“I wouldn’t know about that either. You were so determined to make me the best American, you forgot about the other part of me. Not only did I lose my mother, but I lost out on my heritage, my culture.”
A muscle ticked in his father’s jaw, and the strong cords of his neck stood out. “We wanted you to have every advantage and did what we thought best. I know how prejudiced this world is, so if you have the advantage, you need to take it and show everyone what you’re capable of. Like I did.”
“Again—at what price? What you stand for goes against who I am and what I believe. I want to celebrate my differences, not hide from them. That means embracing my Cuban heritage and being gay. I won’t hide who I am or who I love anymore.”
The outside door buzzer sounded, and Rico went to the front door to hit the button on the wall to let the delivery guy in. He stood waiting at the open door and took the hot box from the young man when he arrived, then returned to set it down on the table. Whatever appetite he’d possessed earlier had disappeared.
Flushed with anger, his father rose from the club chair, continuing the argument as if they hadn’t been interrupted. “Love takes everything and gives nothing.” He stalked over to the chair and picked up his suit jacket.
“You loved my mother. That love gave you me.” Their dinner was over before it began.
His father stiffened, and his shoulders slumped. All the anger seemed to drain out of him, and he dropped the jacket back down onto the chair, tears streaming from his eyes. “I loved her so much. When she left us, I almost went crazy and wanted to kill myself. I figured you’d be better off with Javier and Claudia.”
Heartbroken, Rico put his arms around his father and gave him a hug. “I wanted you as my father. I never wanted anyone else.” His father trembled then stepped out of his embrace, his back stiff and straight.
“I threw myself into the job, hoping it would keep me from thinking too much about her. And the harder I worked, the less time I had to dwell on how much I missed her. And they rewarded me, making me County Commissioner and Council President and now State Party Leader. I thought I was building a future for you. For us.” They returned to the living area, his father back to the club chair and him to sit on the sofa again.
“I only wanted you. I didn’t care about any of it. I figured if I moved up here, it would be easier to live like I wanted. But now you’re talking about national office, and I can’t hide. I’ve met someone; someone I care about. I won’t give him up for you or anyone.”
“How do you know it’s right? Have you even tried dating a woman?” Rico stared at his father in disbelief as he kept speaking. He had no clue. “What about Maryann? Didn’t you meet her? I thought she’d be perfect for you.”
“Dad. Have you dated since Mom died? Have you ever dated a man?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He pulled at his shirt sleeves and smoothed his tie over his chest. “I’m not interested in men.”
“How do you know?” drawled Rico. “Have you even tried dating one?”
Watching his father turn red, Rico could almost feel sorry for breaking apart everything the man believed in. Almost.
“It’s not the same thing.”
Rico folded his arms. “Yeah? Why not?”
“Because I don’t…I’m not…” He blustered about, looking for a way out, but Rico wouldn’t give him one. “I don’t want to. I’m attracted to women. Only women.”
“And I’m attracted to men. Only men. Understand it now?”
By the mulish set of his jaw, his father did understand and didn’t like it. “It’s not right. Men should be with women. It’s as God intended.”
“Why?” Rico shot back. “God told you so? You had a chat about gay and straight people?”
“Marriage is between a man and a woman to have children.”
“Newsflash, Dad. Gay people can have children now. Your argument has no merit in the modern world. So, to quote Maryann, whom not only did I meet and like tremendously as a friend, but is on my side of the issue, either join me or step out of the way.”
The air between them simmered with tension, and Rico thought he spotted a flicker of understanding in his father’s eyes before they turned hooded and blank.
“I’d better get going. I have a plane to catch.” He stood and with his back straight, walked over to the chair to again pick up his suit jacket. This time he put it on.
Disappointment choked Rico, but he wouldn’t let his father see it. “I’m sorry you couldn’t stay for the pizza.” His pulse raced, and he swayed, a bit dizzy. Would he see his father again? Rico honestly had no idea.
“Yes, well, another time maybe.”
For a moment, Rico wondered if he’d say something else since he made no move to leave and stood with his hand resting on the doorknob. The silence swelled, and Rico wanted to go back to when he was a child and everything was easy.
“Good-bye, Enrico.”
“Dad?”
