The words bruised his ego, but Carlos refused to back down. “We’ve had this talk before, remember?”
“And yet here you are.”
“Because I love her. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” How could he be so thoroughly heartless when he showered love on his wife and children? His behavior was hard to comprehend.
“Love? Don’t make me laugh.” Alfred smirked and coolly sipped from his glass of white wine. He was so goddamn condescending.
“Why is that so hard for you to believe?”
“Because men like you take advantage of women like my daughter. I’ve seen it before. She’s trusting and an easy target, and since you have nothing to offer, I’m at a loss as to why she insists on having anything to do with you.”
The harsh words smashed a hole in his confidence and were meant to cause doubt, but Carlos fought the urge to succumb to the same insecurities that forced him away from Carmen in the past.
“Don’t you get tired of being an asshole?” he asked.
Alfred lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Finally pushing back against me? What brought that on?”
“Maturity. Growth.”
‘“Honesty, too? Does she know the kind of man you are?”
“You can’t intimidate me like you did before.”
“I’d hardly call what I did intimidation.” Alfred smirked and drained the last of the wine from his glass.
“I’m not going anywhere. Just accept it and everyone will be happy. I’m in Carmen’s life for good.”
“You sure about that?” Alfred sent a warning look with direct eye contact.
Carlos straightened his spine, determined not to let this man rattle him. “Take your best shot, Alfred. I’m not going to disappear again. I know what it’s like to live without her, and I’m not going back to a life without her in it.”
Alfred handed the empty glass to a passing server. With an insolent glance at Carlos, he said, “When you left, you promised you wouldn’t move back here.”
“I didn’t. I live in Atlanta.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Alfred’s face. “Atlanta? That explains a lot.” His mouth pressed together in a grim line.
Shit.
“Did you tell her what you did?” Alfred asked.
Carlos’s heart stopped for a split second and let silence be his answer.
“So I take that as a no,” Alfred said, with a shake of his head.
“I understand that you don’t like me, but have you ever considered Carmen’s feelings in this vendetta against me?”
“I’m protecting her—something any decent father would do for his child. My daughter is emotional and impulsive. She can also be rebellious, doing things to get back at me. I simply need to talk some sense into her, but don’t worry, Carlos. I won’t say a word about your past indiscretion—yet. I’ll give you time to think about the consequences and make the right decision.”
Alfred walked away, and some time passed before Carlos’s muscles relaxed, and only because he saw Carmen approaching.
“Hey. I saw my father talking to you. Is everything okay?” Worried eyes searched his face.
“I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”
“Are you sure?”
He took her hand to calm her. “I’m not the same nervous kid from three years ago. Your father can’t get to me anymore.” Not entirely true, but he didn’t want her to worry.
She squeezed his hand and gazed up at him with adoration in her eyes.
To look at her, you wouldn’t know the burden she carried. The burden of being firstborn but a woman, to a father who wanted her to take over his empire while at the same time believed she couldn’t handle the cut-throat life of running a business because she was a woman. The same man wanted her to marry well, not only because he wanted the best for her, but because he didn’t think anyone was good enough for his daughter. He couldn’t fault him for that. There were many times Carlos didn’t think he was good enough for her, either.
“I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat,” he said.
In the middle of scanning the contents of one of the refreshment tables, Carlos diverted his attention to search the room for Alfred. He saw him and Carmen’s mother talking with another couple, and Alfred glanced in his direction. He didn’t smile. He didn’t nod. He gave no acknowledgement to Carlos except that eye-to-eye contact.
The direct look probably only lasted a few seconds but felt like an eternity before Alfred returned his attention to the conversation.
No doubt about it. Carlos had to tell her everything.
Before her father did.
16
Carmen paused outside the storefront of Azucena’s Alpaca Store. The window displayed an array of items—textiles with Inca designs, sweaters, and stuffed alpacas dressed in colorful sweaters or with blankets thrown across their backs. Azucena had achieved her dream, and warm satisfaction brought a smile to Carmen’s face. She couldn’t be happier for Carlos’s mother.
She entered the store, where two customers browsed at a table displaying discounted multi-colored ponchos. Almost immediately, she heard a gasp and turned to see Azucena rushing toward her with arms outstretched.
Carmen happily hugged Carlos’s mother, melting into the older woman’s warm embrace. Azucena rocked her side to side for a few seconds, moaning her pleasure at finally seeing Carmen again.
When she and Carlos split, she’d cut off contact with his family, too. Not only had it seemed like the right thing to do, the decision mitigated the pain she’d experience if she continued to spend time with them.
Azucena stepped back and shoved her glasses higher on her nose, her dark eyes assessing, her long hair in her customary single braid down her back. With a big, welcoming smile on her face, she asked in her accented voice, “How have you been? You look so beautiful, as usual.”
Carmen appreciated the kind words. “I’ve been well, and I see that you are thriving. Congratulations on opening your own store.”
Azucena waved away the compliment. “I could not have done it without Carlos. If it wasn’t for him—”
“You’re here.” Carlos came from the back carrying a large cardboard box in front of him. He rested it on the floor near a display of mittens and scarves. “This is what happens when I come by. She puts me to work.”
“Don’t listen to him. That’s not true. I only sometimes put him to work. I cannot make him work too hard after all he’s done for me.” Azucena smiled with deep affection at her son.
“Carmen doesn’t want to hear about that.” Carlos flung an arm around Carmen’s shoulders and pulled her closer. “We’re going to head out if you don’t need anything else…?”
“Nothing else right now, but Carmen, I want you to make me a promise.” Azucena took one of Carmen’s hands in hers. “You have to come over for dinner one night before Carlos goes back to Atlanta. And of course, you’re not limited to visiting when he is here. You are welcome any time.”
Carmen squeezed the older woman’s hands in hers. “Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it.” Considering the way her father had treated Carlos, she’d never been sure about how well she would be welcomed back in the Hortado home. She should have known that Azucena would not hold her father’s actions against her. “I’m definitely going to take you up on that dinner offer.”