“I asked him to repeat himself,” Evan said. “He thought he was being cute and repeated what he said very slowly, in Spanish.”
I heard Raphael chuckle. “Evan fired back in rapid Spanish and verbally flayed the man. It was a thing of beauty to behold.”
“How did my parents react?”
“They were shocked that Carlos would insult a guest like that,” Raphael replied. “I guess he’d always played nicey-nice in front of them. He showed his true colors today.”
“But there’s more, isn’t there,” I said.
Raphael sighed. “Carlos didn’t take it well. He started yelling and saying how we shouldn’t be allowed near children and that Raphael’s parents should be ashamed for having a gay son. Of course those weren’t the words he used, and my father laid into him hard.”
“Oh god,” I said faintly. “I’m so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.”
“It’s not your fault,” Evan said. “We wanted to help. I think we did help reveal Carlos for what he is. Took the shine right off him.”
“I am worried about Isabella though,” Raphael said. “Carlos was so angry, he started yelling at her and the kids. He tried to leave even though he was clearly too inebriated to drive. I threatened to call the police if he got behind the wheel. Your mother sent Isabella and the kids upstairs. My father and Uncle Eduardo managed to calm Carlos and get his car keys from him.” Raphael sighed. “But then he left anyway. He got a rideshare and took off.”
“Damn it! I hate that man!” I squeezed my eyes shut to force back the tears that rose in my worry for my sister.
I felt Zach’s hand cover mine. He leaned close and said, “Just tell me how I can help. I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly to Zach. “So, what now?” I asked Raphael.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Isabella is staying with your parents. Your mother insisted. The kids were scared and crying, so I don’t think Isabella argued with her.”
I rubbed my eyes to get out the sting from wanting to cry. “Those poor babies.”
“They’re safe,” Raphael said. “Your parents aren’t going to let anything happen to them or Isabella.”
“I know,” I replied. “I just hope she doesn’t go back to him.”
“All we can do is support her, no matter what,” Raphael said.
I blew out a sigh. “Yeah, I know. Thanks for calling to let me know. I appreciate it.”
After they hung up, Zach lifted his arm so I could lean against him. He wrapped his big arm around me and just held me. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asked.
“I can’t help thinking this is my fault. If I had just gone along with what they wanted, it never would have happened.”
Zach turned a little to look at me straight on. “Do you really believe Carlos wouldn’t have shown his ass at some point, whether or not you stopped wearing makeup? You know as well as I do that it would have been something else after that. He’d have kept moving the goalposts. There’s no winning with someone like him.”
“I know you’re right,” I said, feeling myself choke up. “I just feel so bad for Isabella. This isn’t what she signed up for. And Diego and Sofia are just babies. It’s so unfair.”
Zach’s arm tightened around me. “Yeah, it is. But I’ll be here for you. And for your sister if she needs it.”
“Thanks, Zach. You’re the best.”
CHAPTERTWENTY
ZACH
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Jeff shouted. “Is this some kind of joke?”
I crossed my arms and stared at my almost ex-boss. “I’m not kidding. It’s not a joke. This is my two weeks’ notice. I’m done here.”
Jeff got right in my face. “You ungrateful little shit.” He pointed a finger at his chest. “I was the one who gave you a job when you were sixteen and didn’t know shit about anything. And this is the thanks I get?”
My lip curled in a snarl. I put my hand on his chest and said, “Get out of my face. I don’t owe you shit. I’ve been working for you for fourteen years. I’ve paid my dues. Now back off and let me work or fire me so I can start my new job sooner.”
