Lo gags. “Ew, gross.”
“What? It’s true. But anyway, we used to have girl’s night and recall details of our endeavors if you will.”
Tomás’ face suddenly turns a shade of red.
Lorena shudders. “Oh god, please, the trauma.”
“Now you know how I felt,” Tomás says jokingly.
“Whatever, we’re even. And everyone is happy, and everyone can keep their slutty details to themselves.”
“Agreed,” we say in unison, making our way out to the main bar.
Still in awe of what Tomás’ has done for me –and us– I can’t help but feel that there’s something missing. He’s done so much for me. I know it’s from the kindness of his heart but I want to do something for him in return. Something that his pride I know won’t allow him to do. And as I greet mystoner brothersas Tomás’ so accurately put it, an idea sparks on how I’m going to repay him for all he’s done for me.
CHAPTER 38
TOMÁS
What are you up to beautiful?
Wife:
I was just about to call you to see if you want to meet at the park
If you’re not busy of course
Leaving now
Wife
Perfect, see you soon
An hour later, I’m sitting on a bench in the middle of the abandoned park I spent much of my youth at, sitting with Sarina, opening the seal to the green tub of soda crackers I asked her to bring, after I told her I was leaving the office.
I can only imagine the look on her face, likely reading my text over again, confused, but it’s important that since she sadlywasn’t able to meet my dad, she gains a little insight on the man who made me into who I am today.
“Thank you, for bringing these.”
“You’re welcome, but I need you to explain.”
Carefully, I open the tin and grab a soda cracker, offering her one.
“Sure.” A smile tugs halfway at the corner of her mouth. “I haven’t had these since my grandma on my mom’s side was alive. She would have these with butter and black coffee every morning.”
That nostalgia I felt before comes back with a vengeance.
“That was my dad’s go-to breakfast and snack. Sometimes he’d cut up some guava paste and queso blanco to have with these.”
“Is that why you asked me to bring them over? Because you miss him?”
“Partially,” I say in between bites. “I don’t know if Lorena told you, but each year on our dad’s birthday we all get together to celebrate him.”
A twinge of guilt flickers in her ocean eyes as her hand glides onto my shoulder, rubbing it, comforting me.
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“His birthday was Harper and Chloe’s wedding date.”
