He didn’t, but he hadn’t told her that.
Nor would he.
His food finally arrived, and he took the plate and glass over to his brothers.
Enrique patted him on the back. “So spill. What have you been up to?”
“You know the answer. Alma. We slept together. And I spent the night with her last night.”
Ramón’s eyes widened. “Not shocking at all. I’d be more shocked if you hadn’t.”
“I know.”
Enrique shook his head. “So you plan to end it and leave?”
Jaime’s voice lowered. “That’s the thing. I think I want to get back together with her.”
Ramón’s mouth dropped. “No you don’t.”
“I do though. But it won’t happen. She made it very clear she is only interested in a fling.”
“Maybe she’s saying that out of fear,” Enrique said. “Did you tell her how you feel?”
“Of course not.”
Ramón leaned into his youngest brother. “Look. I never thought I’d be in a happy relationship. Neither did Enrique. But we are both in healthy partnerships. You hurt Alma greatly. She’s probably scared. You have to tell her what you want.”
Jaime sipped his latte. His brothers were right. His soul knew that Alma still cared about him. He had to tell her that he was willing to try out a real relationship with her.
With no expiration date in sight.
Chapter Twenty
The air was alive with vibrant energy as the sun shone on the Canal, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling Cinco de Mayo festival. Brightly colored papel picado fluttered in the gentle breeze, and the intoxicating aroma of sizzling street tacos and elote filled the air. Families, friends, and couples wandered through the streets, laughing and enjoying the festivities that had taken over the town park. It was so heartwarming to see a community that suffered so much come together and be part of so much joy.
Amidst the crowd, Alma strolled through the maze of booths, her smile reflecting the joy of the celebration around her. After she had gotten over her initial anger of being manipulated into attending, she’d looked forward to this event for weeks, and now that it was finally here, the anticipation had been worth it.
The journey through the festival was a sensory delight. The measured beat of live mariachi music enticed her to watch a group of dancers in a lively circle, swaying and twirling to the infectiousrhythm. Kids’ laughter mingled with the music as the little ones attempted the intricate steps, occasionally stepping on one another’s toes, but always recovering with grace.
Alma checked on her stand. The town had approved her liquor license for the event, and she had created a small tequila-tasting booth that also served her famous spicy margaritas. She mixed up some cocktails and helped her bartender. Carlos had told her that they had already raised over one thousand dollars to support the community’s programs.
Jaime walked up to the booth. She hadn’t seen him since the night they’d spent together. He hadn’t reached out and she hadn’t seen a reason to either since she knew she’d see him here.
She wanted to ask him to go to Mexico with her.
She said hi to José, who filled her in on the sales. Then Alma turned her attention to Jaime.
“Hey,” Jaime offered with a head nod.
“Hey.”
“How’s it going over here?”
“Good. We’ve raised some money for the community.”
“That’s great. It’s a wonderful event.”
“And you? What does my brother have you roped into?”
