Desiderio
The Next Day
I took a fast shower and got dressed for the day. I sprayed on my favorite cologne and did my best to give a smile in the mirror once I was done.
I grabbed my keys from the table and walked to the door. Mom called from behind.
“Off to work?”
I sighed. “Yes, I was able to pick up another shift.”
She went to my side and gently put her arms around my midsection.
“I wish it wasn’t like this.” She sighed.
“Me, too, Mama. Hopefully not for much longer.” I kissed the top of her head and closed the door behind me as I walked out.
I placed my head on the steering wheel momentarily as a few tears fell from my eyes. I hated the thought of another sand-seeker using me for his secret pleasures.
I adjusted my hair in the mirror before reversing and heading down the lonely road filled with cracked pavement.
The music on the radio didn’t help the anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach. I needed something big to happen so I wouldn’t have to work in fear any longer.
I saw the small coffee shop La Rosa on the corner of the street leading to the more prominent side of Havana. This side houses popular tourist hotels and is home to higher government officials.
I quickly glanced at my phone and set it on the passenger seat. To hell with it, I was going to enjoy some quiet coffee time before having to put on a show.
I parked and stepped through the small wooden doors.
“Desiderio!” A voice shouted, “Come, sit! I’ll have your coffee ready in just a minute.”
“Gracias, Allita.” I took my seat at the counter and folded my hands. The café was as busy as ever. People were laughing and talking to one another, and the scent of tostada mingled with the coffee, filling the air.
Allita made her way over with the small cup on a flowery saucer plate. She set it before me, and I quickly took in the strong, sweet taste.
“How have you been?” She asked warmly. “How are your Mom and Dad?”
I sighed and lowered my head. “Not too great, unfortunately. Dad has been sick for so long, and I don’t make enough to fix the house, and…”
She placed her hand on my arm, lifting my gaze to her.
“You can’t blame yourself, Desiderio. We know how the government is. People like us are just pawns in their games.”
“I know, I… I wish I could do something to help make everything better for them.”
“You already are,” she added reassuringly, “You’re working hard, and they’re able to get medicine and food… That’s a blessing.”
I took the final sip from the cup before setting it on the saucer.
“I guess…”
“One more?”
“Please.”
I turned in my seat and looked around the room. All the wealthy come here for their meetings and needs, but people like me come here to escape the harsh realities we face daily.
A person walking in caught the corner of my eye. I slightly turned and found myself staring at the most beautiful boy I’d ever seen.
His shaggy blonde hair was perfectly set above his big, blue eyes, and his pink lips were curved in a perfect smile.
I couldn’t take my gaze from him. My heart was beating like a conga drum on a moonlit night. His walk exuded confidence, and his salmon-colored shirt accentuated his tanned skin.
“Who is that?” Allita asked from behind, causing me to jump. I saw the boy looking at me and quickly turned my seat back to the counter.
“I don’t know, I’ve never seen him around before.”
“Well,” she giggled, “He is cute! You should talk to him.”
My eyes widened. “No, I can’t do that.”
“Sure you can! Here, I’ll help you…”
I put both hands in front of me, quietly asking her to stop, but she didn’t.
“Excuse me,” she pointed to the boy, “Yes, you. Could you please come over here? I have a friend I'd like you to meet.”
“Why are you doing this?” I asked through gritted teeth.
“You can thank me later.” She winked.