Where had that come from? “What?No. Why would you think that?”
“You haven’t been back to the gym since February. You said you were busy, but I wondered if I screwed up somehow.” He ran a finger around the rim of his glass. “I try to treat all my clients with respect, but if I offended you or behaved inappropriately, I’d like to know what I did. Was it my fault?”
It was, but not for the reasons he thought. After months of secretly yearning for him, her self-worth had dwindled when he began dating Evelyn. No matter how much Rosie worked out, she’dneverlook that good. Despite her firm belief in embracing body positivity, she hadn’t been able to shake the nagging insecurity that cropped up whenever she compared herself to his girlfriend.
She couldn’t tell him that, but she could be honest about the other factors that had led to her decision. “It wasn’t you. Life just got really busy. My last boss was so incompetent that we had a mass exodus of staff, and I ended up taking on more responsibility at the hotel. Then my dad had a heart attack in April, so I tried to visit him whenever I could.”
“Oh, shit, Rosie. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She wiped her eyes quickly, remembering how agonizing those months had been. “The doctor said it was a warning. My dad needs to exercise more and watch his diet. But he wasn’t happy about it, and the stress was hell on my mom. I should have told you what was going on, though you probably would have reminded me that being physically active is a great way to relieve tension.”
“Maybe so, but I wouldn’t have pressured you. You don’t have to come back to the gym if you don’t want to.”
“I’ve been walking a lot, but…” It wasn’t the same. Even if she’d never considered herself a gym person, she’d genuinely enjoyed those early morning workouts. She and Selena had gotten into the habit of going before work, then grabbing smoothies for breakfast. Their routine had energized her. “After the holidays, I’ll think about re-upping my membership. Right now, I have too much going on.”
When her phone pinged with the distinctive chime she’d given her mom, she pulled it out. “Can you hang on a sec? My mom sent me a message, and I’ve learned to ignore her at my own peril.” When he nodded, she took a peek.
Mamá: You’re coming for Sunday dinner. Right??
Of course she was. Twice a month, her parents hosted a big family dinner at their place. The few times she’d skipped out due to the demands of her job, she’d gotten a blistering lecture on priorities from her mom.
Rosie: I’ll be there at six. Do you need me to bring anything?
Mamá: Just your biggest smile. Jaime invited one of his coworkers to join us for dinner. He’s eager to meet you!!
“Fuck me,” she muttered. Realizing she’d said it out loud, a warm flush heated her cheeks. “Sorry, but my mom reminded me I’m expected for dinner this Sunday.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Mostly good. I like spending time with my family, but they’re always up in my business. And…” She hesitated, then decided to be honest. “Whenever they criticize my life choices, I end up feeling pathetic.”
“What can they possibly have to criticize? You’re the assistant manager of the Duchess. That’s so impressive.”
“Thanks, but it doesn’t make up for the fact that I’m still single. My parents think it’s because I work too hard. They’re afraid I’m so obsessed with my career that I’ll never settle down.” She sighed, remembering how Mamá had nagged her at the last dinner, tossing in the painful phrase, “We just want you to be happy.”
Rosie would be a lot happier if her parents would back off a little. While she sometimes envied her older brother and younger sister—both of whom were happily married—she was so focused on her job that her dating life came second. Not to mention, the last time she’d made an effort, she’d ended up with a boyfriend who’d torpedoed her self-esteem.
“Are your folks really traditional?” he asked. “I don’t want to assume they are, but…”
“But it’s okay to ask. My grandparents on both sides were originally from Mexico, so they placed a lot of emphasis on the importance of family. And religion. But my parents are more laid-back since they grew up here in Victoria. Even so, they’d love to have as many grandkids as possible.”
“That’s a tall order. Have they been trying to set you up with anyone?”
“Yep, and it’s only going to get worse because my whole family goes hard at the holidays. And thanks to my boss, my stress levels are already off the charts.” She tossed back the rest of her margarita. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to off-load all my baggage onto you.”
“I don’t mind.” He gestured toward her glass. “Want another drink?”
“I’d better not. I’ve barely eaten anything all day.” But she was reluctant to leave. This was the longest conversation she’d had with Drew in months. She’d forgotten how much she enjoyed talking to him during her training sessions. Mostly, they’d kept things light—chatting about their favorite movies or their weekend plans—but she’d always looked forward to it.
“Why don’t we order some food?” he said. “Then you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach.”
She didn’t want to read too much into his suggestion, but it seemed like hewantedher to stay. “Okay. I can never say no to Pepe’s carne asada tacos.”
After they put in their order, he focused on her again, giving her a roguish grin that made her pulse race. “Seeing as how I’m swooping in to save the Duchess with my masterful Santa impersonation, is there any way I could help with your family? What if Santa just happened to show up at those Sunday dinners?”
“Ilovethat idea. But honestly? I’d rather have Santa bring me an imaginary boyfriend. If my mom believed I was involved with someone, she’d give me a little breathing room. As would the rest of my family.” Fully aware of how ludicrous she sounded, she started laughing. “That came out totally unhinged. I blame the tequila.”
“I get it. Maybe Santa could bring me a plus-one so that I don’t have to attend my ex’s wedding without a date. I’m dreading it like the plague.”
