The Promise He Made.

Chapter 24

"So Aria where is this hot boyfriend of yours?" Tara asked as she takes a bite of her food.

"He's probably at home," I said. She nods.

"Is he the one that ran off earlier?" She asked.

"He had to go to work," I said.

"Really? Where does he work?" She asked? I look at Violet and Gale.

"He works from home. It's his own business where he's his own boss." Gale answered. She looks at him and back at me.

"Cool. So why didn't he join us for dinner?" She asked.

"He's coming over after. Hey, maybe Rico can come with." I suggested. Violet smiled.

"Yes. We can go for a dip in the pool." She said.

"There's a pool?" Tara asked.

"Two actually," Violet said. She looks at her.

"I'm so game." She said. I smile.

"You'll like Rico. He's kinda a flirt but a sweetheart." I said.

"Oh, so you're setting me up with him?" She asked.

"No, introducing him you can choose to date him if you like," I said. She rolls her eyes.

"I highly think I'm going too. He doesn't really sound like my type of guy." She said.

"Just give him a chance," Violet said. She nods.

"Ok." She said. I smiled.

"I'm gonna give Miguel a call," I said getting up. I dial his number and he picks up on the third ring.

"Hey, beautiful." He said. I smile.

"It's almost 7," I said.

"Afraid I'm not gonna make it?" He asked.

"Oh, I know you're going to make it or no kisses for a week." I threatened.

"Well, I guess I better get moving huh?" He asked.

"Yup. Oh and grab your swim trunks and bring Rico." I said

"I thought you said you were just kidding about finding him irresistible?" He said.

"Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't." I joked.

"Hmm?" He said.

"Tara wants to meet him," I said.

"That sounds better." He said. I giggle. "I'll be there shortly." He said.

"See you soon," I said. The phone hangs up and I walk back into the kitchen.

"Is lover boy going to make it? It's almost 7." Gale said. I look at the time which read 7:49.

"He better," I said. He shakes his head.

"Five bucks says he makes it a minute after." He said.

"Five bucks says he's in the door by 7," I said. He holds out his hand.

"Deal." He said. I shake his hand.

"Deal," I said. He chuckles.

"Better have my money ready." He said getting up taking his plate to the sink.

"How far does he live?" Tara asked.

"20 minutes away if your driving," Violet said.

"Well, I think it's safe to say that Gale's got this in the bag," Tara said. Violet looks at me.

"Five bucks says Aria wins." She said.

"Five bucks says Gale wins," Tara said. I shake my head.

"Thanks, Sis. But I think you may have just lost $5." I said taking care of my plate.

"You shouldn't underestimate your boyfriend." She said.

"Says the one who just betted against hers," Gale said. She looks at him.

"Sorry baby." She said giving him a kiss.

"I'm going to get my bathing suit on," I said.

"I'm gonna wait at the door," Gale said. I shake my head at his weirdness. I run up the steps while watching the clock hit 7:58. I sigh and open my door.

"Hey, beautiful," Miguel said while he laid on my bed. I giggle. I hold up my pointer finger. I peek my head out my door.

"Gale I'll take that $5 in cash," I said. I heard him run up the stairs and look at Miguel.

"Fuck." He said digging in his pocket. He takes out his wallet and hands me a $5.

"Thanks," I said. He groans while walking away.

"Do I want to know what that was about?" Miguel asked. I close my door.

"He betted me that you wouldn't make it and he lost $5," I said.

"Well, you did kinda threaten me," Miguel said pulling me to him. I giggle.

"I have to get my bathing suit on," I said. He smiles.

"Can I watch?" He asked. I hit his chest.

"You may be a gentleman and put my blanket over your head," I said. He sighs.

"Buzzkill." He said. He kisses my cheek. "I'm gonna go downstairs with Rico so he doesn't think I left him alone." He said. I give him a weird look.

"You climbed through the window and he used the front door?" I asked. He nodded.

"I'm not letting him climb into my girl's room." He said. I smile. "Ok, get up so I can get out or we aren't leaving this room." He said. I sigh.

"What if I don't want to leave this room?" I played. He smirked.

"Stop teasing me." He said.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked. His smirk dropped. And he looked down.

"How about I save you the question and tell you yes I have had sex." He said. I swallowed dryly.

"Not what I was going to ask," I said. He looks up at me. "You're the leader of the cartel I didn't expect you to be a virgin," I said. He leans back. "How many girls have you slept with?" I asked. He looked away. "That bad huh?" I asked. He looks at me.

"I'm not proud of my past. If I could change it I would." He said.

"I'm sorry for asking," I said feeling bad.

"Are you a virgin?" He asked. I looked into his eyes.

"No," I said. He took a deep breath. "I lost my virginity at a boat party cause I was drunk," I said. He nods.

"Do you know who it was?" He asked.

"No." I lied.

"Was he your only?" He asked.

"No, Gale had this friend that I use to date. His name was Miles. We dated for 5 months Senior year." I said. He nods.

"Ok. So only two people?" He asked.

"Yup." I said.