Free His Desert Rose by Deborah R. Brandon Page B

should just let it find us. When I reflect on our relationship, the times that I enjoy the most with Antonio are our times together just the two of us. It’s in those moments that we both can drop our guard and just be ourselves. No worrying about image and the proper thing to say or not to say. He is my friend first before all else. We talk about everything and it doesn’t get old. Then we have some amazing chemistry. I think that is what every married couple should desire to have, meaning someone is your homie, lover, and friend, you know,” she finished.
    Your homie?” Lisa said laughing out loud.
    “Yes, I can walk around in jogging pants and my old Dartmouth t-shirt that I love, with my hair a mess on top of my head and he still thinks that I am the most beautiful girl in the world. I feel the same about him, when comes in from a day where he was hands on in the fields and he’s sweaty and dirty, my enthusiasm of just seeing him is the same as it would be if he came home from a day in the office,” Renee answered.
    “Oh my God, that is so cool. I want a relationship like that,” Lisa said. “I am so jealous,” Lisa said animated.
    “Don’t be your time will come,” Renee said laughing along with her.
    “What does Antonio like to do in his leisure time,” Lisa asked.
    “Antonio wakes most mornings and goes for a leisurely swim in the family pool. He enjoys playing soccer with his brothers and cousins after a nice Sunday family meal. He also has friends that he loves like brothers, and they do all kinds of things together,” Renee said.
    “Can you give any hints about the wedding?” Lisa asked.
    “Awww…No,” Renee answered.
    Lisa laughed again and then said, “I had to try. Then becoming more sober she said, “I will be the first to admit that I was wrong about you. Thank you for helping me with getting my job back. Thank you for giving me this exclusive, which will probably jumpstart my career,” Lisa finished completely humbled by the experience.
    “No problem,” Renee responded.
    The ladies talked and laughed a little more before Renee walked her through the house to the front door. She was standing there, waiting for Lisa and her photographer to leave when and Antonio came up behind her.
    “Impressive, you handled yourself very well,” Antonio said. Noticing that he had startled her, he began to rub his hands cross her bare arms and then said, “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    “I just didn’t know you were there until you started talking,” Renee said with a smile, and then continued with a simple, “Thank you.”

 
    Chapter 19
    “Do you want to grab something to eat and drink before we go to your doctor’s appointment?” Antonio asked.
    “I’m starving, and I already know what I want,” Renee said.
    “Enlighten me my dear,” Antonio said teasingly.
    “A sweet Italian sausage dog with chili and onions, some fries with barbeque sauce, and a peach flavored iced tea,” Renee said with enthusiasm.
    Antonio’s smile broadens, “You are always full of surprises. I am ready if you are.”
    “Let me freshen up and I will be right out,” Renee said.
    Antonio took her into an Italian pub. The fresh spices and herbs that were cooking in a variety of sauces filled the air with a delicious aroma. It was midafternoon so the pub was not as crowded.
    The owner came over immediately, and greeted Antonio with a hug and a kiss to each cheek. Then she turned and greeted Renee in the same manner. She was a chubby motherly like lady who was full of cheer. She escorted them to their table. She spoke in rapid Italian and then stopped herself and apologized to Renee in English for her rudeness.
    Renee answered back in rapid Italian, to let her know that she spoke the language, and that she was not being rude. The owner was pleasantly surprised. Renee placed her order after Antonio. The food arrived quickly. Renee closed her eyes as she took the first savory bite. It was so good and