“I love her, sir. And I would do anything to make her happy. Including die.” Well fuck. I was expecting some sort of relationship angle, but this, this is something else. Call me a sap because I myself am feeling the effects of love, but I want to protect them both from my family now.
“Help us Sax. If mom and dad, not to mention Ramone will listen to anyone, it’s you. I love him.” Hell.
“I will do what I can Julissa. But I make no promises. Is there anything else I need to know?” Both their heads hang down, as they clasp hands. Finally, Manny looks up, his face giving nothing away. I see his chest expand like he is ready for battle and my own defenses go up.
“We got married two days ago.” I was not expecting that. Aww fuck. Shit just got real.15Lexi“Alright. So, I say we save our outfits for tonight after his family goes to their villa for the night. Wouldn't want my future mother-in-law thinking I’m a slut.” I say to Lara as I put on the last of her makeup. The truth is, I have been taking my time getting ready, because I am so nervous. Let’s be honest, what mom in their right mind, let alone the mother of someone like Saxson, is going to think an 18-year-old is good enough for her son? That is why it took me and Lara so long yesterday to pick out dresses for the wedding. I’m young and I don’t want to look like an old lady. But at the same time, I want to look sophisticated and elegant. So, I bought a dress for the ceremony, a dress for the reception, and we bought Lara’s bridesmaid dress. They measured me and stuff for it there and said they would have it altered and brought over to the villa by morning.
My mind drifts from the dress to Saxson himself. The idea of him and I is great. Romantic even. But in actual light of day, it makes no sense what he would want with me. I am sure there are hundreds of women throwing themselves at him. Why me? “Lexi, are you ok?” I hear Lara calling my name and I turn my head and look at her, as she finished putting on her shoes.
“I don’t know Lara. What am I doing? Am I crazy? I am nowhere near good enough for him.” Both of my hands are on the dresser as I lean over it trying not to hyperventilate. My heart is beating so fast, it feels like it is going to beat a hole through my chest.
“Lexi, you are the most confident 18-year-old I know. I mean, what other girl in our class would be bold enough to talk to a man like Saxson? I know I don’t know him that well, but he doesn’t strike me as the type to take decisions like marriage lightly. He must really love you, Lexi.” She says the last part a bit sad and I want to brain Ramone all over again.
“Lara, don’t worry. Tonight, we are going to have so much fun and find you a man in the process. Show that asshole what he’s missing.”
I finish getting ready and take a deep breath. He is not going to let anyone make me feel unwelcome. Including his own family. Knowing that, gives me the courage to grab Lara’s hand and walk out the bedroom door.
Descending the steps, I stop mid stride as I listen to the banter back and forth between them. The pang in my heart is tangible right now. I have never had a relationship like this with my parents and as an only child, there was never any brothers and sisters to bond with either. Lara squeezes my hand and says, “I know. But this will be your new family. You get to have this now too. Come on Lexi.” She continues going down the stairs, leading me behind her.
The first thing I notice is a woman, who I assume to be Saxson’s mom, in an apron and she is chopping something up, while an older gentleman is standing beside her, with his hand on her hip. What a beautiful picture they make.
“Ah. Here she is. Come here baby and meet my family.” He comes to the bottom of the stairs and holds his hand out for me to take. It doesn’t escape me, that he didn’t just grab me and pull me into the room. Looking into his eyes, I see the question. The chance he is giving me to prove to him that I trust him. I get the message and it makes me love him more. I put my hand in his and we enter the kitchen and immediately everyone stops talking and looks at me. I am trying so hard not to fidget, but I am not used to this type of attention. Well, at least not from people not my own age.