To Love a Man (13 page)

He got into the other side and smiled as he drove off. As they drove in silence he snuck a glance over to her. No she wasn’t anything he was used to. And that was a good thing. He was tired of the yes mans and women who only wanted him for his money. He finally found someone who wanted him for him and he had every intention of spending as much time with her as he could. He drove her to a cliff point and stopped the car. Desiree opened the door and smiled as she looked over the edge and out to the distance.

“It’s so beautiful
and peaceful.”

“I know
sometimes I come out here to clear my head and think.”

He reached in the car and turned up the radio. “Cherish” by Brian McKnight came over the speakers.

“Dance with me.”

“What?”

“Come here.” Ramón pulled her to him. She smiled as she was facing the middle of his chest.

“I keep forgetting just how tall you really are.”

“So what dance with me?”

He spun her around then pulled her close. She leaned against his chest as they danced to the music. Desiree held him close and closed her eyes. She didn't want this day to end. She loved the way his heart seemed to beat with the time and how the feel of him rubbing his hands up and down sent shivers and tingles all over her body.

She sighed into his arms. “I never knew anything could be so perfect.”

“I know what you mean.” Ramón
said not wanting the moment to end.

Ramón spun her around he pulled her up to him
. She smiled as he looked into her eyes. Never in her life has anyone ever made her feel so beautiful and wanted. He had a way of getting her to put all her guards down just by one piercing look. Her heart jumped to her throat as he moved closer to her and she knew he would kiss her. Desiree closed her eyes wanting to feel his lips on hers to see if they sent the spark through her like his touch did. However as their heads descended and lips barely touch, “Brick House” starts to play. Desiree pulled back and laughed. As Ramón moved closer to her and began to sing and dance.

“She’s a brick house she’s mighty mighty letting it all hang out.”

Desiree laughed and sang with him. Neither of them remembered when they had so much fun. And neither of them wanting the night to end.

***

Desiree arrived at the gym the next day wearing a huge smile. Ramón was everything she ever wanted in a man he was sweet and caring and fun. He kissed her cheek after walking her to her hotel room and told her a car would be around to pick her up at 10. Even though her flight left that day she was looking forward to being around him and Zack as long as she could. She straightened out her Brown and Black animal print caplet top with the light brown tank attached underneath, she double checked wondering if the added black leggings and sandals were a good mix.

Her smile widened as she stepped out the car.
A smile she kept on her face as she walked over to Zack and watched as he did his drills. She saw Ramón walk into his office and stood wanting to go in there and thank him again for a wonderful time. As she reached his door, she didn't want to eavesdrop but they were talking pretty loudly.

“So you are the talk of the day. Rumor has it you were on a date last night.”

“I was not. I went out with Gia and Aj.”

“And some chick.”

Desiree was offended she was referred to as some chick.

“Not some chick her name is Desiree and she is the mom of one of my campers.”

“So you’re dating a camper’s mom?”

“We are not dating it was nothing.”

“From what I heard it wasn’t nothing. You guys were seen hugging and laughing.”

“How many times can I tell you it was
nothing?”

Desiree couldn’t help but feel a little angry I mean it may not have been a date but it certainly was something.

“So you’re telling me you just took her out to be nice?”

Ramón sighed.
“Look she is from out of town and I felt sorry for her. I figured it could be the highlight of her life getting to hang out with us.”

“Ramón I get it you’re young and you want to be there for all of your fans, but I am your publicist and before you do your charity work for the young and hopeless you need to let me know. But
its fine it's just now I have to try to spin this in your favor.”

“Wait what?”

Desiree couldn’t listen anymore. Never in her life had she felt so stupid. She thought he liked her, she thought as he held her and they danced they had a moment. But, all she was to him was his charity case. She was so glad her flight left in a couple of hours and once camp was over, she wouldn’t have to be around Ramón Norris ever again. She sat down on the bleachers putting on her most convincing proud mother face. She wouldn’t let this hurt her. She got a free trip to see her son, and Ramón didn't owe her anything.

She walked back to the court as the kids began to get ready for their scrimmage. She forced a smile as she waved at Zack and Madison.
It wasn’t until the game got into full effect and Ramón walked out smiling at the campers, did she really feel like she was betrayed. She felt like he played her and that was something she wouldn’t take. After the scrimmage was over Desiree walked to Zack.

“I hate that I have to leave but I will see you in a few weeks.” She said pulling him to her.

“I'm gonna miss you mom but I am glad you came here.” He hugged her back not caring if the guys saw. He was not ashamed to love his mother.

“Me too. So you do what you are supposed to and keep calling me ok.” She said smoothing down his jersey.

“I will.” He promised.

“I love you.” She said smiling down to him eyes glistening.

“Love you too mom.”

“And I will give Aunt Nikki your gift. She is gonna be so proud when she sees the pictures of you and your team. Like I am.”

He gave her another quick hug and then pulled away.

“Ok mom it's time to go that’s enough getting mushy in front of the guys.”

She figured he must have seen the tears brimming her eyes. She wiped them gave Zack one last hug and walked out the gym pulling her duffle bag. As she waited for the Cab she called, Ramón walked over to her.

“Hey Desi what are you doing out here?” he questioned.

“Waiting for my cab.” She said offensively.

“Oh I can take you to the airport I wanted to see you off.” he moved closer to her but she help up her hands.

“Yea no thank you the charity train ends here.”

“The what?” he inquired puzzled.

“The charity train. I appreciate you bringing me here I do and don't worry if they ask I'll smile sweetly and say how great of a man you are.” She said giving a fake smile.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded.

“Don’t try and deny it I heard you.” She said fully turning towards him. “I heard everything.”

“Heard me what? Ok I’m really confused here?”

“In your office.” She stated. “I’m just a camper’s mother you were trying to help. A charity case. Well thank you so much.”

As the cab arrived, she walked to it but Ramón held her back.

“Wait you got it all wrong.” He defended. “I like you so much and I thought you felt the same.”

“Let me go.” She pulled away from him angrily. “When we went out yesterday no I didn't think it was a date but I thought we could go out as friends. Then you took me to that cliff and thought ok so maybe it was a date and I enjoyed it. But I didn't know being out with you was your good deed for the week.” Tears threatened her eyes and it stabbed Ramón in the chest. He moved a little closer to her.

“It’s not like that.”

“It’s my fault really I mean what was I thinking? Ramón Norris actually being interested in me?”

“I am.”

“Stop!” she screamed louder than she anticipated. “I don't need
you to feel sorry for me. I might not look like Gia or some model and I may not be able to afford a lot of things but I work very hard for what I have and you are a jerk.” She threw her bag into the cab and started to get in but stopped. “And btw hanging out with you and finding out who you really are, is the not huge the highlight you think it is.”

She pulled out a book and looked at it.

“I got this for you as a thank you.” She held it up so he could see it. “I woke up early caught a cab and went around to two book stores to find It.” She stared at him feeling hurt and betrayed, a feeling she was all to use to. That thought inflamed her anger. “But now think of it as a screw you.”

She threw the book at his head then she slammed the door and looked straight ahead. She was so hurt but she promised herself she wouldn’t cry. As the cab pulled away, Ramón punched the air. He didn't mean for her to hear any of what he said and he felt like a prick for saying any of it.
He bent down and grabbed the book feeling like he just ruined something amazing.

As he walked into the gym, Aj walked over to him.

“So where is Desiree? Gia and I wanted to take you both out for Ice cream before she left.”

Ramón looked out the door and sighed heavily. “Well you don't have to worry about that now. She is on her way to the airport.”

“What? Why? What did you do?”

Ramón didn’t even pretend to be hurt at his friend’s question which is why Aj didn’t believe him when he said “Why does it have to be something I did?”

Aj shook his head. “I’m your best friend that’s why. So what did you do?”

“I was talking to Pauli about last night and I didn't want him to know that I liked her so I said she was a charity case I have been working on and she heard me and now she hates me.”

“I am sure she doesn’t hate you.” He said trying to console his friend.

“She threw this book at my head.” He held up the book in his hands. Aj tried to hide his smile.

“Ok yeah I can see how she can be pissed about that.

“Ya think?” Ramón indicated.

“It’s your own fault.” Aj said matter-of-factly. “You have a big mouth!”

“I know.”
Ramón rubbed his head. “I know. I screwed up.”

Aj looked at the book.

“Isn’t Catcher and the Rye your favorite book?”

“Yeah.”

Aj opened it and read.

“Ramón, so you can finally scratch this off your to do list! Thank you for everything. Love Desi! Wow.”

“What? I told her in passing that I lost my copy.”

“And she took time out of her day to go out and buy it for you.”

“How big of an idiot am I?” he asked shaking his own head at disgust within himself.

“Well think about it. Out
of all the women in the world you finally meet one who is down to earth, funny, cute, sweet, caring, sensitive and gets along with my wife. Your daughter adores her and your mother likes her and I think she’s great. She could have given you a thank you card or a hug but she got you something you wanted and needed. And you manage to screw it up. I say you surpassed being an idiot, miles ago and you’re headed towards asshole town. But there is good news for you.” He said giving his best friend some hope.

“And what is that?”

“This is fixable.”

“How?” Ramón asked willing to do whatever was necessary.

“I don't know yet. What I do know is first things first. You need to call Gia and tell her you screwed up. Because I am not going down for you.”

“Wimp.” Ramón snorted.

“Damn right. “ Aj agreed.

They began to walk further into the building but Ramón couldn’t stop looking at the door wishing she would walk back in willing to give him a second chance.

Ramón gazed over towards the campers while they ran drills. He loved the big turnout they had every year and this year was no exception. With 95 kids wanting to learn all they can from him and his fellow teammates he enjoyed seeing the eagerness they displayed. As the month and a half of camp came winding down he could already tell who with the right help could make it. He smiled down at his group of twenty kids on the court.

Ramón made it so every time he was there his daughter and Zack could be in his group; he figured he would kill two birds with one stone. Keep Maddie in his sights and learn a little more about Desiree from her son. Which turned out to be extremely easy because Zack wasn’t shy on talking about his family at all.

Ramón had already learned about Desiree’s divorce and how hard she worked so that Zack could have all he needed. He learned that she wasn’t currently dating anyone and was not interested in finding anyone. And according to her best friend she was still very angry about what happened.

Ramón didn’t understand why he cared so much. He didn’t know why since she left he had dreams of Desiree. Dreams of caressing her curvy body, of pulling her lips closer to his and tasting her. He regretted not tasting her lips at the cliff and not being able to explore her body. As he thought about it he realized the reason he cared about her being upset is because in the short time he knew her, he started to care for her. He shook his head as he blew his whistle. He needed to stay focused.