Page 51 of Wishing for La Luna
He looks at Luna and Sel. “That’s a lot of reason. Gotel manganzon deTito smiling con lamuela de atrás, too.”
I laugh. “He’s trying too.”
“I got a song I want you and Niko to jump on. Alos Domianthem. Dembow y Reggaeton.”
I nod, because I don’t need to hear it. What Zao says, it goes. “Vamos.”
Niko is in a mood tonight because he’s playing old reggaeton. I get to watch Luna and Sel sing Ivy Queen and yell that just because they like to dance sexy, doesn’t mean they’re trying to sleep with anyone.
I’m happy to just watch her, but when Niko spins Tego’s ode to Dominican women, I grab her and grind on her.
“I swear he wrote this song for you,” I whisper in her ear, wrapping my hand around her belly.
She tilts her head up, and I peck her lips.
Damn, I wish all these people weren’t here.
We get pulled apart after the song, and while she chats it up, I go around the room making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. She’s in deep conversation with Tito, her cousin, Niko, and Zao.
I sit on the couch, watching her with my people. It’s as if she’s known them forever, and they love her. All these days of wanting her here, and now she’s here. After how hot she was in the video today, it’s annoying having to share her.
I don’t want to be the one to break the party, because she’s enjoying herself, but man, I’m tired of all these people.
* * *
Luna
I spot Rio on the side and on his phone. Everyone is partying around him and doesn’t seem to see him there alone, so withdrawn.
His words from the stadium play in my head.I can be in a room full of people and be alone.
I cross the room and go sit by him. “What’s wrong?”
He looks up and smiles, shaking his head. “Just tired.”
“You need to go to bed.”
“I don’t want to be theagua fiestas. If you weren’t here, I would just go to my room.”
I stand up and go to the DJ. “Wrap it up.”
“But the party is not over,” she protests.
I pin her with a look. “It’s over now.”
She tells the people twice that they need to go home, but no one answers. I extend my hand, asking for the mic. “Hi, everyone. Niko’s gone. Zao went to bed. Rio has rehearsals tomorrow. You need to find another place to party. Tito, hit the lights.”
He walks to the far end of the room and works the digital light panel. The room is flooded with harsh white light.
People turn to Rio. He chuckles and shrugs. “You heardla jefa. Party’s over.”
I don’t miss the angry glances from some of the women—and even some of the guys—toward me.
“You see how easy that was? I don’t mind being the bad guy for you.”
He laughs.
“I should go too. You need to rest.” I kiss his cheek and turn, but he latches onto my hand.
