Deporting Dominic (13 page)

Catching up to me Dominic pleads his case.
“Sam you are being unreasonable. I am not tallying the list of dudes you slept with and holding it against you.”

My hands are on my hips as I give him a most incredulous look.
“Oh that long list of three, which may have been longer if you hadn’t blacklisted me as a busy hag not worthy of dating.”

“You kno
w everything there is to know about me Samantha. Everything before you no longer matters. I am crazy madly in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our children. So please stop walking away from me and walk with me to my class,” Dominic shouts as he stretches his arms wide inviting me to join him.  I want to walk away, I want to run away, and cry because I am so emotional when it comes to anyone questioning our relationship. I am emotional when it comes to other women and Dominic. I’ve waited almost four years he is mine.

Hesitantly I walk towards him pouting like a child the entire distance. Wrapping his arms around me
I childishly try to retain some of my anger because I hate being so easy to persuade. Dominic gives me yet another jaw dropping passionate kiss as other students walk past. A few students cheer as we deepen the kiss. When the kiss ends he puts his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer. Externally I am not smiling. Internally I am doing cartwheels in rapid succession.  The effect this man has on me is confusing. I want to stay mad that he fucked the captain of the girls swim team but he made it obvious to all around I was his girlfriend. Geez! I still have so much to learn about relationships.

“I am sorry about all this extra stuff Dominic. I mean I am not apologizing that you and that Speedo can’t seem to stay out of trouble but this wasn’t the time for that. I want you to do well on your final exam, worry about the rest later,” I
insist sweetly.

“I shouldn’t have left you out there with her. I also should have told you about her. If the tables were turned I know I would be very angry. Samantha there is no woman you have to worry about where we are concerned except Halle Berry of course. But other than her you do not have to worry. I
love you so much,” he declares just as sweetly. I swoon more at his declaration loving him more if that is possible. 

“I love you Dominic. Now go make mama proud and ace your final exam.” I kiss him softly on the lips brandishing a broad smile afterwards. Dominic gives me a huge hug and I feel all the love he has for me.
Go suck an egg Mackenzie!

Work at home or get a mani and pedi? Mani and pedi wins out as I walk back to my car happy to purchase a bottle of water along the way from a street vender. I am rather parched after all the walking in the sweltering heat. Happiness unfolds as the air conditioner works instantaneously in my new minivan.  The drive to Tucson Mall is much more pleasant with the air blasting on me. I am debating which color I should get my nails and toes polished as I sing along to the radio. American Idol I am not!

I feel inspired for some reason perhaps graduation excitement has finally caught up with me. Inside the nail salon I am pampered from head to toe. I opt for additional services that included eyebrow and leg waxing. My bikini area is still quite content and for once I am grateful that I am incapacitated in that area right now.  I choose a soft pink color for both my nails and my toes called French Rose, as it looks so feminine. Leaving the nail salon feeling renewed I am sucked into a
nearby premium hair salon. The young woman standing outside asked me, “When was the last time you had your hair cut?” I was at a loss for an answer and went downhill from there.

After washing my hair and giving me the best scalp massage I have ever had in my life. S
everal rounds of “please do not cut my hair too short”, I finally relent and allow Amy to cut and style my hair. I am beyond nervous as she layers my hair and clips my ends. Amy reassures me throughout by showing me the amount of hair she removes. When she is finished I hardly recognize the woman in the mirror. My curly ebony locks are now in layers that resemble pretty waves.

“Oh my goodness Amy it’s beautiful. I love my hair great job,” I admit covering my mouth slightly beset by the beauty that is my hair. I promise Amy I will be back in two weeks and happily pay the money for my hair with a nice tip. I will bring Morgan back after her gymnastic
camp ends.

My cell phone rings and I answer with glee. “Hello baby.”

“Hey baby. I just arrived home and you were not here. Where are you,” Dominic implores.

“I decided to pamper myself as a graduation gift. I am getting all girlie’d.” I laugh not wanting to reveal exactly what I have done to myself. 

“Do you want me to pick up the kids?” He knows I am still peeved from earlier and is working to get on my good side.

“Yes that would be great! Baby
, how did your final exam go?”

I
feel light-headed from all the fumes I have been exposed to in the last few hours. I realize that I really need to eat. Immediately I make my way over to one of the chain restaurants for some much needed sustenance. 

“I did great. I told you that final was a no-brainer. I am officially done with my undergraduate studies.” Dominic sounds excited as the tension of the last few weeks is finally released.  I just hope that if we have to discuss what happened earlier it will not lead to another huge fight.

I order a chicken sandwich with a side salad at a local restaurant. I look over my nails and down at my toes while I wait for my waitress to bring my food. It occurs to me that I should get a nice outfit to wear to graduation. It will be the first time that I will be introduced to Dominic’s family as his girlfriend, not just his best friend.  I take out my checkbook and log my expenses of the day. Carefully I calculate my remaining balance and give myself a quick spending budget. I am satisfied that I am in a safe place financially to make additional purchases. I am more than satisfied when my waitress brings my food. With ravenous fervor I devour my chicken sandwich and salad. 

I generally do not spend a lot of time milling from store to store when I shop.  I usually like to get in and get out but today I take my time to choose just the right outfit to wear underneath my graduation gown.  I am in and quickly out of several shops before I decide to make a purchase.
When the saleswoman brings me the dress I am hesitant about how it will look on me.  It is not until I try on the dress that I realize that I have lost a few pounds. My initial perception is the weight loss is nothing spectacular, until I see myself in the dress.  The dress is bold, flirty, and very sexy so unlike me. I guess so unlike the old me.

This purchase is
courageous but I am in love with the bright yellow chiffon dress I have chosen.  It looks amazing against my skin and I feel strangely confident enough to wear the dress. It has crisscross straps that leave my back fully exposed. Deciding I did not want to fall down at graduation I choose a pair of silver rhinestone Steven Madden thong sandals. Completing my look I opt for silver earrings, a long necklace, and cuff bracelet.

It occurs to me
before I walk happily out of the mall that perhaps I should pick up Dominic something new to wear for graduation. I feel a bit selfish having pampered myself all day with no regard for anyone else. Morgan, Charlie, and Bryce received new items the last time Sidney was here. My previous purchase of shirts for Dominic has gone unnoticed by him or he has not mentioned them.  Today I decide on grey cotton pants and blue cotton plaid shirt with black Kenneth Cole slip-on loafers.  I complete Dominic’s look with a pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses.  Now I can leave the mall with a clear conscience regarding my purchases.

When I walk into my apartment I see the well-oiled machine that I have nurtured and loved.  The kids are seated around our rectangular dining table with Dominic eating dinner. I phoned to let them know they could start dinner without me. I was still pretty full from my meal at the mall so I did not want to make them wait for me.  Everyone turns to gawk at me with utter disbelief as I enter the apartment. 

“Mom wow! Look at your hair.
” Morgan is the first to respond.

“You look great mom,” Charlie adds shaking his head vigorously. 

“Thanks guys. I was trying something different,” I said smiling brightly.  Dominic just stares at me and I search his face for approval. I am not immediately finding it, which gives me some pain. 
“He doesn’t like it,”
I think to myself.  I make an excuse to leave the room to put up my purchases.

“What else did you buy? Can I see?” Morgan is practically radiating with glee. 

“I bought something for us to wear to graduation. You can see it tomorrow, no peeking,” I respond indicating myself and Dominic. He still remains mute but his eyes are locked on me as I slip into our room.  I place our clothes still hanging in the plastic bags inside the closet.  Our shoes are sitting on the bed and my bladder urges me to wait to put them away. 

Upon exiting the bathroom I am confronted by Dominic. His hand immediately slips to my cheek as he gives me a passionate kiss similar to
the one I received earlier.  My knees quiver as his tongue invades my mouth with expert proficiency.  I am unaware of the sounds emanating from the other room. The only thing that makes sense to me right now is this kiss, which is bringing me to my knees. I moan into Dominic’s mouth as he continues his relentless pursuit of my lips.

“You have always been beautiful to me Sam. Right now what I see is happiness all over your face. I know today started off a little rocky but I hope that I am at least partly responsible for this happiness I see in you,” Dominic murmurs against my lips. 

“I am happy Dominic in spite of earlier today. My kids are healthy and happy. I finally have you,” I replied softly looking into his eyes. 

“Samantha it may have been the green card that got this started but that’s not why I want to be with you. I love you so much and watching you wa
lk into the apartment I realize what a lucky man I am.  It’s not just the haircut you look simply breathtaking to me.”

I blush considerably under his words. “Thank you Dominic. You absolutely take my breath away. I love you more than I can put into words. I finally have my complete family.”

“Oh by the way Sidney and Mario just got here,” he said indicating the living room with a nod of his head.  Finally the excited sounds reach my ear. I forcibly pull myself away from Dominic’s hold.  Before I exit the room he pulls me back for an additional quick kiss.
How am I to remain abstinent around this man?

“Look mommy aunt Slidney is here,” Bryce shrieks. He always pronounces Sidney’s name with an ‘L’ in it. Sidney puts Bryce down to gawk at me
and my new haircut.

“Look at you Samantha
wow! Your hair looks fabulous,” she exclaimed before encircling me in her arms. 

“Thanks Sidney,” I exclaim back. “I just thought I would try something different.”

“I love it Sam. What do you think Dominic?” Sidney asked looking sweetly up at Dominic. 

“I always thought she was beautiful and this new hair style just adds to that.”  His words make me flush outwardly but inwardly I’m dying to become this man’s wife. Eventually we all sit around the table laughing and catching up talking about the graduation.

Saturday g
raduation day is a miss mash of family, happiness, and celebrations.  Dominic’s family arrived at six thirty in the morning looking for a place to rest from their drive. Their hotel would not be ready until after three pm.  We had to accommodate two uncles, one aunt, and five cousins while we were all running around getting dressed. 

“Yes
Uncle Winston we have to be there before eight thirty. We have Dominic’s family here now so if you all just want to meet us there that would be great,” I said into my cell phone. 

“We wanted pictures before we got to the graduation Samantha,” he replies sadly. 

I relent, “Ok fine we are almost dressed the kids are eating breakfast. Dominic and I have to be there at eight fifteen.”

I close the phone and drop it into my purse as I unbuckle Bryce from his seat. I rush him to their bathroom and clean him up. 

“Mommy wash my hair please it’s dirty,” Bryce whines.

“Mommy can’t wash your hair today sweetie. We do not have enough time. I promise tonight you can play in the tub all you like,” I respond to Bryce’s whining.  This does not calm his whining about his hair
as he begins his tantrum. I am beyond grateful when Dominic intervenes.  I leave my crying son for Dominic to deal with while I go pack a bag for him.

“Morg where is Bryce’s backpack. I want to put some snacks in it for him,” I yell into her
room. 

“By the door mom,” she yells back. I see the bag and I stuff a baggie of pretzels, several drink boxes, and his workbook.  When Bryce gets bored he gets loud I want to make sure he is sated during the ceremony.

“Miss Samantha is there anything I could help you with?” Dominic’s aunt Rosa asked.

“Thank you Aunt Rosa but I think we have it under control now. Dominic is the only one that can handle Bryce,” I laugh as she does. We both turn to see Dominic come out of the bathroom with Bryce fully dressed. I stick out my tongue at both he and Bryce for their efforts. 
The remainder of Dominic’s family is sitting on the couch watching television staying out of the way. 

Morgan emerges wearing one of her new sundresses looking simply beautiful. Charlie recycles his graduation outfit and joins Morgan at the dining room table ready to leave. Bryce is playing with his trucks while Dominic and I escape to our bedroom. I notice that his cousins watch us as we head inside. 

Dominic stops me from my frantic race embracing me in his arms. “Calm down baby.”

“I know
baby,” I said hugging him tightly inhaling his amazing scent. We are already both showered so we just have to get dressed. 

“I hope you like the clothes I chose. If not you can wear something that you already have.”

“I am wearing what you bought.” He said smiling down at me. “I love you Sammie.”

“I love you so much Dominic. I do not know what I would do without you.”

I lotion my legs and slip into a pair of black panties despising being a girl right now with a bright yellow dress.  Dominic steps out of the bathroom with his grey slacks and blue shirt sans shoes and my mouth falls open.

“Damn you look good baby,” I squeal as he approaches me.

“Damn you do too,” he laughs.  I hit him playfully on the arm as I am only wearing black panties.  Dominic reaches in for kisses and cops a feel of my exposed breasts. I love being wrapped in his arms it’s a feeling of being safe. A low moan escapes my lips as he continues to kiss me and gently massage my breast. I allow my hand to slip casually down happy to find that he is definitely aroused. I abruptly stop because I remember we are supposed to practice abstinence until our wedding night.

“Don’t stop Sammie
. It’s been a minute,” he begs in a hoarse whisper.  I allow my hand to touch him once more. We are not going to have sex surely heavy petting is allowed. I finally tear myself away from him and his breathing is ragged. The look in his eyes is absolutely animalistic making my blood boil literally in my veins. Dominic wants me really bad and the feeling is mutual. I walk away before we do something crazy and slip into my dress. Dominic puts on his loafers before zipping up the back of my dress for me. He is sure to take his slow sweet time allowing his fingers to gently run the length of my naked back.  I cannot face Dominic right now heading immediately for my new jewelry.  I slip into my thong sandals fastening the strap around my ankle grateful for my pedicure.  Making my way to the bathroom I give my layered locks a quick once over with an airbrush then add some lip-gloss and I am done. 

“Samantha you look absolutely gorgeous,” Dominic sighs. “I am so glad you are
mine.”

I do my usual blushing under his compliment and return the compliment right back. Dominic looks like he is ready for a GQ magazine photo shoot. The
grey and blue complement his bronze color and unruly black curly hair perfectly.

“I am so glad you are all
mine,” I said wrapping my arms around his waist.

When we emerge from the bedroom all eyes are upon us with a few gaped mouths. 

“Mom you look fantastic,” Charlie said first. “Dominic way to go dude.”

“Thanks baby,” I beam. Morgan is standing with her mouth open but her
hands make a twirling motion. I turn to show her the back of the dress. 

“I am so borrowing that dress. Mom you look freakin hot,” Morgan
said proudly. 

“My mommy and daddy look good,” Bryce chimes in
.  The buzzer rings and we know that my family has arrived.  Dominic’s family has already started taking pictures of him with various family members as I let in my family.  We now have an apartment filled with my Uncle Winston and Aunt Camille, my two aunts from my mom’s side of the family, and my other uncle and his girlfriend.  Thankfully they left all but one of my cousins at home. We definitely did not have any more tickets to spare for additional family. 

“Wow look at you cousin,” Briana my cousin
said hugging me tightly. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks Bri-Bri,” I
replied beaming. “Everyone this is my boyfriend Dominic and his family.” There are handshakes and pleasant exchanges all around.  My Uncle Winston and Aunt Camille both give me a look and I pull them to the side. 

“Sorry I didn’t tell you. We were just trying to see if this was going to work. And it works very well. I love him,” I
said as if I am defending myself.

“I figured something was going on Bryce talks about him more than usual,” Camille retorts smiling. “So long as you’re happy dear.”

“I really am happy. Dominic is a good man.” I look at my overwhelmed boyfriend and give him a reassuring smile.  I am happy he gives me one back with an extra wink of his eye.  The round of pictures seems to last forever and I am so happy when Sidney and Mario arrive.

“Samantha Nicole Gable what has gotten into you lately,” Sidney
said in a faux no nonsense voice. “I mean we know who has gotten into you.”

“Sidney
, please! Dominic’s family and my family are here.” I hit her playfully on the arm.

“Dominic
, grab our cap and gowns. We are all leaving for McKale Center now everyone.”