Page 41 of Knot Yours

“Your father must be proud to have a doctor in the family.”

“My apá would be proud if I were a hairstylist. That’s what makes him a good father. I’ll never have to earn his love or respect.”

The handsome man grins as though he missed my subtle dig. “You know, Marisol. You stayed gone for so long, I began to think you were never returning to the island.”

“Earning my MD and PHD took a long time.” Not that I owe you any explanations.

“Wow. So, you’re a double doctor?”

Since he already knows, I see no point in denying it. “I’m a doctor and a pharmacologist.”

“Ah. Someone like you would do well working for my father.”

And there it is. The not-so-subtle segue. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell Dario what I think of his idea, but I play nice for my father’s sake. “I think not. I got into medicine to help people like my brother.” I do not wish for my legacy to be legions of drug overdoses and diseased prostitutes working for their next fix.

I don’t know if I successfully kept the venom from my voice when I spoke, but Dario doesn’t act affronted. “I could ensure you get to do both. In fact, I’m sure I could have a lab ready for you immediately.”

“That is kind of you, but I could not alter my future without discussing it with my father first.”

My fingernails dig into my palms as a reminder to keep my mouth shut no matter what he says next. “I’m sure he would approve. He would get to have you back home, after all.”

I offer Dario my best fake smile and bite my tongue, turning toward the window again. We arrive at my father’s home in Dorado Estates a few minutes later. Thankfully, there’s been no more talk of me making better drugs for the Cruz family. Dario’s driver drops me at the entrance gate at my request and drives away. Finally.

The security guard at the gate has worked for my father since I was a young girl and recognizes me instantly. He walks out of the guard shack and opens the pedestrian gate, grinning and addressing me in Spanish. “Tiny Princess. I did not know you were coming home.”

“It was a surprise. Is my father home?”

“He is. Let me give you a ride up.”

“No. Don’t trouble yourself. I wouldn’t mind the walk. It’s been a long time since I smelled the flowers.”

The older man ushers me through the gate, securing it behind me again. “It’s good to have you back, señorita.”

I offer him a friendly wave, hoist my bag over my shoulder, and start up the drive. The place is exactly as Amá left it. Seeing all her garden designs and favorite flowers unchanged makes me feel close to her.

Reaching the house, I walk between the massive white columns and push open the iron and glass door of the island mansion.

It’s almost five when I approach my father’s office. I knock softly and push open the door when he says to come in. For a moment, I’m transported back to when I was a child and had to put all my strength into moving the heavy mahogany door. Though I’m stronger now, it still takes all of my resolve to do so, knowing what my life has become.

My father studies something on his desk, obviously not expecting me to be standing in his office. I’ve seen this view thousands of times, though it has changed over the years. My father’s jet-black hair, mustache, and goatee are now kissed with gray. A few more lines have gathered around his eyes, but he is no less handsome than he was decades ago.

My father always attracted the ladies, but he only had eyes for my mother. Even now, he ignores invitations to court the many women interested in taking him on.

I slowly approach the desk and call out softly, “Apá.”

The great Cirilo Borrero snaps his head up, and his eyes widen in shock. He jumps up from his seat and races around his desk to wrap his arms around me. I nuzzle into his chest, breathing in the comforting scent of his cologne. “Mi Tesoro, what are you doing here?”

He strokes my hair, not letting go. “Someone is after me, Apá.”

The arms surrounding me grip tighter. My father’s voice is weary when he says, “I know. I’m sorry, Bebita.”

When my father releases me, he grabs my hand, pulling me to the dark leather sofa in the room. “Tell me everything that’s happened.”

“You were right to worry about the Pastrana cartel. They’re the ones that have been harassing me. It’s just like you said. They wanted me to work for them. Two of the men I told you about set my car on fire when I refused. I ran away and hid, but they found my number and called. I didn’t know what else to do, so I came home. This is the only place I know they won’t come for me.”

“The Pastranas, no, but you know there are those here that wish for the same thing, mija. I need to send you away to a safe place. Somewhere you can live free, protected from those that aspire to use you.”

I laugh bitterly, pulling away and drawing a curious stare from my father. “There isn’t one. Not for me. I love you, Apá, but the life you chose guarantees that. These men are everywhere, and no matter where I go, I will always be Cirilo Borrero’s daughter.”

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