“Back to the hotel. I have some things to take care of.”
“Besides today being Saturday, you shouldn’t be working yet. My mom called. Dad’s already home, and she wants to gather the family for the weekly lunch, taking advantage of Gael being free this weekend.”
“He doesn’t live here?”
”No. In California. I’d like you to come with us.”
I open and close my mouth, trying to come up with an argument to say how inappropriate this is, but I can’t. Despite feeling embarrassed about meeting his family and not understanding the reason for him wanting to take me, I can’t resist. I really want to go, talk a little, see people who are not just clients or work colleagues. A real family.
“But what will she think?”
“I’ve already told her about you. Mom wants to meet you.”
I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I decide to accept. “Alright. Who will be there?”
“My parents and siblings, except for Martina. She won’t be back for a few weeks, or months—only God knows.”
“What should I wear?”
“You’re perfect as you are.” After another kiss, he says, “I’ll meet you downstairs in ten minutes.”
“Good afternoon! Welcome!”
Despite the kind words, I feel that the woman, whom I know to be named Isabel Caldwell-Oviedo, Guillermo’s mother, watches me with some suspicion.
I can’t understand why. Is it simply because I’m in her son’s company or because she realizes that I don’t belong to their circle? What did Guillermo say about me?
I may be mistaken, but she doesn’t seem snobbish.
“Good afternoon,” I reply carefully and completely out of my natural way of behaving. “I’m Olívia.”
“Yes, I know. My son told me he would bring you.”
Now I’m really sure there’s some hostility from the woman towards me, and I look over my shoulder, feeling agitated because Guillermo told me to come ahead while he was releasing Nina from her baby seat.
Before the situation can become more embarrassing, someone comes from inside the house saying, “Mom, is there something to nibble on? I’m starving.”
His voice is firm like the other two brothers’, but even without seeing its owner yet, there’s something in his tone that instantly relaxes me. When he finally appears, I’m speechless because none other than Rafe Caldwell-Oviedo is standing in front of me.
I swear I try not to act like a starstruck idiot, but it’s damn hard. In my world, you don’t walk down the street and stumble upon a celebrity. Although I know nothing about golf, Rafe is known in every corner of the planet.
Of course, Guillermo warned that the brothers would be present, but I hadn’t stopped to think that I would spend the day with royalty.
I think that because of everything that happened between us, I pushed to the back of my mind the fact that Guillermo and I live in different worlds. However, while I’m speechless and don’t know what to say, the guy approaches and pulls me into a hug, saying, “You must be Olívia. My brother said you were coming. Nice to meet you, sweetheart. I’m Rafe Caldwell-Oviedo.”
As if he needed to introduce himself!
I’m in shock, unable to assimilate all the feelings that reach me.
Given Joaquín’s not very friendly reception when I met him and now his mother’s indecipherable gaze, Rafe’s warm hug is more than welcome, but I’d be lying if I didn’t confessthat I’m waiting for TV cameras to show up at any moment saying it’s a prank.
He’s even more beautiful in person, but then I’m not sure if that really means anything. From what I’ve seen of the family’s men so far, they’re all breathtaking, including Joaquín’s gruffness. Indeed, given the genetic load they received from their mother, they couldn’t help but be beautiful. Isabel Caldwell-Oviedo must have been stunning when she was young.
What stands out about Rafe, however, is that unlike the other representatives of the clan, he has a disarming, open face. Nothing like what one would expect from someone so famous.
“Yes, I’m Olívia Freitas,” I finally respond. Normally, I would say a little more, but I’m feeling awkward.
“Why is everyone still standing here?”
