Page 33 of A Coffee Away

After a long talk, he asked me to think things over for a couple of days before we engaged in anything. I promised I’d do so even though I was dying to experience it, to know this other side of Esteban. But I’d be patient.

For him.

Esteban moved around the kitchen, and as always, he was in his element. He never let me cook. I asked him why a couple of days ago, and he said cooking made him happy and when he served me, even more so.

The bacon sizzled, and the aroma had me salivating. God, I was starving after that long chat.

I sipped my coffee, then shook my head. “You don’t know them.”

Esteban tsked as he carried two plates filled with bacon, eggs, and toast. His specialty and what had become one of my favorite breakfasts.

He sat. “I know enough. They can’t keep ignoring you. I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You weren’t there when I told them.”

Mom’s face when Dad told me to leave still made my chest hurt. How could she stay quiet?

“Your mom will come to her senses,” Esteban said, as if reading my mind.

I looked at my plate, squeezing my fork. “She wouldn’t even look at me.” A lone tear slid down my cheek, and Esteban’s hand was right there to catch it.

“You’re right. I have no idea how they’ll react, but at least try.” His voice was low. Caring.

I covered his hand and nodded. “Okay.”

He caressed my cheek. “So you’ll see them?”

I exhaled hard. “I will but only to pick up my art. I know my father. If he’s there, he’ll take the opportunity to ask me to reconsider my ways. I won’t allow him to make me feel bad about myself ever again. He’s manipulative and overbearing.”

Esteban clenched his fists over the table. “I’ll go with you.”

My breath hitched as Esteban’s blue eyes flashed. His eyebrows were set in that sure way of his.“Esteban…they’ll eat you alive!” My heart thundered.

The idea of my parents meeting Esteban, of their knowing this was real, made my skin prickle.

He shrugged. “Let them try.”

It was noon when we reached my house. Esteban didn’t want me to wait any longer. He was sure I’d change my mind, and he was right. At least Dad was at the hospital at this time, so I wouldn’t have to face him.

I wiped the sweat off my hands and rang the doorbell.

My mother opened the door. Her eyes glazed, then she wrapped her arms around me. “Robbie! You’re back!”

Everything slowed, and heat radiated throughout my chest. I stilled and glanced at Esteban. He winked, and I smiled, hugging her back.

I took a deep breath, taking in her soft, flowery scent. “Hi, Mom.”

When she let go, she used her sleeve to dry her face, then showed us in.

I looked at the second floor, and my chest ached at what I’d lost. Even though I’d lived a lie for so long, this was my family, and the memories this home carried dwelled deep inside me.

“Come to the kitchen,” she said. “I’ll prepare some snacks.”

Esteban intertwined his fingers with mine. “Are you okay?”

I took a deep breath. “It’s surreal. Being here. Knowing this is all in my past now.”

He brushed his thumb over my hand and waited in silence as I finally walked to the kitchen without letting go.