”I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than depression and I am braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Jane
The next morning Antonio and I got up early he had to go into the office for a fee hours and I wanted to see him off and bake some cupcakes for the dinner party tonight with everyone Lorenzo’s wife was making enchiladas her sister was making the margaritas so I was in charge of dessert my favorite sweets and I had a deep relationship especially chocolate Antonio shad laughingingly said I was addicted one day when he came to visit when I was ten and my mouth was covered in chocolate frosting from the batch of cupcakes my mom and I had made together he was very much right.
“I’ll miss you” I said wrapping my arms around Antonio’s neck and batting my lashes making him laugh.
“Mi mancherai anche tu” he said he gave me a deep kiss that had my heart racing and lower parts throbbing by the time he pulled away.
“I’ll be back in a few hours let me know if you need anything”
“okay I love you” I said without a thought I felt his aura flare with pleasure followed by a warm feeling of unbridled love.
“I love you too,il mio unico e solo amore” (my one and only love) with a final kiss he headed out beaming inside and out I pulled my phone out to order all the ingredients I would need for the cupcakes. While I waited I used Antonio’s laptop to check my email and I reached out to the staff at both centers about rehearsal tomorrow and informed them of who would be making the kids costumes and to get the kids favorite colors and if possible sizes so I could send them in and to reach back out to me if they had an trouble. Everyone was even more excited and ecstatic everyone had been working hard to make sure this was the best recital for the kids myself included, i was feeling even happier than before just then the door bell rang the stuff was here going to the door I looked out before opening no one was in the hall they had left everything at the door per my request I grabbed all the bags and headed to the kitchen to get started I was looking forward to tonight I pulled my apron on and got to work.
A few hours later I was putting the finishing touches on my last batch of cupcakes I had three batches of twelve the two chocolate with pink and blue icing on them and I made a batch of strawberry flavored one's with strawberry buttercream frosting. I was taking those and a batch of the chocolate with me tonight I packed them all up for later now it was time for a shower and to get ready for this evening I sent a quick text to my dad about tonight and I texted a heart emoji to Antonio putting my phone on the charger I went and got in the shower.
“Love never claims, it ever gives. Love never suffers, never resents, never revenges itself.” —Gandhi
Antonio
Work hadn’t been so bad being the boss definitely made it easier and harder it depended on what has to be done he had to fire two people today he did two interviews for his wine/blood delivery here in Cincinnati and an interview for another financial advisor and for a new body guard through his com0any for a new club opening downtown both interviews had gone smoothly other than some minor paper work he was done for the day on his way home he stopped to grab a bouquet of pink tulips for Jane I had had just left the store and gotten back in my car when my phone beeped I pulled it out and smiled Jane had sent me a heart I texted a heart back and let her know I was on my way home, pocketing my phone I headed home.
I parked and made my way upstairs i used the stairs again instead of the elevator i was to excited to see Jane to wait I pulled my keys out to unlock the door I stuck the key in and paused the door was unlocked opening the door I went inside, closed and locked the door behind myself. Soft jazz filled the house and the smell of fresh baked cupcakes. He could here Jane singing I’ve got you under my skin by Ella Fitzgerald in the shower she sounded beautiful. The door opened and she came out with a fluffy white towel wrapped around her body and around her hair she paused when she saw him then a huge grin lit her face up she crossed the room to come over to him he held the flowers out to her.
“Hey baby” he gave her a kiss then because he couldn’t help himself he gave her another one.
“Hey welcome home” she took the flowers and brought then to her face and breathed in deeply.” Thank you, there beautiful”
“Your welcome, Jane baby you have to make sure you lock the door okay?” he didn’t think anything would happen but better safe than sorry he didn’t like the idea he was gone and she was in the shower with the door unlocked.
She frowned slightly in confusion.
“What’s wrong?” he asked
“I thought I locked it” she said “I’m going to go get ready” she headed down the hall to there bedroom before he could say anything else. He should take a shower and get ready as well.
“A woman knows the face of the man she loves as a sailor knows the open sea.” —Honore de Balzac
Jane
I was all lotioned up and sitting in my bra and thong trying to decide on what to wear but my mind kept going too the front door I could have sworn I’d locked it I was on top of stuff like that maybe I forgotten in my excitement after the delivery to lock the door back I decided on a sky blue crop top, long flowy matching skirt and my white open toe sandals I applied some silver eyeshadow and lipstick before I blow dried my hair I headed back out into the living room to wait for Antonio while he was in the shower I I sat at the piano he had bought for me a long time ago when I started coming to his home to visit I lit my joint I took a few hits before putting it I would have to let Sara know her Lavender hybrid mix was a success next week when I stopped by her shop next week. I was instantly more relaxed and at ease taking a deep breath I began to play I started off with a slow gentle melody that was beautiful but bittersweet as I thought of mother who I missed some days more than others Antonio bringing home the flowers lifted me up with his thoughtfulness but made me feel a little sad because they reminded me of my her I closed my eyes and I remembered her in our backyard in a sundress and hat tending to her garden she didn’t just grow flowers she grew vegetables and fruit as well that she sold to local farmers markets and donated to pantries or homeless shelters she was so caring and compassionate I switched up on the piano as I remembered the time she danced in the kitchen with my dad and they laughed and embraced the sound of salsa music and food filling the kitchen her tinkling musical laughter when my dad dipped her low then swung her up into his arms to kiss her I was nine at the time watching them and being able to feel the deep passionate love between them filled me from head to toe I wanted to have that with someone it was beautiful my fingers moved faster on the keys as I tried to hold onto the feelings and memories for as long as I could I switched the to the last song I played for my mom at my recital I could almost here her saying my name and applauding for me I played harder and faster who’s my beautiful little piano player I could heat her say as she hugged me tight I squeezed my eyes shut tighter lost in good memories that also brought pain in there wake once I wished I could just forget it all..
”I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than depression and I am braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Antonio
I was out the shower and standing in the walk in closet trying to decide what to wear I could hear Jane playing the piano he loved hearing her play he would listen to her practice for her recitals or if she was entering a competition she didn’t enter those very often she said she simply loved music and loved to play and he enjoyed being her audience.
Hmmm this would do he decided on a dark blue t-shirt and white jeans he headed back down the hall to living room he paused in the doorway to watch Jane play she was lost in the music her eyes closed her melody was sad and had a bittersweet feel to it before it changed to a lighter happier feel that him feel that the world was full of possibilities she began to play harder and faster her fingers flying over the keys as the melody changed it was filled with to many emotions to name anger, loss, love.
“Jane” he called her walking over she didn’t stop
“Jane, Jane” he tried again she finally stopped opening her eyes she looked up at him they were a light shade of grey he watched as they slowly turned back to her lovely shade of teal.
“Sorry I got caught up in the music” she closed the piano lid she sat there for a moment before she turned to him she stretched making her already tight top stretch even more across her large breast her shirt he bit back a groan.
“Ready to go” he asked she nodded “yes let me go grab my purse can you grab the cupcakes?” He nodded she headed back to there bedroom he slipped his sneakers on before he grabbed the two containers on the counter, Jane sauntered by into the room she put on a pair of pink bejeweled sunglasses they reminded him of Elton John he smiled he loved her style she could wear anything and make it her own without even trying. They headed out Jane made sure to lock the door she even double checked it before they headed to the elevators and out the front door to his car he opened the passenger side for Jane she held her hands out for the cupcakes he handed them to her before closing the door and going to the drivers side getting in he started the car and pulled away he glanced over to see Jane smiling as she read a message on her phone he turned his attention back to the road.
“How are you feeling?” he asked Jane was the type to keep how she was feeling or if anything was wrong to herself and she always put others before herself. She put her phone back in her purse before she turned to face him he could see the gears turning in her head on how to answer.
“I feel good, I’m excited for today” she finally answered that was good maybe playing earlier before they left helped he wanted her to be able to express herself to him the way she expressed herself through music he would bring it up to her tonight when they returned home and he knew if he wanted her to express herself he would have to do the same he would tell her more about his past he never brought up his family or even how he was changed the more he thought about he was asking but not giving but expected her too that wouldn’t cut it they needed more communication he wanted to go the distance but it was a marathon not a race he has to remember that and they would be fine he decided as he pulled up and parked in his uncles driveway we got out and made our way to the front door. I went to open it the door when it was opened for us.
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“Annie!” Jane grabbed and pulled his uncles wife in for a hug she hugged her back for a moment then pulled away
“Hi sorry I’m actually Charlotte, Annie’s twin sister” she said a huge smile on her face Antonio took a closer look at her they both had the same golden bronze skin, hazel eyes and very curly shoulder length honey blonde hair but Charlotte had a mole on the left side of face under her eye Annie’s was on the right under her eye.
“Come on Annie’s in the kitchen” she took one of the containers of cupcakes from Jane and her free hand with her other to pull her inside Jane happily followed along.
“ Lorenzo is in the backyard setting up” Charlotte called over her shoulder ah she was basically saying it was girl time and kindly dismissing him chuckling to himself her closed the door and headed outside.
“If I never see you again I will always carry you inside, outside; on my fingertips and at brain edges and in centers, centers of what I am of what remains.” —Charles Bukowski
Jane
I was pulled along by Annie’s sister to the kitchen she had a happy bubbly energy about her that was Infectious she had me grinning the whole way. In the kitchen Annie was pulling the enchiladas out the oven she had her hair pulled up in two buns on the top of her head she had on a green sundress while Annie had on a yellow sundress they both looked gorgeous. I sat the cupcakes on the counter Annie followed suit before going over to a big pitcher of Margherita she had been working on she added some limes beside closing the lid.
“Jane!” Annie came around the counter to pull me into a tight hug I hugged her back just as tightly Annie was like the big sister I never had and would have loved to have she was always there to listen no judgment she was patient and kind but she didn’t take any shit I loved her.
“Hi, Annie! I missed you” she leaned back but still kept her arms around me she was glowing being in love and being loved deeply did that to you I could feel the pure joy and happiness pouring from her in waves like the tide against the shore.
“I missed you too Jane” her eyes roamed over me but it was as if she were looking straight through me she always had this uncanny ability to know if something was wrong or just off about a person.
“ You didn’t tell me you were a twin” I said gesturing to her sister who was sitting on the stool cupcake in hand she gave us an guilty apologetic smile making g me laugh I liked her already.
“ Don’t feel bad I baked a whole separate batch for myself at home, go ahead I understand” I assured her Annie laughed and grabbed a cupcake for herself and me as well she touched her cupcake to mines and her sisters like we were making a toast.
“Too our deep love for chocolate” Annie said holding her cupcake up
“Too chocolate” Charlotte and I said in unison before we all took a big bite a d moaned in unison we all shared a look then burst into laughter as well.
“Okay we have to have a drink before we go out the back” Charlotte said finishing her cupcake in one more bite while I licked all the icing off before eating it Annie did the same.
“Sounds good and sorry not sorry I wanted to do the whole twin joke thing” Annie said giving me a mischievous smile “ But I forgot to fill Charlotte in Lorenzo was all excited when I got home then he told me about the dinner” she shrugged as if to say you know how it is. I nodded Annie had a mature funny humor I enjoyed she was six years older than me but she never treated me like s child or acted like a mom she was the cool, wise older sister you were lucky to have.
“She was like this when we were kids and when we got to high-school” Charlotte said she filled three glasses with Margherita before handing them off to us I took mines and took a sip it was perfectly made.
“It’s perfect” I told her taking an9ther sip Annie took another sip and nodded giving her the thumbs up.
“Come on let’s go join the men outside” Annie handed me her drink wo she could carry the enchiladas and Charlotte carried the pitcher of Margherita, we headed out to the backyard where the men had set up a projector to watch movies as well as a table for the food and drinks they also set up blankets and pillows so we would all be comfortable. My dad was standing by the table with Lorenzo and Antonio they had just opened a bottle of wine to drink as we approached the table I noticed Charlotte and my dad trying not to look like they were looking g at each other which was making it more obvious I couldn’t help but smile it made them look like teenagers. My dad looked over at me and smiled but I could feel oddly guilt waking off him his gaze slipped to Charlotte once more who was talking to her sister Lorenzo and Antonio were talking so this was the perfect moment to pull my dad aside and see what was going on.
“Hey daddy” he pulled me into a hug that almost hurt after a moment he released me but held me by my arms smiling down at me I looked more like my dad than my mom we had the same skin coloring and jet black hair he wore his long on top and short on the sides his hair wasn’t as curly as mines I got that from my mom his had more of a wave to it and our eyes were the same his were just a shade darker than mines.
“Hey baby girl how are you feeling today?” he steered me over to the patio so we could sit on the steps together while everyone finished setting up and talking.
“I’m good, how about?” he passed as if in deep thought before grinning
“I’m good, was looking forward to seeing you then Lorenzo called me and told me about this get together I was thrilled I definitely needed this” I nodded I understood I needed this as well to be around genuine friends and good energy.
“I agree I was looking forward to today too” I looked over right when Antonio looked as well we made eye contact and be gave me a sexy grin before turning back to his uncle I turned back to my dad he smiled a k knowing smile which made me blush.
“Things are going well?” he asked he posed it as a question but it felt more like a statement as in things better be going well or he would have some choice words for Antonio.
“Yes” I assured him he nodded
“Good” I noticed his gaze slip to Charlotte again who was also looking at my dad when she caught him looking she quickly looked away my dad looked away his gaze slid to me and once again I felt guilt followed by confusion. Okay we needed to talk I tool my dad’s hand and pulled him to his feet with me and back inside the house to the kitchen Lorenzo and Antonio would be able to hear but Annie and Charlotte wouldn’t and that’s all I cared about.
“What’s up?” my dad once we were in the kitten I could tell he thought he thought I might be upset with him which was not it at all I tool a deep breath then released it.
“Dad it’s okay if you like Charlotte” I said his eyes widened slightly at my omission he looked away for a moment before turning back to me.
“I’m sorry” he finally said he sounded so sad it broke my heart I understood he felt as if he were betraying my mom and in a way me I know he loved my mom he treasured her, respected her and was always there for her but she was gone and I knew she would want my dad to be happy just like I did.
“Daddy you have nothing to apologize for I promise its okay I want you to be happy and so would mom so please don’t feel guilty you’ve done so much for me and mom when she was here you aren’t disrespecting her memory or mines I promise” I took both his hands in mine I wanted him to not just hear what I was saying I wanted him to feel it and to erase his guilt I felt an odd warmth spread through me then a tingling in my hands after a moment the feeling was gone as quick as it came. My dad blinked a few times a confused look on his face that turned to a tranquil peace he smiled down at me and nodded.
“ Thank you baby girl” he pulled me into a hug I hugged him back for a moment before pulling away.
“ Come on let’s head back outside” as we headed back outside I could feel the guilt my father had been feeling was gone I looked down at my eyes had I done that?
“Love doesn’t grow at a steady rate, but advances in surges, bolts, and wild leaps.” —Ian McEwan
Antonio
I tried not to listen in on Jane’s conversation with her father but I couldn’t help it so I heard it all. I was glad she was able to talk to her father and help ease his guilty feelings for liking Charlotte and they were able to have that conversation if was hard for some people to move on when they truly loved someone or for the child not to feel betrayed when they did they both handled it with love and respect towards each other and Jane’s late mother he was moved. Jane came back outside followed by her father she went over to the blankets kicked her shoes off and sat down she reached in her purse and pulled out her lighter and joint lighting it she Inhaled and leaned back to look up at the sky, it was darker now a few stars dotted the sky after a moment Annie and Charlotte came to sit on either side on her she offered them the joint which they both nodded they sat smoking and chatting amongst each other he couldn’t help but smile. His uncle came handed him and Richard a glass of wine they clicked there glasses he took a sip enjoying the hints of blackberry, plum and blood, it wasn’t as good as Jane’s blood of course but it was still good.
“ I’m glad we decided to do this the ladies need lady time it’s important no?” Lorenzo said taking another sip of his wine.
“Yes and it gives us some guy time as well” Richard agreed he smiled as he gazed at Jane lovingly the talk really did him good, Jane always had this way to make others feel better through her words or her very being and she was genuine she truly cared. A burst of laughter from all three women had then all looking back over towards them Jane was holding her stomach as she laughed Annie and Charlotte had laughed so hard they fell over.
“Shall we join the ladies?” I asked finishing off my wine I sat my glass down on the table. They both nodded before finishing off the rest of their wine as well and sitting the glasses on the table Lorenzo grabbed the pitcher of Margherita and gestured for them to hold the cups I grabbed two cups leaving Richard with one and told help things along.
“I’ll give these to Annie and Jane you can give that one to Charlotte” I gave him my best innocent smile he laughed and flicked me off the fact he was joking with me made me feel good it was how we were before I had left.
“That was the plan, but thanks” he gave us a salute before heading over to give Charlotte her drink. She looked up at him with a shy smile as she took the drink with a soft “thank you”. He headed over as well to hand Jane and Annie their drinks as well, Lorenzo was coming with three plates of food perfectly balanced in both hands. He dished them out to the ladies before taking a seat on the blanket behind Annie following suit he sat behind Jane and Richard sat behind Charlotte. Annie grabbed a remote to start the movie he couldn’t help but laugh at there unexpected choice Shrek 2 he actually liked this movie as well everyone settled in to watch the movie.
About thirty minutes into the movie, Charlotte got up to grab the pitcher of margarita to refill the ladies’ cups. Another thirty minutes, and it was empty, and the ladies were all “cute tipsy,” as he would describe them.
“I have a question that’s been bugging me,” Jane said, gesturing to the screen. Annie and Charlotte turned to her. “What?” they asked in unison, their eyes wide as they waited for whatever Jane was about to ask
“If Shrek became human and Donkey became a horse, what did his girlfriend, the dragon, turn into?” she asked, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Annie and Charlotte gasped in unison.
“I’ve never even thought about it,” Annie said. She held her cup out, lost in thought, while Lorenzo filled it up, an indulgent smile on his face. Richard got up to get the wine and refilled their glasses as well.
“I’m going to write a letter to the studio I have to know” Charlotte announced she tried to make a serious face but it didn’t work she burst out laughing which made Jane and Annie laugh as well. Yupp they were drunk and happy a good combination he decided he loved seeing Jane happy like this in good spirits this was the environment he was sure her power wasn’t overwhelming to her. Ten minutes before the movie was over Annie went and crawled into Lorenzo’s lap and nodded off Annie and Jane fell asleep side by side.
“Looks like it’s bedtime for our ladies” I stood up then leaned down to scoop Jane into my arms I noticed Richard hesitate unsure if he should wake Charlotte or pick her up.
“Richard could you take Charlotte to her room it’s the second door at the top of the stairs” Lorenzo asked as he stood with Annie “Don’t worry about the mess I’ll handle you get Jane home in bed and Annie upstairs” before anyone could say anything Lorenzo took off at vampire speed into the house when it came to his Annie he didn’t mess around he understood that completely. Richard pressed a kiss Jane’s forward before he leaned down to scoop Charlotte up they both headed into the house they said there goodbyes before parting ways he headed out the front door and to his car he deposited Jane carefully in the front seat and fastened her seat belt before going around to the front and getting inside he started the car and began the drive home.