Ramón woke up before Julieta.
What an incredible night. He couldn’t believe he’d actually told her that he loved her. Even crazier, he’d actually meant it.
And he felt that she did, too.
Ramón didn’t feel fearful. He was ecstatic.
He gazed out at the ocean. He was excited to surf today.
After ordering room service, he quickly checked his phone.
There was an email from his father. Wonderful.
Ramón,
It has come to my attention that you have not issued any of the rent increases to the tenants on Logan Avenue. Due to your reluctance to do your job, I have taken it upon myself to draft the letters. Please send these by the end of the day. I understand yourconcerns, but we cannot continue to lose money on the block. I would also like a timeline for the grand opening of Barrio Logan’s Taco King.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Love always,
Papá
Dammit! Ramón’s gut twisted. He did not want to deal with this today. Not when he was actually happy.
Papá wouldn’t ruin his bliss. He would speak with him when he returned.
He sent a standard out-of-office reply, knowing that it would infuriate his father.
Julieta finally woke, her hair wild and dark against the stark white sheets.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said.
“Good morning.”
They fed each other fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs. Ramón had been here before with his brothers and his friends, but it was definitely better being here with Julieta.
After breakfast, they made love again.
“What did you want to do today?” he asked as their breathing slowed. The scent of sex hung in the air between them.
Julieta stretched in the bed. “I’m happy to just do nothing and stay here forever.”
She was clearly joking, but staying in Mexico and never returning to San Diego to face Papá crossed Ramón’s mind. He kept it to himself. He did not want to tell Julieta about the email. He wanted to enjoy the trip before they went back.
“Staying here forever would be nice, but I think I’d miss the McLaren too much.” He laughed, then paused, met her beautiful gaze. “And Las Pescas. It’s starting to feel like home to me.”
She linked fingers with his. “That means a lot. But by Las Pescas, you mean the Taco King, right?”
He bit his lip. It was as if she could sense that Papá had sent him the letter. “Give me time, babe.”
“I will.” She glowed, and there wasn’t a hint of sarcasm in her tone. She trusted him. Ramón had to make sure he was worthy of that trust.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead then smiled. “But seriously, what do you want to do today?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never been here.”
“I was thinking we could take a tour of the tequila distillery, maybe go shopping downtown? We could try one of the local taco stands.”
