“And while we’re on the subject of dildos, why have you always had such a hard on for me? I get it. I was the baby of the group. Big fucking whoop. But why do you take every opportunity to try to knock me down a peg when you see me? Why always pick on me?” I demand.
Priscilla’s eyes turn into slits. “Oh please. Spare me the victim card, Amelia. You don’t seem to mind being the baby of the group when everyone dotes on you, or when you get special attention from everyone… even Evan.”
“Evan? Is this really about Evan? It can’t be. You couldn’t have been this much of a bitch to me for this long over a guy who has only recently shown me any attention publicly.”
She chuckles darkly. “Publicly. Is that a joke? I’ve seen how Evan has looked at you for years, Amelia. YEARS! And what do you do when a handsome, successful and rich guy can’t take his eyes off of you? Oh yeah, you up and date another handsome, successful and soon to be rich guy. It’s like you think you’re so much better than all of us. As if you could do better than Evan. But clearly with the way he left today, he hopefully saw whatever it is he needed to see to break free from whatever trance you’ve put him under.” She rolls her eyes victoriously.
“You think that I think I’m better than everyone?! Is that a fucking joke?!” I say louder than I intended, garnering us a few stares from the cousin crew. “Living in your shadows has given me a freaking good girl complex! Always making sure my actions seem to please others while holding back what I really want to do. Who I really am! Worrying about the ‘qué dirán’, the ‘what will people say’…” I close my eyes and try to ignore the blatant stares from everyone I know. “But that ends now. From this moment forward, this is the Amelia that you will be confronted with from now on. I’m now in the business of matching people’s energy, and doing whatever the hell I want. So you remember that the next time you try to pull one of your stunts on me.” I grab my empty glass and turn to leave a seething Priscilla. “Oh, and one last thing. Stay the hell away from Evan. He and his penis want nothing to do with you. He told me himself.” I wink at Priscilla as I finally saunter my way back to the bar, imitating Priscilla’s signature walk.
Maybe I should have let her know that this new Amelia is also openly petty.
* * *
I hear the pub door open, and I’m not sure if this man is walking in slow motion, or if I’m just that drunk, but he makes quite the entrance.
I need to squint to focus. Why does he look familiar?
He’s tall, tanned and I can spot tattoos peeking out from under the collar of his dress shirt, and his hands. Do I even know anyone with more than a handful of tattoos?
His dark brown eyes match his well styled wavy hair. Shorter on the sides, but longer on the top.
He locks eyes with me and slowly breaks into a megawatt grin.
Oh my God. Is that…
“Wow. Amelia, is that you?” he says to me.
“Julian? Julian Vasquez?” My mouth drops.
He releases a deep laugh. “The one and only. Damn it’s good to see you.” He pulls me in for a hug. Gosh he smells good.
“How have you been?” He releases me, but grabs my hand. It sizzles under his touch.
“I’m good. It’s actually my birthday today.” I shrug shyly.
His eyes glimmer. “Really? Well happy birthday.” He smiles, but then grows serious. “I heard about your mother’s passing. She was a lovely woman. So sorry about her loss.” He pauses. “I also lost my mom to cancer, so I get how painful it can be.”
“Oh no. Doña Fela was a sweetheart. I’m so sorry Julian.” I squeeze his hand.
Julian smiles, but I start to feel a bit unsettled. I shouldn’t be holding another man’s hand. Evan just left two hours ago. Guilt consumes me so I drop his hand and hold my drink instead.
Julian looks up and I can tell Antonio is standing behind me. Ever the protective bodyguard.
“Anyways, I was just picking up a to-go order. Heard the wings are great here,” he says while looking directly over my shoulder at Antonio.
He grabs a large paper bag filled with food, then turns back to me.
“It was great running into you Amelia, we should catch up sometime.” He winks, and I hear Antonio grunt.
“Yeah, nice seeing you too, Julian!” I say as he starts walking away.
He reaches the door and gives me one final wave.
Wow. Julian Vasquez.
The man who gave me my first kiss.
36
