Page 98 of Through You
“Where are we going for dinner?” I ask out of curiosity. I look at the streets, at the houses and the trees passing. We are far from the university campus, heading in the opposite direction of the downtown core.
“You’ll see.”
And then I notice a familiar street. My chest tightens when I recognize every house and restaurant on this strip. The place looks like it’s been frozen in time. Artemis parks the car, and I don’t wait for him to open my door. I get out quickly and go to stand in front of the Greek restaurant where I saw the Hidalgos for the first time.
A wave of emotions washes over me. Nostalgia is the first one I recognize. It’s incredible how vividly I remember the hunger I felt that day and the smell of the food, as well as my fear of the men who were after my mother. The image of the Hidalgo family that night is imprinted in my mind. They were seated at that table, and looked like one of those idyllic portraits of happy families. Artemis comes to stand next to me. We stay silent for a few minutes, absorbed in watching our surroundings and reliving the memory.
He breaks the silence. “I thought it would be nice to come back to the place where it all began.”
I turn to look at him, and he’s watching me attentively. I suppose my reaction to this moment matters to him. He begins to speak when I can’t find words.
“If you’re not okay with this place, we can go somewhere else.
I just thought that no other restaurant, no matter how high-end and exclusive, would have as much significance as the one where I first saw you. Maybe those times don’t bring back the best memories for you, but that was the day your life changed for the better.
Also, it was the day you came into mine.”
I don’t know exactly what to say so I lick my lips instead. He’s right, this place holds a special place in my story, and I don’t see it in a negative light. Instead, it’s the place where my life had a new start.
“I love it,” I reply and take his hand, a move that seems to surprise him.
He clears his throat. And is that a blush I see? Artemis Hidalgo is blushing?
“Fine. Let’s go in.”
The restaurant is well preserved, and has kept its very distinctive classy appearance. The clientele is made up of predominantly well-attired men and elegant women. Although it’s not in one of the best districts in town, the place has managed to maintain an ambiance suitable for its distinguished patrons.
We follow the waitress, who takes us to the table in front of the window—the same table where the Hidalgos sat many years ago. Out the window, I can almost see the child version of myself standing outside staring at the food inside.
“What are you thinking about?” Artemis asks. The dim lights of the restaurant make his face glow across the table.
“Nothing. I was just remembering.” I try to smile happily, but it feels bittersweet. “Your father did a very generous deed that day.
He saved my mom’s life and mine.”
“That’s the version of my father I always carry with me.”
“You know, it’s not a version of him. It’s who he really is.
I believe that deep down, that it’s his true self. You need to be patient. Your grandfather still has a lot of faith in him.”
“You’re very close to my grandfather.” He points this out without a hint of annoyance in his voice, just curiosity.
“How can I not be? He’s so loving.”
“Is he your favorite Hidalgo, by any chance?”
“To be honest, yes, he is. But don’t tell Ares. I promised him he’ll always be my favorite. Though in reality, he’s a close second to his grandfather.”
Artemis smiles at me. “I don’t think I can settle for third place in the list of your favorite Hidalgos.”
“Who said you were third? After Ares, there’s Apolo.”
His smile has disappeared, and he clenches his fists on the table. Apolo. Still a sensitive subject between us, huh? He needs to get over it. There’s a glimmer in his eyes, and I’m having a hard time figuring out what that’s about. I raise my glass of water to take a sip.
“We’ll see who your favorite Hidalgo is after I screw you senseless and give you the best orgasm you’ve had in your life.”
I cough, nearly choking on my water. I put my hand on my heaving chest and try to clear my throat. How can he say that while sitting so calmly and with such a straight face? Artemis gives me a sly grin with a hint of mischief. And I shoot him a contemptuous smile.
