Chapter 27: Chapter 27

I woke up the next day feeling confused about yesterday’s event. I hadn’t heard from Diego so I was assuming he was angry with me. I had never promised that I wouldn’t kiss anyone so he had to live with my decision. I would however let him know about my decision of telling Roger I couldn’t see him anymore. I hope that would help to butter him up. It wasn’t long before I received text messages from my friends telling me about the plans for the event. It was great to know that everything was going well. After breakfast, I got a dress with a pair of jeans and an ACDC t-shirt and tennis shoes. I didn’t care whether I was showing off my bruise or hickey. The bruise was now starting to look less purple and turning sort of greenish-yellow. My hickey however remained semi-red. I wasn’t happy about that but I didn’t bother to conceal it since I wasn’t planning on hooking up with anyone. The only problem was that the cut on my back was still hurting. I tried not to let it bother me yesterday but I knew it was still there. I hadn’t even bothered to look at it and I really couldn’t apply anything to it since I couldn’t reach my back. Once I was done setting my hair. I grabbed my truck keys and purse and took off. I didn’t expect to run into Fred. It was early in the morning. It looked like he was coming from working out or something. “Hi Fio,” he said to me. “Hi, back Fred.” “What are you doing up so early thought you might be a late sleeper.” He said. “I am but I have an important errand to run,” I said to him. “How about that party you were talking about.” He asked. Damn, I had hoped he’d forgotten. I kept my smile on. “The party will be here at the gazebo in the pool area,” I said to him. “All my friends will be helping me set it up,” I said. “Listen it starts about eight or nine but I really must go,” I said to him. “Oh, sorry I’ll see you tonight Fio.” “Yeah see you then, Fred,” I said to him. Once inside my truck, I looked to see if Diego’s van was parked in his parking but the van was not there. I don’t know whether I would see him tonight. I hadn’t gotten a confirmation whether he’d be there or not. I pulled out of the parking lot and headed to the catholic cemetery.

I stopped by where they sold flowers and chose a blue carnation arrangement. I knew they weren’t real but I kind of liked them being that way. It meant he would have something that didn’t die for a while. I never noticed people or their cars. The only thing I wanted was to go see my nephew. Today was my birthday and for the past five years, I have been coming on this particular day to spend it with him. I knew today was going to be different and I wanted to let him know it. I drove around the small streets trying to avoid the sharp curbs in every turn. I was happy where my sister had chosen his burial site. It was shady with big oak trees and green grass it didn’t remind me of living in Laredo which made it easier. I parked my truck right in front of his tombstone. I could see his picture through the window. I got off the truck and took out the flowers. I was glad he was in the front corner and not in the back. I didn’t have to avoid stepping on any graves. I kneeled to sit near his grave and placed his flowers on top of his marble stone and touched his picture. “His nephew,” I said to him. If anyone would hear me they might think I was nuts. I looked at his birthday, he was five years older than I was. I remember the day I was to celebrate my twenty-first birthday and everything happened and now here I was celebrating my twenty-fifth. I missed him. He was everything to me. He was the big brother I didn’t have. “Guess what? Well, I guess you can’t say anything but I am officially celebrating my birthday once again. I mean a real celebration. I know you’d probably be scolding me for not doing it earlier but I just missed you. I guess. I believe the reason for it is because of this guy. He's something else, I don’t know his age yet but I’ll find out. He reminds me of you. His confidence is, strong and he brings out something in me that I can’t possibly explain. The problem is that I’ve met two others who are just as exciting and great as he is, but the truth is I don’t seem to want anyone else but him. I already let one go. I knew I couldn’t do that to him. Is it me or are gentlemen coming back? He said he respected my decision. Go figure, but you know Marcos I liked that about him. Diego on the other hand is a man who burns your soul somehow and it is bringing something out of me a fear of some sort. I know you’d probably say go for it. You always liked living on the edge.” I stayed silent for a while and felt a warm breeze pass between the trees. I looked up to marvel at it then I looked down once again. I heard a noise behind me and I turned around quickly and noticed Diego standing behind a tree. I shot up quickly from the ground. “Diego, what are you doing here?” I asked. He didn’t say anything and he walked up to me. “Listening to you,” He said. “Ah! I kind of figured, but what are you doing in the cemetery.” I asked. “Doing a shoot we were video tapping some of the gravesites of those that died at the downtown area.” He came closer and touched my cheek. “I heard what you said.” He told me. “What part?” I asked. “Everything Fio, why didn’t you tell me how you felt? Do I scare you?” he asked. “It’s not like that, Diego It’s more like what’s happening between us that’s all.” “And what do you think is happening between us Fio?” “I don’t know Diego but I know I feel you when you’re close by. That freaks me out.” “But you didn’t feel me just now Fio.” He said. “I guess I don’t need to be sedated just this moment.” I said to him. Diego gave me this look. “So is that what I am to you, Fio just a sex call.” “I don’t know Diego what do we call it.” I asked him not feeling threatened by his remark. He looked at me with a different set of eyes. The eyes were more bright and full of wonder. He didn’t answer the question but avoided it together. “So who do we have here?” I looked down to see Diego approaching my nephew headstone. He was my nephew. He was older than me. I know he was looking at his date. “I heard you say you were celebrating your birthday today, so he died on your birthday.” He said. “Yes, I was to be twenty-one when it happened.” I said. “How did it happen?” I don’t know why I couldn’t talk to Diego about this but this wasn’t something I couldn’t yet let him know. “Long story. I don’t want to keep you from your job.” I said to him. He looked at me deeply then took a step towards me. He grabbed both of my hands in his. “Don’t ever think that I don’t want to know about your life Fio. I do. It’s not just about sex with us. We need to know about each other as well. I had a feeling you were keeping things from me.” “Woo…! Diego it’s not like we talk while we're together is it.” I saw a smirk on his face. “Well, you have a point there. It‘s just that I can’t keep my hands from you that’s all. I remained silent. “I heard you say something about letting the guy down” “His name is Roger and yes. I told him that I committed with this guy who gives me too many fucking orgasms.” I said with no indication of fun in my face. “You said that.” Diego's eyes went wide. “Diego what do you take me for. Of course, I said it, Not.” I smiled. “So I give you too many fucking orgasms I don’t hear you complaining.” “What’s to complain about? I like them.” I added. “Good Fio because there are more fucking orgasms to come.” “I am counting on it stud.” I said. “Stud, yeah I don’t know what keeps you going after you already come yourself.” “It’s called stamina Love and well you just fucking turn me on.” I started to laugh. “So what time is this shindig of yours.” “About eight or nine, they usually start late.” “I’ve known parties to start at midnight, Fio.” “Well we all can’t be the same can we Diego.” I said to him. “Listen I need to go back to work before Erick gets on my fucking ass.” “Every time I see you guys you always seem to be fighting.” I said to him. “He fucking hates it here. He wants to go back home. I’ve already called my father for a replacement, but dad says if he comes home he won’t have another job. This is his last chance. He's already been kicked off from so many others.” “Oh,” One thing for sure Diego liked to say a lot when he spoke. I was beginning to get used to that. He pulled me towards him and hugged me. He pulled my chin up I expected a kiss, instead, he checked my hickey. I looked at him. “Just checking if I needed to revisit.” I hit him in the arm. “Ow! Why did you do that for.” He asked. “Don’t do that again. I don’t like to be marked.” I said. “That was not meant for you it was meant for the other guy to see.” He said smiling. He took my arm and looked at it. He didn’t look pleased. “It’s fading.” “Yeah but it’s still visible.” “Don’t worry I’ll cover it up.” “How’s your back?” he asked. He was going to touch it but I pulled away. “It’s fine.” I said too quickly. “Fio, let me check it out.” “No, don’t worry. I need to be going, Diego.” I have a party I need to get ready.” I said to him already pulling away. “I am going to see it whether you like it or not.” He said daringly. “Maybe tonight.” I was about to turn and leave but then I turned back and kissed him. I took him by surprise but before I could go he held me. “I know you kissed him.” He said. “If you were going to tell him you had chosen me, why did you kiss him?” he asked. “I felt like I owed him.” I told him. “Did you like it?” he asked me. “Would it bother you if I said yes?” I asked. “Yes, it would Fiorella.” “You need to know that you belong to me. I will not have any other man touch you from now on. Tell me you understand.” Holy crap he could change from caring to sinister in a minute. “You belong to me, Fio” “Until you leave Diego,” I said pulling myself away from him and began to walk to my truck. I was glad that he didn’t follow.