No Ordinary Love

Chapter 6

***NOT EDITED****

Zayra felt the energy of the place, everyone showing up to celebrate her day. She looked at her mother who looked regal in her dress. Her color brilliant as she mingled with the guests. Her siblings acting as perfect angels. She saw Rudy and Maite in the corner giggling. Carlos and Aida spoke in hush tones looking up at Zayra and smiling.

Julian played with the other kids around the house. Marina held the baby, gushing over how pretty she was. Her baby was Rudy and he was already 16. She looked at her husband with the same look that most ladies gave their husband when they wanted another baby. He insisted that they'd be grandparents soon.

Don Xavier stood at the end speaking to his guests in a semi-circle. Engaging them all in conversation. His persona exuded confidence. People gravitated around him, watching him speak with ease.

The only one who looked as if they were not having a good time was Roman. She didn't know what was wrong with him. She thought he was probably tired. He was extra gloomy. She tried to talk to him but he only stared at her with his intense brown eyes. He looked angry, she didn't know what she had done but she didn't want his mood to dampen her spirits so she ignored him.

After a while, dinner was served. They had all been by the pool, heaters on warming their skin from the cool night. The colors of twilight illuminating the sky. Lourdes and Marina had insisted in seating arrangements. Roman decided to ignore them and sat next to her, Carlos sat across from her and Aida sat next to Roman.

Marina and Lourdes frowned on the three who had rudely taken someone else's place, making them shuffle to find a new seat. Carlos, Aida and Zayra continued with their easy conversation. Aida occasionally tried to bring Roman into their conversation. She teased him, scolded him, pleaded with him too coquettish for Zayra's taste but yet he remained brooding.

She looked at Rudy who smiled sheepishly at her. He sat next to Maite and they continued to have their own conversation. Maite smiled happily at Zayra. She had already dreamt of a double wedding to the brothers in her head. She had yet to notify Zayra about her plans.

Zayra looked at Roman who looked downcast. She released a breath in frustration. She was starting to get angry at him.

Their dinner was scrumptious and dessert was delectable, the conversation flowed easily amongst all the guests.

After this, the men retreated to another room to talk about business. Roman knew it was his cue to follow. He waited for Carlos to go first before standing too. He looked down at Zayra who continued to ignore him. He leaned in to her ear, hearing her intake of breath.

"Zayra, I need to talk to you."

"Oh now you do" she turned lazily at him. Her green eyes glowing.

His jaw tensed. He didn't want to loose the easy care free nature that had developed between the two recently.

"Yes." he said softly.

She sighed, trying to find patience. "Okay Roman." she dismissed him, continuing her conversation with the person to her left.

He hesitated, saw Aida's huge wicked grin and followed the men out.

"What's his problem?" Aida grumbled as she sat next to Zayra.