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“You should be complimentedtodos los días,” I say, pushing her hair back from her face in an attempt to cast away her self-doubt. Sol wraps her arms around herself, staring out at the ocean in quiet contemplation. “Muñeca, ven,” I add, scooting closer so I can wrap my arm around her and bring her close to me.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Soledad
Amaury tucks me into his side, and I rest my head on his shoulder. We sit in silence, watching the people around us as they pack up their things or relax with their families. The sound of the ocean soothes me like nothing else. There’s such tranquility here, despite all the people surrounding us. I don’t know what it is, but each time I’m by the ocean, a sense of calm overtakes me, relaxing me. I love the beach, and it’s so nice to share that with him.
His compliments are welcome yet so unfamiliar to me. Before him, I rarely received compliments so it’s not something I’m used to. The night we met I thought it may have been his attempt at pick-up lines, but no matter how much time we spend together he’s always saying something, causing heat to rise to my cheeks with each compliment.
“You liked it, the ride here?” he asks as he adjusts the sheet.
The ride here was incredible! Collins Ave. runs parallel to the beach. The entire three-lane stretch of road is beautifully landscaped with palm trees and other native plants and trees, lined with high-rises, hotels, shops, parks, and is buzzing with traffic, which was a bit nerve-wracking.
“I did, but because I was paying attention to the scooter, I couldn’t look at our surroundings.”
“Next time you can ride with me, this way you can see better,” he says, winking.
“I’d like that.” I bring my knees up and lean back on my elbows.
“I watched you on the scooter. You ride good,” he says, wrapping his arm over my leg.
“I’ve been riding a little every day. Guess it’s paying off.”
“You only need belief in yourself.”
“I tend to underestimate myself often, so I know exactly what you mean. I’m working on it.”
“¿Por qué?”
“Why what?”
“Why do you not believe in yourself?”
I shrug, pull a curl between my fingers and begin wrapping it around in circles. “Not sure why.” I’m not in the mood to talk about the insecurities I feel because my father abandoned me.
Unwanted.
Undesirable.
Unloved.
“¿Todo bien?” he asks, dropping his head so his eyes can meet mine.
I nod. “Yes, everything’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“You’re playing with your hair.” Keeping my emotions hidden gets harder the longer we know each other.
“All good, I promise.”
He stares at me, his eyes fixed on mine. “People always judge and criticize soes importante que creas en ti misma. No let anyone else’s actions or words make you change who you are.” Amaury drops soft kisses along my forehead.
“My entire life I’ve been that way, underestimating my abilities, not believing in myself, and I’m my own worst critic. But I’ve been trying to be better about it.” I turn away from him, the intensity of his gaze a little too much for me to handle right now.
“Hungry? There’s a pizza place I like over there—” he points down the boardwalk “—maybe we can grab a slice?”
“Love pizza and haven’t tried any good ones since moving to Miami.” I separate from him and am graced with a smile.
“Me encantaqueyou’re not shy about eating because I love to eat.”
