Page 51 of Blue Sky

He had asked me to move in with him.

And I knew that I couldn’t be without him.

I made my decision. I was going to say yes.

I marveled at this house. At my life. Just ten weeks ago I was jobless, hopeless, hungry, and alone.

And now, I was in love with a brilliant, educated, handsome pilot. He loved me too and wanted me to be in his life. He was moving me and my sisters out to be with him.

Dreams do come true.

They made their final pass and I cheered louder than anyone.

Then a woman tapped me on the shoulder.

“You must be Paloma. And there is my beautiful granddaughter.”

She pinched her on the cheek and I did my best to smile. Her face was incredibly tight, as if the skin had been pulled and she wore way too much makeup. Her top lip was obviously enhanced, and her blonde hair didn’t have a hint of gray. She wore a huge diamond ring on her left hand—a ring that probably cost more than I would make in my lifetime.

I swallowed my nerves. “Hi, Mrs. Daly. So nice to meet you. I have heard so much about you.”

She gave me a condescending smile and I felt immediately judged. “I’m sure he did. You know Beck. Always poking his nose where he shouldn’t have. Even when he was a young boy, he would try to save all the homeless cats. I used to have to tell him, now Beckett, you can’t save them all.”

I bit my lip. Was she comparing me to a cat?

I didn’t know what to say so I remained silent.

“Paloma dear, may I have a word?”

“Sure Mrs. Daly.”

We walked over to the corner of the chalet and I felt everyone was comparing us. From her designer clothes to her expensive jewelry, there was no doubt that she was high class.

Standing next to her, I was sure people assumed I was her maid.

“Now, darling, you are truly lovely. And I thank you for taking such good care of Sky. And my son.”

“You are welcome. I love them both. You raised a great man.”

“I did, dear. I did. We gave him everything in life. Because we truly believe he can achieve everything. Did you know he wants to be an astronaut?”

“Yes, he mentioned that. I think it’s wonderful. I’d support him in any way I could.”

Mrs. Daly exhaled. “I'm sure you would, sweetie. I’m sure you would. But these programs are very competitive and very political.”

I wasn’t sure where she was going with this but I was one hundred percent sure I wasn’t going to like it.

I tried to remain calm. “Well, Beck is so accomplished I’m sure they would love him.”

“They would. Did you know they interview the family and friends of each candidate? How would it look to them if they know that Beck had slept with his nanny? That kind of scandal could ruin his chances. You wouldn’t want to ruin his career now, would you Paloma?”

Nausea overcame me. I did not want to do this. I didn’t want to be rude to his mom. “No, I wouldn’t want to ruin his career. I would support him in anything. I may be a poor Mexican girl from a border town, but I’m an American. And I’m a great woman. I love your son. And I love your granddaughter. I would. never embarrass him. And frankly, he would be lucky to have me. I treat you son like a king and Sky adores me. I love her like she is my own.” Take that, bitch. A wave a satisfaction rippled over me. I had stood my ground. I knew my worth.

I hoped Beck would be proud of me.

“Well, aren’t you self-important? Beck may have fun with you now, but he will never marry you. I promise you that.” And she stood up and walked away from me, never even kissing Sky goodbye.

I would not let this change my feelings for Beck. Those were his mother’s beliefs, not his. Beck was an adult. He didn’t need her approval.