Jericho ~ Present
“I’M NERVOUS,” NATASHA WHISPERED, TUGGING on my hand to make me stop.
I turned and looked down at her with a reassuring smile.
“It’s going to be okay, I’ve got you,” I replied, trying to get her to start moving again, but she stayed rooted.
“He hates me,” she said, her eyes wide and suspiciously misty.
Natasha had been pretty emotional over the last few days. Crying at television commercials, songs, and one time when she dropped her peanut butter sandwich on the floor. It was completely out of character for her, and I found it terribly endearing.
“Baby, he’ll come around, I promise. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that Dru wanted to fry my heart up like bacon.”
Natasha laughed at that. “She still kind of wants to.”
“I know,” I said with a chuckle, “which is why I go out of my way to be extra nice to her. Come on, Hector is a great guy, I swear it.”
Natasha nodded and unstuck her feet, allowing me to lead her back into the kitchen at Prime Beef.
Hector was wearing his black chef coat, with Prime Beef stitched over his heart. He was talking to his sous chef and didn’t see us until we were almost next to him. His head swung up, and he started to smile at me, then his gaze shifted so he saw Natasha and he shot me a frown.
“Hey,” I said in greeting, my tone a warning for him to not be a dick.
“Jericho,” he replied, his voice conveying his annoyance with me. “Ambush?”
“Let’s go to the office for a minute,” I suggested, aware of all the eyes in the kitchen on us.
“I’m pretty busy right now . . .”
“Hector, just give us a minute of your time, we’ll be quick,” I said, exasperated.
“Fine,” Hector said grudgingly, holding out his hand to indicate we should go first.
Not trusting him to actually follow, I mimicked his gesture, smiling when he let out a frustrated breath, but started walking.
I looked down at Natasha, who was looking a little freaked, and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before we followed him out and to my office.
“You’ve got your minute,” Hector said, crossing his arms over his chest as he turned to face us.
“Quit being a dick,” I managed, getting pissed off. “That’s not who you are, and that’s not who I want Natasha to think you are. We came here because you’re one of the two most important people in my life, so not only do I want it to stay that way, but when something amazing happens, I want to be able to tell you about it. Since it’s not only my news to share, I thought it was about time I brought the two of you together, and let Natasha be here to share our news as well.”
Hector thawed a bit, but looked at Natasha and me suspiciously.
“What news?”
“We’re getting married,” I said.
“And, having a baby,” Natasha added, just like we’d talked about, but her voice wavered as she waited warily for Hector’s reaction.
It took him a moment. He actually shook his head as if unsure he’d heard us correctly, then his gaze flew down to Natasha’s left hand, before coming back up to look in my face.
“You’re engaged and having a baby?” he asked, in total shock. Then, slowly, his lips turned up and his grin took up his entire face.
I heard Natasha breathe a sigh of relief, as my oldest friend came rushing forward to give me a crushing hug.
“Congratulations, Papi,” he said with a laugh, and I hugged him back just as tightly.
“Thanks, brother.”
Hector pulled back, still grinning like a lunatic, then let me go and turned to Natasha.
Before he could speak, she did.
“I don’t blame you for not liking me. You’re a good friend to Jericho, and as such, you were there for him when I left him and broke his heart. You shouldn’t like me, at least, not for that . . . But, Jericho has said that in addition to being loyal, you’re fair, and have a big heart. So, I’m hoping, eventually, you’ll find it in your heart to give me a chance. I’m not going anywhere this time, I promise. I’m going to be Jericho’s wife, and the mother of his children, and we both want you to be a part of that life. I understand it may take time, but I’ll be here, if you’re ever ready to get to know me now.”
Hector looked shocked, and I had to pull her in for a quick hug and kiss before releasing her and waiting to see what he’d say.
Finally, he nodded.
“I appreciate your candor, and your understanding. It will take a little time for me, but, making this man happy is all I need from you to help move that along. He’s always wanted to have a family, and you’re giving him that, so thank you, Natasha, and congratulations.”
“He already has a family in you. I hope you’ll come to accept my sisters and I as well, and our growing family, because we’re happy to have you.”
With that said, seemingly unable to help herself, Natasha lurched forward and wrapped her arms around Hector’s waist for a quick hug. Hector patted her awkwardly, then she released him and stepped back.
“Okay, our minute is up,” I said, pleased with what had just transpired and hopeful that these two would eventually have at least an amicable relationship. “Now we’re off to spread our good news around to Natasha’s sisters and our friends. I’ll see you before dinner service.”
Hector nodded and said, “Congrats again, Jericho, you deserve all the happiness in the world.”