Jaime laughed. “It’s not too bad. Julieta has a taco stand, and Ramón, Enrique, and I are judging some Miss Canal contest. But I guess more women than registered showed up, probably to meet Ramón.”
Alma laughed. “Ha, just Ramón? You’re the one with a zillion followers.”
“Alma, you know that means nothing. You’re the only one Iwant following me.” He stepped closer, caging her in on the outside of the stand. “About the other night—”
She held up her hand like a stop sign. “Don’t complete that sentence. We don’t need to define what happened.”
Jaime sighed.
Was that a hint of disappointment from him? Did he want to clarify their relationship?
Well, she didn’t. “For now, I just want to focus on my tequila.” Though she wanted to ask him to go to Mexico with her, now wasn’t the right time. It was so crowded, and they were in public. But being that close to him, with uncertainty in the air, was unbearable. Besides, he lived a million miles away—and there was no guarantee he wouldn’t break her heart again.
And she wasn’t even sure she wanted to be in a relationship. That critic had printed the review, and she was already fielding calls from press.
She was going to mention that to Jaime, but she had already thanked him the other night.
“Got it. Sorry I bothered you.” Jaime walked away toward his brothers. She could see them look at her and then pat him on the back. Then Carlos escorted them to the stage to judge the contest.
This was for the best. She just wanted this event to end, and then she would ask him about Mexico. If he said yes, they could have a great time on their trip, and then when they returned, Jaime would leave Marin. And who knew what would happen after that? But Alma couldn’t give him the power to break her heart again.
As the sun dipped lower, the lights strung across the park began to twinkle, illuminating the festivities. The scent of churros and tacos mingled in the air, making her mouth water. She wanted to try Julieta’s famous tacos but didn’t want to have a conversationwith her about Jaime, so she sampled other delicacies as she walkedalong. She bit into a crispy churro, the sugar rush taking over her body.
She sat on a secluded bench behind a vendor. There—a moment of peace.
After the contest concluded, Jaime found her stuffing her face with a tamale.
“Can I sit here?”
“Sure. How was it?”
“It was fine. Hard to choose. So many great women.”
“Isn’t that your motto?”
Jaime shook his head. “It’s not like that. I can’t even think of any girl but you.”
“Really? I haven’t heard from you this week.”
He clenched his fist. “I didn’t call because I wanted to give you space. I’m having real feelings for you, but Iamleaving. I was trying to do the gentlemanly thing, so we don’t complicate this further. I thought I could do the fling thing but I’m incapable with you.”
Alma exhaled. “I’m sorry. You’re right. It still hurt. I like you again.”
“I miss you. Hey, I’ll be right back.” He got up and ordered them two cups of Mexican hot chocolate.
He handed her a mug. “Do you still like this?”
“I do. Thank you.”
“I remember your sweet tooth.”
They sipped their drinks, and she enjoyed the moment of quiet amidst the festive chaos.
The night was still young, and the warmth from the drink calmed Alma’s nerves.
As the main stage came to life with a captivating dance performance, Alma found herself drawn to the spectacle. She watched in awe as the dancers moved with precision and passion, their colorful costumes swirling with each graceful twirl.
As the final notes of the performance echoed through the stage, they clapped.
