Page 7 of Stolen Dove
“You don’t have to cook anymore. We have a cook waiting to make you anything you’d like. You should be resting and enjoying only the best life has to offer,” I say, watching her work by the stove stirring some eggs into a pan.
“I know you mean well, Victor. Pero estoy contenta.”
“It doesn’t change how I feel about it. You are all alone.”
“Well, when you bring me some babies to care for, then I won’t be alone.”
“If I ever give you grandbabies, you can move back into the house.”
“The day you do, I’ll consider it. That house has memories I wish to forget.”
I nod, knowing that she has a great point. Her scars run deeper than mine. I take a seat with a cup of coffee as she prepares a plate of breakfast for me. I’m grateful that I haven’t eaten yet today because I could never pass up her cooking. She flits around the kitchen cleaning up and then brings her coffee to the table and sits.
“You must be leaving soon, si?”
“Yes. I only intend on staying in New York for two days to settle business with a shipping company.” I blow on my papas con huevo before taking a bite. I can never resist her cooking.
“Take your time. Take a vacation, find a wife,” she presses. Breakfast always comes at a price. The same price, actually. A family. She wants me to find someone that makes me happy and start to build on it, but it’s not like she’s going to fall into my lap and I’m gonna trust her with my heart and my secrets.
“I doubt it works that easily,” I remind her.
“It’s a big city and there are lots of women there. I have hope that you’ll find the one and just know.” She’s a bit of a romantic. I’m not sure how she can have such an outlook given her past, but I don’t want to dissuade her from a bit of joy.
“The woman I marry will be my only one. I won’t be my father, so it may take forever to find the one to rule at my side.”
“You’re a good man, but you’re not even looking for a woman.”
“Hardly, Mama, but I will not be him,” I vow. Everything I do has been to prove I’m not him. I might run a less-than-legal empire, but it’s not a purely selfish rule. I take care of my village as well as those I employ. It’s more about protecting what I have than expanding.
“Good. Then you better get going. The sooner you meet a woman, the better.”
“Grandbabies. Always grandbabies.” I finish my plate and get up before she can set it in the sink. I see her bag of medicine on the counter.
“Tomas su medicina?” I ask, waving the still folded bag.
“No. I don’t like the feeling it gives me.” She stands and snatches it from my hand.
“Mama, we aren’t ready to lose you.”
Setting it on the counter, she claps her hands to her hips. “I’m sorry, but I want to go on my own terms, and it’s not yet. I’m made of more than that. I’ve never had control of my own life. First my father owned me and then sold me like chattel to your father, only to be at his mercy until his death.”
“I know. We just love you so much.” I wrap her up in a tight embrace.
“I know I’ve put you in a difficult spot.” She attempted to love my father, to make it a good marriage, but he wouldn’t stand for it. Everything was his way and solely for his benefit.
“No, you have not. That bastard of a father did. I only get along with Maria Luisa.”
“As you should. I just cannot.” I don’t hold any blame on her for anything.
I pull back while still holding her at arm’s length. “And you don’t have to get along with any of them, but promise me that you’re going to do your best to stay well whilst I’m gone, por favor.”
“Por supuesto.”
I kiss her and leave. I steal a glance back as we pull out of the driveway.
“She’s going to be fine, Victor.” Fernando is usually right, but as a son, I must always be concerned about her well-being.
“I hope so.” I check my watch and send a text to my pilot. Ten minutes out.