Page 82 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Thanks, Mom.”

I waited for my dad to speak. He stood in the corner, reading my abuelita’s words.

“Cooking is an act of love.” His raspy voice was comforting. Placing a hand over his heart, he walked over to me and my mom. The pride he felt emanated from his eyes.

“This restaurant is the biggest act of love. Everything seems intentional. I couldn’t be prouder of you.” He patted my shoulder; his eyes filled with tears. This was the exact reason I wanted this moment in private. Holding my breath, I held back tears.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” my mom said, rubbing my other arm. I swiped away the tear that betrayed me by falling.

“Your mom told me not to say it, but I’m going to anyway.”

Here it goes, the critiques and criticism.

My stomach tightened as I waited for the other shoe to drop. I looked at my mom for help. She was too busy glaring at my dad, which only worsened the knots twisting in my stomach.

“I felt slighted when you left us out of your plans. We have all the connections and resources you could ever need.” My dad stood confidently; spine straight, shoulders back with his hands in his pockets, juxtaposing the disappointment in his eyes. “But after seeing how everything came together, I couldn’t have executed this vision.”

“Which is what I told him,” Mom added.

His smile was coy as he nodded. “She did. I guess the adage is true about a mother knowing best.”

Looking at my mom, I said, “You really said that to Daddy?”

“And more. I trusted your vision from the beginning. Your business plan was realistic, backed by impeccable research and sound financial projections. As for the aesthetic, this place looks like the mood board you showed us. To your dad’s point, we would’ve loved more involvement, but honestly, it wasn’t needed. Every move you’ve made has put you in a position to thrive.”

“I’m so glad there aren’t any cameras around,” I said while wiping away tears.

My mom laughed and my dad shook his head.

“Thank you for allowing us to document your opening,” my mom said diplomatically.

“You all commandeered my soft opening, but this moment almost makes up for it.”

“We needed to showcase our tight-knit relationship and nothing could depict a better picture of that than today. Us, present and supporting each other. That’s The Gold Standard.”

My dad’s words pulled at my heartstrings, reminding me of the motivational speeches he’d give us as children.

“I haven’t heard ‘The Gold Standard’ in a long time.”

“No need when you’ve been embodying it every day, mi amor.” He hooked his index finger then nicked my chin. After checking the time on his watch, he said, “We need to get back to the hotel. I have a call in an hour.”

“I can’t wait to see how this place comes alive with patrons.” My mom beamed.

My parents hugged me once more before they left for their hotel near the Baltimore Harbor. Soon after they left, I joined everyone else as we prepared for tonight. I stopped by each table to ensure the silverware and place settings were spotless and laser lined.

We had two serving windows tonight. The first seating was from four to six and another from eight to ten. The second seating was the one my parents would attend, along with any food influencers and other restaurant owners in town.

The nerves leading up to today were nonexistent. I was too focused on setting tables, buffing wine glasses, and assisting with food prep. Just as I finished helping our sous chef Penelope mash plantain in a wooden pilón, I heard my name being called.

“There she is,” Carmen said, pointing my way.

I pushed the food over to Penelope, then wiped my hands on my apron. My eyes lit up when Nadir appeared from around the corner. He returned a smile just as endearing. I led him to my office then removed my apron before hugging him.

“What are you doing here so early?”

He held my chin, peering into my eyes. My heart skipped a beat as I held my breath.

“I wanted to see you before you get swept into the chaos.”