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“That’s good to hear. You’ve all worked so hard for it.”
“Thanks. So, what’s new with you? How’s Val?”
I hesitate, not sure if I should tell Sofia my news. She’s my family, but I haven’t told my sister about the baby yet. She deserves to be the first to know.
I would’ve told her already if Alycia hadn’t asked me to wait a while longer. She wants to be the one to break the news to her family, in her own time.
For three months my sister didn’t tell me why she’d moved across the country, and I’d like to say I was gracious about it. Now I’m the one sitting on the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me, and I can’t tell her either.
“Val is good. Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. About the restaurant.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I’ve been thinking about things here,” I start. “And I want you to come run Amanecer for me.”
There’s a pause on the other end. “But I’m already running Sol y Luna. The restaurant you left behind. Remember?”
“Of course I remember. But Sol y Luna has staff that’s been there for years. I mean, you said yourself that Santiago stepped up. Maybe he could step up even more. What do you think? Does he have potential?”
“He does. He’s been a huge help. But I don’t know if he’s ready to take over yet.”
“Well, you could train him. Show him the ropes. And then, once he’s ready, you could come here. I need you, Sofia. I didn’t plan on being Dawnbreak Athletic’s head coach. I honestly can’t do it all. I thought I could, but with a few other things that entered the mix, I realized I need help.”
“Are you talking about Valentina?” she teases. “Or is it Lexa? They’ve been all over the news lately, you know. The golden couple.”
I laugh. “It’s not that. Well, not only that. It’s… it’s complicated.”
“Spill,” she demands.
I sigh. “I can’t tell you yet.”
I want to, but I can’t break Alycia’s trust like that.
“Come on, Raul. You know I won’t tell anyone. Besides, you’re killing me here.”
“I promise, I’ll tell you soon. But right now, just trust me. I need you here. And I think you’d love it. Los Angeles is amazing, Sofia. You’d fit right in.”
“I don’t know. It’s a big decision. I’d have to think about it. I’m actually pretty fond of Florida, you know.”
“I know.”
It’s not fair of me to ask her to pack it all up and move. It was different when I did it for Valentina, but it’s not right for me to expect Sofia to do the same.
“But just so you know, Val moved in with Lexa, so I have an empty room if you want it. It was really nice having you around for the grand opening.”
“I’ll consider it,” she says. “But no promises.”
“Fair enough. Just let me know. And if you need anything from me, anything at all, just call.”
“Will do. And hey, cousin? Thank you for thinking of me. It means a lot.”
“Of course,” I reply. “You’re family. I’d do anything for you.”
She laughs. “I know. That’s what I love about you.”
“Love you too.”
We hang up and I put my phone on the counter. I feel better, more relaxed. Talking to Sofia always does that.
