Delgano: A Dark Contemporary Interracial Romance

“The school I went to was primarily English-speaking. There were also a decent number of American students whose families either relocated to Brazil or sent their kids there to get an ‘exotic’ education. Then, I like reading, which helped with my English fluency.” He touched her elbow. “What are you looking for? Maybe I can help.”

“You’re tired of all the walking?”

In reality, he was tired of closely scanning tables that displayed colorful necklaces, bracelets, and sparkling trinkets. Gifts were for girlfriends, not a woman he would never touch.

“Red snapper, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a couple of onions,” Sayeda said. “I think I already have all the herbs I’ll need. If you find the vegetables, I’ll get the fish.”

“Where are we going that you need to buy food?”

“Vegetables, Adrían.” She slipped bills and coins into his hand and then turned his body by gently gripping his arms. “The stand is right ahead. Don’t worry. I won’t leave you for long. I know how afraid you get without me holding your hand.”

“Terrified,” he deadpanned.

She released him and walked off, laughing to herself. After making sure she made it safely to the fishmonger, he went to get the bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

The language barrier posed a slight obstacle—most of it was him pointing and trying to figure out the currency. Eventually, the vendor took pity on him and counted out the money herself. She might have swindled him, considering she took everything Sayeda gave him, but the minute he reacquired access to his Chamas funds, he’d pay her back a hundredfold.

Once he was done, he headed for where Sayeda stood, but a woman stepped directly in his path. Dark, wavy hair framed her olive-brown face before cascading down her back. The makeup around her eyes made them stand out like beacons, so much so that they overshadowed her bright, multicolored top and skirt.

“Um,” he looked her over, “can I help you?”

She stared into his eyes, cracked a small smile, then took his hand and turned his palm upward. She traced the lines on his palm with an index finger, so light he wouldn’t know she was touching him if he wasn’t looking. When she looked up again, she asked him a question.

He shook his head. “I don’t unders?—”

“She’s asking if you want to know your future.” Sayeda peered around the woman. “She’s a fortune teller. A seer, if you will.”

The woman said something else, which caused Sayeda’s brows to rise high on her forehead.

“What did she say?” he asked. “Am I destined for death in the next two days or something?”

“No, she said, ‘It’s through your first love that you will find your true love.’”

The woman with the charcoal eyeliner immediately went from a mild nuisance to a person of interest. If she was worth her salt, maybe she could tell him how much longer he would remain a virgin. Unfortunately, he didn’t know how to ask if Sayeda would be translating.

“Should I do it?”

Sayeda shrugged. “Is there more you would like to know?”

“No, not really.” He tipped his head to the side. “Well, maybe one or two things.”

Sayeda and the woman exchanged a few sentences, and he imagined them commenting on the foolish young man who needed the help of two women to decide what he wanted.

“We have some time,” Sayeda said. “Come on.”

The woman walked off.

They followed, trailing closely.

“So…” he began, voice low.

“Don’t worry, I’ll pay. I know you’re broke.”

He nudged her in the side.

The woman led them to a corner, where she sat cross-legged on top of over a dozen patterned pillows. Then, she gestured for them to sit across from her while she lit candles and filled a golden bowl with coffee grounds. Once that was done, she set cards on the table that separated them, and they took their seats on a similar bed of throw pillows.

The woman flipped cards on the table.