Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (16 page)

I bring her closer to me and embrace her tightly. “That’s not my story to tell. I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Thank you for your honesty and opening up.” Nina returns the hug and kisses me softly on my neck. Sleep quickly captures us until the late morning.

As we’re preparing to leave my house for our first Thanksgiving stop, I take a moment to observe Nina from a distance. She looks gorgeous in the beige dress she’s wearing. It’s fitted at the top with a daring cut out detail on her chest and a white fold over on the back. The dress flows from her waist to her knees as a circle cut. Her high strappy sandals show off her neatly manicured toes.
Damn, she has pretty feet.
Her hair is down and swept to the side. Her makeup is so subtle, it’s almost nonexistent. She looks perfect.
And there goes my hard on
.

“Baby, I can’t even look at you without wanting to fuck you.” I confess.

“Soooo are you saying that I look nice?” She questions me teasingly.

“Nice? Nice can’t begin to describe your beauty. You’re radiant! You look so delicious I just wanna pound you like crazy!”

“Awww…babe, you’re so romantic.” She laughs. “You look pretty tasty yourself. I’d do you.” She coquettishly smiles and winks at me.

I sit back on the couch with a wide grin on my face.

This girl brings me so much happiness, I just want to savor her all day. Since we have three stops to make today, I decide to behave myself and devour her at a later time. “You can bet your sweet ass you’ll be doing me tonight. Now, let’s get going before I rip your dress off and fuck you on the kitchen table.”

With a sinfully astounding look, she replies, “Whatever you say, Papi.”

Fuck me!

“Take your dress off…NOW. I need to be in you.” I look at Nina hungrily. There’s no way I can wait to be inside her until tonight.

“Yes, sir. Your wish is my command!” She says enthusiastically.

God, how I love this girl! Wait. What?

My mother resides in a two bedroom condo located in the Millennium Tower. It’s actually a condo I purchased when the building was still in the construction process. After John passed away, my mother didn’t feel comfortable living alone in John’s grand home. I didn’t feel at ease leaving her unaccompanied with her health and medical state being so delicate. When my condo was completed, I handed the keys over to her. The Millennium Tower is luxurious and has several amenities including 24 hour concierge service and security. Since she insists on living by herself, I at least take comfort in having her reside here.

We arrive at the blue-gray glass high-rise building. As we enter, Nina is taken aback by the tower’s opulence. I take her hand and lead her to the elevator. My mother is anxiously awaiting our visit and greets us as soon as the elevator doors open.

Instantly, my mom enfolds Nina in her fragile arms with genuine warmth and happiness behind her lovely emerald eyes. “It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Nina. My son has said so many wonderful things about you. His compliments did you no justice, you’re beyond stunning.”

Nina gives my mom a sincere smile. “Thank you, Ms. Ryan, you’re an exquisite woman. I’m delighted to meet you as well.”

As we walk into my mother’s spacious condo with its open floor plan, we get overtaken by the magnificent view of the city and Bay Bridge from her living room. The décor of my mother’s home is white with neutral beige colors, it’s contemporary, yet has a comfort, and inviting feel to it.

Nina is captivated by the view. “I absolutely love your home, Ms. Ryan. You have your own escape from the reality beneath you and have a peaceful retreat with absolutely breathtaking scenery.”

“Thank you, dear, but please call me Celeste. I feel old when people refer to me as Ms. Ryan. This condo actually belongs to my son. He’s obsessed with taking care of me.” My mother laughs and gives me a discreet wink.

Nina and I spend the early afternoon attacked by my mother’s interrogation. She wants to know everything about my lady and our relationship. Nina doesn’t seem to mind and answers most questions, the ones she feels are too intrusive she casually dismisses and changes the topic. My mother is genuinely interested when Nina discusses working with victims of sexual crimes and her interest with forties and fifties inspired fashion. Once my mother is satisfied with her inquisition, we eat our catered Thanksgiving lunch at her nook table overseeing our eminent city in a more relaxed and blissful state.

“Please pardon my invasiveness, Nina. I’m just fascinated by you and want to get to know you, that’s all.” My mother smiles at Nina remorsefully.

“It’s okay, no need to apologize. You know, Celeste, when I look at you, I feel as if I’ve seen you somewhere before. I just can’t seem to recall where or when that may have been.” Nina looks at my mother with deep concentration.

“So, you’re saying I have a common face and I’m not worth remembering?” My mother gives Nina a serious expression.

“Oh, no…that’s not what I meant at all. I—” Nina gets interrupted.

I glare at my mom. The woman I refer to as my mother starts hysterically laughing. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I couldn’t help myself. I just had to.”

“Oh. Now, I see where Josh gets his humor and selective hearing from!” Nina joins in on the laughter; I can’t help but be amused by the two women in my life.

After lunch, we head over to the living room to relax. “Son, will you be visiting Delia this afternoon? I spoke with her earlier this week, she misses you and would really like to see you.”

From the corner of my eye, I notice Nina’s bewildered expression.

“Of course, we’re headed there after we leave here. I’ve been busy lately and haven’t had a chance to stop by her house. Won’t you be going also?” I ask.

“No. I’m a bit tired, but I’ll be meeting with her for lunch this weekend. Please say hello to everyone on my behalf. Later this evening, I’ll be meeting with my male friend.” My mom states casually.

I glare at her. “What’s your male friend’s name? Where does he live? It’s kind of creepy of you to keep referring to him as your male friend. The man has a name mom, so spit it out.”

My mother takes a deep breath. “His name is Michael and he lives in this building. Now, stop asking questions about him, unless you want me to come up with some of my own.” Her taunting look wills me to question her further.

I don’t take the bait. “No, I’m good, no more questions regarding this Michael guy. But if you ask me, he sounds like a gigolo, I don’t like him.”

“Well, it’s a good thing no one asked you. A gigolo? That’s absurd!” The woman who brought me into this world and Nina begin laughing at my expense. I roll my eyes.
Women.

The remainder of our visit with my mom is full of laughter. The conversation is kept light and everyone is at ease. My mom and Nina are getting along and agree to get together real soon. Right before we leave, I pull my mom to the side, “Woman, don’t forget to take your medications, I’ll be going with you to your next doctor’s appointment whether you like it or not, and mom, I love you.” I kiss her forehead and embrace her fragile body. “You’re the best. Since you behaved today, I’ll cancel your reservation at the old folks’ home.”

She smacks my arm with her delicate hand. “Insinuate that I’m past my prime again and see what happens.” My mother gets closer to me and whispers, “I would love to know what Nina thinks of the names I have picked out for my grandbabies. Call me old again and I’ll be sure to find out.” She quietly threatens.

“Mom, have I told you today how young and flawless your skin looks? You look absolutely radiant!” I eagerly compliment her.

“That’s what I love about you son, you’re so wise and observant.” She gives me a beaming smile.

Nina says goodbye and gives my mom a final hug before we depart to our next destination.

As I’m driving to South City, I thank God for allowing my mother the opportunity to spend another year with me. I don’t know what I would do if she were to leave my side. Her health and delicate state are a daily concern. I can’t lose her, I just can’t.

Nina interrupts my thought. “Hey, tree hugger, can you tell me about our next visit? It would be nice to have a head’s up. By the way, thank you for introducing me to your mom. I really enjoyed our time with her. You two are so alike! It’s pretty amusing, actually.”

“I’m glad you had a good time, I did also.” I kiss the back of her hand slowly and savor her skin against my lips. Her presence brings me joy. “Next, we’re headed to Delia’s house. Delia is a friend of my mom’s who used to take care of me growing up. She’s from El Salvador and her husband from Mexico. He passed away over two decades ago. When my mom moved to California, she was a few months pregnant and didn’t know anyone. Delia and her husband formed such a close friendship with my mom, they considered each other family. When Delia’s husband passed away, our families became closer than ever. Since my mom was busy working, all my home cooked meals came from her. I grew up eating pupusas, pan dulce, burritos, whatever she cooked, I ate. Her cooking is amazing! I love her and her family; they treat me as if I were one of their own.”

“I’ll have to admit, at first I was confused about Delia when your mom mentioned her name.” Nina admits shyly.

“Yeah, I noticed. I could tell you were ready to mud wrestle over me. That’s pretty hot. You’re so gorgeous when you’re ready to claw someone’s eyes out over me.” I tease.

She laughs out loud showing off her perfect white teeth. “Slow your roll, tree hugger. I’m not sure if there’s enough room for you and your ego in this truck.”

We arrive to Delia’s house in less than half an hour. It’s a two story yellow house with a red brick front porch, the home is inviting with its flower gardens on both sides of her door and the grass neatly trimmed. I’m excited to introduce everyone to Nina.
Shit!
I forgot to give everyone the head’s up. Delia is like a second mother to me and just like my mom, she’s been eager for me to settle down. I grab the wine bottles and prepare to be amused.

As we enter, I greet everyone in Spanish and make the proper introductions. I’ve never seen so many jaws drop at once. Nina is surprised to hear me speaking fluent Spanish and everyone else in the house is shocked to find out I have a girlfriend.
This ought to be interesting
. Although everyone in the house speaks English, Delia has always insisted on every person solely speaking Spanish in her home. Today, she makes an exception.

“Mi güerito! I’m so happy to see you! Why you don’t come visit me sooner? Let me tell you somesing, I missed you so much!”
She has the sweetest accent
.
It warms my heart when she refers to me as her little white boy in an endearing manner.

Delia is an older woman in her mid sixties. She wears bright colors and plenty of jewelry that compliment her sweet and loving personality. Delia excitedly rushes and embraces me in her arms showering me with love.

For the first time since I can remember, I speak to Delia in English. “I’m so sorry, I’ve been really busy at work and spending time with this lovely lady.” I put my arm around Nina and kiss the top of her head. “Delia, let me introduce you to my lady, Valentina Moretti.” I’m beaming. I can’t help it. Immediately, I notice Delia take in a deep breath and make her best attempt at containing her excitement.

“Oh, Valentina, you are so beeeeautiful! Let me tell you somesing, I’m so pleased to meet you. This is your house. Make yourself at home.” Before Nina has a chance to respond, Delia gives her a hug and gives me a subtle wink.

“Mucho gusto, Delia. Please, call me Nina. Thank you so much for such a heartwarming welcome. Yo hablo español un poquito. Me permite practicar?” Nina states her knowledge of the Spanish language and asks if she can practice with a genuine smile.

“Of course! Claro que si!” Delia is delighted and eager to continue introducing Nina to the rest of the family.

Delia has a full house, all her adult five children and their families are there along with several other family members celebrating Thanksgiving. The dining table consists of two turkeys, one baked and one fried both filled with stuffing. There’s a honey ham with pineapple ringlets and maraschino cherries on it. In the center of the table are three bowls with Mexican styled pork tamales, Salvadorian chicken tamales, and corn tamales. The table is filled with side dishes and desserts; all together it’s a feast to feed a city. Although I recently ate, I can’t wait to dig in. But first, a prayer is led by Delia.

The afternoon consists of everyone reminiscing, catching up, and being interrogated regarding my new relationship. Nina easily dodges personal questions. The family is welcoming of her and quickly fall into simple topics of conversation. Every so often, I glance at Nina from a distance and admire her beauty along with her wit, strength, and charisma.
She’s one hell of a package
.

As we’re saying our goodbyes, I give Delia an extra-long hug, thank her for everything, and remind her that although I may not always be around, she is always in my thoughts and in my heart.