Page 8 of Cutting Ties
“Valentina.” I gave her a little shake. I regretted waking her, but knew I had to.
“Wha–” Her eyes slowly flickered open and she looked up at me. Confusion flashed across her face before a smile spread across her lips. “You’re here.”
Chuckling, I helped her sit up. “Yes, but I’m still waiting for you to tell me where we’re going.”
“The driver knows. I think you’ll enjoy it.” She looked out one window and then the other. “Yes, we’re maybe five minutes away now.”
The crowds began to thicken with people dancing, laughing, and drinking; festive Latin music seemed to be playing from everywhere. It took quite some time before the driver found an empty area to allow parking for the three SUVs. People looked, while pretending not to notice the vehicles.
The privacy panel lowered. “Is this good Senorita?”
“Si. This is fine.” Valentina confirmed.
Cutting the engine, the driver waited behind the wheel of the car while the security from the other two vehicles climbed out. The security all wore clothing that made them appear to blend in with the crowd, but it wasn’t a perfect blend as they weren’t smiling or appearing to have a good time like everyone else.
Valentina looked at me and shook her head.
“What?”
“You look too formal.” Reaching to me she gave my black tie a tug, undoing it and pulling it over my head. Next, she pushed my blazer from my shoulders and undid a couple of buttons on my shirt. “It’s not ideal, but it’ll do for now.”
Raising a brow, I grinned. “It’ll do, for now? Is that your way of saying I have horrible taste in clothes?”
“It will do.” She swatted me on the shoulder. “You just need a little bit of flare.” She smiled. “I’ll put you on the right track.”
I chuckled. One of the things that amazed me about her was how flawless her English was, with barely an accent to be found. By speaking with her, you’d never know her native language was Spanish.
The door was opened by one of the guards, breaking our moment. “We’ve cleared the area, senorita.”
“Thank you, Emiliano.” Before she slid out, she motioned toward the man staring in at us. “By the way, this is Emiliano. He’s my personal guard. He’s kept me alive this long so he must be decent at what he does.”
Chuckling, Emiliano took a step back from the car. “Just part of the job.”
“If you need anything and I’m not around, ask him. He’ll take care of you.” She slid from the vehicle, not waiting for me to reply.
I looked back at the blazer, which still contained the ring. It would be safer in here than with me on the streets where pickpockets could swipe it without me even noticing.
As I got out of the car, the music and rapid chatter coming from all directions seemed to uplift me. Everyone seemed so carefree and happy, easing the slight anxiety I’d been feeling due to all the guards and meeting her family straight out of the gate. Perhaps happiness was contagious. I was also greeted with a variety of smells from the various street vendors all around us. Despite having eaten an hour or so ago, the smell was so amazing it made me crave whatever it was that they were cooking.
“What is wrong?”
Bringing my attention back to her, I smiled. “There’s so much going on. And whatever I’m smelling is really calling to me.”
“Hmm.” She chewed at her red painted nail a moment and suddenly her eyes lit up and she pointed. “Come with me.” Grabbing my hand, she pulled me across the street to a booth manned by a couple of older ladies. One was working a grill that appeared to have sausages on it while the other took orders and payment.
“Sure.”
Arriving, she smiled, holding up two fingers, “Hola, dos perros calientes, por favor.” Digging into her handbag, she pulled out several large bills and passed them to the lady.
Taking the money, the lady attempted to give her the change, but she refused. “Senorita. Gracias!” By the shine in the woman’s eyes, Valentina had tipped a substantial amount.
Curious, I leaned into Valentina and whispered. “Did you just make that woman’s night?”
“I gave her a little something extra, yes. What’s the point of having money if you can’t help others? It’s the very least I can do.”
She said it so nonchalantly. Staring down at her, I felt a rush of affection and admiration. She was so conscientious of others. I worked with rich people every day and doubted even a small fraction of them would be so gracious.
Turning from me, she began speaking with the woman who was building the monstrosity of what appeared to be a sausage, piling pineapple, raspberries, bacon… The toppings seemed endless. By the time it was done I didn’t have a clue how to handle it.
“So do your best.” Valentina smiled as if knowing what I was thinking. “Grab the drinks.”
Looking at the counter, I saw two orange-ish drinks that I assumed to be some sort of fruit drink. Not questioning further, I picked them up and followed her to a picnic table. Sitting down, I passed her a drink while accepting the sausage creation. Despite the odd array of toppings it smelled amazing, and as I took my first skeptical bite, I realized it tasted delicious as well. We didn’t speak as I devoured the food and drink, making sure to get every last delicious bite while Valentina looked on in amusement.
“So now what?”
A wicked look twinkled in her eyes. “Dancing.”
