Page 37 of What She Wants

“Just because things were a little different for us when you were growing up,” he says, probably feeling guilty about something he couldn’t prevent. I have never resented the man for what my mother’s family tried to make him choose. I know he loves me.

“I don’t care about all that, Papá, it’s in the past. It doesn’t matter to me.” I let him know just in case he forgot.

“I know,hijo, I know and like I was saying, it doesn’t mean that I don’t know what it’s like when you’re really into someone, Marín. You’re into this woman and if you stood up to your mother, then I know this is real but you know we’re Costa Rican,hijo, we have to do our tradition proud.”

“Oh, she’ll be serenaded. It’ll live with her for the rest of her life.” I tell him as I think about how I know for a fact Esme thinks of me even when she’s not trying to.

After all, she knows what she wants and that’s me, her husband, Dr. Marín Delgado.

Chapter22

Esme

Accordingto Nico Santiago’s social media pages, his fine-as-wine ass will be on the Island this week. All of my fangirling starts to ask all the questions like is he going to have a secret concert. If so, I need to find all the details and put it in my schedule. I start to wonder if I should invite Marín to go with me if a concert does happen. If he has all of his albums then he should know enough songs to be a good companion. I know the Spanish songs but can’t sing along like I can to the English hits.

It’d also mean that I could go on a date with my fiance before the wedding. I stop flat ironing my hair to sit with the thought I just had. I referred to Marín as my fiance. That’s new. His mom alone should have me trying to switch islands and change my name. Who wants to be chained to that type of woman?

Shaking it away, I finish my hair and gloss my lips since my makeup is done. I’m supposed to meet Sienna for dinner and listen to her bitch about Berke for the 100th time. They really need to fuck and be done with it. Everyone sees their sexual attraction but them apparently.

We're going to one of the Bishops exclusive restaurants that only the top five percent can afford. It's technically not in Sienna's budget but I'm not going to leave my friend hanging and I'm definitely not going somewhere the paparazzi can. I'm not in the mood.

I check my overall appearance, doing one last slow turn in one of my full body mirrors. My hair, which I rarely straighten, hits my lower back. It's longer than I thought. I have on one of my little black dresses and some sparkly stilettos. Might be a lot for a Wednesday but it's what I do. My driver meets me outside and I zone out en route to the restaurant. My mind goes back to Marín because that seems to be where it's stuck.

I realize that I have no idea what he's doing right now. We went our separate ways this morning. He kissed me like he didn't want to leave but it's been radio silence all damn day. I really need to learn the relationship protocol.

My driver lets me out of the car and walks with me to open the door to the restaurant. I don’t go everywhere with Charles but our parents insist that we stop acting like regular people especially after Imala’s failed abduction.

The restaurant is practically empty but it’s designed that way to give us space and privacy. The bar is the first thing we see after the hostess and while I only glanced at the area, my attention was diverted enough to run into someone. His strong hands catch me and I look up fully intending to extend my gratitude but my mouth gets stuck open for a moment. Nico Santiago is even hotter in person with his almost completely silver hair, his partially unbuttoned shirt gives a peek of his toned chest, and he smells like dreams and wishes.

“I’m such a fan,” I whisper before I shake my head. “I mean sorry for bumping into you Mr. Santiago. I’m such a fan.”

Dammit why did I say that again? One would think that people with our status wouldn’t get starstruck but it’s now true.

“Really?” He asks with one of his signature smiles. “I’m such a fan of yours, Esme.”

“What?” I giggle for two reasons. He knows my name and he said my name. “What did I do?”

I haven’t tried to sing or insert myself into any movies. I don’t leave the island often so I haven’t been interviewed at all. In fact, the only press I get is Marín’s bitch ass mama.

“You are authentically yourself no matter what. It’s admirable.”

I have a full blush now but I still cannot believe I’m talking to Nico Santiago.

“What brings you to the island?”

His smile is measured and I hope I didn’t overstep. “To see my son.”

My eyes grow bigger. I’ve seen him in the news, watched videos, and have gone to concerts, I’ve never heard of him having children.

“You have a son?” The surprise is genuine.

He drops his hand on his chest with a sigh. “Oh, you wound me.”

I shake my head. “No. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to probe. I’ll mind my business.”

He chuckles and looks over my shoulder and his eyes narrow slightly. “What the hell,hijo?Are you ashamed of your old man?”

“Never, Papá.”

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