Part Two – Day Two
Desiderio
I smiled the entire drive home. For the first time in a long time, I felt free. I could be myself around him without the expectancy of some physical transaction.
For the first time in forever, I didn’t have to put my wall up. I didn’t have to go numb to avoid the physical, mental, and emotional pain that had become so prevalent in my life.
He made me feel as free as a boat amongst the ocean’s waves. When we danced, we left our inhibitions on that dance floor.
I parked and walked through the front door. Mom was in her nightgown, holding a glass of water. She took a sip and smiled at me.
“Hola, mi hijo, how was work?”
I froze in place. Shit. I never called my friend to tell him I wouldn’t be there.
“It was good, Mama.” I lied with a wide smile.
“Good,” she patted my arm, “I’m going to bed. You should get some rest as well.”
“I will.” I reassured.
I let out a breath of relief as she closed the bedroom door. I grabbed some juice from the fridge and walked to my room.
I took out my phone and saw seventeen missed calls from Pablo. I sighed and hit the call button. It rang three times before an angry voice came from the other end.
“Desiderio! What the hell, man? You were supposed to be here at six!”
I rubbed my forehead with my free hand.
“I know, Pablo, lo siento. I got caught up in something else.”
“Well, I hope you have a good excuse I can give to the man.”
“Tell him I had to take care of my father, and that I will meet him at Malecon tomorrow at six.”
He sighed. “I hope you follow through this time, Desiderio.”
I answered sternly, “I will!”
“Okay, I’ll let him know.”
The line went dead, and I tossed the phone onto my pillow. I fell back and covered my face with my hands.
“How am I going to get out of this?” I asked myself.
I went over a few spots in my mind where no one would think to look for me. After a few minutes, I found the answer to my question.
Catedral de La Habana.
Perfect. I haven’t been there since I was ten years old. There is no way Pedro or the man would look there.
I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. Gunner's face appeared, calming the storm that was building within me.
“See you tomorrow.” I whispered before covering myself up and falling asleep.