Ramón undid the silk tie on his charro suit and exhaled. As he headed down the hall to the bathroom, he scanned the walls, seeing what she had seen. There was just some art and some pictures with his brothers—how could those have bothered her? Most women liked to see a guy who had taste and who was close to his family. Right?
He paused at the framed magazine picture of Papá, Enrique, Jaime, and himself on the wall. Couldthathave bothered her? Maybe she didn’t like that his father had founded Taco King. Lots of Mexicans thought that Papá was a sellout, and she’d certainly turned her nose up at the joint earlier.
Well, Ramón guessed he would never find out why she’d left. He doubted he would ever see her again.
He couldn’t find her if he wanted to—he didn’t even know her real name.
Not that he had given her his.
Her words to him earlier in the night rang in his head—a prophetic warning.
It’s hopeless. We can never work out. We’re star-crossed lovers.
Just like the real Romeo and Juliet, Ramón and his star-crossed señorita were doomed.
Ramón entered his bathroom, stripped off his tight outfit, and hopped in the shower. He scrubbed the paint off his face. The hot water cascaded down his body, and his thoughts again turned to the captivating and mysterious girl who’d fled his house. He hadn’t even seen her face without makeup, though he wished he had. Her lips were full, her breasts were beautiful, and her ass was round. And the way she kissed with her delicious mouth had driven Ramón wild.
His hand reached down to stroke his throbbing cock. Oh, how he wished it was her delicate fingers wrapped around his length, or better yet, her mouth.
Yeah, that was it. He wanted to fuck her mouth.
The soft tongue of hers licking his tip, teasing him until he couldn’t resist her any longer. Juliet on her knees in front of him, deep throating him. Her eyes locked on his as she took him deeper and deeper.
Juliet!
Ramón gasped, the aftershocks of ecstasy still thumping deep inside of him. He finished his shower, brushed his teeth, and climbed into bed.
Tonight was a bust—but at least tomorrow he would be successful in closing the deal.
•••
Ramón woke the next morning bright and early. He looked out the window of his bedroom toward the ocean. The waves rippled, a perfect break. After he bought the building, he would reward himself and go surfing. He needed it, especially after striking out with Juliet last night.
He took a quick shower and then dressed in his custom-tailored suit. The bright blue color was a bit over-the-top, but having the best clothes, watch, and acumen helped intimidate the other competitors.
Ramón entered the garage and wasn’t shocked to see that his brothers hadn’t come home last night. He was sure they’d both partied their asses off. He slid into his McLaren and headed to Barrio Logan. As he left the shores of La Jolla behind, he reflected on the day ahead. Was this deal a good idea? That neighborhood hated change, but if he didn’t bid, someone else would. If he succeeded, he would own an entire block of buildings on the main shopping street. There were several businesses that currently leased space there. Asea-to-table restaurant, a café, a panadería, a pharmacy, and a small bookstore. Ramón wasn’t a dick—he would try to work with the businesses to see if they could stay there. But he knew most of them wouldn’t be able to afford the new rent increase.
The current tenants had all been paying under-market rent for years. If they had to relocate, then that was sad but just business. He would revitalize the street and bring in new ventures. A flagship Taco King, one that was a bit more authentic, would anchor the street, no matter what. And maybe he could convince Starbucks or a small-format Target to lease the other open spaces. The possibilities were endless.
Ramón exited off the freeway. The vibrant Aztec warriors on the murals greeted him. Cultural pride beamed in his chest. The artwork in Chicano Park was legendary. His own father had once protested to preserve the park when the city of San Diego wanted to turn it into a parking lot for a future California Highway Patrol station. Papá had joined other Chicanos and made a human chain around the bulldozers. The irony hung heavy on Ramón—Papá had once fought hard to preserve the culture of this community, and now he would battle to strip the town of its vibe. Ramón’s stomach grumbled—he couldn’t tell if he was hungry or consumed with guilt.
Ramón shook off his conscience and focused back on the street. Wow, this area had changed so much already. Ramón came here as a little boy when there was nothing but local taquerías, panaderías, and bodegas. Now, the place was filled with construction. There was a group of work-and-live lofts to the right of the street and a brand-new brewhouse to the left.
Perfect. The new and improved Taco King would fit right in.
Ramón parked his McLaren in front of one of the buildings he hoped to acquire. A big sign greeted him—Las Pescas. He’d never eaten here, but supposedly, the hotshot chef made the best fish tacosthis side of the border. Though he couldn’t stop thinking about the tacos Juliet brought him last night. Too bad he’d not found out where she had purchased them. Those had been incredible.
The meeting for the auction was next door with the owner of the buildings, but since Ramón was early, he decided to check out the menu plastered to the black brick wall. So many authentic, hearty, classic Mexican dishes. Maybe after he and Papá completed their task, they could eat here.
As soon as he got out of his car, Papá pulled up behind him—in a brand-new Bentley convertible.
Ramón embraced Papá. Though in his mid-sixties, Papá looked younger than his years. His hair was black without a strand of silver, and his body was in shape thanks to his daily boot camp workouts. “Nice ride, Apá. When did you get that?”
Papá grinned at Ramón and pointed to the car. “I picked it up the other day. I would love to take it up the coast to Santa Barbara. It would be great if you, Enrique, and Jaime would join me.”
Ramón winced. The song lyrics from “Cat’s in the Cradle” rang through his head. Papá had always been slammed with work when Ramón was a kid. And now, Ramón and his brothers were the ones who were too busy. They didn’t spend enough time with Papá, who was lonely. “I’ll go with you, when things cool down at work. Maybe you should take some of your own advice and make time for the ladies.”
“That would be nice. I hope to one day meet a beautiful woman.”
