Page 4 of Sombra
“It looks pretty good.” Her smile is genuine, and it makes me feel better helping her out.
“Thanks.”
Mari Carmen turns on her heeland prances back to the main house.
I stretch out my fingers and take them in. So I get callouses on my hands, and I have bitterness in my heart.Es nada.
Closing the door behind my sister, I drop my pants and head to the shower.
The song has ended. I’m done with my complaints. Now it’s time to suck it up.
I can’t get what I want. And even if I try, I can’t get whatI need, either.
Goddammit,my mother invited Sonia Molinero for dinner again.
The fucking mistake who I’ve seen twice today.
The fucking mistake who still doesn’t realize she was a fucking mistake, much to my regret. I know this because while we sit outsideat the picnic table, she’s pressing up next to me so close she’s practically crawling into my skin.
“Tavo,” she purrs in my ear, as my mother sets down the white asparagus drizzled with olive oil and parsley. “That night was amazing. On so many levels. When can we do it again?”
I try not to make my cringe visible because I don’t want her to think I’m an asshole for several reasons.The main one is that her family owns the neighboring property. Even if I never wanted to see her again, I would. They’re the press for our olives. Our families have worked together for generations, and she comes to dinner all the time.
Yet another reason not to mix pleasure with property lines.
And on paper, I should like her. We’ve grown up together, and in the past few years Sonia’schanged from the brat next door to a very attractive woman, with long, slender legs, small breasts, petite hands, and narrow hips. Glossy, sooty black hair frames her reddish-brown eyes, which are spiked with anthracite. Those sharp eyes don’t miss a trick.
But apparently they missed a trick last month, and now I can’t get rid of her. What a waste of my last condom.
“You’re so good,”she whispers. “I’ve never had anyone do that thing you did before. And I want it again and again.” She darts her eyes over my shoulder, but no one’s heard. “Can I come by some time?”
Why is she making such a big deal about doggy style? She doesn’t know what I’mreallyinto. She’d run screaming.
The last thing I want to do is lead her on, but I can’t just tell her to go fuck herselfat the dinner table. She’d probably handcuff me to her to watch.
I shudder. I mean, I’m not opposed to handcuffs, and I actively like watching a girl get herself off. But not her. It’s just too much. I don’t know any way to handle this other than to tell her the truth. “I don’t think so, Sonia.”
She gives me a big smile and a look of understanding. “Oh, I know you’re so busy withthe orchard and with classes. Just know if you ever need a break …”
If only she could take a hint. Again, I don’t want to lead her on, and I don’t want to be an asshole. I don’t know what else to say. “I’ll probably be busy.”
She pouts and picks at her plate.
My eyes roll up to the heavens, and I pray I can leave this table soon. No chance, though. Our traditional dinnerstake hours, with several courses and animated discussion. The warm, lovely night means we linger outside. Normally I bask in this atmosphere. Not tonight, though. I’m trapped. I focus on everyone except the woman at my side.
Guillermo, my seventeen-year-old youngest brother, discusses proper pruning techniques with my grandfather, who tears a piece of bread off and pops it in his mouth.In between begging to help me on the farm and annoying the fuck out of me, Guillermo’s been belligerent lately, and I don’t know why. At least he’s leaving me alone right now, although he keeps checking Sonia out in her tiny dress. Antonio, my middle brother, twenty, lists all the things he needs for college in a diatribe to our madre, who’s appearing particularly tired—especially when he mentionsa new wardrobe, iPhone, and computer. He’s our resident geek. At the other end of the table, my aunt Valeria, uncle Juan, grandmother, sister, and future brother-in-law debate the latest political scandal.
All pleasant and normal. I’m still trapped.
From the other end of the table, Guillermo swivels to squint at us. Sonia turns away from him, and her polished finger traces my jaw.
I rub the back of my neck and take a sip of wine.
How do I let her down easy?
I can’t. I fucked this up. I shouldn’t have said yes.
Joder.
