It was eight o'clock in the morning and they barely slept. Angelica looked around and didn't see Falio. So, she got dressed and went up to the roof where she saw him leaning against the rail smoking.
"Lilo..." she said approaching him.
"Don't say it, Angelica. I don't want to hear it."
"Please let me say what I need to say."
When he turned and looked at her, his eyes were watery from crying.
"Falio, I love you. I love you very much," she said, hugging him.
"I love you, too."
"Thank you for everything. I had a really good time with you. You made me feel special."
He held her tight and said, "You are, Angelica. Never forget that."
"I won't."
"You're the love of my life. I love taking care of you and feeling like your man. You've made me the happiest man alive these past few days. You deserve what I gave you and much more."
Her eyes watered as they kissed like it was the last time.
"See you at the house," she said leaving him near the rail looking out onto the ocean.
Angelica went home and got some sleep. Around 3:00 p.m., her phone rang. It was Asila screaming, wondering where she was. Angelica apologized and jumped up. She called Claudia and told her to get ready. Then, she showered, got dressed and they left.
As they approached her parents' house, there were dozens of Little Mermaid balloons floating high. They parked and got out. Angelica loved everything!
As guests walked through the front gate, two life size Little Mermaid cut-outs with dozens of balloons sat on each side with a huge "Happy Birthday" sign between them. To the left of the front yard were tons of stacked balloons giving the illusion of big bubbles with a mini pool filled with toys and more character cut-outs. To the right were balloon arches with shooting bubbles that created a walkway to the backyard.
"Oh my God, Angelica," said Claudia.
"I know. I love it!"
The backyard was like Little Mermaid world. The pool mimicked the sea with large Little Mermaid fixtures, toy boats, seashells and stacked balloons that looked like bubbles. There were two Little Mermaid bounce houses along with a sno cone, popcorn and cotton candy machines. The tables were dressed in green and orange colored linens with Ariel's face and lots of ruffles. The chair covers matched along with the centerpieces and goodie boxes. The candy station had different theme-colored candy with Little Mermaid characters on them. And all of the Little Mermaid characters walked around, greeted the kids and took pictures at the photo station.
"Nina!" yelled Angelica.
Nina saw her Titi and ran to her. Nina looked too cute in an orange pleated skirt with a sparkly green tanktop made of shells. She wore custom-made Little Mermaid sandals and an Ariel tiara. Angelica gave her a gold necklace with her name on it and gold bangles.
More than twenty-five kids showed up. They were very entertained playing games, dancing, face painting and riding the train. There was pizza, chicken nuggets, burgers, hot dogs and chips in the mini buffet. And the three-tiered, green and orange Ariel cake sat in its own area with cake pops and cupcakes on each side.
Angelica got a text from Austin. It said, "I'm sorry. I get it. Turn on the radio." She ran inside and turned on the radio in her mom's room. Asila, Alina, Claudia and Alicia all sat with her listening. Austin was doing a radio interview at Power 96.
The female DJ asked Austin questions about retiring from football, his current business ventures and his personal life. Austin admitted he was in love, but never said the woman's name. He also confessed that he messed up and hoped that by telling the world how he felt it would make things right. He was officially ripping up his player's card. She congratulated him and his lucky lady, whoever she was. Then, she promoted the club on South Beach where he'd be making a guest appearance and warned the ladies he was officially off the market.
"What are you going to do?" asked Asila smiling.
Before she could answer, her phone rang. It was Austin. He asked if he could come to see her. She agreed and gave him her parents' address.
An hour later, he came with flowers for Angelica, her three sisters, her mother and Nina. He also got Nina five hundred dollars in a birthday card. Angelica took him to met her father. Alfredo was super excited about the box of cigars Austin bought him. Both of her parents liked him.
Angelica left Austin talking to her parents while she played a game with the kids. It gave them a chance to get to know him a little better. If they were going to be serious, her parents had to approve.
Halfway through the party, Angelica slipped away to talk to Austin. He immediately apologized about Gloria. It shouldn't have ever happened. He should've been more professional while conducting business rather than flirting and kissing another woman. She accepted his apology. He also apologized about the women at the club. He was asked to sit with them as part of endorsing the club, however, he should've refused.
Then all hell broke loose. Angelica's uncle came to the party with his mistress. His wife was there with his ex-wife, who was Angelica's aunt. The two wives became cool because of the kids. But Angelica's other uncle saw the mistress and called out her name. This started an argument because it turned out the mistress had been with both uncles and they didn't know. She didn't even know they were related.
Falio and his crew walked in with a big gift box. When he saw Angelica, he got mad. He looked at Austin like he wanted to hurt him.
"Tío...tío..." yelled Nina running to him.
"Nina! Nina!" screamed Falio smiling, picking her up.
They exchanged hugs and kisses. She was happy because he bought her a bike.
Angelica and Austin tried to talk, but there were too many interruptions. So, she agreed to meet up with him later. Besides, he had to go get ready for the club.
By nighttime, the kid's party turned into an adult party. Angelica danced with her father as Colin danced with Alicia. Alina thought it was so cute. Ariana tried dancing with Falio, but he got as far away from her as possible.
By 9:30 p.m., the clean-up crew was there to tear everything down and take all of the props. That was Angelica's cue to leave. She kissed her parents bye and told them she'd be back the next day. Claudia ended up leaving with Nico.
Falio followed behind Angelica to the car.
"Hey," he said getting her attention.
"Oh my God! You scared me," she said with her hand on her chest.
"I'm sorry, Baby."
"What's up?"
"Stay with me tonight...please."
"Falio..."
"Just think about it. I'm not going to pressure you. I'll be waiting for you at the hotel. I'm not going out. I'll be there all night if I have to Angelica," he said kissing her lips.
He left.
YOU ARE READING
The Betting Game
Roman d'amourAngelica Zambrano was a beautiful Latin goddess who had the potential to dominate the corporate world. She was smart, educated and knew how to handle her business. However, she had a weakness that always spiced life up...men. They loved her and sh...
