Chapter 29
Thanksgiving morning, I stuffed the turkey, preparing to put it in the oven. Rafael and Antonio were coming over for turkey dinner later in the afternoon. I already had Christmas music playing because this celebration kicked off the holiday season for me. I looked forward to going home soon and for the first time in weeks I felt at ease. After putting the turkey into the oven, I showered, dressed, and then started preparing other parts of the meal.
A few hours later the doorbell rang. I answered it and Rafael and Antonio came in full of energy. Both in sweaters and jeans, they are such a perfect couple.
“Hola, chica,” Rafael said, in his flamboyant high-energy voice.
He kissed my cheek and Antonio followed. He held my dress and he handed it over to me.
“Not too much turkey today for you. I’m not letting the seams out of this masterpiece.”
I pulled the plastic off in order to see it better. It was truly breathtaking, floor length, plum chiffon material with a halter neckline. The back of the dress was fitted with lace leaving a keyhole where the fabric connected at the back of the halter behind the neckline.
“It is beautiful, Antonio. I will wear it proudly. Thank you, my sister will love it.”
“She’d better. It’s one of a kind. Wear your hair stacked so everyone can see the dress in its entirety. “
“Will do.” I went to my room to hang it up. When I returned I opened wine and we put the finishing touches on the meal.
When we finished eating, we were all tired and full. We sat in the living room talking and laughing about past events.
“Let’s go to a movie,” Rafael suggested.
“What movie?”
“No clue. Let’s just pick it when we get there. There are tons of new releases on Thanksgiving.”
I didn’t really feel like moving but I agreed. We cleaned up and left for the theater. When we arrived, we stood there looking at the marquee trying to figure out what we all wanted to see.
I let Antonio and Rafael argue and looked around while I waited. I froze as I saw a little boy wearing a flat cap, polo sweater and jeans. He cuddled a toy and met my stare. Those brown eyes penetrated my soul. Holding his dad’s hand, Javi looked back at me.
I broke off our staring contest and walked over to them. I said nothing to Javier but knelt down to talk to Javi. “Hi, I’m Kayla. What’s that cool toy?”
“Optimus Prime.” A little voice answered. He held up the toy for me to see it better.
“Wow, does he transform into a truck?”
He nodded.
“Will you show me how?”
He let go of Javier’s hand and began twisting and turning the robot until it was in the shape of a semi-truck.
“You're good at that. Is Optimus Prime your favorite Transformer?”
He nodded again.
“Mine is Bumble Bee. Do you know why?”
He shook his head, no.
“Because he turns into a car like your daddy used to drive.”
He gave a big smile that showed off his dimple and again my heart melted. He looked just like his father.
“What movie are you going to see?”
“The Adventures of Pandas”
“Let me know how it is. Maybe, I'll see that one if you think it’s good.” I smiled back at him.
I stood up and looked at Javier. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving.” He grinned back at me.
“Enjoy the movie. It should be a good one.” I turned to walk away.
“You could join us if you want,” Javier said behind me.
I turned back around and looked at him for a short moment before answering. “I’d like that,”
I stood in line with them as we talked and laughed with Javi. When we got inside I asked Javi, “Did you save room for popcorn and candy?”
He looked up and smiled again. “Yep.”
“Me too. Let’s pick out some good junk food.” By the time we were done we had popcorn, gummy worms, and slushies. We entered the theater and picked a spot where Javi could see the screen. We munched on our snacks while we waited for the movie to start.
“How old are you, Javi?” I asked.
He held up three fingers.
“Three! Wow, you are a big boy.” I looked up at Javier. “Do you get to have him through Sunday?”
Javier looked at me and pursed his lips a little. “He’s going to stay with me permanently.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really? Do tell.”
“We can talk about that when we aren’t being listened to.” He looked down at Javi.
“Understood.”
Javier really was good at this parenting stuff.
“I’m going to need some decorating advice for his new room.”
I smiled. “I’ll take that project free of charge. Besides, I’m good at spending your money.” I giggled and threw more popcorn in my mouth.
Javier laughed and said, “That’s true. Veronica taught you well.”
We looked at each other over Javi’s head and I wanted to drink in that stare. The distance and heartache of the last few years didn’t seem to matter when I gazed at him. I still wanted him and loved him. The lights dimmed, the movie started and we turned our attention to the screen.
Javi fell asleep before the film ended, but it was still entertaining. Javier scooped him up when it was over and I carried his Transformer. We walked out to the car and put him in his booster seat.
“I think my ride probably left. Would you mind giving me a lift?”
“Not at all.” Javier answered, and as he opened the door for me to get in.
“I can’t believe you have a car seat in an Aston Martin.”
“I don’t have much choice. He has to sit in one.”
“You may need a mini-van. I think it’s time to trade this bad boy in.”
Javier laughed. “I don’t think so. I'll just buy an Escalade for my family vehicle.”
“Just like that.”
“Just like that.”
I smiled and looked out the window. “So how is it that Javi will be with you on a permanent basis? You didn’t do anything illegal, did you?”
He was quiet for a minute and I looked at him with a moment of fear that maybe he did do something stupid.
“No, I didn’t do anything illegal. Javi will have a better life and more opportunity if he grows up in the U.S. Cecilia is a disaster and not what I want Javi growing up around.”
“She is his mother though.”
“And she will see him often, but I convinced her that Javi living with me was best.”
“How’d you convince her?”
“With the thing she loves most.”
“And that would be?”
“Money.”
“You bought her off?”
“It speaks volumes about her priorities and character, doesn’t it?”
“Wow. I have to say I’m shocked any mother would do that. What if she changes her mind?”
“I wouldn’t give her the money until she signed over custody.”
“Does Javi understand he isn’t going to live with her anymore?”
“He seems to. He may miss her after a little while. When he does, I'll take him to see her.”
“It’s going to be hard making that long trip often.”
“Ricardo will fly us.”
“What do you mean he’ll fly you? Is he a pilot?”
“Yes, he has his own jet. It’s a business expense.” Javier shot me a sideways grin.
“A business expense?”
“Yes. He has to check on the factories in Mexico. Flying commercial isn’t always convenient.”
“How long has he been a pilot?”
“He certified in college.”
“You boys amaze me.”
We arrived at my condo and Javier pulled into a parking spot. “Thank you for joining us tonight. It was fun.”
His warm smile made my heart ache for him even more. I smiled back and realized I hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. “Thank you for letting me join you tonight.”
“I’d walk you up, but I’d have to get Javi out of his seat.”
“I understand.” I paused for a moment, then eased out of the car. “Will I see you both at the grand opening?”
“Definitely. We’ll both be there.”