Though Ramón normally thrived on his father’s praise, this time Papá’s words had the opposite effect. Ramón had closed the deal. He should’ve been ecstatic. But, instead, he was racked with guilt.
But why? Was it just because he had the hots for Julieta? A woman he didn’t even know? He just lusted after her—that was all.
Or maybe it wasn’t all. Ramón flashed back to how she’d looked at him in the garden when he sang, how she was thoughtful enough to bring him food, how she seemed to like his company even before seeing his McLaren and knowing how rich he must be. He didn’t just want to sleep with her; he wanted to get to know her better.
Papá pointed at Ramón. “Unfortunately, things will not work out between you two due to my history with her mother and our ownership of their building. There are many other beautiful women, especially here in San Diego. No matter what, never mix business with pleasure.”
Ramón heeded Papá’s words, but that didn’t mean that he had closed the door on Julieta.
He still wanted her.
He checked his phone. A message from Julieta awaited.
Mr. Montez,
As your tenant, I will agree to meet you to discuss the future of Las Pescas. But I need to be clear—this is not a date. I have no desire to have dinner with you. You can meet me at the restaurant tonight at six p.m.
Sincerely,
Julieta Campos
P.S. I apologize for dropping your food.
Yes! She agreed to meet him, though Ramón realized that she really didn’t have much of a choice.
Ramón’s first instinct had been to buy her roses and take her to dinner at the most romantic restaurant across the bridge in Coronado, but he could see that plan was completely inappropriate. He did not want to make this already uncomfortable situation even more awkward. Or make Julieta feel that he was sexually harassing her.
So he would keep it professional.
For now.
Dear Miss Campos,
Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I will be there tonight at six. No apology necessary for earlier. I understand how shocked you were—as was I. Though, to be honest, I’m glad I found you.
Sincerely,
Ramón Montez
He downed the rest of his drink and turned to Papá. “I’ll be meeting Miss Campos tonight at six to discuss the future of Las Pescas. Who knows? Maybe they will be able to pay the new rent.”
Ramón enjoyed testing Papá.
Papá took a sip of his second Mexican mocha, then licked the whipped cream off his upper lip. “If they can pay that amount, then raise it until they can no longer pay, Ramón. I want to take over that restaurant. Iwilltake over that restaurant. That space will be a Taco King. This is nonnegotiable.”
Ramón grabbed his phone and his keys. “Got it.” Frustration laced his words. “Well, I have to get back to work and prepare for my meeting with her tonight. I’ll see you soon.”
Papá stood to hug him, but Ramón turned toward the door. After they said their goodbyes, Ramón exited the café. On the way out, he left a one-hundred-dollar bill in the tip jar. The lady smiled at him, and guilt consumed Ramón. She had no idea that he was about to destroy her business.
He licked the final remnants of that pastry off his lips. He should’ve bought more, because once he shut this place down, he would be eating stale blueberry muffins and prepackaged frozen and dethawed egg sandwiches at the future chain coffeehouse instead.
Before getting into his car, Ramón strolled down the street. Though the coffee and pastry were both great, Ramón was still hungry. He stopped in a cool hot dog shop named Barrio Dogg that had a gallery of artwork and a sick lowrider car out front.
This place was so cool—the perfect blend between American and Mexican culture. He ordered a beer and a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with chili con carne, manchego cheese, jalapeño peppers, salsa verde, a slew of other spicy peppers, and a menacing-sounding house-made chili oil called Dragon Tears.
He sat facing the street so he could experience the vibe of the block.
The sun shone and reflected the bright colors of the artwork on the buildings. He took a picture of a mural of Selena painted by a local artist. People greeted each other with hugs. The owner knew his customers by name.
