He coughs, chewing on his food as if he’s shocked. “Well, given howmy daughter’sLSAT scores said otherwise, that’s surprising to hear. But that’s my Sarina, always full of so many surprises.”
I had no idea that Sarina took the LSAT’s or wanted to be an attorney, but I don’t let him know that.
“And call me old fashioned, but I didn’t realize co-workers call each other sweetheart.”
“Well, we’re friends too,” Sarina adds.
He hums, smug as ever, alternating his gaze between Sarina and me, as his loaded fork raises to his mouth, holding it there. “Is that right? Co-workersandfriends?”
Neither of us answer, only emboldening him to continue. “So, Tomás, do you call all your co-workers sweetheart, or just the ones you want to fuck?”
My stomach drops. For a second I wonder if I’m imagining what just happened, because there’s no grand reaction from anyone. Sarina’s mom sips on her wine, twisting open a pill bottle to what appears to be some form of muscle relaxer. Chloe and Harper continue eating, both focusing intently on their plates, not bothering to make eye contact with anyone. Sarina is quiet as a church mouse, while Mr. Tesoro sits, emotionless, chewing away at his food.
I don’t know how to react. Words aren’t calibrating in my head. My appetite has taken a nosedive. I simply sit in the awkwardness, drinking from my water glass, emptying it, despite not feeling an ounce of thirst.
Finally, Sarina speaks. “Tomás is a gentleman.”
“Okay, and?”
Sarina’s chest hitches, and the boldness that was just present in her tone vanishes. “He’s not how you’re making him seem.”
He lifts his hands in sarcastic defeat. “Well forgive me then. I’ve been around long enough to see when someone has intentions, that’s all. Now eat before your food gets cold.”
It takes everything in my power not to get us the fuck out of here. Seeing her like this, a grown woman, being disrespected and barked at by her own father, has my blood boiling.
I hate that she listened to him and finished her plate. I hate that we all do as he said, even if my appetite has dissipated.
Dinner resumes in complete silence, and it’s not until everyone pitches in to clear the dinner plates —everyone, that is,with the exception of Sarina’s dad— and we move on to dessert, that conversation happens again.
“So, Tomás, I’ve heard through the grapevine your firm is interested in trying to pitch me again?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” I settle for.
“And I assume you would like to use this golden opportunity my daughter has gifted you to discuss that with me? Ralph Vize hasn’t exactly been shy about letting me know you’d be here to talk.”
That bastard, he never told me that he spoke to Michael Tesoro about this directly.
“I have to hand it to you, Sarina, when you said you had a date, I was really surprised. But now this.” He points between us, as if he’s about to arrive at the punch line of a bad joke. “Thisall makes sense now.”
Sarina remains quiet, and I’ve never missed the sound of her voice as much as I do right now.
It’s clear she isn’t going to say something, so I do.
“I’m here as Sarina’s plus-one for Harper and Chloe’s wedding. If you would like to discuss business after that, I would be more than glad to.”
“Why not now? You have my full and undivided attention.”
Sarina’s hand finds my thigh again, and this time it feels cold as ice, stationed in place.
“Despite what Ralph Vize may have told you, I came here as a favor to Sarina first. Business can wait.”
“Very well. What about the day after the wedding? Let’s say we discuss whatever it is you have to say over cigars and scotch?”
“Sounds good,” I agree.
“Good, because I’mveryinterested to see if your firm has the same capabilitiesJames’does.”
A gasp sounds from Harper, with Chloe rubbing her shoulder quieting her, and Sarina slamming her empty coffee mug on thetable, though she says nothing. She simply rises from her chair, exchanging a look with her sister, while tugging at my arm for me to stand up.
