Page 51 of Never Again
Graciela pressed fingers to her temple and muttered something in Spanish.
“Daddy, please.”
“Mr. Reeves—” Carlos stopped talking when Alfred raised a hand.
“Would the three of you let me finish?” His gaze encompassed the small group. “As I was saying, your mother wanted me to say that I was genuinely interested and that’s why I came, but frankly, I wasn’t interested in Carlos’s work. I saw an advertisement for the show and was impressed and realized how talented you are, but that’s not why I came. I came because I want to give you something.”
Carmen held her breath when he reached into the breast pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small stack of checks.
“What are those?” she asked.
“Your boyfriend has sent me payments every month. They’re all here.” Alfred tapped his open palm with the checks.
“You never told me you were doing that,” Carmen said, glancing at Carlos. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t say a word.
“He has. And every month, I set the check aside, untouched. Six so far, and I imagine another one will arrive next month like the others, and they’ll keep arriving until what I gave him over three years ago is paid in full with the interest I told him has accumulated. I came tonight to tell you that you no longer have to send these payments.”
Alfred tore the stack in half and then tore those pieces in half. Graciela’s mouth fell open, an indication she’d had no idea Alfred planned to do that.
Alfred stuck out the hand containing the torn pieces to Carlos.
Carlos took the checks. “I don’t understand.”
“My daughter is happy. You owe me nothing.” Alfred extended his hand.
Carmen couldn’t believe her ears.
Both men shook hands while Graciela and Carmen watched in silence.
“Now I’m going to look at these paintings. Maybe I’ll find one I can gift to a friend.”
Alfred walked away, leaving Carlos, Carmen, and Graciela staring after him in silence.
Finally, Carmen asked her mother, “Did you have anything to do with this?”
“No. I am as shocked as you are.” Graciela gazed up at Carlos. “I am so sorry for what my husband did and for how he made you feel unwelcome. I would love to have you over to the house for dinner one day. If you will accept...?” Her voice trailed off into uncertainty.
“I would like that,” Carlos said quietly.
“Good. I’ll go join my husband and take a look at your beautiful paintings.” Graciela smiled at Carmen. “We will talk later.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Carmen kissed her mother’s cheek.
After her mother walked away, she looked at Carlos.
“I’m still in shock,” he said, staring down at the torn papers in his palm.
“Me, too.”
Carlos stuck the pieces in his pocket.
“You’re keeping them?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To remind myself of the mistake I made and what I almost lost.” He took her hand and pulled her into a back office.
