by Croft, Rose
It’d been a week since her brother was released from the hospital. As far as I knew, Oscar was laying low, and working on his recovery. I was putting my faith in him because he was the only surviving family member of Sofí’s family. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t done a little recon myself to find that fucker Tito.
Vince and I kept our ears to the ground and questioned anyone who even gave off vibes they may know something. So far, I’d found out nothing. It’s as though he disappeared into thin air.
On the domestic front, Sofía and I grew closer every day. She was a loving, devoted mother to Eric. She gave me comfort at night. We went to bed and held each other tight as we learned more about each other. It was our second chance, and I realized we were taking it slow and developing a lasting bond that was more than physical.
That’s not to say we didn’t mess around. We did. I felt like I was in high school all over again and going out with my first girl. We hit first, second, and third bases, but never got a home run. Either way, I left her sated and she took care of me. But each time I had to remind myself to go slow.
Maybe because I was now a few years older and wiser, I tried to savor our time together. It seemed we’d done everything backward. We rushed headfirst into a relationship which neither of us had any complaints about. The passion and physical love had always been there. That would always be. But we were parents, and then she left. So much had happened since. My hate, my resentment, my guilt for what she’d endured. Her shame. We’d both been through the ringer a time or two in our lives, but everything lately seemed to be trending upward for us.
One night, she recounted her day at school with Eric. She always bragged about the things he did at school. “He read a book.”
“I know. I’ve seen him read.” I pulled her close to me as we lay in bed taking our usual roles, as one of us was always willing to reveal something else about each other.
“No. I’m not talking about following a pattern in a book and looking at the picture to know the word.” Sofí leaned on her arms her unabashed excitement was apparent. Most of the books Eric had read were simple stories with repeated text, and you could read them without really “reading” them. She spoke, “And yes that’s reading too, but he actually decoded words. You know sounded out sounds and put the word together.”
I know that. I wanted to say thinking back when he decoded the word fuck. Instead, I said, “Tell me more about it.” I did love hearing everything she said about Eric as if I too were reliving his day. Her day. Their days intertwined together.
“He read a book where the sentences were more complex. Not just an ‘I see’ book. He couldn’t rely on the picture to figure out some of the words. But he said the sounds and put the words together.” Sofía held so much excitement in her eyes. “I’m so proud of him.”
“Me too,” I said. “He’s amazing because I sure as hell hated reading when I was a kid.”
“You did?” Sofía raised up on her elbow. “But you read to Eric all the time.”
“I do it because I love the time we spend together. Because he loves it, and I know that reading to your child is one of the most important things a parent can do for their kids. However, I hated school, Sofí.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I hated it because I struggled, a lot. I was illiterate when we started school here. To make matters worse, I didn’t speak any English and started in the fourth grade. I was already so far behind, it was ridiculous. My teacher had to pull me aside and teach me how to read. I was reading the same books that kindergartners read. I knew students were laughing behind my back.” I hated telling Sofí this. It made me feel dumb and exposed.
She reached up and cupped my neck. “But you overcame it. Look at what you’ve done, Emilio, you persevered and you’re successful. You’ve done everything and more with Eric.” She sighed. “I wish more parents would spend that time with their kids. I wish I would’ve been here for him.”
“I wish you would have, too.” My words were not meant to guilt her. They weren’t. I truly wished she wouldn’t have missed out on so much time. There was a time I wanted to crush her, but not now, never now.
Sofía
His words were whisper soft. I wish you would have, too. I gazed into his eyes, which were now unreadable. I wasn’t certain if he was angry, disappointed, or regretful. Emilio and I had grown very close, it seemed. I wanted to be close and know everything about him. I relished in every morsel of his life he was willing to share. I was thankful he took my brother in. I sometimes wondered if he was doing all of this out of some chivalrous duty. Emilio was always one to take care of his family. He was a good man.
I raised my eyes at him, and he kissed me with care. “Go to sleep, Sofía. We both have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
It was Friday afternoon, and I’d just finished all my extra schoolwork—planning for the following week. I waved goodbye to Mrs. Rojas and slipped my backpack over my shoulder and made my way to the office doors that led to the outside doors of the school. Mrs. Rojas knew now that Eric was my son. We’d thought about telling him to keep it a secret, but I knew telling a four-year-old to keep a secret like that would’ve been too hard. I was worried Mrs. Rojas would be puzzled and wonder why it hadn’t come out, but Emilio and I spoke to her together, so it didn’t look like I was a psycho parent trying to steal my son at school under some false pretense.
Emilio was standing in front of his car, waiting for me. “Took you long enough.”
“I told you I had to stay late to prepare all the materials for our lesson next week.” We were doing lessons on pumpkins since it was now mid-October. Any kind of project with the little ones, not only took a lot of planning, but a lot of preparation. Tracing, cutting, die-cutting shapes, having materials like pipe cleaner or pom-poms available. Not to mention, going to the store to buy real pumpkins.
He smirked and checked his phone. “It’s five thirty. You sure you’re not fooling around with someone at the school?”
I stepped closer and leaned into him. Not too concerned about anyone seeing us because most cars were gone. Many of the teachers were out the door as fast as possible on a Friday afternoon. “Nope. Only this hot dad who drives a Land Rover and has this precious little boy in pre-K.”
His lips hovered over mine. “Is that right?” I felt his hand slide down my side to my hip, and one of his legs was nudged between mine.
“Uh-huh.” I tugged on his black tie. Emilio had on a white dress shirt and black slacks. He normally wore jeans and T-shirts, and he always looked hot, but today he looked so businessman sexy I needed to get it together before I humped his leg in the school parking lot.
“Get in the car before we get arrested for public indecency,” he whispered in my ear, and he grazed my cheek with his stubble. His hand slid over my butt and squeezed before we separated and entered the car.
He turned the car in the opposite direction of our usual route. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“So, is this a date?”
He shrugged a shoulder casually. “Yeah.”
“Where’s Eric?”
“He’s spending the night with Vince and Dani tonight.”
“What about Oscar?”
“Uh, does he need a babysitter, too, Sofí? He’s older than you so…” he teased.
“Stop. I just want to make sure he’s okay.”
“He’s fine. When I left, he and Yovani were playing Xbox. Should I get someone to watch them? I mean, I guess those two could plan a stupid house party or something, but I threatened them that I checked all the liquor bottles in the house.” His mouth twitched, and I nudged him on the arm.
“I can’t go out looking like this.” I glanced down at my jeans and school T-shirt.
“It’s already taken care of. I called my sister and had her pull some things aside for you to try on.” He pulled to a stop at a light and leaned into me. “Anything else?”
I knew his
sister owned a clothing boutique. She and I had a rocky relationship, but the last few times I’d seen her since her uncle’s birthday she’d been friendly making an effort to give me a chance. “Your sister’s okay with this?”
“Yeah, once you have Lily’s support, she’s as loyal as they come.” His pouty lips were so close, tempting me, and I gave into the temptation. We both were lost in our world until a car honked rudely behind us.
“I already put some things in the dressing room for you.” Lily smiled and pointed to one of the curtained rooms.
“Thank you.” I touched her arm lightly as she leaned in and gave Emilio a big hug. I scanned the place in awe as I walked to the dressing room. Lily’s boutique was small, warm, and funky with rich colors making up the décor. Think French baroque. A delicate love seat, gilded in gold and tufted in deep, red velvet, sat in the middle. The clothing was lacy and bohemian with silks and velvets thrown in.
Lily was beautiful, just like every other family member. She had the glossy black hair and exotic dark eyes. Unlike her brothers who all towered over people, Lily was petite, but she wasn’t dainty. She also exuded confidence and a fierce protectiveness of her family. I knew they’d been through hard times as well, and you could tell she was no different than her brothers. They fought for what they wanted and succeeded no matter the obstacles.
I saw the beautiful champagne-colored dress made of some delicate material and paused. This dress was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. I almost questioned if I was worthy of wearing it. I slipped off my clothes and put the dress on. I stared mesmerized at my reflection. I felt like Cinderella. I know, a very cliché thing to say, but it was true, nonetheless.
“You dressed?” I heard Emilio’s voice behind me, and he was tugging the curtain aside before I could answer. I spun around and faced him.
“Damn, girl,” he whispered under his breath and had the audacity to adjust himself, too. But Emilio wasn’t self-conscious about it. He licked his lip and pulled the ponytail holder out of my hair. “Like that. Wear your hair like that, muñeca.” He slowly ran his fingers through my hair, fluffing it up. I relished in the touch of his fingers in my hair.
“You like it?”
“Yeah, too much, too fucking much.” He moved in closer. “I like it so much I’m afraid I might rip it off tonight, so don’t get too attached.”
Soon, Emilio and I were walking out of the dressing room. Well, I was kind of wobbling unsteady because I wasn’t used to wearing the matching heels Lily had picked out with the dress. However, I did my best and watched as Emilio glided easily with confidence and assurance. He was like a panther, graceful but dangerous. I couldn’t help but notice the other customers in the store were very well aware of him too as though they were hoping he’d rip off his shirt and start grinding to Ginuwine’s “Pony.” I wanted to both laugh and claw their eyes out.
“Close your eyes, Sofí,” Emilio said as he slowed down his Land Rover pulling into a dimly lit parking lot. I had no idea where we were, but I placed my hands over my eyes.
“Don’t peek and ruin the moment.”
I covered my eyes with a wistful smile on my lips. “Never.”
“Keep them covered.” I felt the SUV come to a stop and heard him open the car door. Soon cool air was grazing my skin as my door whooshed open. A strong hand guided me out of the seat. For good measure, he topped my hands covering my eyes with one large paw of his while his other curled around my hip. “We’re almost there.”
I pulled to a stop when he leaned in and wrapped the hand at my hip around my stomach. His strong body was hard and comforting against my back.
“Can I look?” I asked like a giddy child sitting in front of a wrapped present.
“Not yet.” His voice was light and playful. Emilio was full of surprises.
He pulled me against him as a slight creak of door hinges sounded, and he led me forward, but paused after a few paces.
“Okay, Sofí, open your eyes.”
My hands slid down my cheeks as my eyes adjusted to the beautiful setting around me. It was a modernized space with small tables spread about decorated in a barn-country feel. Tables made out of refurbished wood. Iron chairs that were repainted to have a rustic-patina-look against the minimalist, white décor of the restaurant. The empty tables were all graced with candles. “Emilio… this is beautiful,” I breathed, staring around the beautifully decorated space in awe.
“Right? It’s my latest project.” He took my hand in his. “Come on, your table awaits.”
I gripped his palm as he led me to a table with a huge bouquet of our national flower of El Salvador. “La flor de izote,” I gasped. “How?”
“I have my ways.” He grinned with his hand clenched in mine as we glided around the table. He held out the chair as I sat.
Like clockwork, a waiter appeared to dress our laps with the beautifully folded napkins. I pressed my hands over the smooth material, while Emilio barely contained the excitement on his face. Our waiter poured wine into each of our glasses.
Then, another man in a chef’s outfit came out to talk to us. When I recognized him, I had to keep myself in check. This was a famous chef who’d been on many shows on The Food Network, Travel Channel, and other cooking channels. Jorge McVail was a local celebrity who greeted Emilio like they were life-long friends.
“Emilio,” he said with a surreal familiarity that kept me stunned, wondering how he knew all of these people. “How are we tonight?”
“I’m great, Jorge. This is my girl, Sofía.”
I shook his hand, still not believing I was sitting with my dream guy in an intimate restaurant talking to a famous chef who paid attention to us like we were royalty.
“Tonight, we have a very special local treat… corn dogs.”
I tilted my head as my lips lifted in sweet memory. Emilio’s dimples were showing under his scruff as he nodded casually at the chef’s words.
“For dessert, cotton candy.”
The chef was being vague while Emilio looked to be proud of himself for his cleverness. Emilio nodded his approval while the chef jutted his chin politely and stalked off like he was on a purposeful mission to conquer the world.
I fingered my napkin in my lap. “You thought of everything.”
“Our first date, how could I forget?”
“I can’t.”
“That’s when I knew you were the one.” Emilio leaned back casually in his chair, and his honest, vulnerable self was always irresistible. He never minced words about how he was feeling.
Later, as our server brought out the mini-corndogs with mac n’cheese, and mashed potatoes, I smiled at Emilio because deep down, he was a sentimental guy.
He smirked as he pushed himself up straight as we both dug in to the luscious food. “Is this Utopia, Sofí?”
I’m with the man who I never thought I’d be with again. Not to mention, we were eating in a new restaurant with the hottest chef around. I took a bite of my corn dog feeling like I owned the world. “Yeah, this is better than Utopia.”
His fingers casually tapped over his fork as he watched me with his eyes a blaze. “Good.” He never did anything in half-measures.
Everything was perfect…
“I want to give you everything.” His words were soft and quiet and I almost choked on my food. He polished off his dessert with a smirk. “Don’t choke on your food because the night’s not over for us.”
Sofía
“You are full of surprises tonight, aren’t you?” I asked as we walked hand in hand through the empty parking lot of the abandoned fair grounds that were lit up showcasing all the rides we’d ridden years ago.
“I guess I am,” he said pulling me close. “But don’t call me a sentimental guy.” He leisurely ran his lips over mine. “I have a rep to protect.”
As we neared the old roller coaster that nearly caused me to have a premature heart attack before, a man approached welcoming us. “Your ride awaits.”
E
milio shook his hand, leaving a hundred-dollar bill in the older guy’s palm like they were conducting a drug deal. “Thanks, man. Come on, Sofí.”
“Are you sure about this?” I knew in the end, I’d enjoyed the roller coaster ride before, but it still looked as old and rickety as a rundown building and there was no one here, but a lone carney-looking dude who I assumed operated the rides.
“Never been more certain in my life, angelita.”
When we were secured in our seats, my heart sped up in both anticipation and anxiety.
“Hold my hand,” Emilio said like he’d done the time before. I curled my fingers around his as the car jerked into action, creeping slowly, building up momentum.
“I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be.” He released my hand and slid his hand over my thigh inching up the hem of my dress. “Now, look up at the stars.”
“Why?” I breathed out anticipating his touch as his fingers crept up my skin.
“Because I want to see the ocean and stars reflected in your eyes as I take you to paradise.” He nudged my neck as the roller coaster climbed higher and higher. “I’m creating new memories for us. I’m gonna rewrite our story, Sofí…”
“Goddammit, Yovani, I swear to God I’m going to kick your ass out!” Emilio growled. It was close to midnight, and we entered the house to be greeted by the blaring bass of hip-hop, and Yovani and my brother sprawled out on the couch playing video games. Pizza, chips, cookies, and beer bottles littered the kitchen and living room furniture. It wasn’t horrible, but Emilio was borderline OCD on keeping things clean and orderly. Not to mention, there was the smell of stale smoke that lingered in the living room.