I’m holding. Reluctantly, I hand it over. I watch her do her work, and I’m struck by something. Although she seems shy and reserved, Marta is such a long way from home. You’ve got to be brave to come out here all on your own. Like Deanna, but Marta is nothing like Deanna. She had mentioned missing her family and friends in El Salvador the other day when we were talking…before David interrupted us.
“How often do you go back home to see your loved ones?” I blurt out the question, wondering if it’s rude to ask.
“Once a year.” She looks at me with some surprise. She’s probably not used to guests striking up conversations.
“That’s not a lot.” I think of what my life would be like if I only saw my parents once a year and bite my lip. “Was it hard to leave?”
She pauses, looking thoughtful. “Yes and no. It was hard to say goodbye. But I knew I would be able to make a better life in America.” She shrugs as if it’s that simple and obvious.
“It’s very brave of you.” I can’t help but admire her. The fact that she’s so far from home, trying to make a better life for herself…
“I’m doing what I have to do for my dreams.” She shrugs, as if that’s all there is to it. Just math. “You’re okay?” She raises an eyebrow delicately.
“Yes. Thank you, Marta. It’s nice to talk to you.”
“Of course. Have a good evening.” She bustles out of the room.
I watch her go, contemplative. Marta has the guts to leave her entire country, friends, and family behind—all to improve her life. Meanwhile, I can’t seem to get out of Parkville. Sure, I’ve taken steps towards achieving my dream of managing—and hopefully one day even owning—my own restaurant. I’ve racked up all the experience I possibly can working at Mom and Dad’s diner. I’ve completed a culinary arts program at a nearby community college. And I’m almost done with this online degree program in business administration. But I still feel stuck.
Leaving Parkville is a necessary step if I’m going to really work in the restaurant industry. But it feels daunting. Even when I visit Aurora in St. Louis, I feel intimidated by the size of the city and all the strangers. And then there’s my parents whom I worry about. They already feel like they’ve lost one daughter. I won’t want them to lose another.
With a sigh, I head upstairs to draw myself a bubble bath. Maybe that will make me feel better. Then I can immerse myself in my book of recipes. I want to think of a more modern twist on relish—something fancier that wouldn’t make a guy like David screw up his face. I wish Marta had stayed to talk more but I know I can’t impose on her in that way. I don’t want her to get in trouble because I delayed her workday.
After the lonely day I had, David’s company had actually been welcome. And he’d seemed so relaxed. He’s clearly in his element when he’s got a deck of cards in hand. I watch as the tub slowly fills and slip out of the dress I had put on earlier. I hate to admit it, but as I had put it on, I had wondered to myself whether he would like it.
It seems he did, I think to myself with a smile as I settle into the steaming water. I feel tiny in the massive, marble tub, with piles of white, aromatic bubbles heaped around me. I breathe in slowly through my nose, trying to soothe myself. He’ll be back later, Lilly, I remind myself.
I think of his hand reaching up under my dress just now and, growing curious, bring my hands down to my fresh wax job. I lightly graze my finger over the bare flesh and draw back, startled. It’s so smooth. I’d never be able to get it that smooth with just shaving. Intrigued, I stroke myself again. Amazing. I feel a throbbing between my legs and gently bring one finger to my clit, just pushing it slightly. I shudder at the touch.
But then I quickly draw my hand back, bringing it away from my body and above the water. I told David I would wait, so I will. I’ll keep my word to him. Plus, I want to know what he has in store for me later. A smile of excitement creeps across my lips at the thought