Page 179 of Rome: The Ballerina

Cedars.

I pulled into the roundabout, stopping in front of the valet booth. An attendant joined us. Rome was the first out after her door was opened for her. I met her on the sidewalk and took her hand. We walked intoCedarsand was immediately greeted by a sign printed with our names by each other.

Congratulations Rome and Saint.

Rome turned on her heels. Squinted eyes served as a warning. My shoulders lifted and then fell.

“What have you done?” She asked.

“Nothing much.”

We were led through the empty establishment. I’d paid good money to clear the place for three hours. We reached our designated dining area within seconds. Rome halted in stride.

“Congratulations!”

My mother.

Her mother.

My father.

Roulette plus one.

Range.

Royce.

Rugger plus one.

Rather plus two.

Roaman.

Nadia.

And, those I hadn’t met but had heard great things about decided to show their faces as well.

Malachi plus one.

Milo plus one.

Makai plus one.

Mercer plus one.

Pops.

“Sinner,” the thin, loud one of the group of brothers called out to me, “You alright with me, playa.”

“Sinner?” I repeated aloud, not knowing Rome had heard me. Confusion furrowed my eyebrows.

“Please disregard anything that comes from that man’s mouth. He doesn’t have it all. He doesn’t have any, honestly.”

Hugs were plentiful. So was the love. Rome was moved to tears. Balle began to experience overwhelm. Rome held her closer like the teddy bear she resembled, calming her down instantly.

“Thank you, baby.”

Her words struck me like lightning. There wasn’t much I wanted in life. I had everything. But, still, Rome’s happiness had become my goal. I desperately wanted to make her happy every day I was blessed to see.

---