“But we’re standing in the middle of my workplace with your arms around me.”
“Aiden, they’re all so busy, they don’t even know I’m here. Even if they did, it wouldn’t matter to me. I’m done hiding.”
I looked around the room and saw that what he said was true. Everyone had their eyes focused on their computers in front of them. My heart pounded in my chest as his words about not hiding penetrated my poor, starved brain. “What does that mean?”
“I’ll show you,” Macio said. “Can you leave now or should I…”
“No! I’m ahead of schedule on this article, so I can go.” I packed up my messenger bag and we walked together to the elevators. My stomach growled embarrassingly loud, causing Macio to scowl at me. “I was coming to see you tomorrow. That’s why I was working so hard to get ahead of my Monday deadline.”
“You don’t skip meals, babe. It’s bad for every part of your body, especially your beautiful brain.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me to him for a quick kiss while we traveled down to the ground floor.
I snorted. “Yeah, let’s pretend that’s what you think is beautiful.”
Macio’s expression grew very serious, and then he said, “It wasn’t your looks or your phenomenal ass that hooked me, Aiden. It was your wittiness, your sass, and the sparkling orneriness I saw in your blue eyes. As handsome as I think you are, and as much as I love your ass, it’s your personality that snagged my heart. That’s how I knew you were the one.”The one.That was some serious shit. “I have a huge surprise for you – one that will show you just how serious I am.”
I followed Macio to his rental car and stored my bag in his trunk before I got in the passenger seat. I wanted to ask him a million questions about where we were going and what we were doing, but I could tell by the firm set of his jaw that he wouldn’t answer them. He wanted to surprise me and that was final.
I was shocked when we pulled up to the valet parking line for Bogard’s. It was the most expensive and exclusive restaurant in Los Angeles. People waited for months to get a reservation, but I guess if you’re Animacio De Niro, you didn’t have to.
“Wow,” I said as I got out of the car. “I can’t believe you brought me here.”
The valet parking attendant handed Macio a ticket, then drove off in the luxury rental. Macio turned to face me and reached for my hand. “One of the things that always hurt you the most was that we couldn’t be like any other couple and eat dinner together in a restaurant. I know how much it hurt you to see photos of me with Kathy doing the things that we never could. That all ends.”
“Macio.” I had to close my eyes to ward off the tears that threatened to spill. I kept them closed until I had myself under control. “Babe, I would’ve settled for a fast food joint.”
“Not for my guy.” Macio stunned me even more when he held open the door for me so I could precede him inside. He placed his hand on my lower back and guided me to the hostess station where we were greeted by an adoring fan. Macio graciously signed an autograph for her and then said, “I have a reservation for four.”
“Four?” I asked. All of my happiness deflated out of me like a balloon when I realized that it was probably Rupert and Barry joining us for dinner.
“The other party has already arrived, sir. Follow me.”
Macio’s wide smile eased my dread a bit as I followed behind the hostess. I was absolutely shocked, and I mean you could’ve knocked me over with a feather, when we headed to a table where Macio’s brother and sister-in-law sat. Rico’s eyes briefly met mine, then shifted and lingered on his brother.
Rico rose to his feet when we got closer to the table. I could tell by the expression on his face that he wasn’t expecting my presence at dinner. I looked at Macio over my shoulder to gauge his emotions and all I saw were smiling eyes and a grin that radiated joy. His happiness caused my steps to falter.
Macio leaned forward and softly said, “I told Rico and Macy that I was bringing someone special to meet them; a person I loved more than any other. That won’t ever change no matter what happens here tonight or the days that follow. It’s me and you together versus the world, if need be.”
His words bolstered my courage and put a smile on my face for one of the most important introductions in my life. It was true what they said about only getting one chance at a first impression. I wanted Rico and Macy to see what Macio did when he looked at me – a man worthy of his love.
“Rico,” Macio said once we stood directly in front of him, “this is Aiden. I thought it was time you met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Rico shifted his eyes to me and said nothing, didn’t move – not so much as a blink – until his wife let out an unladylike snort followed by a giggle. Rico turned to his wife and said, “I’m not giving you twenty dollars because you were only partially right. You said he was gay, I said he was gayandin love with Aiden.”
“Fine,” Macy said with an exaggerated eye roll. “Keep your damn money.”
Rico turned his attention back to us and I was happy to see that Macio was just as shocked as I was. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Aiden. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you.”
“You have?” Macio and I asked at once, making Rico laugh.
“Dumb ass.” Rico looped his arm around Macio’s neck and pulled him in for a hug before he extended his hand to me. “This lovely woman,” he nodded in the direction of his wife, “is Macy.”
I thrusted my hand toward Macy, but she waved me off, then launched herself at me for a hug. She hugged Macio next, then said, “It’s about time you came to your senses. You were miserable without him.”
“I wasn’t aware I mentioned Aiden that much to you guys,” Macio said once we took our seats.
“That’s how you know it’s real, sweetheart,” Macy said. “Talking about him was effortless and came naturally to you. Hell, you weren’t even aware you were giving so much away to us. I kept waiting for you to finally tell us you’re gay, but you never did. Then there was that Kathy debacle.” Macy shook her head.
“That wasn’t my brightest hour,” Macio replied. “I’m lucky that Kathy and I can still be friends. I’ll have to give her a heads up when I go public with my relationship with Aiden. I don’t want her to get caught up in the media storm, but I think it’s unavoidable.”
