Romeo Is Bleeding

19

I sat on the stoop outside. I had butterflies in my stomach and I could barely breath.
"You look like some died." James laughed sitting next to me.

"I'm meeting Romeo's dad today. I'm fucking nervous." I said feeling myself get sick.
James laughed some more shaking his head.
"My Tio isn't a scary dude. Most of the time. Just be yourself he always had a soft side for pretty girls Super Nova." I swear I love that nickname.
I nodded. "Speaking of pretty girls...Ro told me about Tammy and the baby." James put his head down staying quiet. "Why didn't you tell me?" I felt like me and him were close. Every time Ro fucked up he would always bring him back home.
"It wasn't important."
"Wasn't important?! It killed me knowing you hid that. I know it hurt."
"I'm trying not to think about it if that's alright with you." He said getting upset.
I hugged him. "I'm here for you... best friend."
"Best friend? Really?"
I shrugged. "Yup me and Romeo share everything even you."
James laughed. "That doesn't even sound right. But since we're best friends ..." he pause Nova is that what you wearing to meet my tio?"
"Yes why?"
James started laughing. "My tio is a very rich man you dress..."
"Why you here?" I asked cutting him off.
"Business. So mind yours." He said walking inside the house.
Bout 15 minuets later Romeo came out with James.
"You look good baby." Ro said kissing my cheek.

"You too my love."

"Enough with all this shit. Love ewww."
Romeo pushed James and kissed me. "Get ya ass in the car 'fore I take you back inside."
I giggled hopping in the car. I saw Ro hand James a bag and a key before coming in the car.
While driving we started talking bout how nervous I was.
"What if he doesn't like me?"
"Well then imma have to break up with you." He said with a straight face.
"Romeo Sanchez I will slap the shit out of you." I yelled getting angry. He started laughing.
"I'm joking. You know. I'm all for you."
"You better be." The rest of the ride we spent listening to the radio.
"Why are we meeting your dad in San Francisco."
"He said Richmond is for the poor or some shit."
"Wow. Sounds real bougie."
"Nope he refuses to remember what it's like being broke."
I looked at him confused. "What you mean?"
"Being poor here and being poor in Cuba are two very different things." He didn't explain further.
"Is that way you sell drugs?"
"I just want him to be proud of me. To see that..."
"To see that what?"
He sighed. "To see that I'm not some stupid kid. That I can make moves and succeed."
"You're not stupid."
"Ha. Tell my father that."
I feel like I ruined the mood. Romeo never talks bout his dad now I know why.
"We're here mi amor." He said parking the car.
"Where are we?" I asked when he opened my car door.
"Acquerello."
"I don't think I'm dressed for this."I said looking at my clothes.
He kissed my cheek. "It's private room. You look beautiful." We walked in and he didn't even talk to the host just walked towards the back room. Opening up the door the atmosphere change. The happiness i just felt was clouded. I see a middle age man smoking a cigar. He was dressed in a tuxedo with a bow tie.

"Hola papá. Esta es Nova. Mi novia." (Hello dad. This is Nova . My girlfriend.)
Romeo said pulling out my chair.
"Ella es muy hermosa. Ella habla español." (She's very beautiful. She speaks spanish.)
"No dad she doesn't speak Spanish." Romeo said with attitude.
"Haha." He's father laughed deep. "La actitud sigue siendo como una puta." (Attitude still like a little bitch.).
Romeo's face hardened even more.
"I was just telling my rude son how beautiful you are Nova ."
"Thank you Mr. Sanchez." I smiled.
"Please call me Antonio." He smiled putting his cigar down. "I'm sure my son has told you about me."
"Well...."
"Don't lie to me girl. Honestly is best."
"Dad leave her be."
Antonio head snapped towards Romeo. "Was I talking to you RoRo? No? That's what I thought."
I have never seen Romeo shut up so fast. Never have I seen someone talk to him like that.
"He doesn't speak bout his family much." I say as the waiter came with drinks.
"You don't mind I order drinks. Water ok?"
"Perfect." The waiter took our orders. Romeo of course ordered for me simply because I didn't understand shit on the menu.
"I see you failed to dress up Romeo. I thought I taught you better."
"My suits aren't clean."
"Actuando audaz y estúpido hijo de hoy...I expect better." (I didn't expect your girlfriend to dress the part but you). I watched as father and son stared at each other. I witnessed my loves whole ego drop. He's father smiled and faced me.
"So Nova... Tell me about yourself."
I took a sip of water. "Well I was born in Richmond and I'm 17."
"Future profession?"
"Teacher."
"What about your family?"
"Romeo." I stated grabbing his hand.
His dad laughed. "Your real family sweetheart."
"If you mean the people who abandoned me then I don't speak of them." He nodded his head.
"Abandoned you? Who would abandon such a pretty girl?"
"Papá me refiero a dejar de!" (Dad I mean it stop). Romeo slammed his hand on the table. I guess he could sense how uncomfortable I am.
"RoRo take a walk. I send someone to get you when the food comes." Antonio said calmly.
"Your joking? No puedes pensar honestamente que voy a dejarte sola con ella." (You can't honestly think I'm going to leave you alone with her).
"Don't play with me boy. Actuando audaz y estúpido hijo de hoy. (Acting bold and stupid today son). Go!" He barked at Romeo. He slowly stands and walks out the door. "Good now we can get some real answers." He smiled at me relighting his cigar.
"Real answers?" I questioned.
"Sí. Miss Clark. Let's really talk." He said leaning forward.