Chapter 17 #2
“I’m definitely excited to try a drink and an order of the arepas, but first I’d like to wander around and take some aesthetic b-roll footage if that’s ok?”
“Of course! Let me know when you’re ready to eat, and I’ll get you set up. If you need anything, just holler.”
She smiles and nods before pulling out her phone, a small clip on mic, and a mini magnetic tripod from her bag.
I’m anxiously wondering what she thinks of the place as her phone pans the bar, the dance floor, over the crowd of people enjoying themselves.
Then she clips the mic onto the front of the black sleeveless shirt she’s wearing and turns the camera on herself.
I can’t make out what she’s saying over the din and music, but she looks happy as she talks.
I keep slinging drinks, walking around, checking on people, and taking in the crowd moving on the dance floor.
Wayne gives Gina a spin before bringing her in close, the two of them in perfect sync to the bachata song the band is playing.
Lyra and Taran are out there too, whispering to each other like they’re in their own little world as they move.
I smile ear to ear, remembering how I got to witness the first time they ever danced together on that very same dance floor almost two years ago.
Now they’re getting married in a couple of weeks.
Carlo brought Tania here the first time they went out together, too.
This bar is so full of memories, and that right there is why it’s so important to me.
Hell, it’s where I met the woman of my dreams because my friends brought her here.
It’s not only about my family’s legacy, El Abrevadero is the center of my friend group, too.
Celeste’s fiery hair calls my attention when she tosses it over her shoulder while she chats with Carlo’s sisters Lucia, Rosa, Anita, and Lucia’s wife Daniella.
It’s hard to stay focused on my work when I’m so distracted by my wife.
Calling Celeste my wife started as a tease to make light of our arrangement.
She did the same when she called me her husband.
Now? The word isn’t as scary to me as it was.
She’s turned it into something that feels like home.
The word is now starting to mean quiet morning coffees together, playing with the birds, being there for each other when we need help.
Kissing each other senseless.
My dad is going to be smug forever about it, but he’s proven himself right once again.
My life feels more vibrant, less lonely, ever since Celeste agreed to my outlandish idea.
In the five weeks we’ve been living together, she’s woven herself into the very fabric of my life.
I’m not saying marriage is for everyone, but I sure as hell am enjoying it a lot more than I thought I ever could.
There is still a lot of fear that I need to work through.
I’d wager it’s the same for her. That night when we opened up more to each other, and kissed without anyone to see it, undoubtedly changed things, though.
It feels like that coursing river of fear is slowly ebbing away into a more gentle stream, leaving behind an easier path that we can both walk together to overcome it.
I snap out of my wandering thoughts when Hannah approaches the bar.
“How’s it going? Getting everything you need?” I ask with a smile.
“Definitely, I think I took some great footage that will really show off the place well. The decor really pops with all of the colors against the black backdrop,” she says.
“Thank you. That’s exactly what we were going for when we did a little redecorating and renovating almost eight years ago to give it a fresh look. I’m glad you like it. How about that drink and some arepas now?”
“Yes, please! I’ve been so excited to try them, that’s what drew me to this place when you reached out. You said your abuela worked incredibly hard on the recipe and brought it here from Colombia, right?”
I give her the story of my abuela coming here with my pops and Tia Carmen when they were just toddlers, my dad starting this place up, how much it’s grown, how I’ve been working here since I was 18.
She seems to eat it up, pun intended. When I show her the drawing, she clutches her chest and takes some footage of it, cooing over how perfect it is.
The arepas and margarita earn raves. All in all, I think her visit is going well, and when she packs it up to leave a couple of hours later, she promises to have it all edited and posted in a few days.
My dad comes up to me soon after and clasps a hand on my shoulder.
“I would have never thought to have an influencer come. You’re going to do great things with this place, son. I think Hannah really enjoyed herself from what I saw.”
“It could mean some great exposure, she has a loyal and pretty large following for her take on local eats. Let’s hope it leads to a lot more customers,” I tell him.
“You’re making me proud, mijo,” he says warmly, bringing me into a hug. “Not just with the bar. You and Celeste seem so happy. She’s a wonderful woman.”
My throat tightens at the emotion in his voice.
He gives me one final shoulder pat before gathering his things and getting ready to head home.
It’s clear that the night has exhausted him, even though he seems thrilled with how it went.
Walking over to Celeste, he hugs her tightly as she gives him a kiss on the cheek goodbye.
He’ll be devastated if she and I don’t make this work for the long haul and keep the marriage in tact. So will the rest of my family.
The fact that they still think we’re married for real weighs on my conscience the more Celeste becomes an integral part of my life.
I hate lying to them, but I felt trapped when my dad set that condition, and it seemed like my only way forward at the time.
Making things right is going to be a huge challenge, but first my wife and I need to get on solid footing.
Part of me wishes I had simply asked Celeste on a date from the start and seen if things would have progressed naturally.
It’s possible, but I think living together has had us lowering our walls in a way that would not have happened otherwise.
Plus, she still needs the marriage to be on my health insurance so she can get the treatment she needs.
She shouldn’t have to be in awful pain just because our healthcare system is fucked, and I’m glad I can help her with that.
The gorgeous woman in question sidles up to me as we get things cleaned up before leaving for the night.
Iggy, Chloe, Diana, Wayne, and Gina are all still here helping, too.
We’re almost done here, and then I can take Celeste home to fulfill my promise of showing her how much I appreciate her.
Her knowing smirk tells me she can read exactly where my thoughts have gone.
It takes everything to concentrate on finishing my work and getting us home safely.