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“I’ll consider it. Now let me grab your father so you can tell us about this article.”
My father jumps on the line, and we talk. Somehow, we go from the article to my press tour, to my mother telling me about her friends' grandchildren again despite us having the same conversation last week. My father heads back out to his garage, leaving us alone. And she questions my will, I'm clearly her son.
I shake my head at my spitfire mom who stands inches over four feet, a giant in my eyes. I could remind her that my brother and sister are handlings the kid quota without my assistance. However, this will only drag the talk into her overarching justification that I'm the oldest, and I should have a wife by now.
A wife, Gloria Rodriquez, refuses to acknowledge, which is my business. My mother claims the American culture has edged out the core of who I am and what I mean to this family as the eldest son. They sent me to America to succeed, and I have, except my parents, always planned for me to return. So, instead of interjecting and swapping one sore spot for another, I sit back and respond where appropriate.
Susan, my assistant, steps inside my office. She mocks, bringing a receiver to her ear.
Who is it? I mouth.
Alexandria, on line two, she responds. I stare at the flashing white light.
“Mom, I have an important call to take. I’ll call you tonight with the flight details.”
“Your father and I will discuss it.”
“Te amo, Mamá." We say our goodbyes, and I press two. "Alexandria.”
I exhale, not recognizing my voice or the erratic cadence of my heart. The shift from concern about my parents to her on the line gives my spirit whiplash.
"Hey, …I…God…it feels good to hear your voice." Her soothing tone sounds different yet familiar.
"How long has it been?" I ask to hear her talk again, and I'm rewarded with her sultry laugh.
"I will not say because it will age us both."
“I’m sure you haven’t aged a year. How are you?”
Alexandria exhales a shaky breath matching my own. “I’m good. It’s the holiday season. Between business and shopping for my nieces and nephews, I have a full plate. What about you?”
The smile in her voice sends a fresh wave of awareness through my body. We were once something special, but timing and circumstances were against us. That was over fifteen years ago. In my pursuit of success, I forgot to turn around, thankfully fate hasn’t dismissed the possibility of us.
“I’d rather tell you in person.”
Her soft gasp pulls me forward in my chair. “You’re here? In Austin?”
"No, I'll be there in the morning. How about brunch? You select the place and time, and I'll be there." I have no plans of flying to Austin, but all I need is her agreement to meet with me. I open my calendar, scanning my jam-packed day. "Say yes, Alexandria."
“Yes…but…this is a meeting between old friends, and I have business matters to discuss with you.”
“Aye… Alexandria…building a wall already?” The man in me, aiming to win at everything I put my mind to, challenges her declaration.
“It’s not a wall but boundaries, Mateo Rodriquez.”
“Boundaries? What are those?” My accent is thick because I remember how it always brought a sly grin and an eye roll from her. The proper beauty and her doting immigrant.
“Which is exactly why we need to establish them before we see each other.”
“Aye…mi querida.”
“And none of that? Keep those sweet words to yourself.”
"What?" I mock shock, and her laughter spills over. "Don't tell me you've lost your sense of adventure and fun."
“I know how to have a good time like anyone else. But you Mateo have always been slicker than oil. I refuse to get caught up in your plans.”
“That’s how you see me?” My gruff question hangs between us. I don’t expect her to respond to my bait. That would be too easy.
