Page 19 of Always Mine

Annie blushed, horribly. His mother caught her in bed with him.

Diego’s voice was hoarse when he said, “I had a bad dream,Madre.”

Annie said, “It was—”

“Hush. Just a bad dream.”

“Okay. Dinner is ready,hijo,but it can wait.”

Annie tried to get out of bed but he held her back. “I should go.”

“Stay,querida. You should eat, too.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but nothing came out.

“Why don’t you bring dinner in here when it’s ready, Mama.”

Angelica smiled. “Sí.”

They were alone again. The feel of his body made hers tighten so she broke his hold on her and slid out of bed. She stood and folded her arms around her waist—poor armor against him—she knew. “I’ll eat with you then I’m leaving.”

He grabbed her hand. “It’s better when you’re here.”

“You had a flashback. So that isn’t even true.”

“I meant when I was awake.”

“This is the second dream I’ve seen you have. I’m sure you’ve had more. You need to talk about what happened to you. To a professional.”

Just then, his mother returned and set the tray on a hospital table he must have rented.

Annie said, “Thanks, Mama.”

“Gracias.”

The sweet scent of chicken, broccoli and cheese wafted into the air. She pulled the table over in front of him and slid the single chair up on the other side.

Diego picked up a fork. Dug in. “This is wonderful.”

“It always was your favorite.”

“Hmm. Could you butter some bread for me? It’s hard to do with one hand.”

She did. “Are you feeling any better?” she asked, in between bites.

“Yeah. A bit better. I saw the PT before I left the hospital. Home visits start this week.” He stared at her. “I can’t talk about the other thing, sweetheart. When I’m awake, the only time I can forget what happened…” he swallowed hard “…is when you’re with me.”

Resigned, Annie ate too. She knew he was manipulating her but she let it go. When they finished eating, she put all the remnants on the tray and walked out of the room.

His mother was in the kitchen. The brick fireplace, the high ceiling, the dark wood molding were still the same as years ago and it made her smile. The room was filled with the scents of Spanish food and bread dough. She brought the tray to the sink where his mother stood. “Here you go.”

“Gracias,hija,for bringing the meal.” She watched Annie with eyes still as dark as Diego’s.

“I can’t explain why I’m here, Angelica, because I don’t know why.”

“You will figure it out.”

Bending over Annie kissed her cheek; her skin was papery, reminding her that his mother was getting older. “I’ll be going after I say goodbye to Diego.”

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