Page 84 of Always You
Oh God, I’ve never hit anyone before, this is not me. Shock heats up at me, noticing the people around watching. I sit back down Sophie and Daliah’s mouths gaped wide open.
“Damn this was amazing. Fuck that slut, don’t feel bad, Mila, she deserved it.” A grin jots across Daliah’s face.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here before we get kicked out; we can just hit the food trucks.”
I nod to Sophie, still in shock, I slapped her. Honestly, it felt good. I’m not the violent type. Damnit, she pissed me off. Is Dominic with me because of Dante? He has been distant. Why are they all saying I’m just a phase?Don’t let her get to you, Mila.
“Come on, Jackie Chan, let’s get out of here.” Daliah swings her arm around my shoulder.
I giggle.
* * *
We filled our Saturday mornings with pancakes and watching cartoons. Dominic and Dante sit on the couch, scarfing them down. We have a full day planned. Dominic is taking us to pick out a Christmas tree and lights and decorations, all the good stuff. Grayson Farms has the best Christmas trees, and apple farm. One of my favorite recollections is picking apples and a tree with my dad.
He would say,“Pick a Christmas tree that’s special to you, one that catches your eye.”My smile brightens at the thought of him.
“I can’t believe you slapped her, babe. Damn, I wish I could have been there.” He smiles a face-splitting grin.
“I can’t believe it either. She pissed me off, I just can’t get over the fact she was lying to us the whole time and trying to get in your pants this whole time. Fake bitch.” My nose swells with anger, blowing a puff of steam.
Dominic reaches for my hand, kissing my knuckles. “Don’t let that bitch get to you, Angel, she’s not worth it. She’s not worth thinking about.”
I nod in agreement.
“Mommy, Daddy are we almost there?” Dante jumps in his seat excitedly.
“Almost there, buddy.”
Twenty minutes later, we arrive. “We’re here, Dante.”
He squeals. The smell of fresh pine invades our noses. I jump out of the truck and stretch my legs from the hour drive.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. The last time was with my dad. So many significant memories,” I say to Dominic.
He stiffens, and his jaw tightens. I kiss his cheek and he immediately relaxes. He cups my cheek pressing kisses on my lips.
“I’m sorry, Angel. Allow me to make this day memorable for you both. I’m sorry you don’t have your dad here to continue your tradition, baby.” His mouth sinks into a sad smile. My arms lock around his neck, pressing another kiss on his lips. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me in more. Kissing me deeper.
“It already is… memorable,” I say, inhaling a stuttering breath, still catching my breath from his hot lips.
He kisses me one last time before releasing me.
“Come on, guys,” Dante shouts. “Look, Mommy, animals. Can we go see them?”
Dominic intertwines his fingers with mine. With my free hand, I intertwine my fingers with Dante’s.
“Of course, baby.” I adore watching Dante so animated.
He’ll become fixated on remembering all the times that he's come with his parents because I enjoy carrying on our traditions. An opportunity for him to cherish his father-son relationship the way I have.
We make our way to the petting zoo. Dante’s flabbergasted, petting the goats, ponies, and chicks. When he’s done, we head over to the rows upon rows of trees. Dante stands tall staring at a six-foot-tall, tree. His eyes glisten alluringly. Tilting his head at an angle.
“I want that one, Daddy.”
“Are you sure that’s the one you like?”
“Yes, Mommy.” His pink cheeks flush with the chilly breeze.
