Maybe he had been called to come up here to see Alma, not for his business, and not to get back together with her. But for a higher cause.
To help some great boys achieve their dreams of playing soccer.
Chapter Eight
Alma didn’t have to be back at the bar until four to prep for the night, so she spent her day working out, tidying up, and answering some emails.
As she hitsendon an email to a supplier about a missing tequila bottle, her phone rang. She leaned across her white cotton couch to pluck it from the armrest.
It was Carlos.
Why was he calling? He stopped by yesterday. They were close no doubt, but they normally didn’t see or talk to each other on the daily.
“Hola. What’s up?”
“Not much. You good?”
“No. I’m livid. Did you see the critic’s Instagram post? He saw me yelling at Jaime and left.”
“Can’t say I blame him. You were pretty upset. Rightfully so. Do you want to talk about it?”
Alma rolled her eyes. Last thing she needed was everyone interrogating her about seeing Jaime. She was fine. Perfect, as a matter of fact.
“No. I don’t. And I wasn’t upset. Just shocked. If I’m upset about anything, it’s the critic, not seeing Jaime.”
He huffed. “Sure it is.”
“Carlos, stop. I’m serious.”
“I believe you,” he said with a not-so-subtle hint of sarcasm. “Just checking to be sure.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that. I actually saw Zoila a bit ago. Guess what? We’re going to Mexico together.”
“Really? You never travel. Ever.”
“I know. But this is the new me. Seeing Jaime made me realize how much of myself I lost when he left. Since I studied in Mexico, I have been married to my work. And I need a break.”
He sighed. “It’s for work, right?”
“No!” Alma protested. “I mean, maybe a tiny bit of work, but—”
“Aha! I knew it! I know you.” Carlos laughed. “You wouldn’t just go there for fun. You don’t do anything just for fun.”
“Fine. There is this maestra mezcalera in Oaxaca I want to meet.” At his confused pause, she clarified, “A top female mezcal maker. And I wanted to reconnect with some tequila makers in Jalisco. But I’ll still have fun.”
He laughed. “No doubt about that. Especially if you’re going with Zoila. She’s wild.”
She was wild. Almawantedto be wild. “Yup. She is. Anyway, is that why you called?”
“No. Actually, can you come to the field today?”
“For what?”
He hesitated. “Uh, there are a few teachers and coaches gathering today for the festival. I was hoping you could come too. Andthe organizer wants to meet you. It would mean a lot to me. At one?”
“Sure, I don’t start work until later.”
“Cool. See you soon.”
