Isabel smiled. “A hard head makes for a soft behind.”
“Now that I look back I would’ve preferred you spank my behind rather than be grounded for half my childhood.”
“I had good reasons for grounding you. I can put up with a lot of things, but not my children talking back when I tell them to do something. Your brothers were quick learners, but it seemed as if you had a problem with your hearing, because everything I’d say would go in one ear and out the other.”
Nydia nodded. “And I remember you wishing when I have a daughter she’ll be just like me. Then I’ll know what you had to go through.”
Isabel shook her head. “Now that I look back I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Not even you. It was as if you couldn’t stop challenging me.”
“Papi said I was just exercising my independence.”
“As far as your father was, and still is, concerned you can do no wrong.”
“I didn’t turn out too badly, did I?”
“You turned out wonderfully.” Isabel kissed her hair. “And I’m even more proud of you now that you’re going into business for yourself.” Isabel paused. “And whatever time I have left on this earth I don’t ever want you to call me again and say that you were fired without cause.”
Nydia rested her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I hope it never happens again, too.” She knew if she were to secure a position with another company, bank, or investment firm there was no guarantee she wouldn’t experience what she had with Wakefield Hamilton.
“When are you leaving?”
“I don’t know, Mami. Renovations are still ongoing. Hannah is hoping they’ll be completed before the end of October.”
“That’s next month, Nydia.”
“True. I’ve given Tonya money to pay rent on her apartment through the end of the year. And when she notifies building management she’s not going to renew the lease, then they’ll have to return her security, which she has promised to give to me.”
“And that means what?” Isabel asked.
“I’ll probably move sometime around the end of December or the first week in January.”
Isabel shifted, looking directly at Nydia. “Do you still plan to celebrate Christmas with the family?”
“Of course. And speaking of Christmas I invited someone I met in New Orleans to join us for Christmas Eve.”
“Is that someone a man?”
“Don’t give me that look, Mami. Yes, it’s a man, and if he comes then, he’s bringing his daughter.”
“How old is the child?”
“Ten.”
“What about her mother?”
Nydia exhaled an audible sigh. “She died four years ago just before Christmas.”
Isabel emitted a soft gasp. “It must have been devastating for that child to lose her mother at that age.”
“I’m sure it was and still is.”
“Have you heard the news about Danny Ocasio getting a record deal?” Isabel asked, deftly changing the topic of conversation.
“Yes. Millie called and told me he wanted to talk to me.”
“Did you?”
“Yes. We spoke yesterday, and I’m going to meet him tonight at El Rincon.It will probably be the last night we’ll ever see each other. There’s no doubt he’s going to be a superstar recording artist, and I’m moving to New Orleans.”
