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“Of course,mijo.”
“Thank you,” Ramiro started, and I sank into my chair. “I would like to propose a toast to Caro.Todo el barrioloves you. You treat patients for free at their homes when you can, and you are always helping your dad. You come from a hard worker, and I know you are a hard worker too. It’s been a privilege to grow up with you, and I can’t wait to start the next chapter of our lives. To Caro!” He raised his beer, and glass bottles clinked all around me.
Ramiro walked to the spot where I sat on my chair and offered me a hand. I grabbed it, smiling tightly, and stood to hug him. He went for a kiss, but I gave him my cheek instead of my lips. As I turned my head, I saw Hector still standing by the gifts, his eyes shadowed completely by his strong brow—his face unreadable.
I grabbed my drink before walking over to him.
“Dr. Medina. Hello.”
“You look surprised I showed.”
“To be honest, I am a little bit. I’m glad you came, though. You will be a novelty here tonight.”
“I doubt that. They have you.”
“I don’t mean because you are a doctor.” I laughed. “These people here,mypeople, are working-class people. The offspring of migrant workers, for the most part. I don’t think you’ll find many fancy Mexicans here tonight besides yourself.”
“I’m a fancy Mexican?” he asked. At first, I thought he was joking but stifled my laugh when I sensed his earnestness.
I eyed him up and down, hand on my hip. “Yes. Definitely a fancy Mexican.”
He stiffened when I laced my arm in his and led him to the opposite corner of the yard where Dad was grilling and talking to my uncle. I didn’t miss when Hector used his free hand to straighten his tie.
“Papi!” I said. “I want you to meet someone.”
Dad said a few more words I couldn’t make out to my uncle and then handed him the apron and tongs. He came around the food table next to the grill. He smiled at me, but his lips thinned, seeing my arm was still linked with this strange man’s.
“Papi, this is Dr. Hector Medina. My new boss.”
Dad leaned back a bit and narrowed his eyes, studying him. Finally, after what seemed like years, he reached out his hand to shake Hector’s, making him realize he had to let go of my hand.
“It’s a pleasure,” Dad said.
“Likewise. Thank you for inviting me to your home.” I covered up my snort with a pretend cough.Invited?This fool invited himself.
Dad wanted to interrogate him further, but he heeded my glare. This was my boss after all, and I owed him respect. He couldn’t treat him like any other man I might bring home—not that I had brought anyone home for him to meet anyway.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked Dr. Medina, trying to break the awkwardness.
“Water would be great.”
“Let’s go into the kitchen, and I’ll get you some ice.”
He followed me back into my childhood home, and I suddenly felt very nervous about him seeing where I grew up.
“This is a nice house,” he said, and I couldn’t tell whether or not he was mocking me.
“I was happy growing up here.”
Once the glass of water was in his hand, I suggested going outside for a plate of dinner, but he shook his head. “How about a tour instead?”
I almost choked on my beer. “A tour?”
“Yes. I’d love to see the rest of the house that was so happy for you growing up.”
I cocked my head, unsure if I should give some excuse as to why that was a bad idea. I envisioned his childhood home in Mexico—probably a mansion—and I recoiled at the thought of showing him around. I couldn’t come up with anything, so I led the way.
The living room was cozy, and I was glad I’d come early to help dust and tidy up a bit. I knew Dad abhorred dusting or any other household tasks besides cooking.
