Page 134 of Sombra
“But Tavo, I think you weren’t telling me something. You kept something from me back in Spain.”
He pulls back, almost involuntarily. “What, amor?”
“That Sonia was as obsessed with you as she is.”
He shakes his head, very serious. “I didn’t realize. I jokingly called her a stalker, but I didn’t know she would go that far.” His eyeslevel with me. “I never wanted to marry her. But I didn’t realize how she really was.”
“Once I got back here, I figured that. Because it couldn’t be true. We spent so much time with each other. What we feel for each other? That’s the truth.”
“Right. It was never her.”
“Since I met you, I’ve been stuck on you, but it’s not just your rugged, perfect looks. After all, an uglyinside can make even the prettiest face unattractive.”
“Kim.” His finger traces my collarbone.
“You radiate a zest for life. But you’re courteous and sincere. You’re irresistible. You make me feel loved, safe, and secure.”
He tugs on my ear. “Yes—”
“Even though it’s new, our relationship is great. I can talk to you about anything.”
“Yes, guapa.”
“You don’tjudge me.”
Those dark, soulful eyes explore mine. “Never.”
“We’ve been honest with each other about our issues. We both look at the world the same way, wanting tocreateour experience instead of having it created by other people. And we both live—and want to keep living—with passion and enthusiasm. The good and the bad.”
“I agree, amor.”
“Having a baby with you joltsus into a new reality, but I guess we’ll learn what to do as we go along.”
He kisses me. “Yes. Yes. All this. Yes, we will learn.”
“Sometimes, Tavo, the feelings I feel for you are too strong. I get worried that they’ll fizzle out.”
“They won’t.”
I sit up. “But how do you know that?”
“Because we have the chemistry. We have the fire in our bellies. And we helpeach other to be the best version of each other.”
“You kinda already are the best version of yourself,” I say.
“Oh, no. I’m just getting started. Wait until the world discovers my music.”
“Yeah.”
“We respect each other, ourselves, and our families. But we don’t change ourselves to be what they want us to be. And that is the difference.”
“Oh, and if the passionever simmers?”
“Yeah?”
“I know a lot of ways we can rekindle it.”
Back in Spaina few days later (thank you Dani and Trent), I hold hands with Tavo after we step out of the car. He holds my bag and his in one hand. But I’m walking with him to his casita,not to the house.
I was worried about all the time I missed, but he called the school and arranged for me to make up work due to “illness.” And he made me an appointment for prenatal care in Granada.
After staying with my parents for a few days, they absolutely loved him. He’s so polite and courteous, how could they not? And we spent a lot of time with Shane and Randy, laughing andplaying video games.
While I didn’t think that Iowa in November was much to see, Tavo was fascinated by all of it. Fascinated by our huge grocery stores and Costco. So even though I’d be bored to tears, he had eyes like cheese wheels, interested in everything.
He sent that music person links to his YouTube, and he got an open invitation to play in New York City any time he wanted.
But now back in Granada, I feel like I can breathe again. The mountains in the distance and the slant of light in this place feel like freedom. I love the olive trees. I love the history. I love how long civilization has been here, and how I’m going to continue it with this little baby in my belly.
And while Tavo and I have lots to talk about and keep talking, I know we’re going tobe together for the rest of our lives.
