“You ready?” I ask, getting up from my desk.
He nods and stands and follows me.
Ricco follows behind us both. I turn toward him and ask, “Do you know if Zaira is in her room?”
“No, boss. She’s out at the pool,” he replies.
“Oh, okay.” I look at Vince and say, “Follow me.”
We get to the pool deck, and I find Zaira sitting in one of the lounge chairs reading the morning paper. She has a glass of water with lemon on the table next to her, and I see she has taken full advantage of the clothes that were provided for her in her closet, wearing a beautiful yellow sundress and straw hat to shield her from the sun. She looks beautiful as always.
“Zaira?” I say when I approach.
She looks up at me and smiles.
“This is Vince, your older brother.”
Vince steps around me and takes the seat next to her. “Zaira, it’s good to see you,” he says. It’s awkward, but I expected as much. I’ve been the same way with her. We just don’t know what to say to her when we know her and she has no clue who we are except for what we tell her. It not only fucks with her mind, it fucks with everyone who loves her.
I turn to give them space when Zaira says, “Michael, please stay.” She taps the lounge chair she is sitting on, indicating she’d like me to sit next to her. I look at Ricco, confirming he should stay as well. He nods as Zaira slides to the other edge, and I sit down.
“So tell me, are you feeling okay?” Vince asks.
“Other than a bit of a headache that seems to come and go at times, I feel great,” she replies.
“And I assume Michael is making you comfortable?”
She looks at me and smiles lovingly. “He is, Vince. I’m in good hands.” She reaches for my hand and grasps hold of it. I’m taken by surprise by the familiarity of her actions and wonder if this is all just a show for her brother—especially after what happened between us last night. I ran from her. She should be fucking pissed as hell at me.
“Mia sends her love,” Vince says. “I know you don’t remember who she is. Hell, you don’t even remember me, but I hope you realize how much we both love you.”
Zaira nods and squeezes my hand.What the fuck is that all about?
“I understand that, but you will have to forgive me, Vince. Right now, you are nothing but a stranger to me,” she says, and I’m surprised by her uneasiness with her brother. The more I watch her interact with him, I realize why. Vince looks like his father. Zaira had serious issues with her father, and I believe she may be remembering Alberto in his son.
“I brought you some of your things from home.” Vince takes the duffle bag he’s been carrying and sets it on the ground between them. He unzips the bags and says, “Some of your clothes are here, along with some of your personal stuff like deodorant and shampoo. If you need anything else, please call me. My number is here.” He hands her a piece of paper with his cell phone written on it. Mia’s is written below his. “The other number is your sister’s cell phone. She wanted to come visit, but I told her it might be best to wait until you are more settled.”
“Thank you,” Zaira says as she begins to look through the duffle. She turns toward me. “Michael, do I have a phone?”
I shake my head. “No, sweetheart. I think it somehow got lost when you had your accident. Once you are feeling better, we’ll go out and get you one.
She smiles and turns back toward her brother.
“Would you mind if I came and visited often, Zaira?” Vince asks.
“Of course not. I would like that. Even if I don’t remember you, I’m gonna have to get to know you somehow. I mean, you’re my brother, right? I can tell by your concern that we must be close. It will just take some time.”
He smiles. “Yes, we are.” He takes her other hand and kisses it. “I should let you rest. I’ll come by tomorrow to see how you’re doing. I know you don’t have a phone yet, but don’t forget to call me if you need anything. I’m sure Michael will let you use his phone,” he says as he looks at me and glares.
I cock my eyebrows at him and nod. “Of course, Zaira.” I reply. “Whatever you need, my dear.”
Vince gets up to leave.
“Ricco, would you show Mr. Bonita out, please?” I ask.
Ricco walks to the exit to wait for Vince and then follows him away from the pool. I stand from the lounge to leave as well.
“Michael, wait,” she says, then hesitates a moment. “Please don’t go just yet.”
