Page 11 of Yours, For Now

"No, I don't." Lina stood as well and placed both hands on the table.

I got on my feet, and watched the situation evolve. I didn't want to step in and talk for her, but I wasn't okay with what was happening, either.

Folders under an arm, Miguel started out of the office. Lina's dad held his folder in one hand and, with the other, he made a pacifying sign toward Lina.

"It's okay, hija. It was a good presentation. I'll look at everything with Miguel and let you and Gabriel know in a week."

Miguel turned in place at the door and gazed at us. "Like I said, it looked good. And with your new boyfriend involved in it, I'm hopeful."

He hadn't mentioned thinking it looked good, but I didn't get a chance to think about that much.

"What do you mean, my boyfriend?" Lina zeroed in on the same part I did.

"Oh, don't play coy." Miguel softened the words with a smile. It seemed genuine. "I was here when he invited you for a date. I even suggested it, right? At the gala?" He added a laugh. "I knew the two of you together would be great. Didn't expect a good idea like this stadium deal, though! Maybe it will be worth it, huh? Bringing our families together. Making sure you can keep him interested."

He patted the folder against his chest, then used it for a salute, and left the place.

"Dad—" Lina's word clipped, like she was as in shock as I was— "I don't know why Tío Miguel thinks that Gabe and I—"

He put a hand on Lina's shoulder. "It's okay. I'm proud. No need to be shy." He turned to me. My stomach turned into a knot. "The Sotomayors are good people. Known for their integrity. I'm glad you're dating my daughter. If we decide to go ahead with this, at least we know she's gotta listen to her man, right? Our Lina is smart but she needs a firm hand."

"That's not okay—" I tried. But the thoughts jumbled on the way out, when Lina grabbed my sleeve and squeezed.

Edgardo's eyes switched between us. "We love our Lina, but she has so much to learn. You're your dad's right hand, you know what it's like to properly run a company already. You'll see what we mean as you get to know her better."

With that, he squeezed her shoulder and left.

I blinked into the open space in front of Lina and I. A chill went down my spine. What the hell had just happened?

I turned to Lina. Her eyes shone with unshed tears. My stomach dropped at the sight… and her dad hadn't even seemed to notice. Or had chosen to ignore it

"Lina—" the words dried up on my tongue, and I could do nothing but shake my head, my mouth still open like I would eventually find what to say.

"Shit." She lifted both hands and tapped at her face as if tears had fallen; she ran her fingers below her eyes. "I hate that you had to see that."

I shifted on my feet, uncomfortable. My instinct was to soothe, maybe rub a hand on her back, but we weren't anywhere near a place where that felt okay. Especially when she avoided my eyes and gave me a cold shoulder.

"Are they always like that?" I ran my hand through my hair.

Light had mostly gone for the day, and lights shone in the other small buildings nearby.

She shrugged, still not looking at me. "Yeah. I should be used to it by now, but I just— I can't— I still hate it."

"Of course you do! Why would they treat you that way?"

She finally gave me her eyes, but I hadn't been prepared for the glare she sent my way. "Don't act so shocked. You're Latino. If this is the first time you've seen machistas in action then I have news for you."

"I— I've seen it, for sure." I scoffed. "But I don't live surrounded by it the way you do."

"I suppose I shouldn't be asking you." She turned to me and crossed her arms. "I should be asking your mom and your sister."

Irritation tensed my lips. "Yeah, ask them. They will both tell you exactly what they think, just like they do with me. If you ever see me acting machista, please call me out on it. Both my mom and my sister would and, you might not believe this, but I would listen."

She shook her head and looked at the ceiling, wetting her lips. "I guess we'll see about that."

She didn't seem inclined to want to follow through. I shook my head and leaned on the table, palms flat on the cold surface, my head hanging from my shoulders.

"Now what?" I let out a humorless chuckle. "Do we risk telling them that we're not dating before they look at the documents, or after? Based on their reaction, they might decide against it solely on the basis of that."