AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“A writer? What do you write?”
This is the part of the intro when I always hesitate, because I never know whether I’ll be met with intrigue, indifference, or laughter. (Luckily, I was only met with a creepy inquisition once.) I take a sip of the smooth mojito passed my way. “I, uh, I write romance novels.” When I look up from the glass, he’s smiling warmly.
“That’s cool. I was afraid you were going to say you were a travel blogger.”
“Would that be a bad thing?” Sawyer asks, finally taking part.
Javi shrugs. “They’re alright. Not sure we ever see a bump in business from their write-ups, but they always expect everything for free, regardless.”
Sawyer’s gaze drops to his drink, and Javi clears his throat and quickly changes the subject. “How’s the vacation so far? Or is this more of a work trip for you?”
“It’s great, for the most part,” I answer, and I catch Sawyer shifting in his seat again.
Javi’s eyes dart toward the movement as well, and I’m not usually one to put too much thought into how people perceive me, but I’m beyond frustrated that Sawyer’s grumpiness is making me look bad. Especially considering that he inserted himself into my free day.
“But—” I say, to draw the attention back, “I’m doing some work, too. I have a deadline in two months, so I’ve got to get some writing done.”
“What’s the book about?” He’s cleaning the shaker and scanning the bar and restaurant, but when his eyes meet mine he gives a quick smile that says he really wants to hear more.
I lean in, giving a conspiratorial glance over my shoulder. “Between us?” Javi nods in reply. “I have no idea.”
He laughs. “Well, Banana, Miami is a great place for inspiration. Great beaches, beautiful people, and salsa.” I follow his nod toward the dance floor where multiple couples are swaying and moving to the music.
“So, you like knock-knock jokes?” he asks. “Here’s one, if we’re sticking with a fruit theme. Knock knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Honeydew.”
I try to guess the punchline and wrinkle my nose, unable to think of what it could be. “Honeydew, who?”
“Honeydew you want to dance with me?”
Of all the times to take a drink. Rum burns in my nose as the question lands.
“Oh, I—”
But Javi laughs. “Relax—it’s just the joke. Besides, I’m not much of a dancer.”
An older woman passes a stack of menus across the bar to Javi. “Don’t believe him. He may not have spent years in classes, but I taught him everything he knows. And I—”
“Placed third at the Southeast Regional SalsaFest of ninety-two,” they finish together.
“Mamá, we know,” Javi says, rolling his eyes.
She grins and pinches his cheek, and color spreads across his face. “It brings me such joy to see you dance. Your sister is up there, living her dream, and you’re hiding back here working so hard all the time.” She turns her attention to Sawyer and me. “Good for you two, having fun, taking a break. You honeymooners?”
“Mamá, por favor.” Javi drags a hand down his face. “I have fun.”
I stifle a laugh at the contrast between his words and his pained expression.
“When? When’s the last time you allowed yourself to just enjoy the moment?”
“How about right now?” Her words feel like a challenge, and mine feel like a mistake. But I said them. They’re out there. Time to own it.
I look at Javi and repeat, with as much confidence as I can muster, “How about now? If you have time, I mean. For a dance.”
A smile tugs at his lips. “Sure,” he answers, setting down the menus he’s been straightening and coming around to my side of the bar. “Have you danced salsa before?” he asks as he whisks me toward the crowd in the middle of the dance floor.
