16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Marc
T he thrum of the engine died as I parked the truck by the curb on Saturday morning, the familiar chatter from a nearby playground in the air. “We can’t stay too long, Mia. I promised Uncle Alonso that I’d go help him this morning.”
Mia’s excited chatter bubbled up from the back seat. “I know. I just wanna ride for a bit, Papi!” she squealed, her eyes wide with excitement as she unbuckled herself from her booster chair.
“Okay,” I replied, helping her out. Then I lifted her bike out of the truck bed with a practiced ease and set it on the pavement. “Remember what we talked about? Just stay close to where I can see you, okay?”
She nodded, her curls bouncing with every enthusiastic nod, and pedaled off toward the playground. I turned my attention to the park bench where Hector was waiting, two steaming cups of coffee beside him and an apple juice box for Mia.
Hector had called the previous day, asking if I would meet him this morning. Given all the help he’d offered since I moved to town, it was a simple request I wouldn’t refuse. I walked over to him, raising my hand in a casual greeting.
“Marc,” he greeted, his weathered face breaking into a warm, welcoming smile. “It’s been a while.”
I sat next to him, wrapping my hands around the coffee cup, savoring the warmth as it seeped into my skin. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “How are you holding up? You haven’t been to the nursery all week. I was starting to worry.”
I sighed, the weight of the past few days pressing heavily down on my shoulders. “It’s… complicated. Just dealing with some stuff.”
Hector’s eyes softened, wrinkles deepening with concern. “Has it been hard?”
I swallowed hard, my gaze drifting to where Mia pedaled circles on the playground. The memory of the grocery run flashed through my mind—the hushed whispers that ceased as I rounded the aisle, the sidelong glances that followed me to the checkout. “It’s like I’ve got a target on my back,” I muttered, my fingers tightening around the coffee cup. “Can’t even buy milk without feeling like I’m on display.”
The coffee shop incident from yesterday bubbled up—the barista’s eyes widening in recognition, her fumbling hands almost spilling my order. Then there was the gas station, where the attendant’s gaze had lingered a beat too long, a friendly smile that suddenly seemed menacing.
“I’m not even sure that they’re actually talking about me,” I admitted, my jaw clenching. “But it feels like they are. And every time I step out that door, I just… this anger builds up. Like I’m a powder keg ready to blow.” I exhaled sharply. “It’s exhausting, Hector. And I’m worried about what it’s doing to Mia.” I pointed at her. “I needed to get her out of the house, too. I’ve got a sitter coming over and working with her in the mornings, but she’s got cabin fever from not going to school.”
Hector’s gaze was steady and patient. “Everyone makes mistakes, Marc. Gets embarrassed sometimes. But you didn’t hurt anyone, right?”
I shook my head. “No, I didn’t.”
“Then that’s what matters.” He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving mine. “A man has to be strong for the people he loves. Sometimes that means doing things we wish we didn’t have to do.”
I nodded, but the words sounded hollow in my chest. Being strong was easier said than done.
Hector studied me for a moment, then leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. “So, are you still planning on opening that landscaping business? You’ve got the talent and the vision, Marc.”
I hesitated, the thought of moving back to Dallas already gnawing at the edges of my mind. Shame prickled in my gut. “I’m… I’m not sure,” I replied, staring down at the coffee cup cradled in my hands.
Hector’s expression softened. “Well, I hope you get through this and stick around. This town needs someone like you.” He took another sip from his cup and added, “You might not believe this, but I had a good body when I was young. Looked like you.” He mimicked an exaggerated shimmy with his shoulders. “Not that anyone ever offered to pay money to see me.”
A chuckle escaped my lips, some of the unease lifting from my dark thoughts. “Bet you did,” I said, and appreciated that he wanted to make me feel better about all of this mess.
A smirk curled on Hector’s face as he leaned back on the bench. “You’ll get through this, Marc. You’re a good man.”
***
After Mia was done with her cycling, we headed to the garage. The sharp scent of grease and motor oil hung thick in the air as I spotted Alonso hunched over the open hood of a sedan, his face etched with concentration. He glanced up as we approached, his expression morphing into a grin.
“There’s my favorite niece!” Alonso’s rough, grease-stained hands lifted Mia, and she burst into giggles, squirming as his bristly kisses tickled her cheeks.
“Uncle Alonso, that tickles!” Mia squirmed in his arms, laughter bubbling out of her.
Alonso set Mia down, a smile playing on his lips as our eyes met. “Thanks for coming in, little brother. I know you enjoy your Saturdays off.”
I shrugged, offering a wry smile. “Family comes first, and Lord knows I owe you for all my shi—” I glanced down at Mia’s wide eyes and grinned. “—everything that’s happened this past week. Now, what’s this emergency transmission job?”
“Mrs. Chen’s Civic. Damn thing’s slipping gears like crazy. I promised her we’d have it done by noon. She’s working at the big carnival out on the fairgrounds this weekend and needs it as soon as possible.” Alonso wiped his hands on a rag, nodding towards the waiting room. “Mia can hang out there. I’ve got some snacks and juice boxes stocked up and got it on the television channel with the cartoons. Elena and the boys will be coming over soon, too.”
“Sounds great,” I replied. “Mia, why don’t you hang out in the waiting room? I’ll be just around the corner if you need anything.”
“Okay, Daddy!” she agreed, skipping off to the other room.
Alonso wiped his brow, leaning against the car. “So, how you holding up, little brother? This week’s been a real doozy for you.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Honestly, I’ve been lying low, trying to keep Mia away from all the gossip and stares.” I reached for a wrench, focusing on the transmission. “But,” I continued, a small smile creeping up, “a few friends reached out—a couple text message, a call—letting me know they’re in my corner. It made a world of difference.”
Alonso nodded, his eyes bright. “That’s good, man. You’ve got people who care about you.” He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “So, you still thinking about heading back to Dallas?”
The wrench stilled in my hand, hovering over the engine. “That’s the plan,” I admitted, a knot tightening in my chest. “I can’t have Mia growing up with all this hanging over her head.”
Alonso’s hand found my shoulder, his calloused fingers gripping with a reassurance that spoke louder than words. His eyes met mine with an intensity that made me pause. “Marc,” he said, his voice low and steady, “I know you’d move heaven and earth for Mia. But sometimes, standing your ground is the bravest thing you can do.” He glanced around the garage, then back at me. “This town… it’s got its flaws, sure. But it’s also got good people. People who care about you both. Don’t let a few small minds chase you away from the life you’re building here.”
I leaned against the car, my mind whirling with conflicting thoughts. “I just want what’s best for Mia,” I answered. “That’s all that matters.”
Alonso turned to me, his eyes filled with concern and understanding. “Listen to me, brother. What’s best for Mia is a father who’s happy and content, who’s taking care of himself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. And—” Alonso locked eyes with me. “You can’t keep using Mia as an excuse when things get rough.”
Alonso’s words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. I stepped back, my jaw clenching as I fought the urge to lash out. “What the hell, Alonso? You think I’m using my daughter as an excuse?” My voice dropped low and tight, hurt and anger bubbling beneath the surface.
Alonso held up his hands, his eyes steady. “I’m not saying that, Marc. I’m just asking you to think about it. Is this really about Mia, or are you embarrassed for yourself?”
I turned away. The accusation stung, but a small voice in the back of my mind whispered that Alonso had a point. “You don’t know what it’s like,” I muttered, more to myself than to him. “The whispers, the stares. It’s not just about me anymore.”
“I know, little brother. But running away won’t change who you are or what happened. Neither will hiding at home. People are gonna talk whether they see you or not until they get bored and stop talking.” Alonso’s voice softened. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, Marc. You’ve been through hell and back, and you’re still standing. But strength isn’t about facing everything alone. It’s about leaning on the people who love you.”
I nodded, understanding what he was trying to tell me. I thought about Ken, who’d respected my request for privacy. God, I missed him… “What if staying here is selfish? What if I’m putting my happiness above hers?”
“And what if leaving is robbing her of the chance to grow up surrounded by family who love her? What if it’s denying her the opportunity to see her father build something beautiful out of adversity?”
His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and I nodded slowly, letting his message sink in. He was right. I had been so focused on protecting Mia that I had neglected my own well-being.
Maybe I was using Mia as an excuse to run from my own fears.
But how could I find happiness when everything seemed to be falling apart around me?
Alonso must have sensed my inner turmoil because he asked, “Have you had any contact with Ken since, well, you know…”
I paused, unsure whether I wanted to dive into the murky waters that were my relationship with Ken. But Alonso had always been there for me, through thick and thin. If anyone understood, it would be him. “Yeah.” A flush crept into my cheeks. “He came over last week and we talked.
“So it wasn’t him that spilled your secret.”
I nodded.
“So where are you now?” He wiped his brow with the back of his hand, leaving a faint smudge of grease behind.
I closed my eyes, remembering the warmth of his smile, the tenderness in his touch. “It’s complicated.”
“Life’s complicated, Marc. Doesn’t mean you give up on it.”
Easier said than done. “He said he wants me to stay in Blanco Springs,” I admitted, my voice dropping to a whisper despite the empty room. “But trust? I don’t know if I can give him that, not after everything that’s happened.”
Alonso nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I get it, Marc. Trust is a fragile thing, and once it’s broken, it’s hard to put back together. But let me ask you this: do you believe that Ken cares about you and Mia?”
I thought back to all the moments Ken and I had shared, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world, the way he treated Mia with such kindness and patience. “Yeah. I do.”
“Then maybe it’s worth giving him a chance to earn that trust back,” Alonso suggested, his tone gentle. “A little forgiveness goes a long way. It’s not about forgetting what happened, but about choosing to move forward despite it.”
“I’m not sure, hermano ,” I confessed, a sigh escaping my lips. “I can’t get him out of my mind. There’s this… connection between us. But it’s not just me. What if Mia grows to care for him and then… it all falls apart?” The fear gnawed at my words, leaving them unfinished.
Alonso set down his wrench and looked me straight in the eye, his expression softening. “Marc, all I can tell you is that feelings are complicated sometimes. But life’s too short to hold back, especially when it comes to love.”
“Love?” I whispered, allowing the word to hang in the air.
Was that what this was?
I let out a long breath as the weight of Alonso’s words settled over me. Could I find it in my heart to forgive Ken? To give him another chance? I wasn’t sure, but I owed it to myself, and to Mia, to at least try to find some happiness. “Thanks, Alonso,” I said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Hey, hey.” Alonso pulled me into a hug, his brawny arms enveloping me. “You deserve to be happy, little brother. And if Ken makes you happy, then go for it.” He planted a kiss on the side of my head before returned to the task at hand. “Now, let’s get this transmission fixed before Mrs. Chen comes knocking down our door.”
A couple hours later, the shop door chimed, announcing the arrival of the car’s owner. I smiled, instantly recognizing Natalie Chen, the school nurse, who entered with her husband by her side.
Mia, seeing them, bounded over to greet them with a hug. “Hi, Mrs. Chen!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up.
“Hello, sweetie!” Natalie replied warmly, patting Mia’s head. “We miss you at school.”
While they spoke, her husband approached and shook Alonso’s hand. “Thanks again for looking at this on short notice. We owe you, Alonso.”
“No problem. Marc, this is Natalie’s husband, David,” Alonso said, gesturing towards the man.
David extended his hand to me with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Marc. Natalie’s told me a lot of good things about you and your daughter.”
I shook his hand firmly. “Oh, really? That’s very kind of her.” I flushed at the compliment, and glanced over at Mia, who was still chatting with Natalie. “Thank you, that means a lot. Mia is very fond of your wife too.”
As David and Alonso began discussing car repairs, I found myself lost in thought. Could it be that everyone was right? That this scandal would eventually blow over, and life would return to the way it was before?
I watched as Natalie laughed at something Mia said, her face full of genuine affection for my little girl. The scene was a gentle reminder: amid the waves of gossip, there were still anchors of kindness in this town.
As I finished up the repairs on Natalie’s car, she turned to me with a friendly smile. “Hey, guys, are you all going to the big carnival at the fairgrounds this weekend?” she asked, her eyes lit up with excitement. “I think I remember reading that Mia’s seizures aren’t triggered by flashing lights, right? It should be okay for her?”
Alonso chimed in, wiping his hands on a rag. “Oh, yeah, the carnival! My wife and kids are dragging me out there tonight. She’s been talking about those funnel cakes for weeks now.” He chuckled, shaking his head.
I hesitated, glancing over at Mia. “Yeah, I’ve taken her to theme parks before. She likes the small rides. But—” I rubbed the back of my neck. “We weren’t planning on going.”
Natalie’s smile widened. “Oh, you should definitely come! It’s so much fun, and there’s something for everyone. The school’s PTA runs a few booths as a fundraiser, so some of her teachers might be there too.”
At the mention of the teachers, my heart skipped a beat. Would Ken be there?
After our last conversation, he’d given me the space that I asked for, and now I wasn’t sure where we stood. Part of me longed to see him, to talk to him, to try to work things out. But another part of me was scared, scared of getting hurt again, scared of what people might say.
Mia’s ears perked up at the mention of the carnival and ran over to me, tugging at my hand, her eyes wide. “Daddy, can we go? Please? I want to ride the Ferris wheel and eat cotton candy!”
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options. The thought of seeing Ken again stirred butterflies in my stomach. but I wasn’t sure if I was ready to face him in such a public setting.
What if people started talking? What if they put two and two together?
But then I glanced over at Mia, her eyes shining as Natalie described the carnival. Cotton candy, rides, games… it sounded like the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening. After the last couple of weeks, didn’t we both deserve a little fun? “You know what? Why not,” I said, a smile spreading across my face. “Mia and I need a night out.”
Natalie beamed, clapping her hands together. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m sure Mia will have a blast.”
Alonso chuckled, slapping me on the back. “Looks like we’ll be making a night of it, little brother. Elena will be thrilled. The boys have been talking about this carnival for weeks.”
As we said our goodbyes, I watched Mia skip ahead to the truck. Now that I’d committed us to going, anxiety crept back into my thoughts. The thought of judgmental eyes following us tonight at the carnival made my stomach twist into a knot.
Then Mia turned, her face alight with excitement, and something in me shifted. Her joy, so pure and unrestrained, was contagious. This was what we needed—a chance to cover the gray of the past two weeks with the vibrant colors of the carnival. As I helped Mia into the truck, I allowed myself a small smile.
Tonight, we’d reclaim a bit of our happiness, gossip mongers be damned.
People were going to talk, whether I was there or not, so why was I hiding at home?
And Ken… What if he was there? What would I say? As I helped Mia into the car, I grinned to myself, hoping against all my better judgment that I’d run into him tonight.
Yeah. That wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.