Page 102 of Rome: The Ballerina

“I know too.” I sighed. “I’ve always known.”

“Just make sure you add Dr. Dollop to the guestlist for the wedding and reception.”

“I’ll remember.”

“Good, now hold still so I can get your vitals.”

“Sure.”

I relaxed, closing my eyes and hoping Saint found me in my dreams again. It had been a while. I missed him here and I missed him there.

Though it sucked I wasn’t out shopping with my sisters, I was certain they wouldn’t forget about me. I would be surrounded by bags when we boarded the flight in a few hours. Roulette wouldn’t have it any other way.

Neither would Roaman, which was why I was stuck in the leather chair with an IV in my arm. I wasn’t sure what was going on with my body but I was praying it resolved itself within the next twenty-four hours. I had a date with Mr. De Bacco and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

SEVEN

The glare from the city’s light left a permanent glare on my windshield. I was far away from home, far away from where I was headed, but the time alone with my thoughts was needed. Like a kid on the first day of school, hoping his crush was in the same homeroom, I was reeling.

My nerves led my eyes to my clock every few seconds. Time wasn’t turning over quick enough while simultaneously turning over too quickly. A drive was my only solution. A call to Nadia was my first line of reassurance, but I decided against the idea.

My stereo was absent of sound. I didn’t care to hear the thoughts of others. I only cared to entertain mine at the moment. They were rapid, and they were real.

I’d imagined the caliber of woman I was dealing with from the size of her home and the security that followed her around like a bad reputation. However, meeting her sisters made it ultra clear that I was embarking on something bigger than I could wrap my head around. Someone bigger who I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around.

She wakes up. She lives. She breathes. That’s her only responsibility on earth.

Those words made perfect sense now.

Treat her well or you won’t live to regret it.

Those words made even more sense. But, there was nothing to worry about. Rome couldn’t be in better hands. I didn’t waste my time explaining or trying to prove my case to her jury. My evidence would come in every form of love, adoration, and gratitude known to man.

It wouldn’t all unfold in a day’s time, but it would unfold, nonetheless. And it would be a sight to see. Beautiful. Monumental. Artful. Like a rare flower in full bloom.

6:46p.

I exited the highway. The time had come. And, being even a half of a second late wasn’t an option. I powered around the bend and entered the express ramp on the other side of the expressway, heading in the opposite direction. The motor of my Bugatti purred as I pushed the pedal toward the floor.

There was someone anticipating my arrival, and I refused to keep her waiting. Mindlessly, I painted the Clarke streets with the rubber of my tires. It wasn’t until I reached the stop sign in the quiet neighborhood nestled on Mt. Clarke that I slowed my wheels to a creep.

I toyed with the hair on my chin as the gates to the far from humble adobe parted to welcome me. My racing heart slowed two notches. The tightness in my chest, however, proceeded.

The road that led to Rome’s home was paved for a princess. It ended at the palace that had been prepared for her. When time permitted, I would carefully comb over the property to familiarize myself with the grounds. I doubt it would be possible in a day, but I’d get it done eventually.

My journey up the small set of steps was brief. I ended it at the elevated frosted glass door that allowed the homeowner to peer out but was impossible for those standing on the other side to see through.

“Aight, nigga,” I whispered through a chuckle.

I was having an outerbody experience. Nothing felt real, but everything felt right. Perfect. Just as it should be. Behind the glass was a woman I’d thought of, dreamt of, and waited years for. I didn’t know her name. I didn’t know her age. I didn’t know how she looked. I didn’t know where she was in the world. But, I knew she existed.

From a young boy, I knew the woman for me was out there. I kept my head on my paper and my hands on the ball as I prepared a great life for her. For us. For our family. And, when she didn’t show her face by the age that I’d seen clearly year after year, I settled.

Somehow, I felt cowardly for doing so. Somehow, I felt like I owed her an apology. Somehow, I felt like I’d spend the rest of my life with that regret.

With a raised finger, I prepared to push the doorbell. I fell short. My eyes followed the sudden movement with promises of the happiest ending. They didn’t disappoint.

Mellow.I breathed out, but the word never left my mouth.

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