Page 79 of Caught in Us
“We’re going to be here awhile, I think.” If I hadn’t lost my mind, I might have better details. “He’s in surgery. Can you keep Matty for me? I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot.”
“I don’t mind. Take as long as you like. Or do you need me to come down there? I can bring Matthew.”
“No, thank you, though.” As much as I’d like to hold my son, this isn’t a place for a toddler to run around. “I wouldn’t know how to do this without you.”
“If you change your mind, let me know. But don’t worry about us. This kid is having a blast digging up your mother’s flower beds. Keep me posted about your dad.”
“I will.” My stomach knots with worry. “I should get back upstairs, see if there’s been any updates on his surgery.”
We end the call and I clean up as best as I can, considering this is a hospital restroom and I have no makeup with me. The bags under my eyes are massive and I could really use a shot of caffeine. But I’ve been gone long enough as it is. I hustle back to the waiting area. Mom and Eddie are back. Lucía sits next to Ricky, her eyes closed and lips moving slightly as her fingers clutch a set of prayer beads.
Ricky notices my approach and stands, his eyes wary. He nods toward a hallway in the opposite direction. “Let’s talk.”
“Okay.”
Once we’re out of earshot he stops, pulling me to the side so we’re out of the walkway. He folds his arms over his chest. “Where’s your friend?”
I pushed him away.I’m really good at that. “He had to leave.”
“Alicia.” He sighs. “I am trying to be patient and understanding, but if you’re going to pull more crap like earlier, then you need to wait somewhere else.”
“I know.”
“I get it was a surprise. I do, and we were going to tell you. I didn’t want you two to meet this way.”
“Does Mom know?” I nod over my shoulder. “About Lucía?”
“No,” Ricky says. “Mom thinks she’s Eddie’s assistant. I mean, she is, but we don’t think it’s a good idea to tell her. She’s . . . well, you’ve seen her this week. She hasn’t been the same since Dad’s stroke. That changed her.”
He’s right. My mom’s always had substance abuse issues, but growing up it was different. She would have never yelled at me in public. I can’t imagine what she’d do if she discovered Dad had a child with another woman.
“How long has Lucía been working for the company?”
“After Dad’s stroke and you told me about her . . . I had to find her, Alicia. She deserved to know. We hit it off and I hired her for the Spain office. It was the least I could do. She’s been through a lot.”
“Yeah.” Shame washes over me as I think about my reaction to seeing her here. I responded with jealousy and anger while my brothers offered her compassion.
“I brought her to our offices here about a year ago. She’d just gotten out of a relationship, needed a fresh start, and well, I like her, Alicia. She’s a good person. Honest and hardworking. I hope you’ll give her a chance.”
“I’m sorry for how I acted. What I said. I was upset about Dad. It’s no excuse, but everything is spiraling out of control right now.”
His brows lift. “Don’t apologize to me.”
I nod, glancing down the hall to where my half-sister waits. If I’m honest, I felt a little ambushed. Hurt too. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It’s not really something you say over the phone.” He shrugs. “I was worried you’d overreact.”
I pin him with a glare.
He chuckles. “I was right.”
I don’t know why I keep allowing fear to hold me hostage, but I need to stop. It steals precious moments. It roots me in the past when the future could be bright.
“Come on.” Ricky slings an arm around his shoulder. “Love you, Alicia.”
“Love you, too.” I lean into him, wrapping my arm around his waist as we walk back to the waiting area. I offer Lucía what I hope is a friendly smile and take the seat next to her. Mom watches us with an inquisitive stare and it adds to my nerves.
“I’m sorry about before,” I whisper, hoping she gives me another chance. “I put my fear and frustrations on you and that wasn’t fair.”
