Bad Habit

by JD Faver

  When Angel emerged, he was freshly shaven and dressed in a white shirt and navy slacks.

  She tried to appear completely composed, as though she was prepared for whatever the day had to offer. She wondered if she’d imagined being in bed with Angel, kissing his lips and feeling his muscular body pressed to hers, his hands caressing her.

  “Ready for a big Sunday breakfast?” he asked.

  “Absolutely!”

  This was the enthusiastic response she’d found effective when fielding any question from her boss, Martin Kelso. Her eagerness and personality had propelled her to the forefront of her agency. Sheer grit and determination took her to the top and kept her there. Now she had thrown away her second career by fleeing the scene of a murder.

  “I’ll check out and we can eat.” Angel ushered her to the car and drove to the motel office. She watched him sign for the room charges through the windshield. When he climbed back inside the car, his scent gently caressed her.

  Angel drove downtown, parking in a lot beside the freeway. He escorted her to an older Mexican restaurant, tucking her hand in the crook of his arm.

  “What is this place?” she asked.

  “This is El Mercado, the old market square and we’re about to enjoy a classic dining experience.” He steered her into Mi Tierra Restaurant.

  There was a large waiting area and a row of glass- fronted cases filled with freshly baked Mexican-style pastries. The mingled aromas were seductive, triggering an aching hunger reaction in those who entered. The serving area was contained in several huge rooms beyond the bakery.

  A hostess wearing a black ruffled blouse and tiered sequined skirt greeted them and led the way to a booth. She leaned over as she placed their menus on the table, giving Angel a view of her cleavage. The hostess swept him with an appreciative glance under long lashes and sent a dimpled smile his way.

  Angel met Teri’s amused expression with a shake of his head and an innocent expression.

  “Do you always draw that kind of attention from females?” Teri grinned at his discomfort.

  “I didn’t do anything,” he protested.

  “You were breathing.” She smiled at him before opening the menu. “What do I want?”

  “I’ll order for us,” he said.

  When the food arrived they were served tall glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a pile of fresh flour tortillas with their breakfast. The waiter placed three small bowls on the table. They held a red sauce, a green sauce and a chunky salsa with roasted tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions and cilantro.

  Teri giggled, taking a warm tortilla. “It’s a good thing I’m not still making my living as a fashion model,” Teri said. “If I ever get back to New York City, I’m going to be such a blimp they’ll fly me in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

  Angel shot her a sharp glance. “I think you look fine, Teri.” His gaze warmed her insides.

  “I wasn’t fishing for a compliment,” she protested. “Just commenting on my expanded state and underlying hope of returning home soon.”

  We’ll get there, Teri,” Angel said. “And I’m sure you can step right back into your job at the ad agency.”

  Teri pressed her lips together and sighed. “At this point, I’m not sure that’s what I actually want.”

  He smiled at her across the table. “What is it that you want?”

  “I wish I knew. Teaching at St. Pius made me feel truly useful for the first time in my life...Not just decorative.” She bit into her filled tortilla. “What I really want is for this to be over. I want the men who killed Colin to be caught and I want to feel safe to go back to my apartment and get my life back. I’m just not sure it will be at Kelso and Richardson.”

  “You have lots of time to make career decisions.”

  “I guess. I have to make up for the damage I’ve done. I want to make sure Bernie is safe and that the nuns at St. Pius aren’t in danger. I wish I could make it up to them for lying. The girls will be so disappointed in me.”

  “They’ll get over it and forgive you.”

  “I hope so.”

  After their repast they walked around the Market Square, peering into shop windows.

  “Oh, look!” Teri pointed to a store window filled with small skeletons, many involved in daily tasks. She saw an entire band of hand carved skeleton musicians.

  “Día de los Muertos.” Angel smiled at her in the reflection of the store window. “Day of the Dead. We usually stretch it over November first and second and make a big deal of it.”

  “What’s that about?” she asked.

  “A day to honor our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.”

  “Oh.” She ducked her head. Why is he staring like that? It’s like he evaluates my every move.

  “Do you have someone to honor who has passed on?”

  Teri nodded and turned away from the window. “Too many to count,” she said and walked ahead of him so he couldn’t see the tears that gathered.

  #

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  When they returned to the car, Angel headed for an older section of San Antonio. Driving into the historical residential area close to downtown, he turned onto a tree-lined street where huge oaks reached their branches across to each other, like lovers straining to embrace. Many of the large two-story houses had Texas Historical plaques anchored in front.

  Angel pulled into a narrow driveway and drove around to the back, sounding the horn.

  “Where are we?” she asked.

  “Home.”

  The back door opened and someone stepped out onto the screened porch.

  “Angel? Is it really you?” A lovely girl in her early teens skipped down the stairs and came to look in the car. She ran screaming into the house. “Mama! Papa! It’s Angel and he has a girl!”

  The back door burst open and a mob of excited people rushed toward them.

  Teri saw a tall man who looked a lot like Angel but sported a mustache and silver strands threaded through his hair. He turned to extend his hand to a petite woman with auburn hair. He held her hand as she made her way down the steps. The younger ones surrounded the car and dragged Angel from the interior.

  Teri grinned, watching him interact with the people who were obviously his loving family. A lump formed in her throat, but she swallowed down her aching lonliness and smiled at the joy surrounding Angel Garcia. The detective’s reserve slipped away, and he was merely a beloved son returned home.

  He ruffled the hair of a younger version of himself. The teenage boy flung himself at Angel and was lifted in a bear hug. Angel turned back to the car and opened the door for Teri. Grinning, he held his hand out to her, much as his father had reached out for his mother.

  Teri hesitated, then placed her hand in his and was immediately drawn into the gleeful crowd. The smiling, curious family surrounded her.

  “Teri, this is mi familia,” Angel said. “They’ve just returned from Mass at the San Fernando Cathedral.” He introduced his parents, Arturo and Isabel. Angel’s father kissed her hand and his mother wrapped her arms around Teri, delivering real kisses to both cheeks. Teri recalled the many air kisses she had exchanged with people in New York too distant to be hugged.

  “These are my sisters, Elena, Rosario and the little one is Esmeralda. We call her Esme. This is my brother, Miguel but he prefers to be called Mikey.”

  “I’m happy to meet all of you,” Teri said. “What a great family.”

  Angel kept her hand in his while they moved as a group up the back stairs.

  Entering through the laundry room and passing into the kitchen, Teri was assailed with heavenly aromas. The large gas range held several pots and the intermingled odors made Teri’s mouth water though she was far from hungry.

  They went through the formal dining room with the table set for eight. Four more chairs flanked the sideboard ready to be drawn up.

  When they arrived in the front of the house, Teri glanced around at the array of antiques. She was seated o
n a damask covered Queen Anne sofa with Angel beside her. The others sat on upholstered antique chairs and Esme threw herself into the space beside Angel. Six pairs of large, luminous brown eyes gazed at Teri expectantly. She felt her cheeks start to color.

  “Give her a break, folks,” Angel said.

  “I’m sorry for our rudeness, Teri,” Isabel said. “It’s just that Angel has never brought a girl home before.”

  “Mom!” Angel said.

  “I’m sorry, Mijo, but it’s true. In school, he had all the girls calling him and hanging around, but he never was serious about any of them.”

  “Oh, well...This is just--,” Teri faltered, not sure what their relationship was after waking up in his arms.

  “We’re friends,” Angel supplied.

  His sister Esme, giggled and his mother looked disappointed. Esme and Rosario had waist length hair that was auburn like Isabel’s, while Elena’s was dark and twisted into a thick knot at the nape of her neck. Mikey and Angel also had their dad’s dark hair.

  “If I say anything more, you’ll be counting your grandchildren,” Angel said. “Now, leave it alone. Tell me what’s been happening here.”

  “I have news, big brother.” Elena held out her hand, showing off a diamond engagement ring.

  Angel grinned. “Who among your many admirers is the lucky man?”

  “Charlie, of course.” She said it with a straight face and then collapsed in a fit of giggles.

  Angel feigned outrage. “Who does he think he is? I haven’t approved of him marrying my sister.”

  Arturo cleared his throat. “In your absence, my son, I gave my approval.” He spoke with a wry grin not unlike Angel’s.

  Angel shrugged. “Then I must approve as well.” He winked at Elena who dimpled at him. “He was my best friend, growing up so I suppose he hasn’t changed all that much. What about you Rosario? Who is going to marry you?” Angel asked.

  “Nobody,” she said. “When I finish at the junior college, I’m going to go to San Marcos for a teaching certificate.”

  “That sounds like a great plan.” Angel reached for Esme who was curled against him. “And who is going to marry you, Esme?”

  “You are!” she shouted.

  “Not me,” he said. “I’ll pick out a husband for you Esme. I’ll find you a nice, fat husband.”

  Esme howled, protesting that she didn’t want a fat husband. They all laughed and Teri was entertained with stories about Angel as a young man. She learned that he had gone to a Catholic school and played every sport well. He was offered scholarships but chose to enlist in the Navy.

  “The Navy took my son away,” Isabel pronounced with finality. “He never wanted to come home after that.”

  “I’m here now,” he said quietly.

  Arturo nodded at him. “Yes you are, son, and we’re happy that you brought your lovely friend.”

  Teri felt her color rising and exchanged a look with Angel. He didn’t appear to be at all uncomfortable that his family thought they were involved. Not at all.

  Esme and Rosario played a duet on the upright piano in the corner of the room. They were quite good and Teri applauded.

  “You should hear Uncle Ricky,” Rosario said.

  “Yes, you should,” Isabel said. “We can all go tonight.”

  Angel frowned. “We’ll see.”

  “What does Uncle Ricky do?” Teri asked.

  “He has a band.” Rosario jumped up and began to dance, shaking her hips to an unheard tempo. “He plays at his club on the Riverwalk.”

  “You young ones can take Teri tonight,” Isabel said.

  “We should join them, Querida,” Arturo said. “We haven’t danced together since your cousin Gonzalo’s wedding.”

  “Perhaps,” she responded, a flirtatious smile on her lips.

  “We’re not making any promises,” Angel said. “I have some errands to run but I’ll see if we can make it tonight.”

  “What kind of errands?” Teri asked.

  “Something to do with the business from New York.” Angel gave her a look and she nodded. “I thought my family could keep you entertained by telling embarrassing stories about me while I’m out.”

  “You’re leaving me?” Teri hated that she sounded so desperate, especially when his parents exchanged a knowing smile.

  Angel, however, loved it. That little catch in her voice hooked him. He gazed into her eyes and was right back in bed with her, wanting her. Wanting to kiss her.

  Esme giggled.

  Angel and Teri looked around at the circle of amused expressions surrounding them. They both laughed and the others joined in.

  They chatted until lunchtime and Teri went into the kitchen with Isabel and Elena.

  “What can I do to help?” she asked.

  “Nothing, nothing,” Isabel said. “You are a guest in our home.”

  “Please let me do something,” she insisted.

  “You can slice tomatoes for the salad,” Isabel said.

  Elena set a bowl of washed plum tomatoes in front of her and gave her a small cutting board and knife. Teri was happy to have a task to do.

  “So, how long have you known my son?” Isabel asked.

  “Not very long,” Teri answered truthfully.

  “You seem to have a lot of chemistry with my big brother.” Elena took a seat across from Teri and tore lettuce for the salad.

  Teri smiled, unsure how to respond. “What makes you think so?”

  “The way you look at each other,” Elena said. “The way he keeps you close to him. I can tell he loves you a lot.”

  Teri stared at Elena, wondering why the thought of Angel being in love with her made her heart beat faster. “I’m sure you’re mistaken. We’re just friends.”

  “If you say so,” Elena said in a sing-song voice, a smile on her lips.

  Isabel stirred a wooden spoon through something in a large pot and replaced the lid. “Love,” she said. “That’s all you think about Elena.”

  “That’s true,” she happily agreed.

  “Tell me about your family, Teri,” Isabel said. “Where do your parents live?”

  “My parents were killed in an automobile accident when I was a child,” Teri said. “My grandparents raised me. My only living relative is my sister. She’s a nun and she lives in a convent in Maine.”

  “A nun?” Isabel’s voice resounded with enthusiasm. “You’re Catholic?”

  “Absolutely!” Teri’s stock answer seemed out of place to her ears but Isabel was delighted. She grinned at Teri in approval.

  “What are you cooking?” Teri asked to change the subject.

  “Carne Guisada, papas, calabaza, ensalada y torta chocolate por deserté.

  “She’s being difficult,” Angel said from the doorway. “Salad, stewed beef, potatoes and squash. Chocolate cake for dessert.”

  Teri realized he’d overheard their conversation. “It smells delicious.” She lifted her eyes to meet his, stirred by the intensity of his gaze. Was there was any truth to his sister’s remark. Could Angel have any real feelings for her?

  Elena tossed the salad and poured dressing over it.

  “Go sit down with Angel,” Isabel directed.

  Teri rose from the kitchen table and walked to the doorway where Angel waited for her. He led her to a chair and pulled it out.

  Arturo entered the room carrying a tiny elderly woman. He gently placed her in a chair and arranged a napkin in her lap. She smiled up at him and he dropped a kiss on her cheek.

  Angel went to the woman’s side and spoke in Spanish close to her ear. He said the name Teresa and they both looked her way.

  Teri waved and smiled as the woman nodded.

  “Teri, this is my great-grandmother. She is my mother’s grandmother.”

  “Amazing,” Teri said. “You have such a great family. No wonder you are the way you are.”

  “And how am I?” He came to stand beside her, his voice almost a whisper.

  “I don’t w
ant you to get a big head but I think you’re pretty amazing, too.”

  He grinned at her. “That makes it mutual.” He took a seat beside her.

  “I’m not amazing,” she said. “I keep making all the wrong choices. Given an opportunity, I turn the wrong way and get lost every time.”

  “You’re not lost.” He winked. “You’re with me now.”

  A chill ran down her spine causing a visible shiver.

  He put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you alright?”

  “Absolutely,” she said.

  The others began assembling at the table. Isabel brought a plate to her grandmother with the meat cut into bite-size pieces. Elena brought a plate to Teri and one to Angel. The two women served everyone a generously filled plate before joining them at the table.

  Arturo crossed himself and the others followed suit. He said grace, looking up to smile at Teri. “And we are so thankful to have our son, Angel, and his lovely friend, Teri at our table. Amen.”

  Teri smiled back. The family ate and talked, passing food back and forth. Elena and Rosario served chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert.

  “I think I’ll have to be rolled out of here,” Teri said to Angel.

  “You need some exercise,” he said. “I’m going out but I’ll try to return in time to take you dancing.”

  “I have nothing to wear,” she protested.

  “Don’t worry, Teri,” Rosario said. “We have lots of dancing dresses.”

  “It’s settled.” Angel rose from the table. He kissed her temple and delivered the same to his mother and his great-grandmother. He tousled Esme’s hair and got a hug from Rosario and Elena who were clearing the dishes from the table.

  Teri sat for a few minutes, watching him leave through the back door. She tried to process her feelings. How did she feel about being included in the affectionate farewell he gave the women in his family?

  Good. It felt good.

  #

  CHAPTER NINE