Page 122 of Always You
A shaft of sunlight splits down the middle of the bedroom. Stretching, I yawn, rubbing my pregnant belly. Two months pregnant, nausea has finally subsided. Thank God. Picking up my phone from the nightstand, I gasp. Oh shit, it’s noon. I slept all morning. I grab a pair of leggings and a long sleeve shirt and make my way to the shower. Walking into the kitchen, it’s empty—no sign of my guys. I notice a note on the table.
Good morning, baby, I didn’t want to wake you up. Dante and I went to run some errands. Get dressed. When you’re done, let’s play a little game. Do you remember the place I first kissed you on the lips when you moved back? Make your way to the spot.
I grin stupidly.
This is spontaneous. Slipping on some sandals, I think back to the day. Hmm, it has to be the studio when he found out about Dante, and he smacked his hot lips on mine. Making a beeline to my Ranger, I drive to the studio.
Sophie stands with a big grin. “Hello, their sleepy head.”
I groan. “God, I’m sorry I woke up so late. Good thing I don’t have clients until three today.”
She walks to her desk, pulling an envelope from her drawer. “I rescheduled your appointment for today. So, here you go, babe.” She hands me the envelope.
I pry it open with eagerness.
You made it, Angel; you did well. Now next stop, Angel, where I sat you on my lap and kissed the hell out of you and where you decided to give us a chance.
I chew on my bottom lip. Well, this easy it’s his restaurant Delgado’s.
“Thank you for rescheduling for me.”
She rubs my tummy. That seems to happen a lot. Even Santiago and Mark were over the moon, rubbing my tummy every time they see me, and my baby, Dante. He was so excited he kept telling me, thank you for my brother. He’s determined it’s a boy.
“Your man had me reschedule. He wanted to play scavenger hunt.” She shrugs as she picks up her cell, texting someone. “What’s your next stop?”
“Umm, the restaurant,” I reply.
“All right, see you later.” She shoos me off.
Opening the big double doors to the restaurant, I spot Mario standing waiting for me, looking handsome with his long sleeve button shirt and khaki pants.
“Mila, how are you doing?” He smiles boyishly.
“Good, Mario. How about you?”
He rests his hand on my back, guiding me to the private back room reserved for parties. The room is quiet and empty. Then, I spot an envelope and a bacon cheeseburger and fries with a strawberry shake.
“Doing good, just busy with the kids. You know how it goes?”
I nod in agreement. “Yes, I do.”
He pulls out a chair so I can sit. “Dominic ordered your favorite. He figured pregnancy would have you craving a shake with it.”
“He’s sweet. It all looks delicious. Thank you, Mario.”
“You’re welcome. I’ve never seen him this happy. I met Dominic in culinary school. He was always grumpy, unhappy with his life, then you walk back and light him up,” he admits. “I’m just happy I don’t have to deal with his grumpiness, and when I do, I’ll call you to set him straight.”
We both laugh as he walks out. I open the envelope as I squirt ketchup on my fries.
Angel, enjoy your lunch. I figured you’d be hungry. Can’t let my girl go hungry and the baby. Next stop, Angel, the place where it started, the place where I fell in love with you, the moment I first saw you.
Tears spill down my cheek. Pregnancy hormones make you crazy. This has to be my dad’s restaurant. I haven’t been there in years. When my dad passed away, it was taken into the bank’s possession. My dad had lost a lot of money, and now we know Rachel had been stealing money from him. Last, I remember someone purchased it from the bank, and converted it into a deli. I'm not sure if it’s still occupied.
Pulling into the parking lot, I spot the restaurant. My hands shake. It’s for sale. Well, itwasfor sale; it says sold. Then the memories of my dad hit me. After school, I would help him when he needed it or simply eat dinner with him. The memories of Dominic and me. The night he walked in the door, I knew he was it for me.
Santiago stands in the parking lot, waiting for me. I step out of my car, Santiago wipes away my tears, handing me an envelope. “I know this is hard for your, Mila, and I’m sorry. Things will get better. Good memories, right?”
I nod. “Yes, very beautiful memories. Thank you. I see you’re the messenger at this spot.”
