Page 73 of More than Paper

“Ready as usual.”

“I’m sorry again about this.”

I hold my hand up. “Stop. It’s fine. I signed up for this with you, remember?”

“No, I don’t think you signed up for this.”

“Till death do us part, twice, right?” I tease her and wink.

She looks at me sadly. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

I know Cindy and Valeria want to get married legally, and now that the laws have changed, they could. I know Quinn is going to want that, and I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but once I tell her, she will understand the situation, and I’ll just have to make it up to her in other ways.

I throw back the rest of my drink and set it on the table. I reach to help Valeria up. “Come on. Let’s not be late for your father.”

* * *

Alejandro has reserved a private room.It’s a three-sided booth entirely enclosed by a door. No one can see in nor out, and we can talk freely with no one listening to a word. Besides the waitress, who Alejandro has instructed to knock before entering, the only other person in the room is his guard, who stands off to the side.

Typical Alejandro. Can’t just eat in a restaurant like ordinary people.The intimidation factor is his usual method of operation and that includes with his family.

“Padre.” Valeria embraces her father in a hug, and her Colombian accent comes out. She’s worked hard to fit into American culture, and she’s a talented actress, so I don’t know if her smile is genuine or good acting.

I, on the other hand, have to work much harder. I smile as big as I can and embrace Alejandro, as my skin crawls. I detest the man.

“Sit,” he commands us, motioning to the table.

We obey. There is no other option where Alejandro is concerned.

“Alejandro, what brings you to New York?” I ask him.

“Can’t I come visit my daughter?”

Crap. I said the wrong thing right out of the gate.“I didn’t mean—”

Valeria cuts in quickly. “Padre, you hate New York and haven’t been here in years. What’s the cause of this visit?” Unlike me, Valeria is comfortable standing up to her father.

He points at both of us. “I have to come to this godforsaken place because you two haven’t been home in four years now.”

Valeria and I both sigh.

“Padre, you know that my career has taken off. I’ve been working back to back on my movies and brand.”

“Yes, what kind of husband lets his wife work this hard?” Alejandro glares at me.

“Sir—”

“Padre, you know Jamison supports me and my choices. I decided to work. My career won’t be forever. You know how fickle Hollywood is.”

“You won’t be able to have a baby forever, either.”

So, it’s about this again.

“I told you, I don’t want kids. Nothing has changed,” Valeria adamantly says.

“What Colombian girl doesn’t want babies? I’m ready for you to have babies.”

Valeria shakes her head at him. I put my hand on her leg to remind her to calm down. She takes a deep breath. “Padre, Jamison and I are not having children. There is no further discussion on this. I’m sorry you flew to New York to discuss something that is never happening.”

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