A blue bird flew over their heads. She focused on it for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. “I guess. I’m just confused, Jaime. I feel like we’re talking in circles. I can’t lie and say that I’m not having strong feelings sitting here across from you. If I forget about the past, this is just easy breezy. You and I, having lunch in Sonoma, drinking, just like old times. And that kiss was incredible. But I don’t want to get hurt.”
“I’d never hurt you again, Alma.”
Ugh, this man. “So, what does that mean? Listen, Jaime. Don’t even try to kiss me again, unless you mean it. I got over you once, but I don’t think I can do it again. Let’s just keep this friendly.”
He took her hand across the table. “If I kiss you again, you’ll be the last woman I ever kiss.”
Alma couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Are you serious right now? Don’t give me one of your lines. I’m spiraling here, Jaime.Sorry that I sound so pathetic, but seeing you, hanging out with you, kissing you, has really rattled me.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say to that.”
The waitress walked over with their food. “Can I get you anything else?”
Just a lobotomy. “No, we’re good, thanks.”
Alma focused on her food. The fish was buttery and fragrant. She sipped her margarita and got lost in the moment. When was the last time she went out just for fun and not for work? This day, even though being with Jaime was challenging, was blissful.
Jaime downed his drink. Alma didn’t bother telling him it was best sipped slowly.
“So, did you know your brother wants me to donate to his soccer club?”
Alma gulped.
“Really? I can’t believe he asked you that. You don’t have to. I’m so sorry.” She had always known Jaime was rich. Crazy fucking rich. But she never wanted him to think she or her family was interested in his money.
“Don’t be. Carlos wants the students to have great opportunities. And he deserves to be paid well for his work. I want to help. I’ll talk to the foundation board.”
“Don’t feel guilted into helping the program. We appreciate you and your family’s help at the festival. But you don’t need to do this.”
“I know. But I want to. It’s important to me to support things I care about. And I care about soccer. And your family. I’m sorry. Iknow it’s awkward.” He wiped his mouth with the napkin. “Just wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“I get it. He wants you to raise money for the Canal and his program.”
Time to change the subject. “How are your brothers?”
“Well, Ramón is getting married to his fiancée Julieta this summer. She’s great. A super-talented chef. She has a really close-knit family. Randomly her mom, Linda, and our dad used to date back in Mexico when he was there surfing over spring break years ago. Linda actually made him his first fish taco, which inspired our taco business.”
“Wow. That’s random. And a bit creepy.”
“Yeah, that’s what I said. Linda hated my dad. He told Ramón that he returned to Mexico to propose to her but saw her with another man, who was Julieta’s father.”
“Oh, that’s so sad. How are they both now?”
“Linda still hates my dad because he and Ramón tried to gentrify the block Julieta’s taco shop is on. Ramón, of course, saved the day because he’s a hero, but Linda hasn’t forgiven my dad. But I hope they will be civil one day. They will both be at the wedding.”
The wedding. Alma used to fantasize about a big, beautiful wedding to Jaime. Now, she only dreamed of finding success in business. She could wear a fancy white gown to an awards ceremony sometime.
“When is it?”
“In August. In Coronado.” He paused and stuffed a french fry in his mouth. “Want to be my date?”
Alma shook her head. “Don’t play with me. I can’t be your date to your brother’s wedding. That’s too intimate.”
“Why not? You know my entire family; they will be here topromote the festival.” He gazed at her dress. “And I’d be honored to be there with you.”
“Wouldn’t you rather be single at the wedding? Pick up one of the beautiful bridesmaids?”
“Nope. None would be as beautiful as you.”
