“She’s in charge of Aldry’s Sweets,” I say. “None of us has the time or is capable of doing it, and she can’t fix the place from Manhattan. No matter how good she is at her job, it’s impossible. I’m actually trying to make things easier for her.”
I flaunt the brochures and say, “I’m buying her a house, bringing her parents, and offering her a bonus. We can’t afford to close the factory or The Lodge. I’m only one person, and I need her here.”
He shakes his head. “It’s obvious that I can’t get through you. Just…keep your dick in your pants. I wasn’t kidding when I said that if the need arises, I’ll be her attorney.”
“What happened to being my brother?” I ask, not because I plan on doing something stupid, but shouldn’t he be loyal to me?
He smirks. “She’s Leyla’s best friend—like her sister. If I have to choose between you and my wife… You’d understand if you really care about Sophia.”
“Well, if you cared so much about your wife, maybe you should stop being like William and let her go. I’m sure you have plenty of money to force the divorce.”
“You don’t force yourself in and out of people’s lives, Henry,” he taps the brochures. “No matter how beautiful the cage is, you can’t keep someone by your side, force new dreams, or change their future.”
He leaves me wondering if he was talking about Sophia or Leyla.
Sophia
Time zones drive me crazy. Don’t get me started with daylight savings. I constantly need to consult my phone where I have at least seventeen different times set. In my line of work, I have to know what time it is in places like England, Australia, Japan… The point is that even when I’m not a fan, today I am thankful that Blaire is three hours behind. While I was deciding what to pack and how to break the news to my family, she called to let me know that even though the doctor agrees that Mom could benefit from this change of atmosphere, there are some tests she wants to run before giving us the green light.
I have a new plan that’ll buy me time and drive my dear boss to the edge of anger. Knowing Mom’s schedule, I wait until seven before I head to visit my parents. By the time I arrive, she’s already asleep.
“Not that I mind, but isn’t it a little late for house visits?” Dad asks opening the door.
“We need to talk,” I say after hugging him and marching toward the kitchen.
The room is far enough from my parents’ bedroom. I’m sure Dad’s going to keep his voice down, but why take any risk? She can find out about this new development tomorrow when we’re on our way to the doctor. I pour myself a glass of horchata and take a seat before I tell him everything that happened today.
I don’t skip any detail. Once I’m done, he stares at me and looks almost as exhausted as I feel.
“I don’t understand,” Dad whispers, trying to avoid waking up Mom. “Your job is here, in New York, not in Oregon.”
“There’s nothing I can do about this, Dad.” Believe me, I tried.
He takes my hand and says, “This is what we’re going to do, you’re going to quit and find a job where you don’t have to bend over and backward for your boss. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“No, we need the insurance, and you need to be here with Mom,” I remind him.
“We’ll sell the house and get something smaller,” he ignores me. “We can move south. I heard that the properties in South Carolina are cheaper. I can get a job there.”
“Mom will be away from her family and friends,” I remind him. “She needs you to take care of her. Who can be better than the man who loves her?”
“This isn’t right. I’m supposed to be taking care of you, mijita,” he says frustrated.
“You did, and now it’s my turn to help,” I explain.
“When do we get to see you?”
This is the part I’ve been dreading. Dad protects Mom with his life, and he might not like what Henry suggested, and well, then I’m going to have to say goodbye and drag my ass to Baker’s Creek. Most likely, I won’t be seeing my parents for at least a year. Scrooge might not let me see them during the holidays.
I clear my throat and say as sweetly as possible, “Mr. Aldridge offered to fly you to Oregon. Where you can visit me as often as you want, and hopefully you can stay weeks if not months at a time. My friend Blaire and her fiancé are looking for doctors and therapists to take care of Mom when you stay with me.,” I announce, trying to sound upbeat. “It’ll be like going on vacation. And it might be good for Mom. There’s so much to do there.”
“That’s nice of them to offer, but she’s delicate.” He shakes his head. “She’s too fragile to travel. The planes are filled with germs. That’s a long flight. She won’t be comfortable. We can’t just—”
“Dad,” I interrupt him. “Mr. Aldridge will fly you in the private jet and his brother, Hayes, is a doctor. He already spoke with Dr. Carmona about Mom’s health, and as I mentioned, they will set up a plan to make sure I can see you often.”
“Dr. Carmona approved this?”
“She agrees with my friends that it’s a good idea and might help Mom. However, before she approves it, she wants to see Mom and run some tests. If you agree, we can take her tomorrow. I have the rest of the week off.” I take a breath and continue explaining to him while he’s listening. “Mr. Aldridge bought a house for you. They’ll be setting it up so Mom can be safe. It’s big enough so everyone can visit you.”
“Sounds like too much work. Wouldn’t it be easier if you just come to visit us every weekend, like you’re doing right now?”
Yes, Dad, it’d be easier, but my boss lacks common sense.
“I would love to see you often, but coming home won’t be as easy as it has been for the past few weeks.”
“There has to be another way,” he insists. “If not, we will see you once you’re back.”
“It’s a year and a half, Dad,” I remind him. “That’s a long time away from home. If the doctor hadn’t said that it was in fact a good idea, I wouldn’t be asking you guys to do this. I just… I think this is good for everyone.”
I give him that pleading look that he can’t ever say no to because well…I’m the baby of the family.
If it wasn’t safe, I wouldn’t be pleading my case.
Is it good for everyone?
That’s debatable. Blaire swore that Mom was totally fine to travel. She promised me that by the end of the period she’s going to be more independent than she currently is. Hayes has some friends in San Francisco who agreed to work with Mom, but Henry is going to have to fly my parents.
Good luck with my parents, asshole. He wants to have the Aragon experience and hangout with my family. He should be careful about what he wishes for.
Dad looks at me, and I’m sure he remembers the three weeks I was down in Baker’s Creek. I barely had time to call them, and I didn’t see them until I came back.
“Well, if the doctors say it’s safe for your mom, then we will visit you, sweetie,” he agrees. “I’ll talk to your mom tomorrow. Do you want me to schedule the tests?”