Chapter Fourteen
Eliana
Iwrapped up my dissertation notes for the day with a long exhale. The hum of the laptop filled the silence. The cursor blinked at me, judging me for my utter lack of focus.
Sledge’s mood had started off good. He smiled and his tone was light, almost free as he and Zoya made pancakes and ate breakfast together. Despite what he thought, he was really good with her, and it was clear she loved and trusted him. Then Trish called, not that he’d said anything, but I heard him ask her what she wanted. I’d taken Zoya out of the room so he could have a modicum of privacy, and because his growing anger had made her anxious.
Later when Zoya and I came back inside, he was gone. Still somewhere inside the house but not in the kitchen or living room. When he finally reappeared more than an hour later, a quiet storm brewed in his eyes.
I wanted to ask what had happened, but the tight set of his jaw told me it wasn’t the time. Instead I focused on lightening the mood for Zoya. “Hey Z, you hungry?”
She sat taller and smiled, nodding slowly.
“Excellent.” I clapped my hands excitedly and leaned forward. “I think today is the perfect day for tacos.”
Excitement flashed in her eyes before they turned, seeking out her father.
“What do you say, Dad? Tacos for dinner.”
He looked up. “I like tacos.”
“Great. My parents’ restaurant isn’t far from here.” It had been too long since I stopped by and I knew if I didn’t make an appearance soon, they’d have the cops doing a welfare check.
He studied me, probably trying to figure out if I had ulterior motives. I was so sure he’d argue, but Sledge surprised me with his slow nod and easy smile. “I’m driving.”
“Of course you are,” I mumbled under my breath.
“I heard that.”
I smiled and packed up a few things to keep Zoya occupied and slipped us both into our sneakers by the door. “I meant you to.”
As soon as we stepped insideAbuelita’s, the smell hit me, vibrant and familiar. It was the scent of my childhood, roasted chiles, grilled onions and garlic with that rich tang of simmering tomatoes. A gut-punch of longing hit me all at once.
“Mami,” I called out from the counter.
Her head snapped up from behind the counter before her face broke out into a blinding smile. “Ana, sweet baby girl!” She shuffled around the counter and wrapped me in a perfumed hug that made me feel loved and protected. “How are you? Where have you been? Why haven’t you called?”
I laughed and hugged her back, blinking back tears. “You’re crushing me, Mami.”
“That’s okay, it’s a little love crush,” she chuckled to herself. “Next time, don’t stay away so long.”
“I promise.” Before I could say more, my dad came out of the kitchen. “What is all this yelling… oh, Eliana, baby girl come give me a hug.” His arms were spread as wide as his smile.
“Hi Papi.” I hugged him tight until he grunted, the way he always did since I was a little girl.
“How is the future Dr. Moreno?”
“Good,” I answered with a smile. “Hungry.”
“I can help with that,” he said, cupping my face and kissing both of my cheeks.
“What’s all the commotion?” My older brother Marco asked as he came out of the kitchen. “Shit, Eliana. Where have you been?” He grabbed me with more force and hugged me a little harder than my parents. “I almost sent out a search party.” He looked past me, his gaze narrowing on Sledge.
“Don’t,” I warned.
“You’re hanging out with bikers now? After everything.” He folded his arms, already judging me.
I folded my arms and glared at my older brother. “First of all, I can hang out with whomever I choose. Second, this is my boss and his daughter, Zoya. She hasn’t spoken in at least four years. I’m her nanny and I’m determined to help her.”
