Page 139 of Rome: The Ballerina

My body halted just before running into him. The black Dior shades I’d strapped in my bag were in his hand. I accepted them, pulling them onto my face before continuing.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

I climbed inside of the SUV and rested my head against the front of the seat. Sighing, I prayed for relief from whatever I was experiencing. We were off in a flash.

Bzzzt.

My phone vibrated in the hoodie. I removed it slowly, careful to reserve the little energy I had left. Egypt’s name crossed the screen. She’d sent a message to the entire group of women in our family.

My cheeks fluffed at the sight of Dru. Her silky smooth skin and perfectly coiled hair healed something within me. I swipedmy fingers across my screen at a rapid pace, typing out the message that was on my heart.

My truest love, Jru! I miss you beyond words. I love you. You’re the most precious girl on God’s green earth. Kiss Daddy for me.

The messages began rolling in. Everyone in the group was fond of the image of Jru having a beach day with Egypt, who she’d likely scared a hundred times with her deep plunges in the ocean. She was a better swimmer than her mother.

She was a better swimmer than most of us. That worried my sister. It worried her to the core. But, Jru was fearless. Teddy was raising her the same way our father had raised us.

The world had better prepare for you, not the other way around. Let nothing happen to you. Let everything happen for you. Richie’s words stuck with me. He had a phrase for every phase of our lives. He was never wrong. It all made sense in the end. Every time.

Bzzzt.

My phone vibrated again as a notification appeared at the top of my screen.

My Saint.

Even the sight of his name put my mind at ease. I twisted my body to the right, bringing my knees up to my chest. I exited the group text and opened the pinned thread from Saint and I. Our messages were few and far apart. He was always near. And, when he wasn’t, he was a phone call away.

Hearing his voice felt so much better than reading his words most days. Today wasn’t an exception. I not only wanted to hear his voice, but I wanted to feel his body against mine. I wanted his warmth and energy to transfer.

Missing you, Mellow.

I laid my phone against my chest. There was no greater feeling than knowing his love existed.For me. My wait wasgraciously rewarded and I’d be reaping the benefits of my patience for the rest of this lifetime.

I peered out of the front window, unsure of how much time we had before we arrived at his place. The drive from the theater was a rather lengthy one. Traffic nearly doubled the journey’s time. But, we were making great strides.

18 more minutes. I silently calculated, bracing myself for the ride.

Missing you more. I responded.

Call me when you settle in.

Okay.

I wouldn’t have to call, because it was him I’d be settling beside. However, I avoided that piece of information. Seeing the pure pleasure on his face knowing I was staying at his place for the night would be worth the secrecy.

I closed my eyes, wishing sleep would have me at last. The day had been long. My stomach was empty. And my heart was vulnerable.

I was craving something but it wasn’t food. It was Saint’s bed. His arms. His kisses. His comfort. Him.My Saint.

It wasn’t long before the bumps in the road rocked me to sleep. My body shut down naturally. With August next to me, I succumbed to the inevitable.

I stirredawake as the wheels of the car came to a complete stop. The fifteen minute nap did wonders for my mental and physical health. Emotionally, I still felt a complete mess. I pulledmyself from the leather of the seat that my face had stuck to like glue.

I tried gathering my bearings. It proved to be more difficult than I assumed.

“Mellow–” Saint’s voice rang out as the sun burst through the back door.

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