Page 10 of Rekindle

Mom perked up a little bit. “As she should,” she said proudly. “She got it from me.”

Dad rolled his eyes.

Gareth continued. “We were in a committed relationship until we took a break four months ago.”

The fork slipped out of Aunt Clementina’s hand. “Nina,” she said. “Did you guys solve your differences?”

“We are working on it.” Gareth said.

“Tia, I—”

Dad tilted his head and cleared his throat. “How long had you been dating my daughter before you guys broke up?”

Shit. I wasn’t good at keeping a stoic expression, but Gareth didn’t break under pressure.

“Eight months. We started dating last year in December. She recently came to my office, and we spoke about our differences and how to solve them. And we made up. Right, Nina?”

“Well, welcome to the family, Gareth,” Mom said warily.

“And your parents, what do they do?” Dad continued. “How do they feel about you dating my daughter?”

“Mother is a designer, and my father is a developer. I don’t see them often, but we stay in touch. Because of their busy schedules, they haven’t met her yet. But they know I’m in a relationship.”

“Treat my daughter right is all I have to say. Aside from the other stuff we talked about on our drive here from the airport.”

“I don’t need the threats, Mr. Vega.”

Everyone turned quiet at the table. I was speechless by his response. I bumped him with my elbow to get his attention, but he was focused on my dad.

“It wasn’t a threat, more like a warning. You wealthy men have the world available to you, and my daughter will not be one of the trophies you collect. I will respect my daughter’s wishes. Whatever you guys have going on, fix it or just move on. It’s not fair to either of you.”

Gareth agreed with a nod. Then Dad turned back to Mom, who hadbarely touched her food. He reached for her hand and kissed her. Mom used to always be receptive to his affection, but now she was just staring at a void. Her eyes may have looked at him, but she wasn’t seeing him.

Gareth watched them closely, and we both briefly glanced at each other and continued to eat.

Dad stood and cleared his throat. “I want to say thank you all for coming. Not for me. I don’t matter, but for Mercedes.” He paused, and he struggled to continue. “Mercedes, I love you with all my heart. I venerate every step you take, and we will fight this together. Everyone, count your blessings and be thankful for the things you have.”

Mom mouthed, “I love you.” She took a small mouthful of food and struggled to swallow. When she was able to speak again, she said, “I’m very tired.”

“Come, I will take you to bed.”

“No, Ricardo. Let Gareth take me tonight. I don’t want you to get hurt. James, please get my sweater.”

Gareth rose and pulled her chair back, then walked my mother back to her room.

This was no longer pretend.

Chapter 5

Dad stepped away to drive Aunt Clementina home. She was drunk, and no one wanted to deal with her karaoke. She wouldn’t stop signingBesame Muchothroughout the night after dinner.

I laid on the sofa where my mother spent most of her days. Gareth appeared from the doorway and sat on the other sofa.

“You didn’t have to talk to my dad like that.”

“I don’t take well to threats.”

“He was being a father, Gareth.”

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