Page 34 of Entangled With You
“Oh, that’s right. Somehow I always forget how much further south you guys are. It’s not really a tropical country.” I nod at her with a smile.
“So tell me, what’s it like growing up in a country that has all four seasons? In Colombia, it’s always warm and warmer.” I chuckle at her attempt at a joke, and her gaze lights up. Her warm amber eyes, filling with heat. I try my best to get my head out of the gutter and answer her question.
“I can’t compare it with anything else since it’s all I’ve known my entire life, but I guess I enjoy having a respite from the summer heat and the cold ass winters.”
“That sounds nice. The only time I’ve been was last year when I went to the Taylor Swift concert. By the way, thank you for giving up the tickets so Isa and I could go,” she says as her beautiful tan skin turns a deeper tone. Is she blushing?
“No problem. I’m honestly not a Taylor Swift fan. Nothing against her, she’s a badass artist. It’s just not my type of music.”
“So what’s your type of music, then?” she asks as I eye the waiter who only has one plate in his hand.
“I’m so sorry. There was only one slice of cheesecake left. I brought two spoons in case you want to share, or I can bring a slice of chocolate cake for one of you instead.”
I look at Cata, trying to guess what she’s thinking but she doesn’t make me wait long.
“I’ll be okay with sharing this if you are,” she says looking my way, and I nod, ruffling my hair. Suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.
The waiter places the plate in the middle of the table, and as he turns to go, I ask, “Would it be possible for us to get a bottle of wine and two glasses?” The waiter looks my way, and I smile.
“Oh yes please, I’m eighteen so I’m legally allowed to drink.” I chuckle at her cute-ass response. I move the cheesecake closer to Cattleya, waiting for her to take the first bite.
“Damn, this is delicious,” she says as she closes her eyes and wiggles her mouth. My dick perks up at the view and twitches in my pants. “Good, right?” she asks as I scoop a spoonful for myself.
“It’s so sour but sweet at the same time. I think my mouth is in shock,” I say, and she laughs.
“That’s a perfect description of how passion fruit tastes.”
Once we’re done with the cheesecake, the waiter brings the wine and glasses. I get up from my chair and motion for her to remain seated as I make my way to help her stand. I would roll out the red carpet for this woman if I had one; she has me entranced.
“Thank you,” she says with a small curtsy, and I chuckle. How does she make me feel so at ease? I have no clue, but I’m determined to find out.
“Would you like to go for a walk? It’s a beautiful night,” I ask, hoping like hell she didn’t notice the slight tremble in my tone. This sprite of a woman makes me nervous, but not uncomfortable. What the fuck is happening here?
“Sure, that sounds fun,” she answers, and we easily fall into step with the sound of the waves gently crashing into the sand. The moon lights up the night just enough for us to see a few feet ahead of us. It’s a beautiful night, indeed, and I get to spend it with this extraordinary woman who, for some reason, decided to spend the night with me.
“Earth to Mati,” my mom says in a light tone, and I shake my head.
“Sorry, Mom, I just got lost in thought.”
My mom’s smile widens. “Of her?” I nod in response. “Then hijo, it doesn’t matter how or why things ended four years ago. All that matters is that, to this day she makes you feel the same ternura (warm, fuzzy feelings) you had when you met her.” I roll my eyes at feeling caught by my mom. “Come on, Mati. Roll your eyes all you want, but I just know that your story with Cattleya is not over. Call it a mom hunch, but I see Cattleya in your future.”
I hug my mom. I’m glad I don’t need to rehash everything that went down today. I know I have to dissect it, and hit it with the facts as Dr. Sosa taught me. Maybe it’s time to admit I’m not done with my therapy. I mean, here I am at home, opening my heart to my mom, and where is Dad? Yeah, I’m sure he thinks I’m less of a man for coming to talk about feelings with Mom. He always made sure I knew how frustrated he was whenever I wanted to express my feelings. Ugh, I definitely need to go back to therapy. For now, I’m home, and I’m safe. I’ll take the day off tomorrow, and then I’ll figure out a way to let Cattleya know I want to date her. After four years, I’m going to date mi ángel (my angel).
Chapter 16
Cattleya Cardona
The ref blows the whistle, alerting us the game is over. If I had a soccer ball at my feet; I would kick it so hard, it would probably go into orbit right next to the moon. I hate losing, but I fucking hate losing when I did everything I could to win, and still it wasn’t enough. It was an away game, so I’m thankful there are very few Golden Warriors fans. I’d hate to disappoint anyone right now, but I’m not exactly in the mood for pictures and photographs. The locker room feels grim, with everyone’s long faces and sagging shoulders.
“You are fucking Warriors, if you lose one battle you dust it off, and get up again. I don’t want anyone here thinking we’re done because we’re far from it,” Coach says in his steady and strong voice. “Tonight, go home, yell, punch a wall, whatever you have to do to get the anger and frustration out of your system. Tuesday, I want all your bright, hopeful faces back for training,” he finishes, and makes his way to the door so we can change. I dress quickly; I’ll shower at home. We still have an hour bus ride before I can pick up my car at our training facility. It’s going to be a long night.
“Who are we?” Noelia shouts once we’re on the bus. No one replies. This game was hard. We gave it our all, and we still lost. “I’m going to ask one more time, and you all better answer this time. Who are we?”
I look at Stefa who’s sitting next to me and shout back at the same time, “The Golden fucking Warriors.”
Noelia smirks in our direction, and we keep shouting back and forth until the entire team is jumping on the seats, releasing all the pent-up frustration we have.
“Much better, Warriors. We need to shake this game off and come back stronger for the next match. I know we can do it,” Noelia says as the bus arrives to our training facility. We all fist-pump her on our way off the bus, spirits much higher than an hour before.