“You’ll be well compensated,” said Sandra. “Pretty please.”
Anna hadn’t expected to hear from anyone from her old job ever again. She wasn’t willing to return to work the way it had been, but she could use the money. It might not hurt to agree to this one project. Still, the unexpectedness of the offer left heroff-kilter. “I’ll think about it. This once.” Dazed, she hung up. Sandra had apologized.
Anna would run the idea by Isaac later and see what he thought, even if it was her decision. She valued his opinion, but it would have to wait until after dinner. She didn’t enjoy having another secret from Isaac, but with the tense feelings back between the brothers, it didn’t seem like the time to talk about herself and her issues. He had more important things to deal with.
It was close to an hour’s drive east from Cervera to outside Lleida where Mrs. Vasquez had relocated after her husband had passed last year. Anna bit her lip as they pulled into the driveway but stopped as soon as she noticed. She hadn’t met many of her boyfriend’s mothers before. The modest white house sat outside of the historical town of Lleida. It was hillier and drier than Cervera, but still lovely with a view of the rivers.
Mrs. Vasquez rushed from the house as they stepped out of Isaac’s sports car. Vince’s matching red BMW sat next to the garage.
“Your brother’s been here about an hour,” she said in Spanish. “He’s always in such a hurry.” She smiled. “You must be Anna. You’re all Isaac has talked about this spring.” She had a thicker accent than her sons, but her English was excellent. “I apologize if I forget sometimes and speak to my sons in Spanish. You are most welcome to my home.”
Anna smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Isaac ran around the car and enveloped his mother in a big hug. She was a petite woman with shoulder-length wavy black and gray hair. Vince and Isaac favored her with brown eyes and dark hair. Vince more so, but Isaac had her warmth.
Stepping back, Isaac said, “Mom, this is my Anna. Anna, this is my mother, Carmela.”
“Isaac has brought no one to meet me in many years,” said Carmela, shooting him a pointed look and pursing her lips. “How will I get grandkids if he never has girlfriends?”
“Mom.” Isaac sounded exasperated, but his smile remained. This was affectionate teasing.
A pang shot through Anna. She couldn’t imagine having a relationship like this with her mother. Anna hadn’t heard from the woman in over twenty years.
“What?” Carmela said with a laugh. “It’s true. Don’t worry, I like you already if my son does. I have many stories I will have to tell you over dinner.” She motioned toward the house. “Come, join Vince on the veranda with a cold drink. We have tasty wine, cold beer, or fresh-squeezed lemonade.”
Isaac took Anna’s hand and kissed her temple. “My mom is going to embarrass me, isn’t she?”
Anna flashed him a mischievous grin. This might be fun.
Anna’s smile slipped a few minutes later when Mrs. Vasquez sent her to sit on the deck with Vince while Isaac stayed inside to help his mom with the food. Vince might have only been there for an hour, but he was on at least his third beer. The empties sat beside him on an end table. She didn’t know him well but remembered their strict in-season diet, and how devoted he was to it. He must have given himself the day off and plan to stay the night. She girded herself to sit across from him on her own. Would he behave?
She and Vince had never been alone before, and she didn’t know what to say to break the ice. Starting conversations had never been her strength. For a couple of minutes, she sipped her lemonade in silence.
“So, Anna,” he drew out her name, giving it longer syllables. “Where were you before you attached yourself to my brother?”
His tone put her on edge. “I’m from Seattle.” No way in hell was she talking to him about her past.
He rolled his eyes. “How much longer do you plan to stay in Spain? Till your European adventure has run its course?” He made it sound like she was free to leave at any time.
“I’m not sure.” She stood up again, no longer wanting to sit with him. She blinked back tears brought on by his hostile tone. What was his problem?
She glanced through the kitchen window where Isaac and his mom were laughing and chattering a mile a minute as they set food on a tray. He looked happy, as he always did when preparing food. She wouldn’t ruin their evening by fighting with Vince or taking offense at his words. She wandered to the railing overlooking the river and the stone ruins below. She fought for control of her threatening tears. Hostile vibes and people arguing always brought back negative memories of her childhood.
Behind her, Vince got to his feet. He wasn’t a big man, but he’d had a few drinks, so his footsteps were heavy as he tromped in her direction.
“I blame you.” He leaned against the white railing.
Surprise made her turn and face him. “For what?”
“From the beginning, I told Isaac you’d be a distraction. You’re worse than that. You’re an intrusion.” Alcoholic fumes filled the space between them from his breath. He leaned closer and half-whispered. “You might have Isaac fooled, but I have more experience. I see you, weaseling your way into his life. You’re just another American helmet chaser. When my brother gets over the novelty of regular fucking, he’ll come to his senses. See that you’re just a common whore.” He tipped his beer, finishing the bottle.
She backed away, her tears blinding. Why was he so hateful?
“Vince,” Isaac’s voice snapped from behind.
Neither of them had noticed him come outside with the charcuterie platter, which he dropped onto the low table with a thump.
“You need to apologize.” Isaac’s eyes blazed as he strode toward them.
