CHAPTER 28
Valentina
I flip the plantains in the hot oil, crisping them while Mami bustles about, opening and closing cupboards as she tends to the shredded beef stew.
“Where’s the apple cider vinegar?” she calls out.
“It might be easier to use some of the distilled vinegar on the counter.” I try to help without stepping away from my task.
“No, Hija , they serve different purposes.” She resumes her search.
Through the kitchen window, I steal glances at Jason in the backyard teaching Eden how to throw a whiffle ball while Carlos and the boys swing bats nearby.
Gone is his taco shirt, and his T-shirt displays muscles flexing at each swing. My heart beats rapidly. He’s officially my boyfriend. Jason is different from Austin—he’s never told me he’s better than me, yet he’s better in so many ways.
Austin’s image intrudes as he did earlier. I’m still surprised he’s cut off the hair he used to spend hours preening. How did I ever fall for that man and, worse, let him make me believe I wasn’t good enough?
My chest churns, and my fingers clench until the spoon’s wooden handle presses almost to the bone. Why didn’t I pretend I didn’t recognize him? I thought I’d never let him make me feel small or intimidated again, but that was when we hadn’t crossed paths in nearly a decade.
Why, of all places, did he end up working at Family Sphere? And why, of all positions, was he handling the camera instead of being an anchor or reporter, especially when he’d always prided himself as the best? Whatever happened to his lady friend?—
It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t care whether he ended up in that relationship or not.
At least Jason hasn’t brought up Austin. He arrived an hour ago, meeting the kids and me here. His silence, whether out of respect or uncertainty, provides respite from dealing with it all.
With a strainer spoon, I scoop out the now golden plantains and lay them on the prepared paper towels. The aroma of beef stew simmering and rice cooking makes my mouth water. Only Mami’s food could compete with all the vendors at today’s festival and have my mouth watering again so soon.
My gaze drifts back to the window, to Jason . My heart starts racing as our recent kisses flood back—kisses that have become increasingly frequent.
We’ve managed to sneak moments of intimacy in between our daily routines—in the gym during a morning workout, in the kitchen while I hand him his coffee, and in the quiet hallway after we tuck the kids into bed. Each stolen kiss, each thrilling burst of affection, deepens our connection.
“He’s a family man. That’s good.”
I jump at Mami’s words, and the spoon clatters to the hardwood floor. She doesn’t miss a beat, stepping in to add more plantains to the oil as I retrieve the spoon.
“If you’re falling in love again, Jason is a good choice.”
My cheeks heat. Mami caught me gawking.
“The way he looked at you when he walked in... His face turned all red.” Mami drops the last plantains into the oil, and they sizzle. She then hands me a clean spoon. “His children admire you too.”
I place the fallen spoon in the sink, unable to deny my feelings if I’m unschooled.
“I’m not sure if I should keep looking for another job.” I told Judy I’d stay as a nanny for three months, four at most.
“Pray, Hija . For now, you’re where you’re supposed to be. If God closes a door, you’ll know whether you should climb in a window instead.” Her certainty always comforts, and my chest swells now.
I lean against the counter. “I have no desire to look for TV jobs anymore. Not even therapist jobs. Where would I even start in that field?”
“You have enough things planned for May anyway.” She cups her warm hand to my cheek. “One day at a time, Hija . That’s all you need.” She pats my cheek and resumes her search for vinegar. “We’re all planning to come to Eden’s dance recital, so make sure you buy extra tickets for Friday.”
When I told her about Daisy’s neglect and Eden’s disappointment on spring break, Mami stood firm, insisting: “Then you will be the best family in her life while God has you there. And our job as your family is to show her that family doesn’t have to be by blood only.”
These words come to life again as I prepare Eden for her dance recital in Manhattan almost a week later. It’s after three, and Eden holds her phone, Judy’s image on the screen while I comb stray curls back into the bun for her big moment.
I glimpse Judy’s face as she asks, “Are you still nervous about your lines?”
Eden exhales, a nervous flutter visible in her posture. “Val helped me practice, but I still feel nervous.”
“We got seats on the front row,” I promise. “Just focus on us, and you’ll do great.”
Her gaze meets mine in the bathroom mirror.
“Exactly what Val said,” Judy chimes in, and Phil peeks his head into the camera’s view, adding his well-wishes.
“You’ve got this, sweetheart.”
After promising to take pictures and confirming they got the link for the live stream, I end the call.
Eden seems buoyed by the support.
“They’ll be home in time for your birthday,” I remind her as we finish up.
My family is already in front of the dance studio when we arrive. Mom clutches balloons. Carlos lugs a huge Jets stuffed bear. My sisters each hold bouquets. All of them greet Eden with enthusiastic well-wishes.
“Wow, your family really knows how to do things right,” Jason murmurs into my ear.
It feels over-the-top, since most people are arriving with little more than a few flowers. I’ve brought chocolates and a bouquet to give Eden after the performance.
We enter the studio where she practices, and the air thrums. The stage curtains are drawn, hiding the dancers from view as we take our seats.
Ten minutes later, the instructor steps forward, microphone in hand, and the room quiets. “Thank you all for coming to our Spring Showcase.”
At the mention of Eden’s name, Jason takes my hand, his anxiety palpable through his cold fingers.
I squeeze back and scoot to the edge of my chair, my heart thudding.
“It’s Eden, Dad!” Felix whisper-shouts from Jason’s other side, and Atticus echoes the sentiment from my side, next to Carlos. The teddy bear almost blocks his view.
Eden scans the audience and smiles when she locates us. I grin broadly while Carlos lets out a sharp whistle. If it weren’t for Atticus sitting between us, I’d be nudging Carlos to tone it down so he doesn’t make Eden nervous.
“We would like to welcome you to our tenth annual dance recital.” She performs exceptionally well, radiating the confidence we worked on during our rehearsals.
I fumble with my purse when I remember to take a picture, but by the time I pull out my phone, she’s already finished her introduction.
The lights dim, and music plays as dancers glide onto the stage. Eden will be featured in all the dances. The kids sway to the music while Jason and I snap pictures.
Then “Rewrite the Stars” plays, and every word, every gesture, captures me until Jason’s arm snakes around my waist. I steal a glance at him, and the intensity of his gaze warms me as if the song stirs something deep within him too.
He’s no Austin, but can I change my family’s history of fleeting relationships? Can he learn to trust again, to let me into his life without reservations?
When I tear my gaze away, I catch my mom’s knowing look between those balloons. She doesn’t miss a beat, nodding as if affirming the connection.
After the dance, we all rush through the crowd to surround Eden, showering her with hugs and congratulations. Everyone hands her their gifts, filling her arms until I enroll her brothers’ help, though a couple of balloons pop in their care.
“We have an after-party at the house, mi amor ,” Mami announces, using the affectionate Spanish term for “my love.”
“You do?” Eden’s face lights up.
Before we leave, we gather for a group picture against the stage curtain. Then I take one with Jason and his kids, and he insists on one with just Eden and me and another with just him and me. I’m not sure if the kids read anything into that.
Daylight is vanishing when we get to the car. I hand Eden the flowers and chocolates I got for her while Jason surprises her with a camera.
Felix’s brow scrunches, brown hair flopping into his eyes. “How come we never get gifts after our soccer games?”
“Never mind that.” Atticus flops back against his seat, his arms crossed. “ I didn’t get anything after my volley won the game .”
Jason rolls his eyes at me. “Next time, I’ll get you something.”
“I didn’t even think about that.” I peer at the back seat through the city lights. “We’ll do something extra next time.”
Mami has a mariachi band waiting in our backyard, and a giraffe pinata hangs from a tree. Loaded up with food from the spread she’s put on, we chant as the kids take turns striking the pinata.
The kids giggle, scooping up candy, the inevitable sugar rush already taking hold, and Jason draws me to join the others on the grass dancing wildly to the music.
He twirls me, then catches my back flat against his chest. His hair tickles my cheek as he leans over my shoulder. His breath warms my ear. “Your family is amazing.”
“Your family is incredible too.” I spin free to face him, secure in his arms, and the lanterns illuminate his handsome face as I tip my head back to see him. “And you are amazing, Jason.”
Is this it? Can an everlasting future be as bright and carefree as this moment?