heard the whistling, clapping, and teasing, but he kept on until he’d gotten his fill. When he pulled away from her, she rose on her tiptoes, and wiped a tear from his eye with the side her thumb.
Damn… I didn’t even know it was there.
The place lit up with applause. He pulled Yasmine to him, hand securely around her waist, and they waved their arms in the air, cheering. When things had settled and people began to move about, and the photographers changed positions for the reception to begin, he slipped a tattered piece of white paper out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“What is this, baby?”
“Just open it. Read it,” he whispered.
She gave him a curious glance, smiled, then did as he asked.
“It says, ‘Today could be a day that changes your life, Nixon. Perhaps you’ll find some money to invest. Maybe you’ll get a call from another celebrity client and it will help boost your firm even more, or maybe you’ll meet the woman of your dreams. If you find money, give it to a homeless person or someone who’s more in need of it than you. If you get a call from a celebrity client, keep their information confidential, and don’t allow it to turn into a freak show like some other stardom-hungry lawyers do. And if you meet the woman of your dreams, do what it takes to gain her trust but most importantly – the same way you got her, make sure you do the same things to keep her…”
She folded the paper back. “Did you really pull this out of your jar this morning?”
“Yes.” He raised his hand, as if being sworn in. “I am not kidding around. I most certainly did. I wrote that over a year ago. I couldn’t believe it, either.”
“I love you, Nixon!” Her voice shook as she tossed herself in his embrace, wrapping her arms around him. He buried his face in her hair. She smelled so lovely…
“Baby, I love you, too. I can’t promise you perfection, but I promise you loyalty. I promise to love you out loud and in full bloom. We’re in this together. I’m your exhale, you’re my inhale, and vice versa. We’re a team, all right? A two-person firm, Rossellini and Rossellini.”
She laughed. “Yeah… I like that.”
“You like that? Good.” He kissed her once again, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw himself. “The guy I see in your eyes right now, I am going to try to remain that person, all right? The man you married. I won’t try to change you… make you someone you’re not. Let’s walk this journey together, grow together. We can do this. I’m all in.”
She kissed him passionately, as if compelled to do so, until Tonya tugged on his arm.
“Nixon!” she whispered with a hiss as people milled about, eating appetizers before the big shindig began.
“What?! Damn!” he retorted, pissed that his delicious kiss from his bride was cut short.
“You rude bastard! Look!” He followed his sister’s finger and about lost it. There, at a table, were Ma and Dad, sitting down, talking. They were actually smiling.
“Oh my God…”
“I know, right? And not a single fist has been thrown.” She giggled before kissing Yasmine on the cheek, then walked away.
“That’s something,” he said as he squeezed her, his gaze fixed on his parents. “They’re actually being civil.”
“That’s beautiful, Nix.” She stroked his arm.
Soon, they left that spot, prepared to take more photos and dance the night away. He looked over his shoulder one more time at the older pair, wanting to etch that scene in his mind…
Sometimes, the best love is just a mutual respect and the agreement to be cordial, maybe even friends. Everybody needs a friend. We all just want to be loved…
I am in love with a very troubled man. The problem is, I love trouble.
“It’s creepy in here this late at night!” The mingled taste of the wedding cake and wine was still fresh on Yasmine’s breath.
The man ignored her, pretty much like he’d done during their first meeting at The Cage. They were both dressed in jeans and T-shirts, which they’d changed into after the wedding. Simply put, she was exhausted, but he’d insisted upon a pit-stop.
More like a set-up. He slid his special key for The Cage into his pocket, stole a kiss, then approached the staircase… They were the only people inside and the club was closed for the night. The place reminded her of a