Page 114 of Rome: The Ballerina

“Yeah?”

“Mm hm.”

“I’m listening–”

I pulled in air and then released it slowly.

“Saint. Saint De Bacco.”

His cheeks fattened. His teeth peeked through the smile forming on his face.

“I’ve never as much as looked in another man’s direction,” I confessed, rubbing the front of my neck with the tips of my index and pinky fingers for comfort.

“Why is that, Mellow?”

“Because, since a girl, I’ve been seeing the man I was created for in my dreams. I hardly knew how he looked, sounded, or his government name, but discernment wouldn’t let me believe anything other than our destiny. We belonged together.

“So, instead of wasting my time or energy on things and people that weren’t meant to be in my world, I remained focused. Eyes straight ahead. Hands on the barres. Spine straight. More accuracy. Less mistakes. No excuses. Just work. Improvement. Progression.

“And, in waiting, I became a better version of myself. Perfected my craft. Learned about the woman I am. The woman I’m becoming. And, the woman I hope to be one day. It wasn’t punishment. Waiting wasn’t. It was necessary time alone. Had I met you sooner, I wouldn’t have been ready.”

Saint listened intently until I’d finished. And, then his words were delivered slowly and sincerely. I read his freshly licked lips as he spoke.

“Hearing you talk about a love we’ve yet to embark on in such high regard makes me sad and elated at once. Sad that I didn’t wait, too, even though I was sure the perfect person for me existed somewhere. Elated because just from your eyes and the tone of your voice, I know it will be beautiful. I just know. Your experiences, your dreams, must’ve been– must’ve been astounding.”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I began to tell you how profound they’ve been.”

He peered out the front windshield, shaking his head.

“I should’ve waited.”

“You had no idea.”

“To some degree, I did. I think. Maybe. Shit, I had to. I’ve been knowing I wanted to marry a special woman since I was around eight or ten or something along those lines. It was early. That’s what I do recall. And, I always remember feeling like she was out there.”

He leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. Magic happened. My skin thickened with goosebumps. My canal sprang a leak. And my eyelids sealed themselves involuntarily.

Muah.

“But now she’s right here.”

Muah.

“In my $4.5 million dollar whip.”

Muah.

“Hitting everything in sight.”

Muah.

“I’d like to blame her.”

Muah.

“But I blame myself for loving that look in her eyes when she saw it move.”

Muah.

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