Ramón stepped out on the deck to make a call. He called Julieta, but it went straight to voice mail. He then called Papá.
“Papá, did you send that email to everybody on the street?”
“Yes, Ramón,” he said snidely.
A sinking feeling settled in Ramón’s stomach. “So, you didn’t listen to a word I said today.”
“I did, but I don’t agree with you. I didn’t hire you because you are my son. I hired you because you were fearless. You’ve always been, even when you were a little boy. You were never scared of anything, but lately, you’ve changed.”
“I’ve changed? I don’t even know who you are anymore.”
“Stop it, Ramón.”
“No. I won’t. What we are doing isn’t right. It’s not just about us. It’s not always about what makes the most sense financially.”
“I don’t have time for this today, Ramón.” Papá hung up.
Dammit. His father wasn’t even mature enough to have a discussion about this.
The backlash would be swift. Julieta shouldn’t be facing it alone.
“Hey, Mateo, I have an emergency in Barrio. Do you mind if we go now?”
“Nope, not at all. What’s up?”
“We bought a block there, and my dad raised the rent on all the businesses to a price that they can’t pay. I told him not to do it, but he didn’t listen to me. I threatened to quit, but then he will just force everyone out anyway. I’m trying to fix this mess.”
Mateo put his hand on Ramón’s shoulder. “Wow, that sucks. But take a deep breath. You are a great businessman. You will figure something out.”
“Thanks, man.” Ramón took a big calming breath.
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s go.”
Ramón got into his car and drove to Barrio Logan as his heart raced.
He pulled up, and Julieta must have seen him, because she came out of Las Pescas. Her eyes were blazing, and her hair was wild.
Ramón spoke to Mateo. “Stay in the car for a second.”
Mateo nodded.
Ramón got out and faced the woman he loved.
“I didn’t think you would show up,” she said.
“Well, you didn’t return my calls.”
“I just need some space.”
He took her hand and pleaded with her eyes. “Julieta, I didn’t know he sent the email. We have been fighting about this for weeks.”
“I know, Ramón.” She looked away from him and spoke in a whisper. “I just don’t know if I can go through with this.”
“What are you talking about?”
“This restaurant. You, me, us—all of it. You’re tearing up my neighborhood. I just think we need some space.”
No.
