“Nesiah’s boyfriend is also a tattoo artist,” Avian pointed out.
“For real?” Romi asked, and Nesiah nodded. “No way. That’s not fair. I suppose sky daddy really has favorites.” She sighed, her eyes moving back to Eri’s. “And you’re sure that—”
“Gargantuan project,” Eri cut her off.
“Fine,” Romi acquiesced.
“What are we missing?” Avian asked.
“I asked Eri if her boyfriend and your husband had another relative, and she told me they did, but he was a huge project. Once I met Elias, I still considered it.”
Nesiah snorted. “More like a lost cause. Don’t do it. Run.”
“Yeah. Vince isn’t someone you want to have any dealings with. Just looking at him might be too much,” Avian added.
“He’s that bad?” Romi inquired.
“Probably worse if we’re being honest. He’s got this complex about trying to outdo his cousins, and he’s insufferable,” Avian informed.
“He also did not get whatever genes Marco and Elias got. Whatever was in their home cooking, Vince did not receive,”Nesiah said before taking a drink from her glass. “Not that looks matter, but since his personality is shit, he has no redeeming qualities.”
“Shame,” Romi replied, as the server came with their food.
For the next couple of hours, they enjoyed their food and mimosas, adding another pitcher to the mix. They even took part in karaoke, which started an hour after they had arrived. By the time they were ready to go, they were all a bit tipsy.
“Hang on. Let me call my husband. He said if we got too tipsy, he’d come pick us up,” Avian said.
“Same,” Eri replied, taking out her phone to text Elias.
Eri:Had too much to drink. Avian is calling Marco to come get us. Will you bring me back later to get my car?
Elias:No need. We’re together. We’ll be there in a minute.
“He’s on his way,” Avian said when she got off the phone.
“Elias told me they’re together, so he’ll drive me home.”
“Javier and Ricardo are with them, too,” Nesiah informed. “If you drove Romi, I’m sure Ricardo wouldn’t mind driving you and your car home. Javier and I can follow him.”
“You sure? I don’t want to impose on anyone. I can call my mom and see if she can pick me up. I don’t mind leaving my car as long as the restaurant doesn’t mind.”
Nesiah waved her off. “It’ll be fine.”
They went outside to wait and take in the fresh air. There were benches on either side of the door, and they took a seat on one. Eri was the first to see Avian’s car as it pulled into the parking lot. It made more sense for Marco to drive it since his was only a two-door.
“They’re here,” Eri announced as they parked. A minute later, the four men stood in front of them.
“Guys, this is Romi. Romi, that’s Javier, Ricardo, Marco, and you already met Elias,” Nesiah introduced, and greetings wentaround. “Cardo, would you mind driving Romi and her car home? Javi and I can follow you.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” Ricardo agreed.
“Thank you,” Romi replied. She turned to the three of them. “This was fun. I will see you ladies next time. Avian, text me the website or what I need to do to sign up for that class.”
The four women hugged each other before going their separate ways. Eri handed her keys to Elias as he opened the passenger door for her.
“Did you have fun, Amate?”
“I did. We probably shouldn’t have drunk as much as we did, but none of us has to work tomorrow. Well, except for Nesiah, but she said it wasn’t until later in the afternoon. Did you drive to Marco’s?”
