Chapter 14
On Sunday morning, Zita would have been perfectly happy to spend the day in bed. The excitement of Teresa’s hearing and the stress from doing her LSAT yesterday had caught up with her and she wanted to pull up the covers and let David help her forget about the world. But that wasn’t an option. Instead, she had to meet David’s mother and sister.
“Are you ready?” David asked.
No. Zita’s stomach clenched. She shouldn’t be nervous. She was good with people, but this was important, this was David’s family. What if they were like Bob and didn’t like immigrants? Anyone who’d lived with Bob Randall for so long had to agree with his political views, didn’t they? David’s mother would probably take one look at her and decide she was no good for her son.
Zita checked her appearance once more and then nodded, following him out of his apartment and down to his car.
On the drive to the hotel, David said, “I’m so sorry I missed the hearing and the celebration. Teresa must be so excited. When’s her family going to arrive?”
Zita pushed her worries aside. “Fernando spoke to Johanna yesterday. Manuela’s birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks and the gang have given permission for her to go home and celebrate with her parents. That’s going to be our best chance to get them both out.”
“So what will happen?”
“I don’t know yet. Carly’s booked flights for that evening, but the gang might not let Manuela and Johanna celebrate alone. I’m guessing because Teresa escaped, they’ll keep a close guard, so we’ll have to plan it carefully.”
David glanced at her. “Don’t you mean Fernando will be planning it?”
“Yes, but we’re offering suggestions and can provide finance if it’s needed.” As much as she’d like to go to El Salvador and help Teresa’s family escape, she realized it was far too dangerous, and not necessary. Fernando had the expertise and knew the area.
They pulled up at a hotel that screamed first class, from its suited valet waiting patiently to take David’s car keys, to the doorman waiting at the entrance. The driveway was framed with huge ornate pillars. Suddenly, Zita remembered why they were here. She was meeting David’s family.
Nerves stormed her stomach and she laid a hand over her belly to settle them. The valet opened her car door and Zita forced herself to get out. She thanked the man and waited for David to give him the keys.
David smiled at her and took her hand. “Ready?”
She nodded, though she didn’t think she was. “You do high tea every month?”
“Yeah. Mom loves it, and Lorelei comes when she can.”
As they walked into the restaurant, the maître d’ walked up to them. “Welcome Mr. Randall. Your table is over here.”
Wow. They knew David by sight.
The table they were led to already had two occupants. Both had blond hair and blue eyes like David, and both were slim and elegant, dressed in pastel skirt suits. Zita was the odd one out in her bright blue top and white skirt.
“David, how lovely to see you.” The older woman stood and kissed both of David’s cheeks.
“Mom, this is my girlfriend, Zita.”
“It’s a pleasure.”
Zita smiled as she shook the woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Randall.”
“Call me Fay. Mrs. Randall is my mother-in-law.” She shuddered delicately.
Zita grinned as her tension evaporated. She liked the woman already.
“Zita, this is my sister, Lorelei.”
“I love your top,” Lorelei said. “That color looks fantastic on you.”
“Thank you.” Zita took a seat.
The waiter arrived to take their drinks order and when he left, Fay said, “How did you meet my David?”
“At a symposium.”
