Easter's Lilly Read online

I came down the stairs in the flowing white gown Diego had bought for me to wear. It was incredible. When I got downstairs all the men were in very expensive suits the likes of which I had never seen before. They all looked amazing, especially Max. He took my breath away. “You are stunning,” Diego said as he put his arm out for me to take.

  “Yes, truly breath taking,” Max added, smiling at me. Olivia came down the steps next and Jorge and Hector followed suit with compliments. We all got into a stretch limo and went to the party together. When we walked in the door the room swarmed over Diego and Jorge. They let go of our hands almost immediately and left us with Hector and Max. Olivia grabbed my hand and we wandered into the crowd. Hector and Max parked themselves in the back of the room with their eyes locked on the two of us. “So, how long has it been?” Olivia asked me.

  “How long has what been?” I asked.

  “You and Max.” She smiled. “How long?”

  “Oh, no…” I answered. “There’s no Max and me.”

  “The sexual tension between you is not only obvious but a little painful.” As she said that I noticed Hector wink at her. She smiled and looked at the floor.

  “No…!” I said to her. I leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “You and Hector?”

  She smiled again and squeezed my hand tighter before she let it go. “He is everything to me,” she answered. “If it wasn’t for him, I couldn’t get through a day.”

  “Wow, that’s something,” I answered. “He didn’t say anything.” Then I thought about how serious he was about Max staying focused and staying away from me. What was that all about?

  “He wouldn’t ever say anything,” she said. “It’s been about three years.” I was stunned. I mean, really stunned.

  “How do you keep it from Jorge?” I asked, hoping for some help in that area.

  “Looking for tips?” she asked.

  “We’re not sleeping together,” I confessed. “He won’t.”

  “Ah ha…” she said. “So I was right.”

  “Well?” I asked. “Does Jorge know?”

  “He only married me as a business deal,” she continued. “My father is a very important politician in Mexico. He marries me and they mutually benefit each other.”

  “So the older ones marry and the younger ones get a little side dish?” I asked. “What would Jorge do if he found out?”

  “I don’t think he cares. Seriously, we’ve been married a long time.” Max walked over to us at that point, obviously concerned about what we were talking about.

  “Hello ladies.” He smiled that boyish grin that took me to my knees. “What are we talking about?”

  “Hector looks sharp tonight,” she said smiling. “Don’t you think so?”

  “Easy girl.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Your husband is around here somewhere.”

  “Max, why are you playing hard to get?” She playfully grabbed his hand and laughed.

  “Lilly?” He was shocked that I told her.

  “She said nothing,” Olivia responded. “But you just confirmed it for me.” He pulled his hand away from hers and reached down and squeezed my hand. Olivia separated us. “Careful, Max,” she warned.

  “It’s too dangerous, Olivia.” He leaned close to my hair as if he were taking in my fragrance.

  “Yeah, you’re real discreet,” she said. “Max, if you give in to each other,” she leaned in to his ear and whispered, “it won’t be as obvious.”

  “They’re together all the time, Olivia, I don’t think I could take it. What if she slips?”

  “First of all,” she answered. “It’s new for them. And the fact that it is obviously tearing you apart, I’m sure is an added bonus for him.” He nodded in agreement.

  “I’ve been sleeping with Jorge for 15 years, he’s probably glad I don’t want it from him so much.” Max laughed. “For all I know, he’s having his own affairs.”

  “Oh, I would love it if Diego would have an affair.” It slipped out of my mouth before I realized it was out. They both laughed.

  “He’ll leave her alone after they’ve been together for a while. And trust me…” She looked over at Hector who shot her a very sexy smile. She leaned over to him so no one would hear her. “It will be different with you. She will always know who she’s with.” He smiled and blushed a little. I never saw him blush before.

  “Thanks Olivia,” he said and he kissed her cheek. “I just want to keep her safe.”

  “Think about it Max,” she said. “If you would let go, her life would be more bearable. You don’t know what it’s like for us.” Hector walked over and whispered something in Olivia’s ear. She laughed a little and he put his hand on her back. “What’s all the chit chat about?” he asked.

  “I have a better question for you.” I looked at Hector with what I’m sure was an unattractive smirk.

  “Uh-oh, she knows…” slipped out of his mouth.

  “Why is it all right for you but not for Max?” I asked.

  “Max is a mess,” he answered. “This whole thing with Diego and you is torturing him.”

  “I am not a mess,” he said, a little annoyed with that description.

  “You’re both a mess,” Hector continued. “You need to put the reality into the situation.” He looked around for Diego and Jorge but they were nowhere to be found. “She’s married to our brother. You can have her from time to time. That’s it.”

  “I don’t think I can talk about this anymore,” Max said. He reached from my hand again and breathed me in. “You smell like paradise.” I got chills when he said that and shuddered.

  “Seriously, Max. How long can the two of you go on like this?” Olivia asked.

  “Not much longer,” Max answered. “I need a drink.” He let go of my hand and walked to the bar.

  “Can I get you ladies something?” Hector asked.

  “Please Hector, champagne for both of us,” she answered. He walked away.

  “Thanks Olivia,” I told her. “I think you may have gotten to him this time.” The boys came back each with a champagne glass for both of us. “I promise, Olivia, I’ll give your suggestion some real thought.”

  “Where are the men?” she asked.

  “They’re around here somewhere,” Max answered. Let’s not talk about them. We’re here with the people we want to be here with. Let’s enjoy it while we can.” We held up our glasses and toasted to our temporary freedom.