Pulling away, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes that wasn’t there before—hope, perhaps.
Or goodbye. I just didn’t know—but I promised to give Marc time to think about things. The ball was out of my court for now.
As I walked back to my car, I glanced at him sideways, taking in his profile in the dim light. There was a new softness about him, a vulnerability that made my heart ache. As I climbed into my car, I felt a lot of emotions—hope, relief, and an overwhelming love for the man.
Driving away from Marc’s house that night, I knew that there were still hurdles to overcome and trust to rebuild. But for the first time since our troubles started, I had hope.
Hope for a future where Marc and Mia were part of my life.
Hope for a future where we could be open about who we were.
Hope for a future where love was enough.
Chapter Sixteen
Marc
The thrum of the engine died as I parked the truck by the curb on Saturday morning, the familiar chatter from a nearby playground in the air. “We can’t stay too long, Mia. I promised Uncle Alonso that I’d go help him this morning.”
Mia’s excited chatter bubbled up from the back seat. “I know. I just wanna ride for a bit, Papi!” she squealed, her eyes wide with excitement as she unbuckled herself from her booster chair.
“Okay,” I replied, helping her out. Then I lifted her bike out of the truck bed with a practiced ease and set it on the pavement. “Remember what we talked about? Just stay close to where I can see you, okay?”
She nodded, her curls bouncing with every enthusiastic nod, and pedaled off toward the playground. I turned my attention to the park bench where Hector was waiting, two steaming cups of coffee beside him and an apple juice box for Mia.
Hector had called the previous day, asking if I would meet him this morning. Given all the help he’d offered since I moved to town, it was a simple request I wouldn’t refuse. I walked over to him, raising my hand in a casual greeting.
“Marc,” he greeted, his weathered face breaking into a warm, welcoming smile. “It’s been a while.”
I sat next to him, wrapping my hands around the coffee cup, savoring the warmth as it seeped into my skin. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “How are you holding up? You haven’t been to the nursery all week. I was starting to worry.”
I sighed, the weight of the past few days pressing heavily down on my shoulders. “It’s… complicated. Just dealing with some stuff.”
Hector’s eyes softened, wrinkles deepening with concern. “Has it been hard?”
I swallowed hard, my gaze drifting to where Mia pedaled circles on the playground. The memory of the grocery run flashed through my mind—the hushed whispers that ceased as I rounded the aisle, the sidelong glances that followed me to the checkout. “It’s like I’ve got a target on my back,” I muttered, my fingers tightening around the coffee cup. “Can’t even buy milk without feeling like I’m on display.”
The coffee shop incident from yesterday bubbled up—the barista’s eyes widening in recognition, her fumbling hands almost spilling my order. Then there was the gas station, where the attendant’s gaze had lingered a beat too long, a friendly smile that suddenly seemed menacing.
“I’m not even sure that they’re actually talking about me,” I admitted, my jaw clenching. “But it feels like they are. And every time I step out that door, I just… this anger builds up. Like I’m a powder keg ready to blow.” I exhaled sharply. “It’s exhausting, Hector. And I’m worried about what it’s doing to Mia.” I pointed at her. “I needed to get her out of the house, too. I’ve got a sitter coming over and working with her in the mornings, but she’s got cabin fever from not going to school.”
Hector’s gaze was steady and patient. “Everyone makes mistakes, Marc. Gets embarrassed sometimes. But you didn’t hurt anyone, right?”
I shook my head. “No, I didn’t.”
“Then that’s what matters.” He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving mine. “A man has to be strong for the people he loves. Sometimes that means doing things we wish we didn’t have to do.”
I nodded, but the words sounded hollow in my chest. Being strong was easier said than done.
Hector studied me for a moment, then leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “So, are you still planning on opening that landscaping business? You’ve got the talent and the vision, Marc.”
I hesitated, the thought of moving back to Dallas already gnawing at the edges of my mind. Shame prickled in my gut. “I’m… I’m not sure,” I replied, staring down at the coffee cup cradled in my hands.
Hector’s expression softened. “Well, I hope you get through this and stick around. This town needs someone like you.” He took another sip from his cup and added, “You might not believe this, but I had a good body when I was young. Looked like you.” He mimicked an exaggerated shimmy with his shoulders. “Not that anyone ever offered to pay money to see me.”
A chuckle escaped my lips, some of the unease lifting from my dark thoughts. “Bet you did,” I said, and appreciated that he wanted to make me feel better about all of this mess.
