They shared a quick kiss, and Ramón placed his arm around her waist.
“I can’t believe I’ve never been here. This is incredible.”
“Let me show you around.”
Julieta led Ramón down the street. They strolled through the food trucks, craft tents, and DJs.
Julieta gestured at a tall woman wearing a bright pink pantsuit. “Ramón, this is Yesenia.” Yesenia waved hi. Her hair was pulled in a tight bun that contrasted with the loose scarf wrapped around her neck. “She owns Barrio Books. Have you stopped in yet? It has so many Spanish books, and she even hosts a bilingual story time for the kids.”
Ramón’s throat tightened. He had said hi to her in passing but hadn’t formally met her. “Nice to meet you.”
She gave a generous smile. “I’ll admit it, I was scared when Señor Gomez sold the street, but I just love how you are truly getting involved in our town.”
Ramón’s skin burned. “Thanks. Everyone has been so kind to me.” And he was going to stab them in the back.
“Stop in anytime! I’d love to talk to you about a literacy program I’m developing.”
Ugh, a literacy program? How could he force her out? “I will.”
“Bye, Yessi!” Julieta waved.
Could Ramón turn this around? For once, with Julieta on his arm, Ramón felt like he belonged in his community.
For now.
But he didn’t want tofeellike he belonged in this community—he wanted to actually belong. He exhaled. He had to talk to Julieta.
He bought her a coconut paleta, which she devoured. Then they sat on a bench and watched the cars cruise by.
He brushed a lock of hair out of her face. “Julieta, what do you want to happen?”
Her face contorted. “With us?”
He grinned. “Sure, but I was asking about the business.” He considered asking her to be his girlfriend right then but wanted to wait for a more romantic moment. “I can’t promise you anything because it’s not just up to me, but I really want to hear your ideas.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? Well, in a perfect world, I would keep Las Pescas as Las Pescas, but with the new salary and budget and garden. And the other businesses would be able to stay. If you needed to raise the rent, that would be understandable, but it would have to be within reason. You could still make a profit.”
A honk rang out, and she turned her head. A brilliant smile lit her face. She waved to a car of teenagers cruising, then she turned back to him, her dark eyes serious. “We could have big events and bring more people into the community. You could work with the other owners to maximize revenue. And it would be a win-win for everyone.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll consider it.” She leaned on his chest, and Ramón stroked her hair.
There was no way Papá would agree to that.
None.
But Ramón could figure something out. He had to.
Not because he was falling for Julieta, but because Ramón could never live with himself if he didn’t.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The week dragged on. Julieta had barely said a word to Mamá; she’d been staying with Tía Adriana, Rosa, and Rosa’s younger siblings. Julieta had enough money to get her own place now, but she didn’t want to sign a new lease until she was certain that she had the guts to work at the restaurant when it became Taco King.
Friday finally rolled around. Ramón had wanted to take her somewhere downtown. But Julieta had told him she wanted to make the plans.
He’d happily agreed, which was nice. She didn’t want to date a man who always needed to be in control. She wanted a partner.
Julieta considered picking him up but changed her mind—she doubted he would want to be seen in her crappy car.
