CHAPTER 27
Jason
I t’s been a long time since I meandered food trucks. I’d forgotten how scrumptious mozzarella sticks can be. “Tell me this is not the best cheese stick you’ve ever had.”
Valentina shoves the last piece into her mouth, then snatches a napkin from her purse, and wipes her mouth. “The best.”
“I love Queens, but I’ve always favored the food in Brooklyn.” I wipe the greasy remnants of the breaded cheese stick from my hand.
“I’m glad we agree on something.” She smirks. “Let’s try this one.” She gestures to a white food truck splayed with exotic art. The long line moves quickly though while scents of garlic and fried food make my mouth water. She orders our Korean barbeque beef and chicken with grilled broccoli, but I put her hand back from reaching for her handbag.
She wiggles free. “You bought the cheese sticks.”
“We’re on a date.” I wink, and she scowls. Thanks to her jerk ex, she may never let me pay for anything. “You can buy ice cream.”
We savor the food under a flimsy umbrella table. Our conversation flows into the vibrant atmosphere as others chatter just as cheerily while lounging in folding chairs, standing with food, or waiting in line. I dab a napkin on my mouth. “This is the best barbecue I’ve had in a long time.”
“That’s a huge compliment.” She raises her water cup in toast, and I reach for my plastic cup to touch hers.
Next, I lead her to my favorite ice cream shop at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The sprawling park, with its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, is a hub for tourists and locals, but it’s not crowded today. Her hair shines in the midafternoon sun, her smile gentle and inviting as we wander from stall to stall, hands entwined. She points out handmade crafts, and I inhale the aromas wafting from the food stands.
At the ice cream shop, she orders chocolate chip while I go for Hawaiian. When I swipe my tongue across the tropical ice cream, I almost close my eyes as it melts in my mouth.
“I can’t believe you chose sherbet from all the options they had.” She arches her delicately trimmed eyebrows.
“It’s not sherbet.” I hold it out for her. “Try it and see why it’s my favorite.” It seems so natural to share ice cream. Still, I shiver as our hands brush in the exchange.
“Hmm.” She takes three long swipes with her tongue. “Sherbet has never been this good.”
“It’s ice cream.” Well, technically they call it guri guri . She doesn’t hand mine back, so I chuckle and lick hers. “You can keep mine. I’ll finish yours. But next time, we’ll get two Hawaiians.”
“I’m glad there’s a next time.” She leans her head into me, and I savor her closeness, her aromatic shampoo that’s become so familiar. This is unlike any first date I’ve ever had, yet it’s the most real I’ve felt with a woman I’m attracted to.
When we polish off our desserts, it’s not even one yet, so I guide her to a different pier. The air carries laughter, the distant hum of city traffic, and the gentle lapping of the river against the shore. One couple plays Frisbee. Others stroll past the families picnicking on the lawn.
“I’ve never been on this side before.” She swings our hands as our shoes pad through the grass. “Is this where you and Daisy used to come?”
“Daisy was never a park person. She believes bugs have a battle against her.” Which makes sense for a fashion and cosmetics model. I flinch at the thought of seeing her again at the upcoming partners’ event.
As we approach the river, the boats bob near the dock while others hum in the distance. I untuck my shirt and lead Valentina closer to the water’s edge.
“I thought you might want to skip some rocks after that lesson you gave me.” I peer at the scattered stones along the shore. Finding flat ones might be a challenge with all of New York having combed the area already.
“I presume you’re ready for a challenge?” Valentina bends to pick up a suitable stone.
“Always up for a challenge.” We take turns skipping, and each flick of the wrist sends stones skimming the water. We count the skips and watch the ripples expand before they disappear. As we strive to outdo the other, our laughter mingles with the splashing. We share childhood memories. Mine involve mud football with friends. Hers center around biking adventures with her best friend, siblings, and other neighborhood kids.
She tells me about fighting off a bully, and I laugh when she mentions her mom put her up to it.
“Surprised she didn’t send you with spray paint, but I guess I know not to mess with your mom.”
“Let’s sit.” Valentina gestures to a nearby boulder. “All that food is making me lazy.”
“I’ll race you to that tree.” I nod toward a secluded shaded spot that looks way more inviting. I don’t intend to run, but she takes off, her flats slapping the ground.
I chase after her, laughing, pretending to be winded as she speeds ahead. When she glances back and giggles, slowing enough for me to catch up, we collide and collapse onto the grass. I cushion her fall, guiding her to land on top of me. We’re both breathless, our grins wide. Then the world fades.
With her so close, our breaths mingling, I steal a kiss. She responds with fierceness, her handbag in the way. I nudge it aside until it slips off her shoulder. We roll on the grass, heat rising from our skin.
When we separate, we lie side by side, panting, our heads still tipped toward each other. The longing in her eyes mirrors my feelings. I grin, and she beams. Ethan’s analogy of that single rose resurfaces. With Valentina, there’s no comparison.
My fingers trace her soft hair curtaining the grass. I’m lost in the moment, a love-struck teenager.
We continue to share stories, her voice a soothing melody in our secluded retreat. The occasional passerby is a blur to our bubble. If the grass pokes at her arms, she gives no sign, fully immersed in our conversation.
“When do I meet Leah?” I twirl a strand of her hair around my finger, captivated by her every feature.
“You’ll see her on graduation day.”
“That’s in two weeks.” I’ve given high school and college commencement speeches before but not middle school. “I better prepare a speech.”
“It shouldn’t be hard.”
Valentina sighs. “The principal today should’ve looked into things before such an unjust decision.” She picks at one of my shirt buttons. “I know you work far from Meadowbrook, but have you ever considered switching the kids to a neighborhood school?”
“The thought crossed my mind earlier, but they probably don’t have some of the sports.”
She shrugs. “We could always start a team.”
I don’t miss the “we.”
As she must catch it, her teeth sink into her lower lip. “I mean, I’m sure you and your friends could start something.”
“We can figure something out when the time comes.” I prefer to assume she’s going to be a part of my family. “I was wondering... What if we gave ourselves a chance? Try the couples’ route.”
“Like what we’re doing right now?” She kisses my cheek. “I like trying the couples’ route... with you, Grumps.”
I breathe out. That went easily enough.
Now I’m even more reluctant to end the perfect afternoon. “This Saturday, Family Sphere is attending the food fest you suggested in Brooklyn.”
Her eyes light up. “That’s great.”
“I was hoping you and the kids could come along.”
She nods, her smile warm. “I’ll never turn down a gathering with food.”
Matthew calls to remind Valentina about picking up the kids. I tell him to take the rest of the day off, and I’ll drive her to get the kids. As we walk back, our hands find each other again. Joy unfurls inside me, content being with her in this ordinary moment.
Just like that, Valentina and the kids end up with me at the food fest. With Saturday warm, we’re all decked out in yellow T-shirts sporting the Family Sphere logo. Over mine, I’ve added the taco-themed button-up overshirt she gave me.
She and the kids hand out T-shirts and merchandise at our booth alongside Beatrix. Other team members mingle through the event with their families, and those running the film crew keep a live stream going.
I reach to snatch another cookie from the tray, and Eden bats my hand away. “Dad, these are for people who stop at our booth.”
“It’s Valentina’s fault for making snickerdoodles.” I manage to snag a cookie. The cinnamon flavor melts in my mouth—pure bliss. I wink at Valentina, who rolls her eyes. I couldn’t lay off the cookies when she was baking them with the kids last night either.
“You need one of your film crew to capture you eating your favorite cookies,” Valentina says.
“Got it.” Beatrix snaps a picture on her phone.
I wag a finger at her. “You share that on our platform’s social page, and you’re fired.”
“Does Grumps usually talk to you like this?” Valentina says to my assistant.
Beatrix smirks. “Exactly like that.”
I’ll have to do some explaining later since my assistant was shocked to learn Valentina’s nannying my kids, given our rough start. She has no idea yet about my newfound love for Valentina, but that secret won’t last long after today.
People weave through the crowded park and booths, delicious aromas scent the air, and local bands add lively tunes. Children laugh, people chat, and the colorful decorations flutter in the breeze.
“Mr. Sterling?” The photography director approaches with a handheld camera, likely ready to capture some candid shots.
“What’s up, Hunt?”
He blinks, his face pales, and I follow his line of vision to Valentina. Her mouth hangs open, and her gaze locks on Hunt. The air thickens as he fumbles with his camera.
“You two know each other?” I turn to Hunt.
He swallows hard, his face now crimson.
I’m met with silence.
“Do you need me for anything?” I ask to maintain a professional demeanor.
He nods, then mumbles the need for my presence before their shoot with an Indian family.
I wave him off. “I’ll be there shortly.”
Once he leaves, I turn to Valentina, and she draws out a breath, her shoulders relaxing.
Eden tugs at Valentina’s hand. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay, sweetheart.” Valentina places a comforting hand over Eden’s shoulder, but her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She’s far from fine.
Then something suddenly snaps, and Hunt’s first name becomes clear. No way he’s the Austin she was talking about.
Beatrix is occupied, fingers typing away on her phone, doing whatever admins do at such events. Eden has the boys engaged in a game on our table, having them compete for a cookie—just the distraction I need. I lean closer to Valentina and whisper for her ears alone. “Austin Hunt?”
She nods, exhaling sharply. “He works for Family Sphere?”
My heart sinks. Austin has been with the company for less than two years, the reason I hadn’t mastered his first name. “I never interview or hire the tech crew.” If I had, maybe I could’ve prevented this painful coincidence. “You don’t have to stay. I can meet you and the kids at your mom’s.”
“We’ll stay until your next shift takes over.”
“You’re sure?”
With her shoulders squared and her chin high, she appears as confident as ever. “Yes.”
“I’ll be back.” I take my assistant along in case she needs to remember something trivial. My mind isn’t clear, my heart racing and chest on fire as we stride to the tent comprising our makeshift filming stage. I’ll call Matthew to come get Valentina and the kids soon.
I locate Austin and the team hovering by the tent. “I didn’t know Val is your—”
“Neither did I.” I then address his partner. “What do you guys need from me?”
“The family wanted to meet you before we stream.”
I gesture onwards. “Lead the way.”
Several others, including the host, follow us. Austin keeps up with my stride as the videographer leads the way.
“What did Val tell you about me?” Austin demands.
You’re a jerk. The words are on the tip of my tongue as we weave through the crowd. I bite the inside of my cheek harder. It’s burning from keeping my mouth shut. I can’t shake off Valentina’s pain when she described the guy who manipulated her, the reason she’s guarded her heart.
Austin keeps glancing at me. If he isn’t careful, his curiosity might cost him more than he bargains for today. If he knew me better, he’d realize I’m not one to stand on the sidelines when my loved ones are under attack. We step over a cord hooking up a generator to a smoothie stand, and we turn into an empty grassy spot dividing other vendors from the food vendor section.
“How long have you and Val known each other?” Austin makes the mistake of opening his mouth again.
“You know what, you’re fired!” The words rip free before I consider the repercussions. The staff halts and remains silent.
“You can’t fire me.” Austin chuckles as if it’s a joke.
“I just did.”
Chatter and the event festivities continue, but my staff just gawks. Beatrix steps beside me, lifts on tiptoes, and whispers into my ear. “Maybe we should discuss this.”
“You can’t fire me for personal reasons,” Austin huffs. As if that should change my mind.
“Unfortunately, some things go beyond personal.” I then assign the videographer to take over Austin’s responsibilities today. My priority is protecting my family—no matter the cost.