Page 34 of Resolute

“Yeah, it’s a good idea,” I continue. “I’m definitely going to look into it.”

He seems surprised, but I’m actually excited to bring these offerings here at the hacienda.

“I’m sure you must be a protective brother-in-law,” I add.

Juan Carlos starts coughing, it seems like he’s choking.

“Are you okay there?” I ask as I pat him on his back.

He clears his throat and takes a gulp of his beer. “Yes, yes. Sorry. It’s just that I don’t know where that came from.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being protective of your family. But I assure you, my interest in Alicia is purely professional..”

He nods as he takes a gulp of his beer. “Well, I guess you’re right. I don’t want my sister-in-law to be taken advantage of. Not by you, of course. I know that’s not what you’re after,” he hurries to add.

I pat him on the back. “I know this is none of my business, but it seems like you and your wife are a little off today.”

He blushes as he glances toward the twins, who are chatting animatedly. “You could say we’re going through a rough patch,” he says before making his shot.

“I really don’t have any advice for you. I haven’t been in a relationship in years, but if you love her, make sure to work things out.”

He gives me a pained smile. Maybe he’s tried to work things out, and she hasn’t.

What would my father do?Maybe that’s the type of advice I should offer:Do what Gonzalo Godoy would do.

I mull this over as I rub chalk on my cue stick. I manage a good strike, and we end up winning the round.

“A round of beer on me,” I shout, feeling happy about getting to know all these people who make my family’s hacienda the amazing place it is.

Now that I finally seem to have found my footing here, I can’t help but wonder—what would it be like if Camila were here, having a drink with me?

Something tells me I wouldn’t hold back from flirting with her the way I did with Alicia.

Chapter 10

Camila Flores

Mr. Godoy said he’d be in the office tomorrow, and I’m a bundle of nerves. I’ve gotten used to working with him remotely. I can ignore his comments when they’re hurtful, and it’s easy to simply send him the files he needs if he ever requests anything that I haven’t done already.

“Mummy, can we read?” My daughter comes into my room, and I immediately know something is wrong. She’s moving slowly, and she seems tired despite us not doing much today.

“Of course. Let me see which book you brought.”

Ava rubs her eyes and climbs into my bed, making a great effort. I don’t like this one bit.

She had a chelation treatment a couple of days ago, but she usually perks up a day or two after the excess iron is removed. I hope she wakes up feeling better in the morning. Otherwise, I’ll have to take the day off tomorrow, and I’m sure I’ll never hear the end of it—especially with it being Mr. Godoy’s first day back in the office.

“What’s wrong, Mummy?” my girl asks in a sleepy tone.

I smile big at her. I need her to fall asleep so I can figure out what to do.

“Nothing, baby.” I touch her cheek gently, and she burrows inside the covers.

I pick up the book she brought. “Oh,Interrupting Chicken. I love this one.”

I start reading, making different voices for Father Chicken and Baby Chicken. Ava giggles the entire time, and when I’m done, she asks me to read it again.

By the third read, Ava is yawning.

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