Gunner
I awoke as the sun began to peek over the ocean's edge. The radiant light highlighted the cars and buildings outside, bringing life to the usually empty street.
I stepped onto the balcony and stretched as a few people waved from the sidewalk. I returned the gesture with a smile before walking back in.
I grabbed a quick shower and made sure my hair was flawless. I didn’t want anyone to think I was one of those Americans who don’t care about appearance. How I look and smell are always at the top of my priority list.
I grabbed my bottle of Sauvage and spritzed myself before giving a once-over in the mirror. I opted to wear my white trousers with a salmon-colored shirt and my favorite pair of Adidas high tops.
I gave myself the thumbs up and made my way to the kitchen. Dad was already brewing himself a cup of coffee and had his suit jacket hanging on the back of the chair.
He turned and smiled at me.
“Morning.”
“Morning.” I yawned.
“Any big plans for today?”
I shrugged. “I was thinking of going to the coffee shop across the road.”
He nodded. “Well, just make sure you’re safe and have your phone on you in case anything happens.”
“I will, Dad…”
He looked down his nose at me. “And no kissing any interesting or cute strangers!”
I groaned. “Dad, seriously?”
“Hey, the island is practically crawling with cute guys!”
“I’m going to head out now…” I stood and quickly walked to the door. I heard him saying something behind me, but I could only focus on getting away from that awkward conversation.
I carefully walked across the road and stopped before the coffee shop. La Rosa.
As I walked in, people laughed, and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans hit my senses. A few people glanced at me but went right back to their conversations.
I noticed a boy staring at me from the counter, and the girl behind it waved and called me over. The boy sat with his hands over his face as I walked over.
She smiled warmly as I approached, pointing to the chair directly next to the boy.
“What’s your name?” She asked warmly.
“Gunner.” I smiled.
“I take it you’re not from around here?”
I chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
“Just a little.” She winked. “What brings you to Cuba?”
“My Dad is on a business trip, and let me come along.”
She poured a dark, rich stream into a small cup as she continued.
“How are you liking it so far?” She handed me the cup.
“I like it so far, but this is my first day, so I haven’t been able to see much.”
“What do you want to see?”
“The Castle of the Three Kings, the beach, maybe a live salsa band…”
She nudged the boy. He lightly groaned as he took his hands from his face. When he turned his gaze to me, my heart felt like it was running a marathon.
He was beautiful. His dark brown eyes captured me in a moment of temporary weakness. I wanted to say something, but couldn’t find the words to use.
His hair was perfectly set in place, as silky as the hotel's bedsheets. The sun had beautifully colored his brown skin. I was in awe.
“Gunner, this is Desiderio.” She held her hand out to him.
“Nice to meet you.” I held my hand out. He took it, and as he did, a jolt of electricity coursed through my entire body. It was smooth and firm all at the same time.
“You as well.” The right side of his lips curved into a slight smile.
“Desiderio knows his way around, maybe he would escort you to the castle?”
My eyes met his in a hopeful and wanting fashion.
“That would be great,” I said softly, “But only if you want to. If not, it’s fine.”
He looked into my eyes momentarily before responding.
“Sure, I can do that.”
I wanted to jump for joy from his answer, but I remained in my seat.
“After he’s had his coffee…” The girl teased.
I quickly sipped down the heavenly brew and paid. He walked us to his car and opened the door for me. I was taken aback. Most guys don’t usually do that in the States, and it was nice to see that chivalry wasn’t dead.
He put on aviator sunglasses and adjusted the mirror. He placed a hand on my seat's shoulder and smiled.
“You said you wanted to see the Castle of the Three Kings?”
“That is first on my list.” I unfolded the paper and handed it to him.
He gazed at it momentarily before crumpling it and tossing it out the window.
“What the hell?” I asked angrily.
“We don’t need a piece of paper to tell us where to go; we just have to follow our hearts.”
“Okkkkaaayyyyy…” My eyebrow shot up.
“Just trust me.” He smiled again, and I practically melted into the seat.
“Okay,” I nodded, “I’ll trust you.”
With that, he backed up and drove onto the interstate.
He turned on the radio to a station playing salsa. I couldn’t help but dance to it. Something about the perfect sync of the instruments set my soul free.
He bobbed his head and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as we made our way down the coast. We waved at the families walking along the beach, who smiled and waved back.
He turned down a narrow road that didn’t look like it led to anywhere. The pavement was cracked and splitting apart. His eyes remained locked ahead as he kept driving.
“So, where does this road lead to?” I asked nervously.
“You’ll see.” He answered stoically.
After another two or three minutes of driving, a tall watchtower came into view. I slid forward in my seat and squinted my eyes for a better look.
“Is that…”
He answered before I could finish the question.
“Yes: Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes del Morro, the Castle of the Three Kings of Morro.”
“Wow,” I gasped as the walls came into view.
He chuckled. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
He parked between two large trees at the foot of the path. He walked over and opened my door, offering his hand.
He quickly looked at me.
“What?”
“Nothing,” I said, turning away, “Just happy to have someone to hang out with.”
“Me, too.” he said softly.
“There it is!” He pointed ahead.
I could see the top of a large stone lighthouse coming into view. I was practically bursting to get out and explore.
“Welcome, Gunner!” He held his arms out.
“Wow! It is bigger than I thought it would be!”
“Well,” he started walking, “Let’s not waste time. There is a lot to see!”
We walked up a large, crooked ramp that led to two large, grey, wooden doors. Desiderio pushed his weight into them, and they slowly creaked open.
Once inside, I stood in the center of the large, open floor on the main level of the castle. My eyes went wide with wonder as I looked at every wall and stairwell in front of me.
The grey, cobbled walls were warm and rough to the touch as I ran my fingers across them. A few of the stones shifted lightly, causing me to remove my hand quickly.
“Don’t worry,” Desiderio said beside me, “It won’t fall. This place has seen war and the worst kinds of weather.”
I nodded as he led me to a stairwell made of stone. I cautiously placed my foot down on each as I walked up. Thankfully, it didn’t crumble beneath my feet.
Once we reached the top, he gently grasped my hand and ran to a guard outlook station on the other side of the wall. He stopped just before it and had me close my eyes.
“What are you doing?” I chuckled.
“Trust me.” He whispered.
He held me from the side and carefully guided me to where he wanted me to stand.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
I gasped as I did. I could see into the horizon. The subtle waves crashed against the walls below, and the heat from the sun bounced from the water.
“Wow. This is…”
“Amazing?” He asked.
“Breath-taking. I’ve never seen anything like it.”