Page 41 of Savannah Sweethearts

“You said you don’t need a woman, I figure that means you prefer a man.” I threw my head back and laughed.

“Listen, I have friends who are gay. Kenny at the gym is in a long-term, committed relationship with Carson. But I, Alonso David Ortiz, am not gay. I definitely enjoy the company of women.” He spoke so fast I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Noted.” I looked out the window and spoke before I realized. “Why are you a confirmed bachelor?”

The question sucked all the air from the car and I instantly regretted asking. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that. I know it’s personal.”

It took him a second before he took a deep breath and opened his mouth. “Um, I mean, my family life when I was a kid wasn’t great. My parents split up shortly after my sister was born, and then my mom just left us with my abuela and abuelo. I figured if that was what happened when you fell in love, I didn’t want any part in it.” He brought a hand up to his mouth and began chewing on the cuticle around his thumb, a habit I had noticed in weeks past.

I was shocked. My parents had provided my sister and me with a loving home with a large extended family and pretty much everything we could need or want. It never occurred to me that Alonso hadn’t been raised similarly.

“I’m sorry your parents abandoned you. Were your grandparents kind?” My voice was low and I picked at my own fingernails.

Alonso chuckled. “Oh, yeah, they were amazing. They took care of Maggie and me. Raised us right. They died within about six months of each other a few years back.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“No, no, it’s fine. They waited until they knew we were taken care of before they passed. It’s like they knew their work was done.” He scratched his head, making his hair flop all over the place. “So, since we’re fessing up. What happened with your fiancé? If you don’t mind my asking.”

My first instinct was to tell him to mind his own business, but I realized I was okay with talking about Henry and what had happened. It was cathartic to tell it to someone who was pretty impartial and hoped he would agree with what I did.

“So, wait, your fiancé got someone else pregnant and just abandoned her?” Alonso’s mouth hung agape as he turned into a residential section.

“Yep.”

“And you found out, gave her your engagement ring, and dumped his sorry behind?” We pulled up to a red light and Alonso parked and stared at me.

“Also yep.”

He leaned on the steering wheel and laughed. “You know how I feel about people who abandon their children. What you did—that’s amazing. Like, eres una verdadera dama machista.”

Whether he knew it or not, I understood him and his compliment at my actions. I shrugged. “I don’t know about that.”

Shock registered on his face. “You know Spanish?”

Laughter bubbled up and I couldn’t help it. “I know enough. My best friend growing up was Latina and I hung out with her family a lot. Anyway, I just wasn’t going to give him back the ring, and that poor girl was left with nothing. She was a temp secretary at his office. A five-thousand-dollar ring won’t go far, but I hope it helps her.”

We parked the driveway of a modest ranch home with American flags adorning the front porch. It would be perfect for B-roll. I looked at Alonso. “Thanks for listening. And for agreeing with what I did. Not many people agreed with me.”

“Yeah. I think it’s awesome. He got what he deserved.” He winked at me and swung himself out of the car. I sat stunned for a moment, mainly because I wasn’t sure why my heart began to race and I could feel the heat creep up on my cheeks in reaction to his wink.

You do not like him, Piper. Come on. It’s Alonso. Arch enemy. Except, he’s been incredibly decent, and he sent you all those flowers. Maybe you need to change your mind about him. Maybe.

“Piper?”

I jumped when he called my name. I was still sitting in the car, willing my pulse to return to normal. “Right, yes.” I fluffed my hair and climbed from the car, ready to interview a family with a long and rich military history.

Ninety minutes and three glasses of sweet tea later, we left an incredible family. My cheeks hurt from so much smiling and laughing. With the car loaded, we slipped into our seats to head back to the studio.

“Um, I hate to ask AO, but can we stop at a gas station?” I put my hand to my stomach. I didn’t want to ask to use the family’s bathroom, though I’m sure they wouldn’t have minded. I didn’t want them to think I was snooping.

“What?”

I grimaced. “I had too much tea and I need a bathroom. Please?”

He licked his lips. “Yeah, I got that. But you called me AO.”

“Everyone calls you AO.” I furrowed my brow and crossed my arms.

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