Page 87 of Wishing for La Luna
“You told me she said she won’t get with you.”
He snorts. “She only said that because she thinks I’m catching feelings for her.”
I open my mouth to tell him she’s wrong because he already caught all the feelings, but he stops me with a look.
“I know you’re my boss and favorite cousin, but I’m going to knock you out if you say anything, Rio.”
I laugh again. “I like her for you.”
He snorts. “You wouldn’t if you knew the plans she has for you if you fuck up.”
I don’t get to ask, because they reach us.
Luna hands me an LP, and it’s still hot and crunchy.
“Let’s go for a walk,” I say, guiding her in the direction of the river.
“Thank you for myyaniqueque.”
She laughs. “You paid for it. So, thankyou.”
It makes me smile. “Mami, yo te doy lo que tu quiera.I’m happy to give you whatever you want…” I sound so corny, so I add, “And Sel, of course.”
Her eyes twinkle. “And Tito. She got him one. We also ordered for the security team.”
I throw my arm around her shoulder. “That’s sweet.”
We fall silent for a bit.
“That’s theCaño Frio.” I point to the clear water reflecting the sky and the mangrove trees alongside it. “It comes from underground springs. The water is really cold, but it flows over there intoPlaya Rincon. It’s warmer there.
“I love it here. A river and a beach in the same place.”
“It’s a special place for me. This is where my parents met. My dad came on vacation from Puerto Rico, and my mom was here with her friends. Nine months later—don’t get hung up on the dates—baby Riomar came into the world.”
Her gaze snaps from the water to me. “Wait, this is how you got your name?”
I nod. “My mom was walking down, and they ran into each other where theriomeets elmar.”
“Nowthatis so sweet.”
“They both thought so too.”
“You don’t talk much about your dad, other than the awesome history lessons,” she says.
“I spent the school year with my mom, but my summers with him until he died. That man was a scholar and, at heart, a campesino too. He swore Atabey was with him and my mom when they met.” I pause and smile. “He was such a great storyteller, had acuentofor every occasion. I was ten when he died.”
“He and your mom were not together anymore?”
“He loved her, but he was a man of his time with a big flaw:Mujeriego. They lived separate lives, but I don’t think they ever really got over each other. Then, he died suddenly of a heart attack. We moved to New York when I was fourteen, but she would still send me over to Puerto Rico to visit with the family.” I squeeze her shoulder. “What about you? I haven’t heard about your dad.”
“Long story. He moved to New York because he knew how to use the street drill machine. I was seven whenMamiand I came to join him. He died the year after.” Her words are soft.
“How?”
“He got robbed on the way home. He didn’t want to give the guy his wallet. It was payday, and he wanted to come home to us.”
“Shit, Luna. I’m sorry.” I bring her closer.
