Page 16 of Fever

“We had fun. Josiah took me to Ocho Rios, where we had a private tour at Blue Hole and Secret Falls. It was amazing. If I had it my way, I would set up shop in Jamaica and it would become my permanent home.”

Desiree twisted her lips. “Yeah until hurricane season then you’d be at the airport with bags on your shoulders.”

I laughed and took another sip of my wine. “You may be right, sista.”

“I know I’m right,” she remarked. “So, what’s going on with you guys?”

I dropped my smile. “Girl, we are just having fun. He’s too young for me to consider anything else. But I will enjoy my time with him.” I wiggled my eyebrows, and Desiree shook her head.

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“Oh yeah. It’s all good. We don’t have to be getting married like someone I know.”

A growing smile pulled on her lips. Desiree took another swig of her wine. “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I don’t regret it for a second.”

I nodded slowly. “I’m happy for you two. I can’t believe you guys are married. The wedding was spectacular, and you didn’t seem to have any problems like most brides do on their special day. Except that your maid of honor was late.”

Desiree cut her eyes at me, then offered a rueful smile.

“Let me tell you. We had a wedding planner sent from the heaven’s above. She asked me a list of questions to which I answered, and she took care of everything. Claudia gave her some ideas, and we kept it right on moving. I’m no bridezilla. I just want the man. He’s all that matters.”

A shiver ran through me, and I imagined being in love the way Desiree was. Josiah’s handsome face flashed through my mind, and that cold shiver turned into a warm one. I sighed dreamily.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m jealous.”

Desiree laughed. “You’ve said that already, but you’re not.”

“Am too.” I smirked and down the rest of my Moscato.

“I’ll tell you what. You keep on having ‘fun’ as you put it with Josiah, and it’ll be you next.”

I shook my head. “I highly doubt that.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Josiah’s like what, twenty-six, twenty-seven?”

“And?”

“You know men don’t grow up until their fifty, and then still some of them ain’t right.”

At the twisted look on Desiree’s face, I retracted.

“I mean, that doesn’t include Julian and Jaden of course.” I smiled warmly, and her lips thinned as she peered at me.

“That’s what you better mean.”

I chuckled.

“I don’t know, Santana. The Rose brothers seem to be into us. You might just get your happily ever after.”

“I’ll tell you this, if I do, I will welcome it with open arms. But if not, and, I won’t hold my breath. But, if not, I’ll have fun with Josiah for the time being. I’m a big girl. I know what I’m getting myself into with him.”

“Mmhmm, that’s what I thought,” Desiree mumbled, taking another sip of her glass.

“Say what?” I asked.

Before she could respond, the doorbell rang, and we both turned toward the sound.

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