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“Hey, old man,” Rafael teases when he answers the phone. He doesn’t really sound surprised to hear from me. We talk by phone or video-chat at least once a week. He’d prefer to text, but I won’t allow it. You can’t tell shit about how someone’s doing from a text.
“I’m shocked you aren’t tucked between the covers with some warm milk,” he adds with a snort. “It’s long past your bedtime.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m happy to meet you in the gym, anytime, anywhere, my friend. Mano a mano.”
He always laughs, but he’s yet to take me up on it. That’s how I know I’m still on top.
“Do you think we can catch up tomorrow? I’m kind of busy right now.”
“I have bad news. It can’t wait.”
I hear him suck in a breath. “What’s wrong?” There’s genuine concern in his voice.Empathy. “You okay?”
My chest swells. I’m not proud of many things I’ve done in my life, but I’m proud of the young man I helped raise.
“I’m fine.” I pause, deciding the best way to break the news.There isn’t one.
“Your father suffered a stroke. I don’t know much else, except that they’ve called a priest. The last rites aren’t administered at the drop of a hat. They must be reasonably certain he’s going to die.”
Rafael doesn’t miss a beat. “Shit happens.”
There’s no empathy now. I can’t say that I blame him. But this is not how it’s going to play out.
“That’s it? Your father’s dying, and that’s all you have to say?”
“Pretty much. I’ve got a hot babe in my bed, and she misses me. I’ll catch you la—”
“Don’t you dare hang up.”
“Cut me a break.”
“Tuck your dick back into your pants and get rid of the babe. You need to come home. Tonight.”
“Why?” he asks defiantly.
“Because he’s your father, and you need to go and see him. The plane’s on its way to London.”
“Don’t waste the fuel. I’m not getting on that plane.”
“Youaregetting on that plane. And youaregoing to that hospital. Because you’re a man, and sometimes men are required to do things that are unpleasant.” My voice is even, but firm. I give Rafa a lot of rope now that he’s a young man, but this is nonnegotiable.
“He’s your father. You need to make some kind of peace—for yourself. I don’t care what you say to him, but you do it while he’s alive. Otherwise, you’ll regret it someday.”
“Do you regret not making peace with your father?”
Oh, I made my peace with that sonofabitch.“We only know how we’ll feel with the benefit of hindsight. Then it’s too late.”
“Tonio—you’re my father. My real father. The only one I need.”
I would be honored to be the kid’s father. But I’m not. I’m his cousin. His guardian. But I don’t say any of it, because Rafa would see it as a rejection. And he’s already had enough rejection to last ten lifetimes.
“The plane will be there in two hours. Plan on going straight to the hospital, unless he dies while you’re en route.”
“Forget it.”
“Listen carefully,” I say in a tone that I know will grab his attention. Rafael gets very quiet. “You’re too damn old to be challenging me at every turn. It was fine when you were a kid, but you’re not a kid anymore. If you ever expect to work for me, to be anywhere near my men, you’ll learn to speak more respectfully.”
“I would never disrespect you in front of anyone,” he assures me with great sincerity. I believe him. “This is you and me. Like it’s always been. Family.Realfamily.”
