Lonely Heart (8 page)

“Really? What do you do?”

“I am Assistant Costume ─” she laughed. “Correction, I
was
Assistant Costume Designer for the show,
Just How She Likes It
.”

I heard of that show, it was one of Adrianna’s favorites. “Was?”

She glanced at me. “Not anymore. I’m now
Head
Costume Designer for a new show that will start taping in a few months. Sorry, can’t tell you what it is yet…contract.” She pantomimed a lock and key over her mouth.

I nodded, then smiled in awe.

“What?” She moved a strand of fallen blond hair out of her face, tucked it behind her ear.

Distracted by the movement, I cleared my throat. “You’ve reached your goal. You should be proud.”

“Yeah, I have, and I love it, wouldn’t change it for the world. Though I have to admit, the last few months have taught me there’s more to life than gettin’ your dream job.”

“True. What does that mean to you?”

She tilted her head to the side. “Bein’ able to find happiness in my personal life.” She stopped folding clothes and placed both hands on her stomach. Her eyes lit up as her hand moved. “Whoa, somebody’s awake now.”

My attention went to where her hands lay on her belly. The miracle within pushed her hand up and down. I remembered feeling my nephew moving in my sister’s stomach. I joked saying her son would be destined to become an Olympic athlete.

My sisters’ laughter drew my attention. Julio once again made his best attempt at a handstand.

Children were a blessing. His dad didn’t know what he missed.

My attention went back to Kaitlyn, curiosity getting the best of me. “Where’s the father?”

Kaitlyn’s eyes shot me. “Excuse me?”

Like it was any of my business. “I wasn’t trying to pry. You mentioned it was just you and the baby that day at the shop.”

“I did, didn’t I?” Her lips tightened. “It seems a happy family life isn’t meant for me, at least not in the traditional sense.” She shrugged. “My goal is to be a good mother.”

She didn’t seem as though she would answer the question, so I let it go. “It sounds like you have a good shot. Since your sister is here, you’ve got family again.”

“I know, and two best friends to rely on, well, when they are available. Oh, speakin’ of which, I gave them your number, to the shop that is.”

“Thanks. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertisement.”

“Especially when the service is good. You went above and beyond with me, Antonio. I don’t know if you felt guilty for makin’ me carless or because I’m pregnant.”

I laughed. “A bit of both.”

Kaitlyn returned my smile. “Either way, I appreciate it.” Finished with her clothes, she gathered her purse.

It appeared she felt better. Her eyes were no longer red and her cheeks had regained their normal creamy complexion.

“Are you sure you’re ready to get behind the wheel? I can drive your car and have my sister follow.”

“Oh no, Antonio, you have done enough. I’m fine now.” She stood and seemed to be okay.

“At least let me carry your baskets to your car. Just promise you’ll leave them for Tiffany to haul in when she gets home.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Those soft lines formed around her eyes again as she laughed.

Satisfied with her response, I gathered the baskets and followed her outside. She unlocked the back door, holding it open while I slid them in. I, in turn, held the driver’s side door as she got behind the steering wheel and strapped in.

“Be careful.” A part of me wanted to ask her to call the minute she reached her apartment. Though I’d gotten to know more about her, I had no right to demand she do.

She tilted her head to the side and smiled. “I’ll be fine. Trust me, if I wasn’t comfortable with drivin’, I’d ask you to take me home. I’m independent, not stupid.”

I chuckled. “I’ll see you around. Don’t forget…call me if you need me.”

Kaitlyn studied me. “I will. Bye, Antonio.”

I watched as she drove off. Not ready to go back inside, I leaned against the column of the building, stuffed my hands in my pockets. My fingers grazed the packet of gum so I popped a piece in my mouth.

Kaity.

Pretty. Interesting. Entertaining.

Single.

Pregnant.

Baggage.

I rubbed my eyes. How could she be more interesting than Gina, a woman I’d known for years who was single, sexy, and childless?

And no longer held my attention.

“Tio, Tio!” Julio ran in my direction. I squatted down and opened my arms to catch the thirty pound ball of flying nephew. I stood, tossed him over my back, and spun around. Laughter and shrieks filled the air.

Family. Some people just didn’t know what they were missing.

“Your brothers are complete assholes.”

“Tell me something I don’t already know, Antonio,” Fernando replied. His attention waning, he nearly dropped the spot light.

“Hey, move it over to the left.” I leaned further into the wide cavity of the nineteen-seventy Chevy Chevelle SS. The project car was my baby, a gift from my uncle who understood my love of old school American muscle. I worked on it as often as possible. Thankfully, Tio didn’t mind me storing it in an unused bay of the garage. My desire to complete the project was a labor of love, one of the few dreams I could make happen.

If I couldn’t open my own shop, then this would suffice.

“Let me get this straight, your brothers said they weren’t going to help you get a job, you’re on your own. Does that mean you’re ready to grow a pair and do your own thing?” I grunted; the rusted fuel line seemed fused in place. Age old rust broke off in my hand. I dusted my hands off on my overalls while reevaluating my approach. “I mean, Fernando, you’re twenty-five.”

“And my brothers still treat me like we’re kids. I’m tired of it.”

I laughed. “You weren’t complaining back then, spoiled brat. I don’t understand how your father let you guys get like that.”

We both looked at each other. “Madre,” we said in unison.

“Papi always let her have her way. I swear she’s got him by the short hairs.”

“And he takes it out on everyone else at the shop.” We both looked around, hoping my uncle was not in hearing range, then laughed. “Where is the old man, anyway?”

Fernando glanced around. The shop had closed an hour earlier. We were the only two left in the garage. “Last time I saw him, he was headed to his office.”

I sighed, stood up, and stretched. “This is taking longer than I thought.” It had been a long day and my back ached. Time to call it quits. I gathered my tools, put them back in my box, engaged the lock, then walked back and closed the hood.

Fernando gathered the loose items, disposing of the trash and broken parts. “By the way, I checked out the mechanics school you told me about. I enrolled. Classes start in a month.”

I clapped. “That’s what I’m talking about. Have you told your father? He’ll be excited.”

“No, I’m telling him tonight. I hoped you’d go with me.” He appeared nervous.

“You don’t need me. The name of the shop is Alvarez and
Sons
. He started this business hoping you guys would take over one day. Telling him you’re making moves to do so will have him up and dancing.” I glanced over my shoulder; Fernando was horrified. I walked over, slapped him on the back. “When you’re ready, I’ll step aside for you to take over. This is your family’s business.”

“Y tu eres familia,” he returned the back slap with a punch to my arm.

“Yeah, but I’m not his son.” I walked around the bay, shutting off the unnecessary lights. Antonio went ahead of me to the office.

I checked to be sure all locks on the bay doors were engaged.

“Antonio!”

Fernando’s yell stopped me in my tracks. I doubled back for the office.

Tio Alejandro was slumped over in his chair, one hand on his chest, his eyes closed. Fernando was bent over him, checking his pulse.

“He’s breathing, but barely,” His eyes were full of fear. “Papi!”

Oh God, this can’t be happening again…

My phone was out of my pocket and 911 dialed in seconds. “I need an ambulance at…,” I gave them the address. “I think my uncle is having a heart attack.” I listened to the explicit instructions given by the 911 operator. “They’ll be here in a few minutes. Don’t try and move him, just keep talking.”

I stood by, helpless, and watched Fernando stroke his father’s hand, all the while talking to him in English and Spanish.

Tio Alejandro’s eyelids fluttered once, then became still.

I ran my hand through my hair, powerless to do anything other than stay out of the way. The moment sirens could be heard in the distance, I ran outside to flag the ambulance down and lead the paramedics inside.

Fernando was glued to his father’s side. It took me pulling him out of the way for the paramedics to do their job. They checked his vitals while talking to him, but it didn’t matter, he was non-responsive.

The next thing we knew, the paramedics were moving Tio Alejandro from his chair onto a gurney. “His pulse is weak and blood pressure low. It appears he’s suffered a heart attack,” we were told.

“Madre, Javier…Ramon…” Fernando stuttered, his eyes wild, movements disoriented. “…they need to know…”

“I’ll handle it. Ride with your father to the hospital. I’ll follow the ambulance.” I grabbed him in a bear hug and watched the EMTs load my uncle into the ambulance.

After confirming which hospital he would be taken to, I climbed into my truck, slipped in my earpiece, and started voice dialing.

****

I hated hospitals and avoided them like the plague. Though my last visit here was fourteen years ago, it seemed like yesterday. Everything remained the same. The walls were the same colors, the seating…the floor…

The only difference; I was no longer fifteen.

Yet, the events of that night were crystal clear in my memory.

I forced the memory back in its vault and focused on the present.

After calling a few relatives, news of what happened spread like wildfire. Our family took up every available space in the waiting room and spilled out into the hallway. There was barely room to sit. With Tio Alejandro being a much loved and respected member of the community, friends of the family were sprinkled in among the group.

Nearly two hours had passed since dialing 911 and we barely received any news other than he came in and out of consciousness. We were told the doctor was doing his best. It was now a waiting game.

Fernando was a mess. He sat next to his mother who fiddled with a ball of tissue in her hands, tears continuing to fall. Javier and Fernando stood on the other side of her, looking just as bad. The rest of the extended family sat around the waiting room, some talking in quiet whispers, others mouthed prayers.

Adrianna sat with our grandmother holding her hand while Julio slept in her lap.

My mind ran over the events of the day trying to figure out what in my uncle’s behavior I missed, some warning that could have gotten him medical attention sooner. I came up with nothing. Just like my mother, I’d been too busy working to notice anything out of the ordinary.

History repeating itself?

Unable to sit still, I went for a walk.

“Whatever you do, do not drop it, Tiffy!” I dug in my purse for my keys while my sister balanced the large ceramic piggy bank bought at the baby outlet.

“Why don’t you use a bank account like everyone else?”

The door unlocked, I pushed it open, then stepped out of the way so she could pass. “Two reasons. First, it’s for the baby shower. Guests can stick money in before they leave. Second, I can put loose change in it at any time.” I glared at her over my shoulder. “This means you, too.”

Tiffany laughed. “Where should I put it?”

“Set it on the coffee table for now.” I put the lightweight bags I carried in my hands on the sofa and went back to remove my key from the front door in time to see my neighbor emerge from her apartment. “Hi, Mrs. Alvarez.”

She peered over her shoulder while locking the door. “Oh…hola.”

Something about her demeanor made me pause. She faced me again with bloodshot eyes.

I walked over and laid my hand on her shoulder. “Is everythin’ alright?”

“Lo siento.” She sniffed while running a knuckle under her wet eyes. “No.”

“What’s wrong?”

“My son, Alejandro…he had a heart attack last night. He didn’t make it.” Fresh tears emerged.

I never met Alejandro, but remembered she referred me to him when my car needed work. While Antonio handled the transaction, the shop belonged to his uncle.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry…” I pulled her into my arms. She leaned into me, obviously needing a moment to gather herself. “Is there anythin’ I can do?”

“No, no gracias. I’ll be okay. I’m going to my son’s house now to help plan the funeral.”

My thoughts went to Antonio. How was he dealing with the loss? He made it pretty clear how close his ties were to his family.

“I’m here if you need me.” She nodded her thanks, then walked down the sidewalk towards her car.

“Is everythin’ okay?” Tiffany peered out of the kitchen where she’d been emptying the shopping bags.

“I was talkin’ to Antonio’s grandmother. She said her son, Antonio’s uncle, died last night.”

Tiffany stopped unloading the bag. “That’s awful. Did you know him?”

“No, never had a chance to meet him.” My hands went to my belly. I felt my sister’s stare. “What?”

“I’m not tryin’ to be funny, but you look tired. Why don’t you go lie down? I’ve got this.”

I smiled. In the month since Tiffany moved in, things were working out. She gave me no trouble and appeared to thrive under my roof. She enjoyed the job Ebony helped her get. Since working with the animals, she admitted her interest in veterinary medicine. Though she graduated high school, she had not determined what career path she wanted to take. When Ebony explained the amount of work it took for her to get a degree in veterinary medicine, her interest fizzled out. She had not mentioned another career since then.

My goal was to make sure she didn’t consider latching on to another guy with money. After all, a young woman with her looks in L.A. would have no problem finding a man who wanted to use her as arm candy.