Page 51 of Nocturnal Sins
I knew what he was doing. I gritted my teeth and folded my arms across my chest. Erin nudged me and I rolled my eyes.
“Papa, can I go to the party?” I asked.
“You can go, Sam.”
Erin squealed beside me at his response. “I’m gonna tell Kasey.” Erin rushed off and I stood there looking at my father.
“Mija, why do I have to bribe you with a party in order for you to speak to me? Don’t you understand that I’m not doing this to be mean? Santana is your brother. The relationship you two have is…”
“Is amazing. It evolved into something nobody but us seems to understand. If we never speak to you again it’s because of the way tried to break us apart.” My words were sound and full of confidence. I meant everything I said.
I saw the pain in Papa’s face and it drew the air from my chest. I didn’t expect him to plan our wedding or anything because I knew that Santana and I were a jagged pill to swallow I just hated how dived we all were.
“I don’t want to lose you and I don’t want to lose Santana either. Help me understand, mija. Losing my family is worse than anything else I could imagine. I don’t want that.” I didn’t realize my hands were trembling until Papa took them in his. “I’m not saying I condone thisrelationshipbetween you and Santana but I’ll do what I have to do in order to keep my kids…my family together.” His eyes shone with emotions but he didn’t let any tears fall. I nodded my head and launched against his solid body. He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head. When we pulled apart, I assured him that we’d talk later then I head in the direction Erin walked off in.
On the way to find her, I started feeling bad about setting up a meeting with Santana. Papa was trying to come around even though he was still hurt and angry. I found Erin talking to Kasey and stood beside her.
“Hey, Sam!” Kasey chirped. “I can’t believe you’re coming to my party. It’s gonna be so litty.” I smiled and nodded my head then looked at Erin.
“Hey, can we head back to your place?” She checked her phone for the time then cringed.
“Yeah, I was supposed to get home in time to tell my parents goodbye. See you in a little while, Kasey.” We headed to Erin’s car and she sighed. “I hope I haven’t missed my parents. They left the graduation after I walked across the stage. They had to get ready for their retreat.”
“How long is the retreat?” I asked as we turned onto her street.
“Girl, it’s for the weekend. After Kasey’s party, I don’t have any plans. That’s why I hope Santana can come to this party. I’m hoping I can get him to hang with me for the weekend.” She pulled into her driveway and put the car in park.
“I know, I know…he has a girlfriend but a weekend won’t hurt,” she purred. Tension crept up my spine and spread out to my shoulders. I was a ball of tight muscle as we walked up to the front door.
In order not to snap on Erin, I had to ignore her chatter as we walked into her house. It smelled like vanilla and brown sugar. That was something I could concentrate on. If I focused on her going on and on about Santana things wouldn’t end well.
“Shit, I guess I missed my parents. I’ll call them later. Hey, I’m gonna take a shower and get dressed.” I heard Erin say once I finally tuned back in. I waited in her room and sent Santana a text while Erin took a shower.
Me: How soon can you be here?
Santana: I’ll be there in a half hour.
Me: Okay. I miss you.
Santana: I miss you too, Sammie. You have no fucking idea.
I pictured his handsome face in my mind and my chest squeezed. I wanted him in front of me. I hated how slowly time ticked.
Me: See you soon [kissy face]
I moved quickly to delete the texts. It was just in time too because Erin was done with her shower and walking back to her room after five minutes. She was in a hurry. I watched her flit around her room and closet until she had the perfect outfit.
Naturally, I approved it so that she wouldn’t take up any more time being indecisive. Personally, I wouldn’t have worn the dress she did but clearly, she was okay with it.
“Sam, are you sure I look okay?”
“Yes, girl. You look fine.”
“And you’re sure Santana is gonna try to come?” She batted her long lashes and I fought the urge to ball my fist up.
“Yeah, I’m sure, Erin.” I pressed my tongue to the roof of my mouth hard so that I didn’t spew out the petty shit I wanted to say.
“Okay then. I’ll see you later. Have fun girl.” She wiggled her fingers at me and I gave her the last phony smile I had in my tool belt. Luckily, she took it and practically skipped out of the house.
