Page 20 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

I nod and smile.

Eric walks me back over to the table and positions me on top of it. Dexter comes up and takes my hand and kisses my knuckles.

“Thank you, Goddess.”

I smile and, without the slightest bit of shame, pick up my thong from the table and put it on.

“Thank you, handsome,” I say. I need to wash up.

Two hours later, after a quick shower in the room we’ve been assigned, we dress for dinner, and my prince and I return to the big room, which is already overflowing with people.

I don’t know anyone, but they all greet me with great big smiles. They’re Dexter’s friends and family. Eric knows everybody, and I’m surprised to see him so relaxed and happy.

Of course, when he wants, he can be a real charmer!

Dexter’s family is wonderful, and his parents are beautiful people. By the way they treat Eric, I can see they’re really fond of him. When he introduces me as his wife, they hug me, and, in their sweet Mexican accent, they welcome me and compliment me every which way.

They’re followed by Dexter’s aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends, who all make me feel very special. They remind me of the sweet and warm people back in my hometown. Eric picks up Dexter’s sister’s baby and looks over at me.

Oh God, my neck is starting to itch!

When he sees me scratch, my Iceman cracks up, and I do too.

And then, suddenly, I see a familiar face: Dexter’s cousin!

Juan Alberto and his captivating smile.

“Can I say hello without putting my life in danger?” the new guest asks.

I laugh every time I remember the things I said to the poor man that day, but I like that he’s so good-humored about it. If the tables were turned, considering how sour I can be, I’m pretty sure I’d still be holding it against him.

The reception is very nice, but I soon notice Graciela, Dexter’s assistant. The young woman isn’t treated in the same way. Just then, Dexter’s mother takes her nephew Juan Alberto’s arm. The family calls him Juanal.

“Is it true you’re leaving for Spain with them in two days?”

“Yes, Auntie.”

“If I might ask, what for?”

“I want to visit Spain and several other European countries to see about expanding my business,” Juan Alberto says, smiling warmly at his aunt.

“But you’re coming back, aren’t you?”

“Of course I’m coming back, Auntie. My business is here; my life is in Mexico.”

I see his aunt nod. I don’t know what she’s really thinking, but she doesn’t seem too convinced.

“I’m going too, Mamita,” says Dexter with a wide grin.

I laugh. Dexter’s such a rascal.

“I can’t imagine what you’re going for, you scoundrel,” says his mother. “You spend half your life abroad anyway.”

“Mamá...Mamita linda, I run an international business, and it forces me to travel a great deal. In fact, this time—and I know this will make you feel better—Graciela is going with me.”

Dexter’s mother’s face completely changes. She absolutely beams.

“Oh, I like that. She’ll bring some balance to your schedule.”

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