Royal:
Good morning, gorgeous. I hope you got some good sleep. Are you taking care of yourself? Food? Water?
A smile spreadsacross my face, and my cheeks heat.I can’t believe we did that last night.That heat starts traveling down my neck and lower. Much lower.
Leticia:
Good morning. Gorgeous, huh? You say that like we’ve exchanged more than a couple photos and that I didn’t look like a gremlin in mine.
I slept SO GOOD. Thank you for asking. No food and water yet, saving my appetite for lunch with Toni in a little bit.
Royal’s responseis practically immediate.
Royal:
Please. At least get some water for me, okay?
The amountof care is unexpected but not unappreciated. I slowly make my way to the kitchen. After getting a glass, I snap a picture of the cup filling up before I send it to him.
Leticia:
Alright, only because you asked so nicely.
I down theglass of water in a few large swallows. When I finish, there isn’t a message waiting for me. My heart deflates.
Even though Royal said last night was all about me, a nagging thought persists. He’s been with others before and will probably have others after me. While this was a life-changing experience for me... he probably only did it to be nice.
The little voice inside me whispers,He’s probably already moved on.
Up in my room,I’ve showered, gotten dressed, and blow-dried my hair into large and tight curls. It’s more glamorous than my daily look, but by the time I get to La Fatal Piedra, the curls will soften and the look will be less high society and more casual. The right amount for a girl’s day out.
I can’t get what happened last night out of my head. I want to talk to someone about it. It feels like someone should be able to tell me why I feel so... different. But it’s not like I can tell anyone. Even Antonella isn’t safe to talk to because she’s now Royal’s sister-in-law.
Once again, it’s suffocating not having any friends.
Maybe I should just talk to Royal.We’re friends. He’s done this before. But it’s not like I can talk to him about what I’m feeling for him. We can never be more than friends.
On my way down the stairs, I check my phone, knowing I should have at least some messages from Toni about lunch today. But my entire insides flip when I see Royal’s name in the notification bar.
Royal:
I heard you’re shopping for Christmas presents with my favorite niece today. I’d love to exchange gifts with you this year.
I waitfor another message to come in. Something that would point back or reaffirm that we’d be exchanging the gifts as friends. I’m not sure why I expected it, but it doesn’t come.
Maybe it’s because he doesn’t just see you as a friend.That thought is delusional. I know it is. An arranged marriage awaits me on the horizon, and Royal is waiting for his soul mate. Those two things don’t go together.
What do I send back?
Leticia:
Okay, but I’m warning you, I’m a really terrible gift giver. Toni is the one who always seems to know exactly what to buy someone. With me, you’re likely to get three socks and a paper clip shaped like an airplane.
Royal:
Don’t worry, I’m bad at gifts too. I’m normally more of an acts-of-service type person. I thought it might be fun to try. Zero pressure for good gifts. Just something from the heart.
I could really use a paperclip shaped like an airplane too.
