Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (26 page)

“It sounds as if that man and I say the term loosely, has his hands full. Hopefully, you and your mom don’t cross his mind.” Nina does her best to console me.

“You know, Blanco has twins, a son and a daughter. His son works for him and has a reputation of being just as ruthless. There hasn’t been much documentation about the girl. She’s in her early twenties. I’m assuming she uses an alias for protection.” I state.

“Wow. That’s crazy.” Nina has a perplexed expression on her lovely features. She curiously asks, “Hey, quick question. So, is it safe to assume the initials K.O. on your tiger represent Kaitlyn O’Neill?”

For some reason, I laugh. “Yes. When I graduated high school, my mom felt horrible about not allowing me to fulfill my dreams. To ease her guilt and let her know that I loved her unconditionally, I got the tattoo of a tiger that represents my mom. The tiger’s expression is fierce because that’s how my mom is, she has done everything, and will do anything to protect me…I’m her cub.” I shrug my shoulders.

“That’s sweet, Josh. You’re a good son. I’ve always wanted tattoos, but since I recently became comfortable in my own skin, I felt it would be best to wait. Besides, I haven’t found anything that is meaningful and artistic. One day, I’ll decorate my body when I find the right inspiration.” Nina looks at me and bites the bottom of her lip, contemplating something. “Okay, to show you that I want to build on our trust foundation and really develop a friendship with you, I’ll tell you the little I know about my grandfather and father.”

I interject. “You don’t have to. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to hear it, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable telling me.”

“I want to. Now, don’t interrupt. I’m afraid I’ll lose my courage.” She giggles clearly from being nervous. “When my mom was growing up, she was financially well off, she was surrounded by money and all the luxuries she could ever hope for. According to my mom, she met my father when she was twenty-one attending school at NYU. They met when she was on her way to school one day and formed a long distance relationship. He would occasionally stop by in New Jersey to see her when he was visiting his family in New York. He was handsome, but in a very rugged and mysterious sort of way. He was Mexican and she quickly grew to love his Spanish accent. He definitely stood out to her. He always bought her expensive perfume, high end clothing, and took her out to eat at elite restaurants. Sometimes, they would go a few months without seeing each other. Although, they didn’t have an ideal relationship, my mom clung to the hope that he would take her away with him one day and choose to spend the rest of his life with her. He never mentioned love or gave her false hope. She knew it was only a matter of time for him to fall for her the way she had fallen in love with him. When my mom’s family found out about her dating a ‘dirty spic,’ they gave her the ultimatum of leaving him or forgetting about them. My mom was well aware that her parents would never approve of her dating anyone who wasn’t Italian. She felt trapped in her life. Since my mom refused to make a choice, her parents made the decision for her, and disowned her. In 1985, with the help of my father, my mom moved to San Francisco. She was heartbroken, but had heard so many wonderful things about this city, she embraced her new freedom with excitement. She continued with her education and held a part-time job at the bakery she now owns. After she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, my mom became pregnant with me. My dad told her he wasn’t prepared to be a father and never returned to see her.”

Nina sighs heavily with a crease on her forehead set as she carries on with her story. “Throughout the years, my mom has received packages full of money on a consistent basis. Even to this day, she still receives them. Growing up, she had heard her father was a ‘wise guy’ involved in the Italian Mafia; she just didn’t want to believe it. She could only assume that now, he was sending her money as his way of showing her that he still cared. Even when he was committed to a five year prison sentence for racketeering and being in conspiracy to a Mob-controlled gambling operation, her father still managed to send her money. Despite that, my mom knew she couldn’t return home and wouldn’t be accepted since I was part ‘spic,’ according to her family. She could handle being rejected by her loved ones, but wouldn’t tolerate anyone refusing me.”

She pauses and looks sad for a slight moment then continues. “In the four years my mom dated my father, she realized she didn’t know much about him. He was always mysterious about his life and job. My mom had fallen in love with the idea of him because she was a hopeless romantic. My father never told her he loved her, never said he would build a life with her, and when he said he would never return, she knew it was true because he never lied to her.”

“What’s his name? What does your mom do with the money her father sends her?” I ask curiously.

“I don’t know my father’s name. I have never wanted to know it. For what? He didn’t want me, so there’s no point in knowing anything about him. My mom raised me to value family, not money or materialistic things. I’m happy earning my own income and living within my means. If I could return the money just to see my mom’s family accept us, I would. We don’t want her father’s money; we want her family’s love and acceptance. They don’t seem to understand that. There are some things money simply can’t buy, so I cherish the people around me and love them for who they are. As for the money my mother receives, she invests the majority of the money on my behalf. I want nothing to do with it, but she’s adamant that I have financial security. My monetary net worth is now over several millions.”

“Wow. You said the majority of your money is invested, what about the rest?” I’m completely intrigued with her humble qualities.

“I give a substantial amount to charities involved with aiding victims of sexual abuse, children’s research hospitals that provide free care when there’s no insurance, and other miscellaneous organizations I feel have worthy causes in helping society.” She replies.

“Valentina, you truly are a remarkable woman with a heart of gold.” I look into her eyes lovingly and contain myself from reaching out to her.

“She sure is! My God! I can’t believe how much drama you two just spit out!” Kade barges into the living room and interrupts our conversation. “I’ve been dying to get some tamales since I heard that lady say she brought some, I’m starving!”

Nina immediately looks at me with a worried expression on her face. “I’m so sorry. I completely forgot Kade was here, when I arrived home he was sleeping.”

“That’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” I ease her concern. “Kade, I need you to keep what you heard among our group. Don’t mention it to anyone.”

“Don’t worry. As difficult as this may seem, I know when to keep my mouth shut. I’m not gonna lie though. I’m soooo glad I was here to listen! There’s no way Cheesecake would’ve told me your family’s secret. Once she gives her word, she’s not breaking it for anything or anyone. Good thing I made myself comfortable on the floor by my door and listened to the whole conversation.” Kade states nonchalantly, as if he didn’t just violate our privacy.

“Kade! You’re such a fuckin’ nosey Nancy! What the fuck? You need to have more respect. It’s one thing for you to listen to my conversations, it’s something else when you eavesdrop on a private discussion involving guests. Not cool, Kade.” Nina looks pissed.

“Okay. Sorry. I didn’t know there was a protocol I was supposed to follow when guests come over. Hello? No one ever comes over! We’re private people. You and I have always kept our acquaintances at a distance and never allowed them to enter our sanctuary. I really am sorry. Can we eat now?” Kade asks as he’s helping himself to the food.

“Yeah, let’s eat. Wow. Delia really outdid herself, she brought a lot of food. Wanna join us for dinner?” Nina asks smiling warmly at me. And for the first time in days, I feel as if we can truly begin building a friendship.

“Sure.” We all enjoy our dinner with beers in a completely relaxed state while music plays from their surround sound.

Kade suggests we play dominoes and turns it into a drinking game, for every double tile played a double shot of tequila must be taken. “I have to go to work tomorrow, I can’t get drunk.” Valentina states.

“Relax…we’ll only play one game. We already drank enough these past few days. Besides, I’m going to the gym with Em later tonight. I don’t wanna get shit faced.” Kade says as he shuffles the tiles.

Curiosity takes over me. “So, are you and Emme more than friends?” I ask.

Kade quickly responds. “No. There’s nothing going on between us. Everyone knows I’m completely against being in relationships. I enjoy my freedom too much. I will never trust anyone besides Cheesecake and Mama V. Emme and I have always had a hostile friendship and now that we’ve included sex to the equation, we’re simply going with the flow and having fun. There’s no need to make things complicated.”

As we’re each getting our tiles, Nina reflects on Emme and Kade’s friendship. “I think you two are having more than just fun. The chemistry between you guys has become intense lately.” Nina looks at her dominoes and places a double-six tile in the center of the table. Kade ignores her comment and grabs three shot glasses along with a bottle of almond flavored tequila Emme gave them as a gift from Mexico. He also gets three beers for us to use as chasers. Since Nina played the heaviest tile, she’s the first to pound her shot.

As the game progresses, Nina and I are the only ones who have played double tiles. The tequila is quickly starting to take effect with the combination of beers.

“Hey, Josh, have you ever heard Cheesecake sing?” Kade does his best to contain his laugh.

“Yes, he has and he thinks I’m amazing! Right, Josh?” Nina gives me an intense look willing me to agree.

“Of course, you have a beautiful voice.” I say without skipping a beat.

Kade gives me a disbelieving glare. “Liar, liar, pants on freakin’ fire. You know, if you want Cheesecake to trust you, you’ll have to be honest with her. Right now, she can see through you and knows you’re lying.”

“When I heard her sing, the volume was cranked up to the song. She sounded good to me, besides I was distracted since she was dancing to the music.” I defend myself.

Nina’s beautiful browns are starting to look glassy. “I’ll put an end to this now.” She slightly slurs. “I’ll sing along to whatever plays next.”

The song, “Is this Love” by Bob Marley comes on. Nina begins giggling and gets up to dance around the table. Kade and I are amused with her behavior and anxiously await her talented vocals.

Nina begins to sing the reggae beat. “
I wanna love you and treat you right…I wanna love you every day and every night…”

Awww…my baby’s singing reminds me of a choking chicken, but it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard.

She stops singing and starts talking to herself, but is looking straight at me. “Really, Bob? I think you’re lying. I reeeeeeally think you’re lying, Bob.” Okay, so she’s indirectly singing this song to me and she’s no longer in good spirits.
Great
.

Nina continues to sing.
“Is this love…Is this love…Is this love…Is this love that I’m feelin’?”

She stops singing and states, “No Mother Flower…it’s not love. You’re just horny, that’s all.” Now, Nina’s expression has altered to a serious and hurt one.

Once again, she resumes with her singing.
“I wanna love you, I wanna love and treat…Love and treat you right.”

She pauses, looks straight at me, and says, “But, I can’t…because you fucked up.” Nina’s stare is full of accusation. She walks around the table and approaches me, she grabs my beer and chugs it. That’s my cue. I need to put this night behind us before we argue or before she says something she might regret tomorrow. Even worse, she might say an ugly truth about me I don’t want to hear from her lips.

Once she’s done with her beer, I grab her hand and lead Nina to her bedroom. She goes willingly. We kick off our shoes, pull the sheets, and climb into bed. She plays music from her small stereo next to her bed. Eric Benet’s “You’re the Only One,” comes on. The lyrics to this song and Nina’s presence bring a tightening to my chest that’s unbearable. She turns to face her window, I hold her from behind, and inhale the scent of her hair. She smells sweet and clean, like strawberries. I slide my hand to her front side and gently caress her torso underneath her shirt. I’ve hurt Nina, she’s trying to be friends, but there’s no way she can let go of the past so easily. I have to continue earning her trust. In the meantime, I won’t make any advances so she can understand that what I feel for her isn’t just sexual, it’s deeper than that, it’s my vulnerable heart, respect, and commitment I’m giving her. Only time will prove the truth of my love. I fall asleep with Nina in my arms.

In the early morning, I wake up and realize I have an early meeting to attend. I feel Nina stirring, she turns, and lazily smiles at me.

“Hey.” I brush the hair away from the side of her face.

“Hi.” She responds.

“I have to go to work. I didn’t mean to wake you. You still have an hour left to sleep, so rest up.” I give her a kiss on her cheek.

“Friends?” She asks.

As much as it hurts me, “Friends.” I confirm.

Chapter 11 (Nina)