“I want to be a success, and I want another chance with Romeo.” I hiccup and dry my tears. “Will you help me?”
She presses my hair from my face. “Of course I will. Anything.”
I fumble on the bed for the ring. “I bought this for Romeo. I wanted him to know I love him, but I never had a chance to give it to him. Can you ask Tita Elena to give it to him?”
She opens the box and her eyes moisten. “She’s confused too. She said you told her you cared about Romeo right before meeting Eric. It was painful for her to watch her son hurt and humiliated. Your father’s furious at you for leading Romeo on. He says he warned you.”
“Why is everyone blaming me? I didn’t know Eric was going to show up. Mama, please help me. You’re my only chance.”
Mama closes the box, her lips tight in a grim line. “I’ll take it to her, but don’t get your hopes up. She may be my best friend, but she’s a mother first. I’ll call her before she makes any plans for the day.”
I throw my arms around her. “Thank you, thank you. Tell her I love Romeo and I never wanted to hurt him.”
“I believe you.” Mama lifts off the bed and goes to the door. “Believe in yourself.”
# # #
Papa gives everyone the day off and closes the restaurant to allow the cleaning crews time to spiff it up for the evening. I pack my suitcase, neatly arranging all my clothes and books, but I have no room for the motorcycle helmet I bought. Sadly, I’ll have to leave the jacket, pants, gloves, and boots behind. I pick up the outfit from the movie shoot and press the skirt over my tummy. Is it my imagination or am I a little bloated?
Somehow the thought doesn’t strike fear in my heart. I check out my reflection in the mirror and turn sideways. It’s too soon to tell, but a smile creeps up my face. There’s a small glimmer of hope.
I fold the skirt, kiss it, and place it in my suitcase. Mama has been gone two hours, and my stomach reminds me it’s lunch time.
Choco, Genie, and Brian are in the kitchen laughing and joking around. They clam up as soon as I round the corner.
“Hey, what’s cooking?” I force a grin and saunter into the kitchen as if everything’s normal.
“Pancit bihon, what else?” Brian pours boiling water over the thin rice noodles.
Choco hands the stir-fry spatula to Genie and wraps me in a hug. “Little sister, everything’s going to be okay. I wish I’d been there to kick Eric’s butt.”
“He’s an idiot,” Genie says. “We all hate him for ruining your life.”
“A real dickhead,” Brian agrees. “With a name like Eric Shen, say that fast a few times.”
“Okay, guys, thanks for sticking up for me.” I give them a group hug. “But I don’t care where Eric Shen sticks his. I only care about Romeo. Has Mama called or said anything?”
“No, not heard from her,” Choco says. “You all packed?”
“Yep, unfortunately,” I reply. “Will you take me to the airport tomorrow?”
“We’re all taking you.” Papa appears at the kitchen doorway. “That pancit smells good. Let’s eat and be happy.”
Mama returns while we’re stuffing our faces with the delicious eggplant and ham pancit. One look, and my heart careens to the ground.
“I’m sorry, Anak.” She encircles me in a hug. “Tita says she’ll tell him, but he’s not even talking to her. He texted her from a stranger’s cell phone saying he’s okay, but wants to be left alone.”
“Does she understand? Did you explain?” I’m desperate for any word of reassurance.
Mama glances at Papa and lowers her eyes. “She said she hopes he finds a girl like me, someone to pick up the pieces left by girls like her. She says you’re a lot like she was, too full of your own hopes and dreams to understand how life is for the ordinary people who are left in your wake. Sorry, Evie.”
Chapter 30
I wake up at four-thirty in the morning and check my messages. Eric left me a voicemail and text: Can we talk when I get time off?
He’s back at Boston and starting his first day of internship. I really want to cut him off and ignore him, but both of us need closure and I don’t want him to imagine anything that isn’t there.
I text back: On my way to the airport. Let me know when you’re free.
I can’t help not texting Romeo: Going to the airport now. Please don’t be a stranger.
Papa has the van ready and everyone climbs in.
“What are you guys going to do the rest of the day?” I ask, knowing it’s my family’s day off.
“Taking a tour of the harbor on that Seal Tour amphibious vehicle,” my father says. “You should have asked before booking the flight and come with us.”
“It’s okay.” I pull on my sunglasses. No one needs to see how red-rimmed my eyes are. My menstrual period started this morning and I’m achy and depressed. The next few months will be me, alone with my books. My Society Master sent me an email informing me that Professor Chu is ready for my remedial work plan. Harvard tries not to flunk any of its medical students. They brag that you have to try harder to fail out than to pass, but they really do put you through the meat grinder.
We arrive at the airport sooner than I wanted. Papa insists on parking and walking me to the security gate. I truly appreciate my family, but sometimes they can get to be too much.
I check my bags and head to the security line. It’s still early, but business travelers are already lined up at the scanners.
“In the old days we could have walked you to the gate and watched you board,” Mama says, tugging my sleeve. “Will you be okay?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine.” I hug her. “I never told you this, but I wish I could be more like you. I’m so lucky you’re my mom. You’re not critical or finding fault all the time and you always support me, even when I do stupid things.”
“Be good now, Evie.” Papa steps in and kisses me. “Go get them, tigress. You’ll be a wonderful doctor.”
“Oh, Papa.” I fall into his arms. “You were always right. I wish I listened to you more.”
Choco, Genie, and Brian all hug me and we exchange kisses. We must be blocking the security line because a TSA guard clears his throat and asks us to step to the side.
“Ate, come back end of summer,” Genie says. “Before I go to Berkeley.”
“I’m sorry I’ll miss your graduation, I love you, and I’m sorry for everything.” I hug her and wipe tears from under my sunglasses.
“I forgive you everything. Just come back when you’re a famous doctor.” She relinquishes me to Choco.
Choco’s crying so hard she has nothing to say. She blubbers and sputters, patting my back hard enough to knock out my fillings.
Brian gives me a fist bump. “Bye, sis. Kick him in the balls.”
Mama straightens my shirt, tucks my hair behind my ears and gives me a final kiss. I turn toward the security line, dragging my carry-on.
When I look back, my family has departed. They knew I would never get past the line if they were looking on.
“Pssst, Evie.” A man’s voice hollers from the end of the line.
Romeo? My heart leaps and my pulse comes alive. I jump out of the line and rush into his arms.
“I need only a few minutes.” His voice is stiff and his eyes are red with dark circles underneath them.
“Are you okay?” I ask. “I was worried about you.”
“I couldn’t let you leave without seeing you, but I want you to go back.” His Adam’s apple bobbles and he swallows several times, blinking hard. “I need you to know that I will never cut you off. If you need anything…”
“Don’t worry, I’m not pregnant.”
He breathes a sigh and closes his eyes. “I’ll always be your friend.”
“Friend?” Waves of pain squeeze into my heart, rendering it incapable of beating steadily. Air exits my lungs and my throat constricts. “Do you forgive me for Saturday night? I didn’t—”
“Stop. We don’t have time for this.
” He presses a restraining hand on my shoulder. “I’m letting you go. We both need to move on.”
“No, no. Don’t do this. I love you, Romeo. Don’t.” I clutch my throat and throw my forehead on his chest. “Give me a chance, please. I love you. Please.”
“Not now, Evie. You have a plane to catch.” His voice is firm as he reaches into his pocket. “My mother gave me the ring this morning and told me where to find you. You know I can’t keep it.”
“Yes, you can. Please keep it to remember me by.” Lancing pain slices my insides. I slide back into the line so he can’t give me the ring. “I have to go. Bye.”
He takes a step forward, his gaze holding me still. “Look in front of you and see what you have. The past is truly gone. Goodbye, Evangeline. Goodbye.”
Chapter 31
Boston in the summer is sticky and muggy and August is the worst. I stretch my arms and legs and lengthen my stride. The Charles River is calm and the morning rowers move through it with great speed. It’s relaxing to jog along the river every morning, inhale the fragrance of lush, damp vegetation and enjoy the cheerful birdsongs along the way.
Angie, my collie-chow mix, picks up the scent of another dog and strains at the leash.
“Heel, girl.” I give her a firm tug, but she only rolls her eyes at me, her tongue lolling, slows for a nanosecond before lunging again. She’s got all the markings of a collie, white pointy nose and reddish fur with the white chest, but is stout like a chow-chow.
The disturbance approaches: a sleek dog running alongside a man wearing wraparound sunglasses and a tennis cap. It’s too late to turn around and there are no other paths to take.
Why is he always running at the same time I’m exercising? This has been happening too often to be coincidental.
I fortify myself and keep my pace without breaking stride. It’ll be a quick pass, no need to speak.
Eric’s muscles glistens as he comes to a stop. “Lina, nice dog.”
He says the same thing every time we pass each other.
I pull hard to restrain Angie who sniffs Desiree like her fur is coated with lechón grease.
“Did you pass anatomy?” Eric asks.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I took the final last week and Professor Chu gave me honors.”
“Cool.” He removes his wraparounds and shoots a charming smile my way. “We should go out and celebrate.”
“Yeah, whenever.” I’m proud of my body for not reacting, for my hormones to stay on an even keel, for my heart rate to remain steady. “Let me know when you’re free.”
I give Angie’s harness a tug and she reluctantly parts from Eric’s dog, her tail wagging like a minesweeper’s metal detector.
“Sure, see you around.” Eric waves and takes off at a respectable pace.
“That went well.” I pat Angie. “I pass the Evil Ex test too. Let’s go back to the apartment and take a nap.”
Angie yawns and trots after me. In another week, I’ll be flying to California to drive with the family to UC Berkeley where Genie is starting her freshman year, then return back for my second year of medical school. It feels nice to not have work hanging over my head, but the pain of my persistent loneliness hits harder at times like this.
Romeo, true to his word, did not cut me off. He emails me occasionally to keep me up to date. His soap opera was cancelled and he’s looking for a job stateside. No luck so far. He’s always encouraging me with my studies and when I told him I passed anatomy with honors, we had a Skype chat. But he refuses to talk about a relationship and I know better than to press him. I blew it and deserve to be left alone.
Angie leaps and bounds up the stairs of the apartment complex, and I race her to the door. She growls and barks, her nose to the sill of the door.
“What’s the matter? Is there a mouse in there?” I slide my key into the lock and open the door. “Go get it.”
She rushes in barking and yelps when the room erupts with poppers spewing confetti.
“Surprise!” My family jumps up and down, waving their hands.
Romeo grabs me around the waist and plants a kiss squarely on my lips. Adrenaline spikes, followed by a wash of lust, adoration, and pure elation. I latch onto him, my hands twisting around his neck, my tongue around his, as fireworks pop in my eyes and my heart bursts with joy.
“You came for me,” I mumble into his lips. “You know I love you.”
He smooshes my mouth, hugging me tightly. “I’ve always loved you, Evie.”
A flurry of emotions twist around me and I float in his arms, as if a giant burden had been lifted. Bubbles and flowers and sunshine and lace. My heart celebrates and I touch his face, kissing every precious bit of him, hardly able to believe he’s real.
“Okay, enough, enough.” My father claps after Romeo and I have been going at it far too long.
I break from Romeo’s arms and rush my mom. “You guys, what are you doing here?”
My sisters and brother pile on for a group hug.
“We want to be the first to celebrate your engagement to Kuya Romeo,” Genie squeals.
“Oh, you blew it,” Choco says. “Let him ask her first.”
Brian fist bumps Romeo. “You have my approval to marry my sister.”
“Wait, everyone,” Romeo says. “Can Evie and I have a few minutes alone? Please go to the kitchen and check on the food or something.”
My family sidesteps to the kitchen a few seconds later. I’m so flooded with happiness, I can barely contain my laughter. When Angie jumps Romeo and he falls onto the couch, I let loose gales of belly laughs until my eyes are teary.
He pets her and lets her slobber all over him.
“Do you two know each other?” I ask, skeptical as to why my normally protective dog would be so friendly to an intruder.
“Yes, sweet girl.” He ruffles her fur. “She’s always whining to be let out. You don’t pay her enough attention.”
“What? You were stalking me?” My face is hot, no doubt from the jogging. “How long?”
“I was here job hunting about a month. Remember Mr. Dee’s son?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“He introduced me to a playwright who owns an acting school here in Boston.”
“And?” Excitement leaps from my heart.
“You’re looking at the new acting instructor for the Beantown Players. I live down the street from you.”
My jaw falls to the floor and I claw at his chest. “You were here all this time and you let me suffer thinking you no longer wanted me? How could you?”
“I needed time. You did too. But I never stopped loving you.” His eyes are, moist, large and sincere. He holds up his hand.
“You’re wearing my ring.”
“I never took it off. There was never going to be anyone but you. And now, it’s my turn to put my heart out for you.” He drops to his knees.
Angie takes this as her signal to attack. She lands her front paws on his shoulders and licks him.
“She says ‘yes.’” I drag my dog from him. “Congratulations, Romeo and Angelina. May you have a happy life together.”
Mama peeks from the kitchen door. The sounds of frying and the scent of Filipino food wafts toward us.
“Is it done?” she asks. “Time to congratulate you two?”
“I’m still getting off the runway.” Romeo runs his hand through his hair. “One more minute.”
“Lumpia’s almost done. Hurry.” She closes the door.
Angie’s tail thumps against the sofa to the beat of my excited heart. Romeo pats his pocket, then pats the other one. “Oh, shit.”
Standing up, he flips both pockets out and dances around, frantically scanning the floor. “Oh no! I lost it.”
“When did you last have it?” I pick the pillows off the floor.
“I don’t know,” he wails.
The doorbell chimes. Angie rushes to the door and barks.
I fling it open. “Tita Elena!”
“Nanay,�
� Romeo cries. “I lost the ring.”
Triumphantly, she holds up a shining blue diamond surrounded by a halo of white diamonds on a lacy, filigree band filled with pavé diamonds. “Looking for your Verragio?”
Romeo skids to her side and kisses her. “Nanay, you’re a lifesaver.”
My entire family emerges from the kitchen.
“Did she say yes?”
“Wow, it’s so pretty.”
“Evie, can I see? Can I see?”
“Time out.” Romeo puts his hands in the shape of a T. “I haven’t proposed yet.”
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Tita Elena shoves him to his knees and hands him the ring. “You waited forever for her.”
I join him on my knees. “I’m waiting to the end of time for you.”
“It’s about time,” Papa says. “You two have my blessing.”
“Will you?” Romeo whispers, “marry me?”
“Yes, I will be with you until forever ends.”
Claiming Carlos
I hope you enjoyed Evie and Romeo’s story. Choco and Carlos are up next in Claiming Carlos, Book #2 Sánchez Sisters Series.
"Sexy & hilarious foodie romance -- too hot in the kitchen."
Choco Sanchez is stuck in a rut. She’s never hit a softball and has been friends forever with Carlos Lopez, the head cook at her family’s Filipino restaurant. When flashy restaurant consultant Johnny Dee hits her with a pitch, she falls head over heels and gets a makeover.
Carlos Lopez is not about to lose one for the home team. Johnny launches a full scale change on the menu, and Carlos sends him straight into the dumpster. Claiming Choco’s heart proves more difficult, especially when her secrets threaten to doom their love. But never underestimate a man who can cook hot, spicy, and steamy, and we ain’t talking just food.
Reviews
“I triple dog dare you to read this story and not be affected by it in an intense, emotional, and palpable way.” - Amber McCallister
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