29. Marisol #2
The sun was just starting to set, and a light breeze brought a certain chill in the air.
Nightlife was just beginning here with groups of people roaming the streets, going in and out of buildings.
Bars, restaurants, and shopping kept most people entertained, but live music from a grassy park area also gathered a crowd.
Her father’s store was located in the heart of it all.
He was nestled between a steakhouse and a building for sale.
“Hey,” she pointed to the for-sale sign, “aren’t you purchasing that property for your tattoo shop?
” She remembered him walking out of the building with another man, just as she and her father were leaving the shop.
Next to her, Cisco tensed. She glanced at him, noticing his set jaw and the way his eyes narrowed at the store. Did she miss something?
“I’m not sure they’ll take my offer,” he said briskly, not offering any more explanation.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did they say why?” she asked.
This time she didn’t miss the red flush starting at his neck and going up to his cheeks. His lips were pursed in a thin line, and he shrugged. “Not really.”
She had a feeling that wasn’t the total truth, but she didn’t push him on it. Clearly, it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, and she respected that decision. But she hoped he’d open up to her when he was ready. Which clearly wasn’t now.
“Marisol! Cisco!” Her father’s boisterous voice stole her attention from Cisco.
Travis Roberts wore his favorite beige suit that reminded her of Big Daddy from The Princess and the Frog .
Complete with the beer—or in his case, wine—gut.
Travis excused himself from greeting the guests at the front door and met them on the sidewalk.
Marisol hugged him, and despite the tension within their family, she was happy she could come out and support him.
“Congratulations, Daddy. I’m proud of you,” Marisol said.
“That means a lot to me, sweetheart. I’m so happy you and Cisco could come out tonight.” Travis pulled away and reached to shake Cisco’s hand. Cisco’s weird mood from earlier was gone, and he greeted her father with a smile.
“Thank you for inviting us. You chose a great location for your shop,” he complimented.
“Fought tooth and nail for this property. Expecting great things from it, especially if you’re going to be my neighbor now.” He clapped him on the back.
Marisol watched as Cisco tensed. Clearly, her father didn’t notice and didn’t see the sign on the shop next door. She was certainly not going to bring it up.
“Come on in, you two. Sample the wines and eat the food. Your sister and Javi are here. I know they’ll be happy to see you. Sadly, they left the kids with Javi’s father for the night,” her father sighed, looking genuinely sad.
Marisol couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, of course they did. This is for wine. Do you really want to have two kids running around?”
“If those kids are my grandbabies, I do!” he said petulantly.
Marisol rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you can see them later. But for now, enjoy your night.” Then, as an afterthought, she asked, “Where’s Mom?”
“Oh, she’s inside talking to friends. She knows to be on her best behavior for the night.”
She somehow really doubted that but nodded all the same.
She reached back for Cisco’s hand again, leading him through the building.
The back wall of the shop was made of stone with shelves to display different wines.
There were a few high tables with barrels as the base.
Food and glasses of wine and sparkling water sat atop those.
She loved the rustic feeling of the store and was happy her dad went with the design.
Many of the people here she recognized, either from previous events she attended or those who worked at the winery.
She didn’t see her mother amongst everyone but figured she stepped out to go to the bathroom or fix her hair.
Lola and Javi were speaking to two women.
One had their arm over the shorter one, and they were all laughing at something Javi said.
The two women were some of Lola’s best friends, Mona and Mattea.
It once made Marisol extremely jealous of her sister for having such close friends, and it still did at times, but mostly she was happy.
Happy because her sister deserved people in her corner when she couldn’t be there.
But also happy because Marisol might have found her own group.
Lola must have sensed her staring, because her sister soon glanced up and offered Marisol a small smile.
She returned it with a wave. Lola leaned over to whisper something to Javi.
He nodded once, and she broke away from the group, walking toward her sister.
“I didn’t think you’d be here,” she said in greeting, offering Marisol a hug.
Hugging anyone besides her father, niece, and nephew was still new to her, but she returned it. There had been a lot of hugging in the last few weeks. “I came because it’s Dad. Plus, Mom’s attention is usually off me at things like this.”
Lola pulled back and greeted Cisco. “Javi and I aren’t staying long. I suggest you two make an early departure as well.”
“Trust me, I plan on it.” She just needed to be around enough to let her face be seen, and then they could go .
“You can come join us if you don’t want to mingle,” Lola said.
As tempting as that offer was, she knew her father would appreciate her making her rounds. “Later. There are a few people I want to say hi to.”
“Well, you know where we’ll be,” Lola said before turning and walking back toward her husband and best friends.
Marisol exhaled loudly, already feeling overwhelmed by the number of people here. Cisco gently rubbed her shoulders. “Should I get us some wine? I feel like we need wine.”
Despite her nerves, Marisol laughed. “Yes please. And maybe some of those finger sandwiches?”
“On it. Stay here, Princesa.” Cisco kissed her cheek, then she no longer felt his warm body on her back. It didn’t occur to her until now how much of a calming presence he was to her. Without him, she felt exposed. Had these events always been like this?
Finding an unoccupied table, Marisol wandered over to it, putting her clutch down.
Part of her wished she had reached out to Stella and invited her, but she didn’t know if that would be weird.
After all, they barely knew each other, but she liked hanging out with her.
Was that enough to be considered a friend? Why was adulting so damn hard?
“Marisol,” a familiar voice came from behind her.
The hair on the back of her neck rose, and her smile instantly vanished.
As if in slow motion, she turned, listening to the rapid beating of her own heart.
When she saw who stood in front of her, every horrid memory of him came rushing back.
Because standing only a few feet in front of her was Archie.