Page 24 of Blue Sky

Paella

The next night, the house was buzzing with excitement from the girls. Ana María loved her princess bedspread, and Mónica was experimenting with her new makeup. Both of them had been perfect angels so far. I was proud of them. Beck was watching television while holding Sky.

And I was stressing out in the kitchen.

I had never made paella.

And this was Beck’s favorite dish. I most certainly did not want to screw it up. I had started on the chicken broth, refusing to buy it from a can. This had to be the best paella Beck had ever had. I didn’t care that he’d had it in Spain—mine was made with love.

I began to strain the chicken when my phone rang.

Ugh, my mother.

I had to get it.

I stepped outside, making sure to speak in Spanish so Beck couldn’t understand me.

“Hola?”

“Hola? Where are you? Where are the girls? My brother said you took them away with some man.”

Great. Good news travels fast. “None of your concern. When was the last time you were home? They are safe. That’s all you need to know.”

“Don’t you speak to me like that. You must respect me. I am your mother.”

I exhaled. I had to do this. I had to do this now. It was a long time coming, and I didn’t have a moment to waste. Once she knew about my job, she would do anything to sabotage it. “Yeah, well about that. I want you to give me legal custody of the girls. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is you sign over your rights. The hard way is that I take you to court for abandonment.”

Her voice became quiet. “You would do that to your own mother? How dare you. I won’t give up my babies. You have no right.”

“No, you have no right. I swear, Mama, don’t try me. I have records of everything. No court will let you keep custody. Don’t make me fight you. Think of it as a relief. You don’t have to worry about us anymore.”

And then I heard a soft sob. “Paloma, you must know. I love you. I love the girls. I tried, mija, I did. It was just so hard.”

“I know it’s hard. But where there is a will there’s a way.” I lowered my voice. I needed to give her an easy out. “Mama, look. Just sign over your rights and once you get your act together, you can see the girls again. I’ll be leaving El Centro in a few months. I have a job. But I’ll come back and visit. And if you stop drinking, I’ll let you see them.”

“Job? What job?”

I was surprised my uncle hadn’t mentioned that Beck said he was my boss. “Doesn’t matter. I have to go. The girls are fine. I’ll call you in a week. Bye.”

And I hung up the phone. I wasn’t heartless, but I was done with her excuses. I had to focus on the girls and our future.

But even so, my heart broke for her. There was something in her voice that made me feel compassion for her despite my hatred for her. She said she had tried? Had she? I didn’t remember her making an effort. Maybe things were different when I was a baby. If she would only open up to me about my father, then maybe I could possibly understand where she was coming from.

I walked back through the door and found Beck standing in the kitchen. I couldn’t help but stare at his biceps busting out of his white T-shirt.

“Are you okay?”

I wiped my hands on my apron. “Yup. Great.”

He pressed his lips. “Who were you arguing with?”

I refused to lie to him. “My mother, but don’t worry. She doesn’t know where we are. She won’t bother us.”

He placed his hand under my chin. “You are amazing, do you know that?”

I choked back tears. I wasn’t used to compliments. “No, but it’s nice to hear. You’re pretty great yourself. You are so generous.”

His body brushed against mine. I held my breath, wondering what it would be like for him to kiss me.

I turned away from him. “I need to get back to the paella, or we won’t eat tonight.”

“Right, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I am. Thanks.”

I started scrubbing the mussels while I cooked the sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, and parsley. The smell from the fragrant saffron and broth mixture filled the kitchen. I was in heaven. Spanish chorizo, shrimp, mussels, chicken—this dish had it all. I was ready to feast.

Mónica set the table, and when the dish was finally done, I served everyone. I poured Beck a glass of red wine and watched his beautiful mouth as he took his first bite.

He reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Paloma, this is the best paella I’ve ever had.”