Angel of Mine (Completed)

Chapter 10

“So did you find anything about that bitch who wants to steal my goldmine?” 

Calixta was getting antsy by the minute.  She can’t let anybody move in on her one shot to saving the family from shame.  If only her stupid father would keep away from the gambling tables, none of this would have happened.  It’s a shame she prefers older men, otherwise Lathan would have been a perfect guy.  She found him too boring.  She was swirling her wine glass and turned to look on her lover as they were sprawled on the living room carpet of Dominic’s apartment, waiting for his answer.

“As I have told you, she is a student at the university.  She is competing at the intercollegiate meet next week and she is representing the school.  What would you have me do to her to get rid of her?  She is just an innocent girl.”  He said as he caressed her bare back.

“There is nothing innocent about that girl.  She wants in on the family riches so she is using her silly good girl charms on Lathan.  He hasn’t been around the house lately and has not been talking to his mother.  If he doesn’t marry me, there is no way I can get my share of his fortune.  I don’t think you realize how this can jeopardize everything!” 

“Not true sweetheart.  Don’t be upset.  If you are really serious about this then all we have to do is just make her lose the competition and she loses her scholarship.  I’ll take care of it.  Now hush and give me a kiss like you mean it.”

*****

Lathan and I were seated at the porch swing when dad came home.  I didn’t think he had much to drink.  Maybe he just wanted me to sort things out with Lathan.  I could recall what he said to me this morning.

“Lathan is beside himself with worry for you squirt. I am pretty sure you have him eating at the palm of your hand with how much out and out he shows that he cares and loves you.  I am not going to tell you what to do because you are a smart girl.  You can figure things out.  All I can say is that, a man who looks at you the way I used to look at your mother when she was still around definitely earns my approval.  Don’t be blind to see it sweetie. Give yourself the chance to be happy like I was with your mother.”

“Why did you do it?”  I turned to look at Lathan.  His arm that was resting on my shoulder fell to his knee but not without holding my hand again.  He has been really touchy feely since that moment in the kitchen.  That kiss said it all for me.  I know soul deep that this man loves me.  But can I really cope with how things will change in terms of our friendship?  Sure I am still in love with him in spite of all the secrets but can I deal with the fact that he is a Worthington?  People will definitely think I want in on his money.  Plus the fact that there is really nothing official about us.

He sighed and with his thumb caresses my cheek down to my jaw.  “I never wanted to keep things from you especially when I first realized what I feel for you.  I know I had a lot of chances to tell you but part of me wanted to dwell and enjoy the simplicity of being with you.  The simplicity of you knowing I am just a pool cleaner.  Part of me was worried that once you learn who I really am that you would turn away and stop being my friend.  I can’t have that, Cerise.  Call me selfish but there was no other time that has made my day complete just by being with you.”

“Who are you really?  I want to know everything and please no more secrets.”  I implored.

“Well you already know my real name.  I went to Stanford U for my business degree which was expected of me since I was going to inherit the family business.  My mom is also an astute financial analyst but doesn’t want the hard work.  She and I are really not that close since I was mostly brought up by my grandfather and the house staff.  Even as I took the helm, my mother has been breathing down on my neck about marrying and I felt suffocated, trapped and that made me feel empty.  There was something missing in my life that I impulsively decided to take on the life of the people around me.   I thought back then how happy they genuinely live their lives even when some of them were just earning enough to support their families.  I was this lonely boy with a big house to myself and felt --- nothing.”

 I stared into space as I again realize how it was like growing up alone.

“My father died when I was very young.  My grandfather was the only voice of reason I grew up with.  He had humble beginnings and that is why he remain to be a respected educator and philanthropist until now.  The university was his baby.  He made sure that students didn’t get to be burdened by expensive fees and still get the best education they can get.  He said it was his way of giving back to society.  I remember he would take me to all the charitable institutions and I met children who were suffering from cancer and saw how their faces would light up when they see my grandfather.  He would spend time talking to them and cheering them up.  He and I have attended all the funerals of the kids who passed on and I kept my promise to him that I will see to their needs until I pass it on to my own children when the time comes.”  At the mention of children I looked at her and secretly conveying how I would like her to be my future.

She must have caught on to what I was implying and she blushes which made her face look more radiant.  She looked away and was biting her lip as she contemplates on what I just said. 

“But where does Calixta come into play?”  She asked without looking at me.

“Calixta is nothing to me.  Her father was a close friend of the family.  I never dated her or treated her more than I would treat a friend or a sister.”

“Yeah right, because she is dating someone else.”  Cerise rolled her eyes.

“What do you mean, dating someone else?”

“Lath, I’m sorry to have to tell you but at the function at Milton before your mom announced your engagement to her, your fiancé was getting it on with Mr. Carrington.  It totally freaked me out.”

“She is not my fiancé and she can screw who ever she wants for all I care.”   I said to her as I gritted my teeth.

“Yes, you’re right.  You just said so.  But it still does not change the fact that your mom announced it to a lot of people and it could most probably be out in the papers.  I don’t think there is much of a choice for you Lathan.”

“I will fix it.  You have my word.  Angel, you are all I want.”  I pleaded.

“Come on Lathan, what could you possibly want more when you have everything?”  I heard Cerise say.

I turned to face her fully and held both of her hands, I squeezed it and looked her in the eye and said,

“You’re wrong Cerise, I don’t have everything.”

“Impossible.”  She whispered before she got up and walked and leaned to the post.

I followed her and snaked my arms around her.  She leaned against my chest in resignation.             I smiled and whispered to her.  “I don’t have everything--- because I don’t have You.”

A/N:  Thank you for still reading this.  I know its a cliche story but if you think others will enjoy it, feel free to share and vote if you think its worthy.