Lisa approached, carrying two glasses of champagne. “Mama Soto, would you care for some bubbly?”
Mama took the glass from her, obviously distracted. “Are you all right? Rafael just told me.”
Lisa nodded, then ducked her head so that her hair covered her face. “It’s unexpected and terrible timing.”
“Oh my goodness.” Mama gripped Lisa’s wrist. “I’m afraid this is my fault. What if I got rid of our curse and gave it to your parents?”
Rafael had to clamp his eyes shut to keep from rolling them.
“Here I was with my head in the clouds, not realizing that a curse has to go somewhere,” Mama said. “I’ve been so wrapped up in Mr. Handsome over there that I completely forgot about the curse.”
A loud burst of laughter erupted from his bride. “Mama Soto, as much as you might believe in the curse, I can guarantee you didn’t give it to my parents. Their problems started long before now. As far as something or someone coming into your life—isn’t it about time? My uncle is a great man. You two obviously have a connection. Don’t let your fears about a curse or anything else get in the way.” Lisa turned to him and raised one eyebrow. “Or even your son poking his nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“Iaman adult,” Mama said. “As much as youthink of me as just your mama, there are other parts to me too. I’d forgotten that until this weekend.”
Rafael hung his head. Mama and Lisa were right. His beautiful, faultless Mama should have anything and everything she wanted. He’d just never thought she wanted a man. “Whatever you want is what I want.”
“All I’ve wanted for so long was for you to have a good life,” Mama said. “I don’t need to worry about that any longer. Perhaps Ishouldfocus on my own life. Which may or may not include the handsome gentleman in the corner.”
Lisa hugged Mama. “Life is short. Seize the moment.” She gestured toward the glass of champagne in Mama’s hand. “Have a drink. Flirt a little.”
“One drink. Minimal flirting,” Rafael said.
Once again, the women in his life were laughing at him.
6
LISA
Lisa stared down at the rich chocolate cake in front of her. The rehearsal dinner of steak and lobster had filled her, and there was a wedding dress to wear tomorrow. She glanced over at her mother, who sat at the other end of the table next to Maggie and Jackson. A familiar unease caused her stomach to clench. As a chubby child, Lisa had always felt her mother’s eyes on her during mealtimes, judging and monitoring what she ate. The comments in the form of a question still haunted her.Do you really need that much butter on your toast? Didn’t I buy you a size larger pair of jeans last month?Other times, there were no words. Instead, her mouth had set in a thin, disapproving line as Lisa reached for a cookie.
For years, other than with Pepper and Maggie, Lisa hadn’t been able to eat in front of other people. Until Rafael. She’d shared with him her destructive relationship with food and her mother’s hurtful words. Somehow, his love had changed her.
She smoothed her hand down the front of her dress. Her stomach was not flat by any means, especially for an actress, but she was proud of the muscles that years of dancing had given her. She liked the feminine curve to her hips. Was it that shelearned to love them through the touch of Rafael’s hands? Could a lover’s caress repair a lifetime of self-hatred? In her case, it seemed so. She’d come to terms with her curves and the roundness of her limbs. Most of the time. But in the presence of her mother, the old insecurities rushed back into her consciousness.
No, she would not let her mother ruin this night for her. Another quick glance in Mom’s direction told her that she was occupied with Maggie. Their heads were tilted toward each other, obviously engrossed in conversation. God bless her friends. They’d always been patient and respectful to her mother, even though they disliked her.
She picked up her dessert fork, then hovered over the piece of cake.
Rafael whispered in her ear. “Sweetheart, if you want the cake, have the cake.”
She met his gaze. The kindness and understanding in his brown eyes always moved her. Even a request or criticism was said with such love that it never stung or hurt. She ached with love for him. “I love you more today than I did yesterday.”
He rested his cheek in his hand and simply gazed at her. The rest of the room vanished. It was only Rafael and his kind eyes. For better or worse, richer or poorer, he would always be there. Rafael would not leave her if her career imploded or when wrinkles came. He was here by her side for the rest of forever.
She scooped a small bite of cake onto her fork, then brought the rich, dark chocolate to her mouth. As it melted against her tongue, she closed her eyes and allowed herself the pleasure of this decadence on the eve of her wedding. She would not let her mother’s voice, past or present, dictate her life. A truth came to her then, one that seemed obvious now, on the other side childhood.
I’ve spent my life trying to make her happy.
All that wasted energy trying to please her when it was an impossible task. Her mother’s unhappiness was not Lisa’s fault.
And then she knew.
I’m enough just as I am.
She ate another forkful of cake.
Pepper stood and tapped her butter knife against a wine glass. “It’s speech time.”
