Love You Forever, Jackass: Cousins & Friends, #3

By Clotilde Martinez

       Vanessa Bujan is devastated when her childhood friend Frolian Rodriguez does not come to her defense when she is wrongly accused of being the mysterious thief La Gata.

         Left alone in jail for two days, Vanessa vows to never allow Frolian access to her heart ever again. Easier said than done. Especially with Frolian trying to reclaim the woman he loves.  Can Vanessa forgive Frolian for his betrayal or is their love doom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aranga2Cee
• Release date: Jan 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386266181

Clotilde Martinez

For those who are curious to know about me. Here’s a few tidbits. This Jersey girl comes from a large super close Galician family. My siblings and cousins were the first to rallied around me when I was diagnosed with both ovarian and uterine cancer. After working overnight, my brother drove to the hospital where I was getting my surgery. My sister held my hand when I went to my first chemo treatment. My other brother drove me back and forth to my treatments. Cancer for me has been a blessing. It sounds weird saying that but it’s the truth. I have so many people praying for me, sending me positive thoughts, that it gave me the strength to deal with the aftermath of the treatments. When I lost hair, I couldn’t stop staring at myself in mirror. Which I could explained how powerful and how fucking beautiful I felt in my bald head stage. The hair has grown back. It’s curly. The color’s now salt and pepper. I’m rocking it.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Ibarely made my way towards my seat before the train pulled away from the station. Hours before I had exchange my airline ticket for a train ticket. It didn’t matter which form of transportation I was using to get home. What matter was that I no longer had to be here in this kaleidoscope city of broken hearts, dashed hope and crushed dreams.

Better yet, I did not have to see or deal with the man who broke my heart and destroyed my soul. My so-called childhood friend. The one I always found the time to helped him out when he need it. The one I was finding myself falling in love with long before I started working with him at his bakery. Oh Lian, you jackass, why didn’t you stick up for me? My eyes began to water. I blinked the tears away. Now was not the time for them.

No! He was no longer Lian. That term of affection belonged to someone else. He was now Frolian. From now on, he was merely an acquaintance.  If I see him on the streets, I might say hello and that is all.  Acquaintance are just that and nothing more is expect from them. You will never be disappointed with an acquaintance. You never expect an acquaintance to defend you when you are being accused of a crime that you did not commit. No, a friend is supposed to be the one defending you even if you are guilty. But I was not guilty. 

Frolian just stood there and watched them put the handcuffs on me and lead me away as the television cameras were rolling.  He did not bother to stopped them. Just stood there with the rest of the contestants. My crime- I was accused of robbing some jewelry store.  If I was not so upset with the whole thing, I would have laughed my head off. Image me Jewel Thief La Gata. Isn’t that most ridiculous you have ever heard of? All I wanted to know was how I managed to rob those jewelry stores while I was helping Frolian with the contest along with working at both his bakery and at Listo’s. The police claimed that I have my minions to helped me. In other word, to throw their suspicion of me off.

The conductor was coming along the aisles asking for tickets. I opened my purse. Took out my ticket and handed the ticket over to the conductor. He punched a hole in it and gave back to me.  Too many thoughts are running through my mind at this moment.  A nice leisure bath was high on my list. Well, it was the first thing I could think of when I spent those two days in jail.  I could not call my cousin Arturo to come and bailed me out of jail. He was in the States with his fiancé Julia. Nice girl- that Julia. 

Absolutely perfect for my caveman cousin. I called my best friend Febronia who had her husband Tino send the bail money to help me out. At first, Febronia thought that I was joking but when she realized that I was not. She quickly got the money together and did what a good friend will do. As for Frolian, I did not hear a peep from him. He kept his distance. Guess he was afraid that my tarnished reputation was going to sink his business. He should not have no fear as I am not stepping inside his damn bakery again.

Man, I am going to miss Mika the black kitten that was always hanging out behind the bakery. When no one was looking, I put out an extra bowl of milk for her.  If I was the last one out, I let Mika stay in the warmth of the bakery. How I wish I could bring Mika with me to my apartment, but I can’t. The landlord frowns on having pets in the apartment.  Yes sir, there are three things that I wish I could have right now-a cold beer, Mika and a nice bubble bath. I can hardly wait to go home.

The train pulled up to the station. After exiting the train station, I grabbed the bus to Ardura. The bus dropped me off two blocks away from my home.  Rolling my olive-green suitcase, I walked the two blocks home. No sooner did I get home when my cell phone rang. Looking at the name came up the screen, I ignore it. Another thing I must do. Block the jackass’s number. I will do that later. Right now, there’s a cold beer in my fridge with my name on it.

As it turned out, I forego the beer and went straight for the bath tub.  I turned the hot water on and plug in the water holder. Add some liquid bubble soap to the running water, while I strip myself out of my traveling clothes. One good thing about living alone is that you can sashay around naked your apartment without any worries. I got into the bathtub and let the bubbles do their magic. After getting out of the bathtub, drying myself off and getting dress, I went to the fridge and took out my beer. Went to my living room.

I turned on the radio for some nice relaxing jazz music.  Billie Holiday was on. The beige sofa was calling my name. Taking a sip of my cold but oh so refreshing beer, my mind slowly began to unwind. Then I hear a knock on my front door. Great, just when I about to reach the fourth stage of relaxation. I got up from the sofa and went to see what it was.  Opening the door, I realized that I made a mistake of not checking thru the peephole first. If I did, I would have not opened the door.

Why didn’t you wait for me? inquired the man responsible for my poor shattered heart.  I said nothing at first. He tilted his face at me. Are you not talking to me?  My left eyebrow slanted up. Seriously what planet is he on? Better yet, what kind of drugs do they serve there?  My ears could not believe what the jackass said next Well, can you at least let me in? So, the neighbors won’t hear us.  This time, I spoke No. 

No?  asked Frolian completely stunned by my remark.  I do not want you in my apartment or anywhere near me. You and I are no longer friends, Frolian. So, I appreciate it if you never darkened my path again. You are kidding me? Right? C’mon Van. remarked Frolian.

Summoning up all the inches I could mustered to stand up straight, I replied I am not kidding and never called me Van again. My name is Vanessa. 

With that, I slammed the door shut. I’m sure that neighbors in the next building heard it. Peeking thru the peephole, I saw Frolian standing there flabbergasted about what just happen.  He mumbled something under his breath and turned around. I watched him walked down the stairs. Once I could not see him anymore, I walked back to the living room and switch the jazz station back on. Got myself comfortable on the sofa again.  The cellphone ping again. A text from the mocha hair jackass.  It read Sweetheart, we are not over. A single tear rolled out of the corner of my eye. Brushing it away, I thought sadly. 

We’ve never begun, buddy boy.

CHAPTER 2

The next day, I woke up, did my usual running around to get ready for work and left to go to Listo’s.  I’m one of the owners of Listo’s, a 50’s style theme café which I run with my cousin Arturo and his fiancée Julia.  I reach Listo’s and unlocked the front door. Some time back, I complained that I was tired of working at Listo’s. I wanted to spread out my wings. Julia who is Febronia’s cousin was visiting from the states. Febronia came out with a plan that Julia would work here at Listo’s while I helped Frolian at his bakery. I thought it was a good plan but now not so sure anymore.

Then again, Arturo would have never gotten a chance to fall in love with Julia. After the grief, he went through after that bitch of an ex ran off with another guy. To make matters worse was when she told him that he should have never been born. What kind of a woman says that to a guy who treated her like a queen? A no good for nothing bitch. That is who.

Looking around the place, I’m starting to like the renovations that Julia have started.  Can’t tell you how happy I am not to see the mauve color walls. I like the bright white walls make everything new and alive. Behind the counter is a painting that Julia’s former art professor did of her and Arturo. I put my purse behind the counter next to a sketchpad. Curious, I took a sketchpad out and flip thru the pages. It was Julia’s sketchpad. The girl is talented. I love how she captured the love between my girl Febronia and her husband Constantino. I laughed at how she captured my grouchy but dependable cousin Arturo.

I gasped when I saw the sketch of myself and Frolian. In it, we were laughing. Absentmindedly, I traced with my fingers Frolian’s face. He looked so beautiful. Whoa, wait a second. I have to check those feelings and desires about Frolian at the door. Basement door.  Sighing, I put away the sketchpad and went to unlock the doors. Five minutes later, my first customer of the day walks in. Good morning, Candido.

Candido smiled Good morning Nessa. Welcome back.  Thank you. The usual?  I prepared Candido his espresso.  Candido sat at his usual bar stool.

I brought his espresso over to him. Any idea of when Arturo and Julia will be coming back. asked Candido taking a sip of his espresso. I am not sure when they are coming back. I know Julia went back home to take care of some personal business.

Well, it has not been the same without you three here. I am happy that you are back. I can finally have a decent espresso. said Candido.  A bunch of teenage kids enter Listo’s with their cellphones in hands. They were taking selfies. Oh well, they are not doing any harm. Then one of them asked me to take a picture with her. Sure, what’s the harm in that.

After taking the picture, the girl shouted, I got the first selfie with La Gata.  It took a minute for me to realized that they were there to take selfies with a common criminal. Get out. I told them as I shush them out of the door. One of them had the nerve to take out a newspaper that had me on front cover. It was the photo of my arrest. Laughing as he taunted me with Can I have your autograph, La Gata?

How about if I autograph your ass with my foot? said the furious voice behind him. It was Febronia with her baby boy Derrick in the stroller.  The hooligans just stood there.

Febronia spoke again Now, I advise you all to step out of my way or I will run you all down with my stroller.  Try us, lady. remarked one of the idiots. Getting up from his bar stool, Candido went over to the front door. His eyes narrowed down at them Did you just threatened my nephew’s wife?

Now, the hooligans shook their heads.  No one wants to deal with Constantino’s wrath especially if he finds out you mess with his Febronia and child.  He is extremely protected of both of them. Finally, one of them said Let’s go. They left without further incident.

Febronia breathed out a sigh of relief as she brought the baby stroller inside. Candido and I peeked inside the stroller. The little red hair boy was fast asleep. I hate it when I have to go Jersey on someone. It drains my energy. said Febronia sitting at one of the tables. Hugging her, I replied Thanks for standing up for me.

Aww, what are besties for? If not to defend each other out. Besides, there is no way you could be La Gata. said Febronia. Oh no? I asked.

No, you will not be wasting your time on stealing jewelry. You will be using your talents at the candy store. teased Febronia who knew full well, my obsession with all things sweet.

I laughed True, my friend but don’t worry I will make sure that I get you some of those spicy dark chocolates that you love.  Deal said Febronia.

Candido joined Febronia at her table. How are you holding up, Febronia? asked Candido. Better now that Kick here is sleeping better at night. answered Febronia. I asked Kick?  Little Derrick’s nickname. replied Febronia. I smiled I like it.  The name suits him well. Now, what would Kick’s mommy want to eat this morning?

Just a plain tea with lemon and some buttered toast with sugar. 

Coming right up.  I went to prepared Febronia’s breakfast.

Are you sure you don’t want any salted boiled potatoes?  Febronia laughed I am sure.

Candido got up from the table. I am off to the office. He kissed Febronia on her cheek. My dear, you never looked more beautiful. I will let my rascal of a nephew know that his beautiful wife and son are here.

Febronia smiled Thanks Candido. Can I just say that you have never been more charming than you have been today.

Candido turned his attention to me as I brought Febronia’s food over to her. My dear, don’t let those kids get into your head.

I replied, What kids?

That’s the spirit. said Candido as he strolled out of Listo’s. 

Febronia blew on her hot lemon tea. How are you holding up, Nessa?

Good so far.