Falling With Grace

Javier gulped his wine, then exhaled as he bared his teeth, turning the glass to the side and examining it. “Better get used to it.”

Nadia glared and shared it with me as she turned her focus back to Elias, her hand clamped around his arm. “How about a short getaway? We could go to the villa by the beach and soak in the sun.”

I savored the rich flavors exploding on my taste buds, waiting for his response as though I were eavesdropping.

Elias wiped his mouth with his cloth napkin, his eyes darting towards me and then to his plate, dropping the used napkin. “I’m busy.” He picked up his glass and swallowed the contents.

Tension oozed into the space between us like the thick mole sliding down my throat as Nadia bristled. My lungs squeezed the oxygen from my chest, and my stomach twisted.

Won’t this dinner end already?

How can he subject me to this?

How could I listen to her discuss vacation plans or wedding arrangements when my lips still held the memory of his touch?

Why did he insist on me being here?

Valeria cleared the table, including my plate, as Elias rose from his seat. “Mamá, let’s get you to bed?”

He tucked her arm into hisand helped her to her feet, then walked her through the door as Javier stretched his tattooed hands over his head.

Nadia sat back in her seat, her body jittery as she watched him walk away.

“I’m going to bed.” I stood, my chair screeching on the floor.

“Why don’t you stay? We were going to have drinks on the patio.”

“I’m good.” I shook my head. “I really don’t feel that well.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. He’s always so gruff and preoccupied.” Nadia’s smile turned lopsided.

“Good night.” I returned her smile and stepped out of the room.

“He’ll lose interest in her, just like all of his toys.”

My stomach clenched, my guards in tow as I rushed up the stairs to my room.

Except his other playthings, no doubt, still had a pulse—their outcome a stark contrast to mine.

27

Elias

Mamá’s hand gripped my arm as we walked the hall down to her room.

“You are so much like your papa. Have I told you that before?”

“Yes, Mamá.”

“He was such a compassionate man and loved me very much.”

I opened her bedroom door and helped her inside. “Yes, he did.”

“Do you love her?”

“Who?”

She shook her head. “Oh, Elias.Mi hijo.” Her hand caressed my cheek. “The question was obvious, and the answer simple.”