Chapter Fifteen
Diana
I n my family, any excuse is good enough for a get-together. We thrive on these gatherings; they don’t need to be lavish or extravagant—the real joy lies in just being together. Life races by at a breakneck pace, and it’s all too easy to lose touch, not out of neglect but simply because time has a way of slipping through our fingers. My Cuban American family is boisterous; the air is always thick with laughter and the latest gossip, but this loud, loving chaos is precisely what I cherish most. We might be slightly over the top, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Though very culturally different, Robert’s family has melded surprisingly well with my lively and exuberant relatives. After his parents split early in his life, Robert’s dad threw himself wholeheartedly into raising his kids and growing his business. Now in his fifties, he’s still robust, his salt-and-pepper hair and rugged jawline painting the picture of enduring strength and charisma. And Robert? He’s like a younger clone of his father, complete with the accent that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.
His sister, though visually distinct with her blonde hair and light eyes, embodies the same resilience and independence that runs strong in their family. Right now, she’s fully immersed in a game of hide and seek with my nephews, laughter echoing across the yard as Robert puts the finishing touches on the makeshift fort they’ve constructed out back.
Is there a more perfect scene than this?
“Penny for your thoughts?” Damian, my soon-to-be father-in-law, calls out, his deep voice jolting me from my daydream. I jump, my hand slipping just a tad, and the flan lands a little off-center on the fancy serving tray.
“You scared me,” I admit, a nervous chuckle escaping as I regain my composure.
“Sorry,” he apologizes, ruffling his hair with a hand in a gesture of repentance. “Didn’t mean to startle you. You just seemed so far away, got me wondering what was on your mind.”
I smile, glancing back out at the scenery. “Just taking in the view,” I admit. Following my gaze, his eyes scan the horizon, and I notice a brief, unreadable expression flicker across his face.
“Everything alright between you two?” he asks, and I’m caught off guard by the question. We hadn’t let on that anything was amiss—because it wasn’t. His query comes from left field.
“Yes,” I respond, arching an eyebrow in surprise. “Better than ever, actually.” My tone is firm, underlining the solidity of my answer.
“You know you can always come to me if you’re running into any issues,” he offers, and as I raise an eyebrow in question, he hurries to clarify. “Financial issues, I mean.”
“Excuse me?” I can’t help the slight widen of my eyes, taken aback by his assumption.
“I just mean, with Robert’s schooling and all. I know it’s been a lot for you to handle by yourself,” he adds, his tone tinged with concern.
“We’re managing,” I assert, shifting my gaze away from his probing eyes to the dessert in front of me.
“Diana,” Damian’s voice softens, his hand stretching across the table towards mine. Instinctively, I pull back. “Listen, this might not be the time or the place, but I’m aware of the struggles you’ve been facing.”
“What are you talking about?” I counter, confusion knitting my brow as I look up at him.
“I know about the work you’ve been doing,” Damian says quietly, catching my silence as an opportunity to continue. “The things you’ve done to make ends meet.” At his words, my heart pounds, panic rising as the secrets of my double life threaten to unravel right here. I struggle to breathe, my throat constricted, feeling like oxygen has abandoned my lungs.
“I’m sorry you felt you couldn’t come to me,” he adds, his tone gentle yet firm. “But I’m here now, for both of you. Come see me tomorrow, at my office or my home, wherever you’re more comfortable.”
I stammer, “I-I don’t need—”
“This isn’t up for discussion,” he cuts in, leaving no room for protest.