Page 13 of Without Bound
“Hey guys,” Anais sings as she steps up to where we sit. “Just wondering if either of you need anything. Uncle Nix said if I helped play hostess with Viv, that I could have a couple of Cat’s famous margaritas.”
“You know why he’s having you do that, don’tcha darlin’?” Vaughan asks, his southern twang thicker than just a moment ago.
Anais bites her plump bottom lip and shakes her head. “Because he wants me to earn my keep?”
“Nope. ‘Cause when Viv is stressed over making sure everyone has what they need, he tends to get in trouble a lot more. Your helping Viv allows Nix to stay on Little Red’s good side. I’d say if you do that, you’ve earned more than just a couple of margs.” Vaughan smiles and it’s infectious.
I watch Anais’ smile outshine the world around her. Her big round eyes sparkle, and she plays with the end of her braids, drawing attention to how close they are to her breasts.
“I’m all set. Thanks for checking, Anais,” I say quickly, and crossmy leg over the other, hiding the fact that my body is reacting like a teenager to her presence.
“Well, if you need anything, just call my name and I’ll come running,” she says, her eyelashes waving at me as they bat.
She spins on her heel and makes her way over to the edge of the pool where Dagen swims up to the edge. I watch her laugh when Day gets close enough to splash her and Jesus Christ. If I thought looking at her in a swimsuit was difficult, trying to divert my eyes while she wears awetswimsuit is the worst kind of torture.
“I think someone has a little crush.”
“What? Who? What do yo–what are you talking about?” I stutter.
Vaughan elbows me in the side and juts his chin out towards the pool. “Anais. I think she has a little crush on big ole teddy bear Bish.”
I roll my eyes and take another long pull of my beer to give me a moment to gather my wits.
“Nah,” I finally say after my brain comes up blank. “She’s just a baby. The last thing she’s looking at is an old, washed up baller who is twelve years older than her.”
“You gotta give yourself more credit, Bish. You’re a damn handsome dude and I see how women throw themselves at you. It isn’t out of reach to think a beautiful young lady would find you the same.”
“Does Cami know you’re flirting with me?” I tease. “Well that girl is a hell no. She’s too young and more importantly, she’s Nix’s niece. That’s the biggest no go if I’ve ever seen one.”
“Good. ‘Cause Nix would skin you alive if you ever laid a hand on Anais. Actually, he’ll probably do that to whomever she brings home. But at least it won’t be his best friend,” Vaughan tells me and takes another swig of his beer.
I laugh nervously and agree, “You got that right.”
I can keep my hands to myself. My thoughts-those are fair game. And that’s just where Anais will stay. In my thoughts and nothing more.
As the day turns into night, the music pouring from the speakersgoes from light and fun pop, to harder beats that make everyone dance.
Anais has continued to torture me with strutting around, happy and laughing with everyone here. She’s danced with Day, lighting up that little girl's life, and has done a good job at helping Viv which in turn helps Nix.
She’s kind and caring and full of vibrance, and I’m here in the corner being a black cloud on everyone’s day. Pouting because I want something I can’t have, and kicking myself for wanting her.
Looking at her is sweet torture and I just can’t help myself. Thank God she has put on some clothes that cover her body because I was about to drop myself to the bottom of the pool and stay there until she either left or I lost the will to fight off these feelings, anymore.
A blare of horns sounds from the speakers and Anais’ face turns from happy to over the top elated. She runs off to grab the hands of all the women –and Day– then finds a spot they can all fit.
Reggaeton music –a song I recognize as Daddy Yankee because I’m old– plays and Anais begins swirling her hips in a sexy dance.Fuck my life.As if this day couldn’t get any worse.
She starts showing the ladies some moves that Cami is quick to pick up.
“Sweetheart. You’ve never been to a Villalobos family party. This is a cakewalk,” Cami tells her.
Vivian’s little body mirrors Anais’ and CeCe, with her small belly, follows suit. Dagen laughs as she tries to keep up with fast foot movements, and all of the ladies look as if they’re having the time of their lives.
Meanwhile, all the men look to be in pain. Vaughan’s eyes watch every small shake, roll, and bend his wife makes, and I can tell he wants to be anywhere but here. Nix is watching Viv with a smirk that says he’s about two minutes from throwing us all out on our asses. Then there’s Luca. The man who is king of masking his emotions, is clenching and unclenching his hands into fists like he’s about to slam them through a wall.
CeCe turns to him and curls her fingers, beckoning himcloser. He wastes no time, eating up the distance between them in a few long strides, and pulls CeCe into his arms. The guy begins to move with his wife, matching her movements step for step.
Vaughan decides that is an open invitation for the men to join, and hurries over to Camille. Nix growls and scoops Viv up, smacking her ass, then placing her back on her feet to continue dancing. Cat looks to Hayes and I, and we both shake our heads. Unfortunately, that does not deter her.
