't just go without."
"You have natural beauty," Sophia protests as Gloria plops into a pink chair and faces the mirror. "If I primp you up, he won't see the real you."
"That's kind of you to say, but he's seen me plain-faced many times before. I know he likes me the way I am, but I've always wanted to do this, and I never had the money...I still don't, but I've never been friends with somebody who worked at the salon before, and I was thinking I could pay you later, like umm...thirty dollars a month?" Gloria presses her hands together as if she's praying. "Por favor, Sophia...I'll make it up to you in any way that I can. I'll watch Michael for you and Crystal. You two need a special evening to yourselves."
Sophia grins and shakes her head. "Fine. Since you're one of my girls, and you're acting hella pathetic, which is my weakness, I'll make this appointment free."
Gloria's heart bursts with joy. "Oh, no, you can give me a discount, I'll be okay with that."
"Honey, you deserve it without having to owe me a cent. Like you said, we're homies."
"Wow, thank you so much. Really." Gloria laughs in relief. "I swear I ain't tryin' to rip you off or nothin'."
"I know." Sophia leads Gloria to a chair with a sink behind it. Gloria leans back and dips her locks into the running water and Sophia shampoos her hair. Gloria smiles and begins to tear up, since she hasn't treated herself this well in so long. She would count Aleida doing her nails once every two weeks, but that's become so normal for her. She appreciates it every time, and she's lucky that her gel tips and pedicure still look amazing. "What's the matter?"
Gloria sniffles. "Nothing. I'm just letting it all sink in. I was never able to afford a full makeover at a salon, and my...my ex wouldn't allow it. He only wanted women touching my hair, and he didn't wanna throw a fit if they gave me a man, even if the dude was gay...he would just get wildly jealous." She swallows hard. "At first, I found it flattering and cute and funny, but then...I'd wanna run and hide under the bed with how angry he got." Gloria squeezes her eyes shut and forces the waterworks to stay back. "I'm okay now, so are my babies, but...we get real bad nightmares sometimes."
"I'm sorry I was so insensitive about it before. I never meant to offend anyone, I was just..."
"Protecting your son," Gloria finishes for her. "I understand that...and I apologize that mine hit yours. I'm glad they're good now."
"I am too...and you don't need to feel guilty. Benny was just copying what he'd seen. He was so close to the violence. It's unfortunate that it had to be Michael who he struck. My little boy's okay, though."
Gloria manages a smile as Sophia takes her to the chair she'd been sitting in previously. "Yeah. Exactly. That's great."
Sophia squeezes Gloria's shoulder fondly and blow dries her hair while running a brush through it. "Do you want this cut, or...?"
"Just a style I rarely put it in...like romantic waves and half up with tendrils framing my face. I usually make it messy, especially with the Juliet braids on either side, and I need them to come together into one ponytail holder or fancy clip."
"Lucky for you, sweetheart, I do it perfectly." It takes Sophia about thirty minutes to do the job, and then forty-five minutes to turn Gloria even more stunning, with purple, glittery shadow to make her eyes smoky, winged eyeliner, fake lashes, light pink blush, and dark reddish-purple lipstick. When Sophia is finished, Gloria still recognizes the woman in the mirror, but she's very pleased. Her reflection beams back at her. She looks slightly different, a more radiant version of herself. She feels like a queen more than ever now.
"Wow," she breathes. "I love it. Thanks!"
"You're welcome...and thank you, too!"
Gloria sends Fahri a quick text. My aunt is really looking forward to meeting you...she wants to, tonight! Are you okay with that?
Wow, I better prepare myself! I'm a little nervous.
She giggles softly and Sophia just smirks. You don't gotta be. She's cool with anyone who's nice to me, so she shouldn't have a problem with you at all!
Awesome!
"So, Di, gentlemen, I need your opinion. I'm gonna shave my beard since I'm starting to look a bit scruffy, but should I lose the 'stache, too?" Fahri is at Charles and Diane's place and he has Leon on the phone. Diane and Charles are sitting next to him on the couch, both of them wiped from a long day at work.
"Nah, keep it!" Charles recommends.
"Yeah, women love a neat mustache," Diane chimes in and winks at Charles.
"Do what you want, buddy, but uh, Glo's never seen you without one, right?" Leon asks.
"Nope," Fahri responds. "I was kinda thinking I could change my look a bit, to impress her. I'll give my 'stache a little trim."
Diane scrunches up her face in thought. "I'm trying to picture you with no mustache, and it's quite hard!"
"You'd probably appear to be a lot more sharp, and I dunno, she may find that attractive," Charles puts in.
"I imagine you've swept her off her feet already with your personality, my dude!" Leon says cheerfully, and everyone laughs.
"She wouldn't be going anywhere near me otherwise, even as a friend!" Fahri points out. "Honestly, it's cool if she never gave me the time of day, but I'm hella glad she did. She's brave."
"Yeah, she is," Diane agrees.
"Mm-hm," Leon and Charles add in unison.
"I've just literally never gone out with a girl that I was very interested in! That's why I was asking for your advice."
"Make it like...stubble," Diane suggests.
Charles and Leon grunt in agreement.
"Thanks! I know about cologne...two spritzes." He chuckles. "Catch you guys later!"
"Bye, man," Leon responds. "Goodbye, peeps."
"Bye!" everyone calls out to both Fahri, and Leon on the other line.
After going back to his house and taking a shower, he shaves until his cheeks, chin, and upper lip feel prickly against his fingers, and then he sprays cologne around himself so he can smell nice for Gloria. He gets dressed and grabs a number of colorful ties, hoping one will match her dress, skirt, or blouse tonight.
"Oh my goodness, we came as soon as we got your message!" Lorna exclaims as she, Nicky, and Maritza rush to meet Flaca and Daya. Alex is just coming out of Michelle's room as Ouija and Pidge go in. Zirconia seems to have disappeared. Maria and Blanca sit in chairs in the waiting room with their backs to each other, both wearing sour expressions on their faces. The tension in the air is so strong.
"Yeah, we'll visit her next after them, Flac," Maritza adds and tilts her head toward Michelle's door.
Alex's phone pings with a message as Maritza sits in Flaca's lap and wraps her arms around her neck. "Oh fuck, check this out." Alex shows them the text she'd just gotten, and they gasp in horror.
Ooopsies! Your little Chelly belly just about fell to her death. -P
Flaca holds her girlfriend tightly, fearing Maritza could be next. "Blanca and Maria weren't texting...I just heard 'em each talkin' to their boyfriends," Flaca whispers.
"Zirconia isn't here, maybe she sent it? She's one of Maria's minions, and besides that, she's pretty scary on her own," Nicky points out.
"Yeah," they all agree at the same time.
Daya sighs. "Anyone else think it's weird that Michelle's ma hasn't shown up yet?" she wonders in a louder voice. "We all let her know...maybe she's in a bad mental state."
Just at that moment, a chubby, frazzled, older Spanish woman barrels into the area. "Which room is my daughter in?" she asks frantically. "I'm Cathy, I wish we met in better circumstances..."
"Tell me that's not a coincidence," Blanca mutters, and the other girls share uneasy glances.
"You can go in room two, but she won't be too thrilled to see ya. She's been pissed at ya lately," Maria warns Cathy.
"Only because I planned to kill my husband for always telling me to shut up. I may be chatty, but I got feelings. Michelle told me to divorce him so I wouldn't go to jail and have her loathe me and lose her dad, so I took her advice. She's fine with me now!" Cathy insists and enters the room to see Michelle.
"Oh no, I just got the terrible news from Daya!" Gloria lets Aleida and Lourdes know in a sad tone as the other women sift through her dresses. "Michelle had a ladder accident and broke her arm. I feel like I gotta visit her now...even if hospitals trigger me, I'd go because I care about her. Me siento mal porque estoy disfrutando y esa pobre chica está pasando por un momento tan difícil."
I feel bad that I'm out enjoying myself and that poor girl is going through such a tough time.
"¡Diviértete con Fahri, puedes ver a Michelle después de tu cita!" Lourdes assures her. She and Aleida lay out a number of beautiful gowns on top of Gloria's bed.
Just have fun with Fahri, you can see Michelle after your date!
"Hold these up to yourself," Aleida instructs her. "There ain't no time to try 'em on! Good thing you picked out your jewelry already, and your face and hair are so glam!" she praises Gloria.
"Sí, tan encantador, ¡pero siempre lo eres!" Lourdes compliments her.
Yes, so lovely, but you always are!
"Thanks, girls." Gloria examines a pink dress, shakes her head no, and tosses it to the floor. She'd already worn that in front of him at homecoming. "It'll look like I don't give a shit," she continues to worry.
"Nah...the fact that you're even visiting her at all when you're traumatized from the emergency room, shows that you do. It's a huge thing." Aleida grabs a white sparkly dress that fans out when she twirls it around on its hanger. "Oooh, this gives me wedding vibes!"
"Exactly why I ain't gonna wear that. I don't wanna scare him off."
Aleida rolls her eyes and throws it into the rejected pile. "It's not like he'll think of that, men usually don't on the first date."
Gloria glances at a tight, red, long sleeved, off-the-shoulder dress that would come down to her knees. "Nah...too nightclub-ish."
"Es por estos dos. ¿Qué piensas?" Lourdes raises a satin, flower-patterned plum dress with a low V neck and then a silky royal blue gown that has a sweetheart neckline and lace cap sleeves.
It's down to these two. What do you think?
"This one," Gloria responds and takes the blue dress from her aunt. "I'll wear pinkish-purple lipstick with it when I gotta apply it later." She hugs the material and spins around in the mirror, admiring herself. Aleida and Lourdes beam at her in the background and it's only when the doorbell rings, that she picks up the pace with her heart beating so fast that it feels like it could jump out of her chest at any second. "Ay dios mío, somebody get the door, preferably you, Lei, in case Fahri's here already," she mumbles. "Leon's busy with the kids outside..."
Aleida nods her head yes and dashes away. She hears her close friend opening the door and shutting it. Thankfully, it's just Daya.
Lourdes quickly helps Gloria into her gown, a thin black cardigan sweater, and heels that go nicely with her whole outfit. Gloria hurriedly puts on her gold chunky necklace, slides her dangly hoop earrings through the holes in her earlobes, and slips a bracelet over her wrist that has the worst scars, to hide them, and also for beauty purposes. She spins around through a cloud of floral perfume that Lourdes sprays into the air. She does her best to cover all of her scars with concealer.
"Are you satisfied?" Lourdes asks as she gently puts her hands on Gloria's shoulders.
"Yeah, I am."
"Hooooolyyy...Gloria, you look fabulous!" Daya gushes and clasps her hands together in front of her while beaming.
"Doesn't she?" Aleida squeals.
"My baby. You're so pretty," Lourdes murmurs and leans up to kiss Gloria's cheek while hugging her. She jumps in her aunt's arms when the doorbell rings a second time. "Oh, ¿estás bien?"
Oh, are you alright?
"Mm-hm, that just startled me. Come on!" Gloria's voice is urgent.
"You got your pepper spray?"
"Yes." Gloria pulls Lourdes halfway down the hallway and runs past her to answer the door. "Hi, Fahri," she says breathlessly. "I'm sorry I was late in letting you in. I been rushin' like mad." She takes in his appearance, and she's dazzled by how handsome he is. She suddenly wants to know how it feels to brush her thumbs against his stubbly cheeks and lace her fingers at the back of his neck as they stare into each other's eyes for a second longer than necessary. He'd place his hands on her hips, his big, strong hands that use their powers for good instead of evil, and he'd touch her in a way that would make her moan his name in pleasure between kisses. Her heart is ready for making out, not sex, but her brain tells her no. Passionate lip-locking always leads to home base, and she won't let her body betray her this time. She won't make him think she wants to move fast, because she absolutely doesn't.
"It's okay," he responds in that soothing manner, and she snaps back to the present. His eyes scan her, and she's filled with desire again. It's not a hungry gaze, but more of an enchanted one, like he's caught under her spell. "Whoa. You're truly stunning in that dress. Is that perfume you're wearing? It smells fantastic." He's hiding something behind his back and she wonders what it is.
"Mm-hm, lavender and vanilla. Thank you," she murmurs. She loves the cologne he has on. He's wearing black dress pants and a white long-sleeved button-up that shows off his muscles underneath. Another urge comes over her for him to caress her and for her to squeeze his muscles. "You're real dressed up nice, too, and that cologne gives off such an earthy scent!"
"Thanks! It's sandalwood."
"Well, come on in!" Gloria invites him through the door, and he steps into the foyer.
"God, I just love your hair styled like that!"
"Thank you, I wanted to try something different."
"Well, it's radiant." Fahri pulls a bouquet of purple Lisianthus flowers and blue orchids out from behind him. "I picked these for you."
She gasps at how lovely they are. "Oh my, they're so beautiful!" she gushes while beaming at him. She takes them from his hands and inhales them. Her nose practically touches the petals as the floral scent wafts into her nostrils, and she closes her eyes. "They smell real good, too. Thank you!"
"It was really no problem."
Gloria's cheeks hurt from smiling so much. "Again, I appreciate it."
The kids bound up to her at that very moment, with Leon right behind them. "Hey, guys..." Leon greets them. He bumps fists with Fahri and pulls Aleida into him while pecking her temple. "Wow, you both look awesome!"
"Thanks," Gloria and Fahri respond in unison.
"I know, right?" Aleida asks rhetorically. "Damn!"
"Yeah," Daya agrees and grins.
"Ooooh, pretty!" Christina exclaims, pointing at the flowers.
"I know!" Gloria says. "Aren't they?"
Christina nods. "You gotta marry him!"
The men and Aleida chuckle awkwardly and Gloria blushes. Her entire face burns as she forces out a laugh, and she muffles a squeak with the palm of her hand. She'd never even thought about that, not in her wildest dreams. She doesn't really see herself as being anyone's wife, let alone Fahri's. She can't even have success in merely dating.
"Christina, that's enough," Aleida scolds her, probably sensing Gloria's discomfort. "We don't wanna make your tía nervous."
"Okay, sorry. I was just being silly!" Christina strikes a pose, with one hand on her hip and the other high in the air. "You know me!"
"It's alright," Gloria tells her softly and fans herself discreetly.
Benny and Julio silently wave at Fahri, and he returns the gesture while leaning down a bit so he's not so big compared to them. Aleida's little children copy Gloria's, and Fahri waves hello to them while widening his eyes and smiling. Gloria is thankful for the distraction so she can collect herself. She glides to where her aunt is hiding and almost pushes her into the foyer. Gloria clears her throat and everyone looks at her and Lourdes. "Hello, you must be Fahri, the man who is taking my niece out?" the older woman asks him as she walks in his direction, prepared to shake his hand.
"Yes," he responds politely and shakes her hand. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am, um, Señorita Mendoza, sorry, I'm not sure which you prefer..." Gloria bites her lip to keep from giggling at how flustered he is. It's just too cute.
Their hands separate. "Lourdes will be fine, but if you'd like to be formal, Señorita Mendoza."
Fahri nods and grins at her. "Okay. I apologize...I know very little Spanish, I never took classes in high school or anything...more French than anything, and some Indonesian."
"That's very interesting, actually. Maybe Gloria can teach you some phrases, hmm?" Lourdes raises an eyebrow at Gloria and smiles.
"Sure, of course!" Gloria says happily.
"I'd be cool with learning." Fahri states.
"Good." Lourdes' kind expression morphs into a stern one. She knits her brows as she narrows her eyes at him. Her mouth is set in a thin line. "Now, I must tell you, my niece has gotten her heart broken to pieces twice now. If you think you're gonna mistreat her in any way, you can get yourself the fuck outta here, because I will die protecting her before she gets hurt again. Let's just say that I wish I castrated her latest ex before he was imprisoned. I'm very serious. My great nephews have already said you weren't a cruel sadist, and I sincerely hope they're right."
"Lourdes, stop..." Gloria protests, but her aunt's threat doesn't seem to scare him off or make him take it as a joke. He nods and stands up straighter. He never breaks eye contact with Lourdes.
"I would never hurt an innocent person, I promise, Señorita Mendoza. I treat Gloria and her babies...anyone she loves, really, with the utmost respect, and I always will. She means a lot to me." He glances at Gloria for a split second, and they exchange a grin. "So do her friends and family."
"That includes you, Tía," Gloria adds helpfully.
"Alright." Lourdes beams and rubs her hands together. "You both have fun, okay? Be safe."
They nod, and Gloria hugs and kisses her sons, as well as Aleida's kids. "Have fun, Mommy!" Benny echoes Lourdes, and Gloria finds it utterly adorable.
"Yeah, fun!" the toddlers repeat him.
"Toodle-oo!" Christina pipes up.
"Have the time of your life," Daya tells Gloria as they embrace.
"Thank you, sweetie pies!" Gloria says giddily.
Aleida and Leon throw their arms around her so she's in the middle of them. "Bye!" they all say at the same time and share a chuckle.
"Adiòs, Tía," Gloria mumbles as Lourdes envelops her tightly and kisses both her cheeks.
"Adiòs. Llámame si me necesitas. Llegaré tan rápido como pueda. Mantente en contacto con nosotros No apague su teléfono," Lourdes instructs her, and she rolls her eyes with an annoyed groan.
You call me if you need me. I'll get there as fast as I can. Stay in touch with us. Don't turn your phone off.
"¡Ay dios mío, estaré bien!"
Oh my god, I'll be fine!
"Escúchame. Voy a registrarme una vez cada hora, y si no respondes inmediatamente, ¡supongo que estás muerto en una zanja!" Lourdes hisses.
Listen to me. I'll check in once every hour, and if you don't respond immediately, I'll assume you're dead in a ditch!
"What the fuck...Lourdes, tengo spray de pimienta, " Gloria whispers fiercely. "Él no va a...no hacer nada. Él no es un animal extraño. Incluso tiene un conductor de limusina, por lo que no es capaz de detenerse en un camino de tierra espeluznante o lo que sea." She scoffs and shakes her head, but she's grateful that Lourdes is watching out for her. She just wants her aunt to turn it down a few notches.
I got pepper spray. He ain't gonna...do nothin'. He ain't some freaky animal. He's even got a limo driver, so it's not like he can pull over on the side of a creepy dirt road or whatever.
"¡Perdóname por querer lo mejor para mi chica que solo ha tenido malos novios!" Lourdes fires back in the same tone of voice. "¡Pánico por ti!"
Forgive me for wanting the best for my girl who has only experienced lousy boyfriends! I panic for you!
Gloria sighs heavily. "Tienes razón. Te dejaré saber cómo va todo." She's no longer hushed.
You're right. I'll let you know how it's goin'.
"Gracias, Florecita. Eso nos tranquiliza a los dos."
That puts us both at ease.
"De nada."
Lourdes gestures to Fahri. "Have her home by-"
"Ay, you don't even live with me!" Gloria complains, and Fahri seems to be amused, as does everyone else except Lourdes. "I'm a big girl. The restaurant closes at nine, and we may take a little walk afterwards in the park...I'll let you know when we're on our way back to calm your worries."
"Okay. ¡Adiós!" she calls out as Fahri opens the door for Gloria and lets her leave first and in front of him. They both wave at the Mendozas, Diazes, and Leon before departing.
"I'm so sorry my aunt is hella intense when it comes to dating me," Gloria apologizes meekly as she and Fahri join hands. "Um...that is what we're doing, right? Like, seeing each other?" She chews on her lip, appearing anxious. Fahri thinks it's the cutest thing, though, and he nods with a reassuring grin.
"If you want us to be."
"I gotta think about it. About my tía, though. Is she like...scary?"
"Hey...don't be remorseful. She's got every right to be protective. I mean, if Allison had only shitty guys going after her, I'd be that way toward the next one, no matter how nice she told me he was. Your aunt just loves you, that's all."
Gloria raises an eyebrow. "You ain't weirded out or nothin'?
"Not at all. I totally get it."
"I ain't trying to lead you on, I swear. I don't wanna call us an item or put labels on us like boyfriend and girlfriend, I just gotta see where the hand-holding leads us. Taking this relationship slow like molasses is important to me, whatever it turns into. For my own personal wellbeing, I...I need to um, be in charge of the next move. You can ask me permission, I got no problem with that. I don't wanna sound bossy, but...I kinda...should, anyway. I never will go back to being weak or naive." Her gaze drops to her lap and he wants to pull her further into him, but he doesn't. He'll let her scoot herself closer to his side.
"You're neither of those," he insists gently. "You're smart and badass." The longing to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear and skim his thumb up and down her jawline is strong, but he pushes it away. He's gotten as far as rubbing circles on her hands and part of her wrists, and that's good enough for him. He'll be patient, and he knows exactly what it's like to be walking on eggshells. "It's okay to break down, too, though. It's fine to not be aware of someone's evil side, it doesn't make you stupid."
"I know, but I never..." Gloria's breath catches, and Fahri senses she was going to blame herself for not leaving Arturo fast enough. "I didn't see red flags...instantly." She gulps and shudders, so he continues stroking her fingers and hands and wrists in a soothing motion, in an effort to calm her.
"None of us do when we're in love or really care for someone, even as a friend," he sympathizes with her. "We're all blind to malicious intentions when it comes to that emotion." It's how he got sucked into the drug cartel. Kubra had been so nice at first, that Fahri didn't know what he was walking into. That asshole had tricked Fahri the same way he did Alex.
She meets his gaze with a sad smile. "You been betrayed, too?"
"Yeah, but I'd rather not talk about it."
"It's okay."
Out of the blue, he remembers his bag full of ties. "Oh...I hope you don't mind, but I wanted us to color-coordinate, so I brought a bunch of these with me," he lets her know as he reaches under his seat and grabs the bag. He opens it and takes out his royal blue one. "I really like that color on you. It accentuates your eyes."
"Thank you," she responds shyly while twiddling her thumbs. "It took me hours to look this elegant."
"I thought you always were." He puts his tie on and adjusts it until it's perfect.
"What? Me? Elegant." Gloria laughs, and it sounds like tinkling music. "Nah, not by a long shot. You're like, suave and rich...and I'm a poor single mother of four...I'm so terrible that I don't even know half of 'em, and if you saw me in my tired and overworked state just a few months ago, you might have even thought I was homeless and a charity case. I got two jobs, a cafeteria lady and sellin' candles and herbs at my bodega. I know I'm not like, a prostitute in poverty or nothin', and you ain't an old fart, so it ain't completely like Pretty Woman, but...I got this dress for cheap. Girls was givin' their old prom dresses away and shit for charity. They had no other use for 'em."
"You are a pretty woman," Fahri says in both a teasing and honest way. Gloria rolls her eyes but blushes brightly at his compliment and a cheerful expression crosses her exquisite face. "I literally would not have known that about your gown if you hadn't told me. It looks fancy, stylish, and really good on you, no matter where you got it from! If I crossed your path back then, when you were having hardships with money, I would've helped you, but not to get anything out of it. I've always genuinely wanted to help people...ever since I was a kid."
"So...you weren't just there for Diane and Alex because you thought you owed it to Diane?"
"Well, I wanted to return the favor, but if I saw her struggling, I certainly would've helped her. Same goes with you. As for your daughters you've never met, there's still time to reach out. That was their father's fault for taking them from you, but you can always find them online...they're twelve?"
Gloria nods. "Yeah. I go to, like on Facebook, but then I wimp out because it's too late...they'll never forgive me."
"You don't know unless you try in the first place."
"Okay..."
He's aiming to build up her confidence, even when she's not tearing herself down.
They walk to the restaurant with their arms linked, and Fahri opens the door open for them. Gloria steps inside before him and takes in the extravagance of the place. "Oh, wow..." she breathes out.
"I know, it's magnificent!"
"It's just like I remember. The fanciest place I could actually find something worth under twenty-five dollars, including drinks. We went here for my birthday and Lourdes', actually, like all the time. I haven't been here since May twenty-sixth, when I turned thirty."
"It's your favorite, I assume?"
Gloria smiles and nods. "Yeah. Is it okay if I ask them to seat us?" she asks timidly. "I...I know the best tables and everything."
"Of course!" he replies brightly, much to her relief. "I've never set foot in this restaurant, so..."
She points at him accusingly and frowns. "That's a crime in and of itself," she teases him, and they both chuckle. "I understand...you probably prefer somethin' more expensive."
"Well, not necessarily, but...is it fair to say I've haven't ever heard of it?"
"Sure. You can't know about everything." Gloria faces the hostess. "Table for two, please...in the back, by the window."
"Yes, ma'am!"
The table Gloria chooses has such a great view of the city, and she and Fahri take a seat across from each other. She's okay with ordering for herself when she's with friends, but when she used to be with Arturo, he would order for both of them. When the waitress comes over, Gloria just sits there and waits for Fahri to order their drinks, whatever he wants, rather than asking what she'd like or just letting her get her own choices.
"I'll get a Scotch, please...Gloria?" Fahri interrupts her quiet thoughts. "You want a drink?"
"Oh! I thought you'd pick for both of us but okay, if you're sure..." Gloria looks up at the waitress. "Piña colada, por favor."
Fahri grins at her, and it melts her insides and turns her heart to mush. "You wouldn't be you without it."
Gloria returns the smile. "That's true."
They each take a turn dipping chips into the salsa and eating them. "Holy shit, this is delicious!" Fahri exclaims.
"What'd I tell ya?" Gloria asks, smiling. "Best salsa you ever had, right?"
He nods fervently. "Hell yeah!"
Upon getting their chosen beverages, they clink their glasses and each take a sip.
"Just wondering...what's been one of your top dreams?" he wants to know.
"You mean like, hopes for the future or while I'm sleeping?"
"Both."
Gloria sighs and puts her chin on her fist as she props her elbow up on the table. "I gotta think. Uh, well, I wish I could have a bigger job than a cafeteria worker at a high school or a bodega owner." She shrugs. "Managing my own store is pretty cool at the same time, though. I just wanna make more money. I love serving those kids and seeing you and my co-workers...and I don't mind cooking, like at all. It's only...I kinda wanna also teach salsa lessons, like at the school. I'll leave the hip hop dance classes to Diane, but salsa, merengue, and Zumba are my passions. They don't call it salsa for nothin'. It's damn hot!"
"You should go for that, then! I highly recommend it. You'd be ethereal at it. I was captivated by your flawless moves."
Gloria blushes at Fahri's compliment and encouragement. "Thank you, really. I was worried it was a silly thing to ask for another job at Martin Van Buren High, and Caputo has so much on his plate already, he's been missing for a while, actually, and there's no way Lin-dumbass, the cunt vice principal, will ever listen to me or respect me enough to give me a second position there...even Diane is nervous to talk to her about it. So, I might do private sessions, but I dunno. Salsa classes by Miss Mendoza, or I might just let 'em call me Gloria."
"That's a good idea. Uh, but if you want, we'll go together to talk to that bitch. You deserve to have your wishes fulfilled."
"My heart's gonna be hammering inside my chest and I won't breathe right. Just talking about it now makes my mouth dry and my skin clammy." Gloria takes a drink of water and nestles her shaking hands between his. "Can you hold my hand the whole time?" she asks.
"Definitely."
"I appreciate that! Um, and when I'm asleep, my favorite recurring dream is when I'm flying through pink clouds...I was light and I had wings...I may have been an angel going into Heaven, or just like...exploring. I was floating in the sky, like a bird."
Fahri beams, and so does Gloria. Her anxiety dissipates. "That sounds great," he comments. "I wonder if it actually exists."
"Heaven? Oh, yeah. We don't got a fuckin' clue, but I like to believe there's a magical place we go to when God calls for us and we've been good."
"I do, too. It's a nice thought. So...flying dreams? I get those as well."
"They're fun, huh?" she asks, and he nods. "My boys tell me about theirs all the time. The funny thing is, they try to never misbehave so they can get past the Pearly Gates. If they throw a tantrum or whatever, they think they're gonna go to Hell." Gloria and Fahri laugh together, hers soft and melodic and his deep and full of energy. "I always say all they gotta do is be mostly good, and they'll be fine."
"They're excellent kids." Fahri takes a drink of his Scotch.
"Yeah, I know. I can't ever tell what's gonna happen later, but I'll do my damned best to make sure they don't run into trouble. I'm positive they won't hurt nobody who didn't deserve it...I'm leadin' 'em on the right path, I'm trying to, at least."
"You're doing really spectacular."
"Thanks. So, what about you? Any ambitions and dreams you enjoy while you're asleep? You're pretty set in the financial department..." Gloria trails off and gulps down her piña colada. It burns the back of her throat, but tastes so sweet at the same time.
"Yeah, but my career isn't exactly legal," he whispers.
Gloria shrugs. "As long as nobody finds out, you're fine. You gotten any close calls? You gotta be careful!"
"I know...and I haven't almost been caught or anything."
"Thank God."
"There's times when I wanna quit...but simply being a janitor isn't gonna get me by. Like you, I wanna do something else," Fahri states.
"What?" she wants to know.
"Hmm...I'm not really sure. I guess construction. I'm very good with my hands."
Gloria smirks. "Yes, you are." She can't help her suggestive remark, and they both beam at each other. "You could work with Leon," she adds in a slightly louder voice.
"I know, I've been doing that sometimes. Also, a lawyer...they got too many unfair white ones out there these days. I want to get justice for incarcerated people who aren't a danger on the streets."
"The courts could use you. The system's gotta change, and so far, Juliana is the only lawyer we trust."
"If that doesn't work out, though...I could always apply for business school and get an office job. Those aren't so bad."
"They're not," she agrees. "Well, I support you, whatever position you choose."
A pleasant expression crosses his face. "Thanks!"
She laughs randomly and her head feels slightly fuzzy. "I may have draaank too faaaast," she slurs and points to her glass which is half full.
He chuckles and his eyes twinkle. "Oh man, I'm getting there! I better put mine aside for a while."
"You gave me an excellent idea," Gloria murmurs and pushes her piña colada slightly away from her. She grabs the water in front of her and takes numerous sips. "Helps with the hangover."
"Yeah."
"One time..." Gloria begins between peals of giggles. "Oh my god, so Lourdes took like, three-quarters of my creamsicle margarita! She bought me more after, but...it's like, whyyy?! She should've bought one for her damn self, too."
"I know, but it's a possibility that she could've wanted to try it and liked it a lot?"
"Maybe."
Their waitress comes around again. "Good evening! What would you like for your meal?" The woman has her eyes on Fahri, and once again, Gloria lets him pick their dinner. Even if the lady was looking at her, though, she'd allow him to, since she's nervous to speak first or at all, really. He might not be too picky about the drinks, but the dinner could be different.
"Burrito with rice, cheese, beans, sour cream, guacamole, chicken, and hot salsa," he informs the woman standing above them.
"Got it." She pens what he's just said and glances over at Gloria expectantly.
"That might not be enough for both of us," Gloria tells Fahri in a low voice.
He frowns and his forehead crinkles as he narrows his eyes in confusion. "It isn't, really...but you can get your own food."
Her face heats up in embarrassment and she looks up at the puzzled waitress. "Dios mío, lo siento mucho," Gloria mumbles, and Fahri gives her fingers reassuring strokes and nods at her encouragingly with a warm smile gracing his features. She has to take a second to look at the menu for what she wants. "Me gustaría una enchilada de queso con lados de arroz, frijoles refritos, crema agria, salsa y guacamole."
Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I'd like a cheese enchilada with sides of rice, refried beans, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
"Está bien, señorita. Gracias." The lady writes down Gloria's order. "It should be ready in twenty or so minutes." Then, she walks away.
It's okay, miss. Thank you.
"You wanna get dessert afterwards?" Fahri asks.
"Sure...possibly we can split churros with ice cream? It's my favorite concoction."
"That sounds delightful. It's funny, I've never had a churro before-"
"You should be ashamed of yourself!" Gloria chides him playfully.
Fahri puts his free hand up in surrender and grins. "In an authentic Mexican restaurant! I've eaten 'em at street fairs or carnivals, but that's it."
"Really?" She quirks up an eyebrow at him.
"Yep! They always ran out at the places I went to...and a lot of times, I was stuffed, so no room for a delectable treat."
"Ah, that sucks. I almost pegged you for a lame weirdo. Uh, so how do you know you won't get full this time?"
"I usually finish the whole main course, but tonight, I'll take home leftovers. I usually don't like to, since the food doesn't taste as good later."
"True!" Gloria plucks a chip out of the bowl and points it at him before eating it. She swallows her bite with water. "Dude, I'm always burning the rice when I reheat it. Like, I ruin yummy Spanish rice...and also the brown kind in the package from the store." She chuckles at herself and shakes her head. "It sticks to the bottom and it's real grunt work to clean. Hot soapy water helps, but...it's just a big pain in the ass!"
Fahri groans and leans back in his chair. "Oh, man...I'm bad at it myself, so you're not alone. I'm sure you do your best!"
Gloria rolls her eyes. "Yeah, but it's soooo annoying! You gotta watch the boiling water every thirty seconds when it's homemade! I've perfected it only one or two times. Ugh...and as for the already cooked rice, it falls out of the tortilla and onto the frying pan, blackening itself silly. It's fucking disgusting. I'm glad I'm not the only one cooking anymore."
"I could make you something," he volunteers. "Curry with chicken?"
"Mmm! That'd be excellent! Swing by my bodega and bring me some." She winks at him and he flashes her an award-winning smile.
"I will!"
Gloria scoops salsa onto a chip and pops it into her mouth, and Fahri does the same. Once they finish chewing, Fahri takes her other hand, and the light touch causes her to sigh in contentment. Butterflies swarm in her tummy and a pleasurable sensation grows in her lower half. "Oh...is this alright?" he asks pensively.
"It's fine, thank you for checking in with me, though. I love having my hands in yours."
"I'm glad, because I enjoy holding them."
She beams and looks down bashfully because their eyes had been locked on each other's. She isn't sure if it's the drinks that are making them act more affectionate towards one another, so she doesn't want to stare too long and give him the wrong message, that she wants to go further than grasping each other's hands. She doesn't think she does, and anything beyond that are just fantasies of hers. Her mind can only create her dream man in her imagination, not real life. She only wants him to pepper her with kisses and have slow sex with her if he's truly the right one for her.
"Hey...Gloria?"
"Oh?" She poses it as a question.
"You've been quiet for a moment, so I was wondering if you needed time to yourself. I tried to say something earlier, but you didn't hear me."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to ignore you. I get mentally distracted at times, not just with you. What's up?"
"Is it cool if you teach me some Spanish phrases?" Fahri asks shyly. "I'm talking basics...and colors...even how to compliment you. I already know hola is hello and adiós is goodbye."
"Sí. That's yes."
"I really like the sound of you speaking Spanish. Your accent is beautiful," he says honestly. Also sexy, he thinks to himself, but won't dare say it out loud.
Gloria nibbles on her lip sensually. "Ay, don't make me swoon! It's one of the Romance languages."
"Another one is French."
"Ah, sí. Paris is the city of love and romance, or so I've heard."
"I always see people proposing there, and the place itself is gorgeous. So much passion bursts...it's très charmant."
very charming
"I wanna go there one day. So you've visited France?"
"Sí. Or...oui. Bali, too. I've traveled to both those places many times."
Gloria smiles. "Wow, ¡estoy impresionado! I'm impressed! I've only gone to Puerto Rico, that's where I was born, so I see relatives. I don't really remember moving to the United States, but it was probably when I was a baby."
"Oh, neat! I was just born and raised here, in New York. Queens, to be exact."
"That's cool. So...you totally should've taken Spanish classes in high school," she teases him.
"I know, but I still wouldn't be fluent!"
Gloria tuts. "Ready for lesson número uno? Now that one's easy."
"Yeah, totally!"
She purses her pretty pinkish-purple lips. "Rojo. Red. Naranja. Orange. Amarillo. Yellow. Verde. Green. Azul. Blue. Morado. Purple. Negro. Black. Rosado. Pink. Marrón. Brown." She says each of the Spanish words slowly, and he's completely mesmerized. He's sure his eyes are slightly glazed over and he's grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "Did you get all that, or was I talkin' too fast?" She grins at him, and he wants to lift her up and lock their lips together while protectively holding her delicate body against his, but he knows he can't. She takes off her sweater and the lighting sparkles on her bronze skin, marking it with patches of gold. It also illuminates some of her permanent injuries that he knows are probably from Arturo. They're in full view and heartbreaking to see, but he isn't going to talk about them. He pretends not to even notice. If he could kiss them away, though, he would, but he still accepts them as part of her story.
"Oh, yeah." He could really watch her lips move forever and let her voice soak into his ears and his brain for the rest of his life. His wet dreams are full of her swaying against him as they dance together, humming or singing the lyrics as they move around the room. Even though her figure is quite alluring, he doesn't act perverted about it. He keeps his distance if he feels a random boner coming on, and he curses himself for lusting after a woman who's been hurt in so many ways. He never wants her to feel that part of him pressing into her, not until she's absolutely comfortable with it if they actually become a couple.
She repeats everything she had just taught him and then points to her dress. "What's this color?"
"Azul."
"¡Muy bien! Very good!" she praises him. "Nice dialect, too. I'll test ya more later, but I don't wanna overwhelm ya."
"Thanks, it was fun! I'm guessing ay dios mío is oh my god? I've heard that a lot."
Gloria nods. "You got it! Hey...will you speak French to me again...and Indonesian? All I know is répondez s'il vous plaît. Respond please. Also oui, non, bonjour, and au revoir."
"Certainly. Your pronunciations are good! Je m'amuse avec toi ce soir. I'm having fun with you tonight. Saya berharap kita bisa melakukannya lagi segera. I hope we can do it again soon."
Gloria beams. "Yo también. Podemos. That's I am, too. We can."
"The French language is similar to Spanish or English. Like colors...rouge, red, orange, same in English, but with an accent, jaune, yellow, vert, kinda like the Spanish word for green, bleu, like blue in English, violet, we know that's purple, rose, pink, like rosy cheeks, noir, black, marron...brown," Fahri informs her.
"I knew most of that!"
"I thought so."
"Hey...you know why they call you Glo?" Fahri asks after they get their dinners, which are too hot to eat right now.
"Mm-hm, short for Gloria..."
"Yeah, that, but also because you glow with beauty, on the inside and out."
She giggles and feels herself blushing. She loves Fahri's compliment so much. "Oh my god, you're so cheesy, stop it..."
"I'm serious!" he insists. "You're just...full of warmth, and I like that in a woman."
Gloria closes her eyes and opens them again. "It seems like I'm in a stupor and you're a mirage."
"Why?"
"Are we in a fantasy world? You're too good to be real!" she gushes.
"No, I'm serious here, this is completely real!"
"Oh, thank God. You're so handsome and such a kindhearted person. I'm so lucky to be sitting across from someone truly amazing and charming." Him speaking French to her turns her on immensely as well, but she won't say that.
"Thank you. You're incredibly sweet. I just want you to know, though, that you're always deserving of a benevolent person who shows you the utmost respect. You're entitled to that kind of relationship." Fahri is stroking Gloria's fingers softly as he says this, and she moans internally as she continues to get aroused. She feels the need to attend to the wetness building inside her, but she can't will herself to move. The effect this man has on her is so powerful, but in a very pleasant way. The moment is extremely pure, though, nothing sexual about it, and this time, she doesn't tear her gaze away from him. She almost wishes someone could get a photo of them staring at each other like this, frozen in time.
"Thanks, I needed to hear that." She grins brightly.
"I know you did. I was glad to tell you! Bringing that adorable smile to your face and dimples on your cheeks is one of my favorite things to do."
Gloria becomes weak in the knees. She's falling in love and she can't stop. "Damn, you really know the right things to say to a girl. You better quit it before I become a human puddle on the floor."
"I'm sorry."
"No biggie. I liked it."
"I did, too. So, is your full name Glorious?" he jokes, bringing the light mood back.
She giggles. "Yes it is, actually! Are you a fruit, because you're pretty darn grape," she comments.
Fahri laughs out loud. "Did you just give me a corny pickup line?" Gloria nods sheepishly. "Okay, I have one, too. "Are you a metamorphic rock? You're pretty gneiss!"
"Been a while since I took science," Gloria admits and then chuckles. "I get it, though, don't worry. You got any more?"
"You're like a pencil sharpener-you give my life a point!"
Gloria lets out a giggle. "Are we in algebra? You just completed the square of my life!"
"Oh, good one!" Fahri compliments her, and she beams proudly. "Have I seen you in math class, because you're a cal-cute-lator!"
"Are we carbon? I feel a strong bond between us!" Gloria shoots back effortlessly.
"Yeah, lotsa chemistry," he murmurs as he traces the lines on her open palms that are facing upwards.
"That ain't a line." Her fingers close over his. "Your turn, homeboy."
Fahri grins. "Are you a drummer? You make my heart beat!"
"Are you a campfire? You're pretty hot," Gloria says flirtatiously and leans so close into him that she can feel his heavenly breath on her face. He's gazing directly into her eyes meaningfully and looking amused. Her eyes glance from his and travel down to his lips. She's just about to go in for a kiss, but she doesn't. It's too soon, and she's feeling dizzy from the alcohol. She wants to do this when she knows her true feelings, when they're both sober, when she for sure knows if he likes her back, when she's in plain clothes without makeup. She immediately backs away from him, hoping she hadn't disappointed him too much. "Sorry...I...I think I got a little caught up...there."
"It's alright." He adjusts himself in his chair so he's sitting up straighter. "Are you sure you're not a calendar?" he asks. "I see a lot of future dates."
"Oh, really?" She presses her lips together and fixes her gaze on their connected hands.
"Hell yeah...if you want."
"Yes. Oh god, do I ever."
"Alright!"
They release each other's hands. "I don't want our food to get cold," she mumbles.
"Me neither," Fahri agrees, and they dig in.
Thank you for reading and reviewing, A Star In My Universe, Seyonne Rose, Johanna002 and MinervaSnape394!
