Translation of Love - By Alice Montalvo-Tribue Page 0,30
what he was saying, that I didn’t even think about what came out of my mouth next.
“That’s really great, Babe.”
Now I just want to die. I just called Victor, Babe. The guy who I’ve know just over a week. The strange thing is that it just flowed out of my mouth like it was the most natural thing in the world to call him that. At my endearment, he tightens his hold on me and kisses my hair. I look over at Jordan and her eyes have gone wide with shock. I’m pretty sure mine match hers.
Jordan senses my panic and breaks the silence. “It sounds amazing. I wish I had a creative side like you.”
“You and Ellie are welcome to come into the studio with me whenever you want.”
“Really?” Jordan and I both ask in unison. We look at each other and bust out laughing.
Victor looks between the two of us and laughs. “Yup, you two are definitely best friends.”
After breakfast, Victor and I head towards his car so we can go back to my place. I realize that I haven’t had my morning cup of coffee yet and now I’m craving one.
“Hey, can we go get some coffee. I’m kinda craving a latte.”
“Sure.” He moves to open the door for me and I stop him.
“Let’s walk. There’s one just up the street.”
He smiles. “Lead the way, Babe.”
Niecy’s coffee shop is a small coffee house in the main part of town. It’s a popular tourist hangout, especially in the summer months when Niecy hosts Karaoke nights, poetry readings, and open mic nights. It’s also popular because it’s the only place around to get specialty coffee unless you count the big chain brand outside of town.
Victor holds the door open for me and ushers me inside without ever letting go of my hand. The thought of him always holding onto me makes me smile. I remember when I met him at that bookstore last week, I was so caught up by his good looks but I never would have pegged him as the affectionate type. He leads me to the back of the line and pulls me into a hug. I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest. I can’t believe I’m standing here, out in public, hugging him but the truth is, I love it. I love how affectionate he is with me and how considerate he is. As much as it scares me, I’m starting to let go and soak up the attention. I find that I’m allowing myself to get lost in him more and more.
“Elle?” I hear my name called out and I freeze in a moment of sheer panic. Oh my God, please tell me it’s not…I lift my head from Victor’s chest and turn to see my dad standing in front of us with coffee in hand.
“Dad?!” At the sound of my voice, Victor stiffens up as well and releases his hold on me. I’m thinking that’s a smart move on his part. The look on my father’s face is positively glacial. I walk to him and give him a hug and a kiss. “What are you doing here?”
“Same thing you’re doing here, Kiddo. Who’s your friend?” he says, pointing his head in Victor’s direction. I think I might pass out at any moment. As a matter of fact, I’m hoping I pass out. That would be easier than this.
“Dad this is my…” Victor interrupts me, walking over to my side, he holds out his hand and says, “Boyfriend. Victor Garza, sir. How are you?”
Boyfriend? Really? I can barely admit to myself that I like him and now he’s calling himself my boyfriend. If I wasn’t so preoccupied with making sure Dad doesn’t kill Victor, I might actually have a panic attack.
Dad looks down at Victor’s hand, contemplating whether he should take it or leave him hanging. He decides not to be a jerk and shakes his hand. “I’m Joe, Elle’s dad,” he says. He looks at Victor from head to toe. I know this look. It’s the badass police detective look. “You know what’s funny, son? Elle never mentioned having a boyfriend.”
“Dad!” I nearly yell.
“What? You haven’t!”
“No, it’s okay. We’re fairly new.”
“I see.” He turns back to me. “I called you last night.” His statement holds a hint of accusation in it. He’s wondering if I spent the night with Victor.
“Yeah, I know. Sorry, I was gonna call you back this morning. Is everything alright?”