Chapter 36

I settled into my desk chair, wincing slightly. Zach really had made me feel him today. A smile curved my lips. He never ceased to surprise me. He may have been shy and hesitant in the beginning, but damn, he was a beast in bed when you got him going. My aching ass was a testament to that.

I opened my laptop and pulled up the spreadsheet for Albert's show. It was less than two weeks away, and I was making sure we were on schedule with everything that had to be done. Albert had agreed to use the pianist Sean recommended. Albert said he was very good and familiar with most of the music already. Ticket sales were good, although we weren't sold out yet. I was sure we would be by the day of the show. Chef Joanna had recommended high-end finger foods be served since the show started at nine. Carrie had the bar service well in hand. Everything looked great.

I was deep into my paperwork when my phone vibrated with a call. To my surprise, it was my sister. "Hello, hermana. How are you doing today?"

"Really good," she replied with an obvious smile.

"Oh yeah? What happened to make it so good?"

"Carlos tried to get into our parents' house last night while we were all asleep."

My stomach twisted. "How is that a good thing?"

"Mama and Papa have an alarm system, which alerted the police. He was caught and arrested for violating the terms of his bail and the restraining order. He's back in jail."

I pumped my fist. "Yes! That's fantastic news. Do you think he'll stay there?"

She sighed. "I don't know. My lawyer said there's a possibility he could get out with higher bail, but he would probably have to wear an ankle bracelet."

"Ugh. Why can't they just keep him in jail?"

"I don't know. My lawyer said it's complicated."

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I am," she replied. "I'm going down to the house today to regain some semblance of normalcy for the kids. Mama and Papa will stay with me so I'm not alone."

"That's good. I'm glad you'll be closer. I'll get to see those babies more often," I replied.

"Speaking of that," she began. I groaned inwardly because her tone of voice warned me I wasn't going to like what came next. "Mama and Papa want to meet with you tonight."

That made me sit up in surprise. "Why?" I asked cautiously.

"They want to clear the air."

"Clear the air," I repeated. "I'm not sure what that means to them. In the past, it was code for them expecting an apology from me for speaking out against their ridiculous behavior. That won't be happening today or any time in the future."

"I know," Isabella replied. "They know that too. Carlos's behavior finally brought home everything you've been telling them and me for years." Her breath hitched. "You warned me right from the start, but I wouldn't listen because he was charming and handsome. I thought he'd give me and any children we had a good life."

I felt bad for her because her life was about to get a lot harder. "I understand," I said. "And I'm willing to talk to Mama and Papa as long as they understand where I'm coming from. I won't be guilted into apologizing for something that's not my fault."

"I'll make sure they understand," Isabella assured me.

"Have them come to my place," I added.

There was a pause before she answered. "I think they were planning to take you out to a restaurant."

I shook my head even though she couldn't see me. "No. I have to work until seven, and we were up late last night. I'm not up for going out again tonight. Besides, I want Zach to be there as backup."

"All right, I'll tell them," she said.

"Why are you acting as a go-between?" I asked. "Why didn't one of them call me?"

"I think they don't know what to say," she replied.

I rubbed my face in frustration. "Well, I hope they figure it out before tonight."

After I ended the call, I went to the dining room to talk to Zach. We'd both expected a quiet night of takeout, beer, and Netflix. Some chill might have also been planned. Now, I had no idea how the evening would go.

I checked the time. Nearly two o'clock. I had to tell Zach about our change of plans for the evening. I made my way to the dining room, stopping along the way to check in with the front desk receptionist to see if there were any problems I needed to solve.

The dining room was full and lively, with the low buzz of conversation and clinking cutlery. The servers were moving smoothly from table to table, making sure our guests had everything they needed. I stopped by the host station, surprised to see Carrie there. "Where's Robin?"

"They had a family emergency," Carrie replied. "Their sister went into labor early, and there was no one to watch her other child. I told them to go home. I can manage a couple of hours at the host station. Family is important."

"Preach," I said. "Speaking of family, I have to chat with Zach for a few minutes. It won't take long. I promise."

She waved me in his direction and winked. "No problem. Give him a kiss for me."

I was sure I had a goofy grin as I walked through the crowded room. Zach was mixing a drink when I sidled up to the bar and took a seat. "Hey, baby," I said in a sultry voice. "You look awfully edible this afternoon."

His cheeks bloomed pink, and he smiled. He set the drink on the side for the server to pick up and leaned down to speak softly to me. "Are you offering?"

I let out a low groan. "Not fair," I whispered. "I still have five hours left of my shift."

We both sighed and said at the same time, "My sister called…"

"No way!" I whispered-shouted.

"Way," he acknowledged ruefully. "Allie asked me, well, us really, to watch Cody tonight while she and Marissa go to a concert at Wonder Bar." He nudged me with his arm. "What about yours?"

"Isabella told me my parents want to meet with me tonight ‘to clear the air.'"

"What's with the air quotes?" Zach asked.

"Usually, that means they want me to apologize," I said. "Isabella insists that's not the case." I shrugged. "We'll see. Anyway, I told them to come to our place. They wanted to take me out to dinner, likely so I wouldn't make a scene. I want home-field advantage." I took hold of his hand. "And I want you there with me as backup."

Zach raised my hand to his lips. "Always."

Another server came over with a drink order. He rolled his eyes. "You two give me a toothache."

I reluctantly let go of Zach's hand. "So it looks like we have Cody and my parents coming over."

Zach looked at the list the server left. "You might as well tell your sister to come and bring her kids. That way, Cody will be occupied and won't be clamoring for your attention."

I nodded. "Good idea."

He started working on the drink order. "I'll have to go home and then come back to get you. I'll make sure the place is clean for your parents' visit."

Warmth filled my chest. Albert had been right. I really had won the gay lottery. "Thanks, sweetheart. I'll see you later."