Julieta splurged and actually went shopping. She bought a few dresses, some new lingerie, and even some makeup and skin care products. Julieta couldn’t even remember the last time that she had pampered herself. Maybe Mamá’s vanity had rubbed off on her.
Ramón had even kept his word about offering Tiburón a job. But Tiburón had, not shockingly, refused. As desperate as her cousin was for gainful employment, he was a man of loyalty. And his allegiance was to Barrio Logan. Still, Julieta knew how much Tiburón needed this position. She hoped he would change his mind.
Sunday evening, Ramón had texted her that he would be stopping by Monday morning and planned to take her to see the test garden. Julieta was ridiculously excited to see all the fresh crops. Though she normally never left the restaurant during the day, she made an exception. Las Pescas was closing soon anyway, so there was less pressure, and she had to admit it was nice to have the freedom to leave. Julieta made sure that she had enough staff to cover the place while she was gone.
Shortly after they opened, Ramón walked through the door with another super-hot guy, who had to be one of his brothers. He was as tall as Ramón, and both were in great shape. Ramón’s hair was cut short, whereas the other man’s hair was longer and carefree, like a surfer’s.
Ramón’s face lit up when he saw her. “Julieta, I would like to introduce you to my brother Enrique. He’s going to show us around his farm today.”
Julieta waved. “Hi, Enrique. Nice to meet you. I’m so excited to go to the farm.”
Enrique extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, too.” He grinned at Julieta. “I can’t believe Ramón conned you into being a chef here.”
Ramón just rolled his eyes.
Julieta laughed. “That makes two of us.”
“Well, Ramón gets whatever he wants, but you probably know that already.”
Ramón glared at him, and Enrique laughed. Julieta enjoyed the playful ribbing between the brothers. She yearned for that sibling relationship—fighting one moment, teasing each other the next. Ramón was lucky to have brothers.
“Well, have some breakfast before we head out. What would you like?”
The men placed their orders and sat at a small table in the back.
Tiburón walked through the door, and Julieta greeted him.
He embraced his cousin. “Hey. Now that you are rolling and all, can you lend me some cash?”
Julieta shook her head. “No, but you can get to work. I need a dishwasher—Cesar’s house got raided by ICE. He’s gone. They took him in the middle of the night.”
“En serio? Those bastards. Poor Cesar.”
Living in fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement was part of the daily life in Barrio Logan. She was so helpless to do anything about the situation, but it weighed on her soul. “So, do you want the job?”
Tiburón sighed. “Nah, prima. I can’t do that. I’m not going to work for the man.”
Julieta admired Tiburón’s resolve. But no one else was going to give him a job. Time for some tough love. “Well, you have perfect timing. You can meet ‘the man’ and decide for yourself. Ramón is here. Just give him a chance.”
Tiburón’s eyes narrowed toward the corner where Ramón and Enrique were sitting. “Why are you letting him eat here, cuz? He’s going to steal another one of your recipes, like his father did Tía Linda dirty.”
Julieta pressed her hand on his chest. “Stop it. He’s not that bad. And he does own this place.”
Tiburón made a kissy-face at her. “You just have the hots for him.”
She pinched him. “Tib! Stop. Just behave. Please. You need this job.”
“Fine, fine.”
Julieta led Tiburón over to Ramón and Enrique.
“Ramón and Enrique, this is my cousin, Tiburón.”
Ramón’s gaze lasered in on Tiburón’s tattoo. Julieta’s throat tightened. She prayed Ramón wouldn’t make a comment about the great white on his neck.
Ramón and Enrique stood up and extended their hands to him.
“Nice to meet you, Tiburón. Julieta told me you’re a hard worker.”
