Page 15 of Love Off Course

The restaurant and bar—affectionately called Eddie’s—is already boarded up, but the front door is standing wide-open. It sits on the highest area of the hotel property and seems to be the soundest structure, so if a hurricane really does hit, Eddie’s is the safest place to be. It’s also the most entertaining. Food, drinks, and a rickety old piano that Eduardo claims Elton John used to own. I know he’s probably fucking with me, but I like to pretend it’s true.

“Cuervo!” a deep voice booms from the kitchen when I enter the restaurant.

I wave to Linda—who doesn’t speak and never has since coming to work here—before heading back to the kitchen. Eduardo is sweating like a goddamn pig as he chops tomatoes. He’s singing along to something I’ve never heard of and moving his hips like he’s a fucking professional dancer. Sometimes I cannot grasp how my mother is attracted to this man.

“There he is!” Eduardo greets, a wide grin on his face. His mustache is longer than last time, curling out at the ends. Looks like a cartoon character. “You take to the sky for too long,Cuervo. We all miss you, especially my Rosita.”

I try not to bristle at his claim on my mother.

I’m long past blaming Eduardo for loving my mother when my father wasn’t there to.

“My schedule’s been packed,” I tell him, peeking under a lid that smells heavenly. “Where’sMamá?

“Con tu abuela, er, she is with your grandmother.” He winces and guilt tugs inside me. Fuck, I really have been an asshole to him. I distinctly remember being sixteen and yelling at him on a visit back from Dad’s in the States telling him he could speakEnglish if he wanted to talk to me. Back then, Eduardo didn’t know English. Since, he’s learned how to speak it, just so he can communicate with me. The guy’s been trying so hard ever since.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, frowning.

“Your grandmother is good,” he says. “Don’t worry. They’re arguing over what color to paint the spa.”

I snort and he chuckles. “We’re calling it the spa now, huh?”

“You know how they are.” He shrugs. “Are you hungry? Most of this won’t be ready until supper, but I can make you a plate.”

“I’m good for now. Need help pulling out the cots?”

“Linda has enough for the staff, but we can grab one for you too.”

“I brought guests,” I tell him. “Seven more.”

“¡Siete!” He whistles. “Your mother is going to lose her mind.” He taps the side of his head. “We never have that many guests at once.”

At one time, when Dad was here with her, this hotel was a hoppin’ little hotspot. It was always filled to the brim with guests. But when Dad left, and me with him, it’s like we took the heart and soul from the place. Now it’s just bones that my mother is trying desperately to hold together.

“I’ll break the news to her. Maybe she’ll freak out less because she’ll be overcome with joy at seeing me,” I joke as I watch Eduardo toss some shredded beef into a tortilla. My stomach grumbles when he fills it to the brim with cheese, pico, veggies, and slathers it in sour cream. He rolls it up in a sheet of foil and then tosses it at me.

“This will keep my boy fed until supper. Give your mother kisses from me.”

I chuckle as I unwrap the taco and take a bite. It isn’t until I’m nearly out of the kitchen that I realize I didn’t get angry about what he called me.

My boy.

He used to piss me off with those comments. I already had a dad. I didn’t need some cook who worshiped the ground my mother walked on to try and become my father. Dad gave up everything for me. He’s irreplaceable. At one time I thought Eduardo was trying to do just that—replace him. Lately, I realize he just wants to love me too.

“Thanks, Eddie,” I call out.

“Anything for you,Cuervo.”

Chapter 5

Sheridan

Istare at my reflection in the mirror of the small hotel bathroom, watching my bottom lip wobble.Weak. So weak, Sheridan.I’m nine years old again in my head. Reminded of how I’d escape to the hospital bathroom to compose myself. Momma always said I was her strong girl. When her hair was falling out and she was continuously vomiting from chemo, I didn’t feel strong at all. But I couldn’t let her down. I’d slip away to the bathroom and force the tears away.

Stiffen my spine.

Lift my chin.

Purse my lips.

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