“Thanks. By the way, why did you let a non-resident in?”
“We thought he was with the couple. They were all talking and smiling.”
“Ugh.” Gabriela hung up.
Her phone dinged and she slowly lifted it. It was her mother. “Come over for dinner.”
“So let me get this straight,” her mother said leaning forward from her chair on the back deck of her parents beautiful condo in La Jolla. “You’re having a hard time deciding between leaving your sterile apartment, lack of social life and a stalking ex for living in a beautiful town and eventually settling on a spacious ranch house with a handsome man?”
Her mother shook her head. “Mija, what is wrong with you?”
Gabriela slunk down. “When you put it that way, it makes me sound like a dork.”
She chose to ignore her mother’s raised eyebrows. “Besides. I don’t want to leave you and Papi and Nana.”
“Your father already has plans to become a cowboy. Besides, we can get a place and spend winters up there. The one time I went to Billings, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it is up there.”
“When did you go to Billings?” Gabriela straightened and frowned at her mother. “You never told me you’ve been to Montana.”
With a wave of dismissal, her mother huffed. “I’m sure I mentioned it. I went with your father for a medical convention. Nana and I had so much fun.”
“What?” This time Gabriela scooted to the edge of the seat. “You’ve all been to Montana and never told me. And why wasn’t I invited? Did Juanito go to?” She asked, referring to her brother.
“No, he was in Colorado or somewhere doing whatever it is your brother always does. We didn’t invite you because you were so wrapped up with that idiot Rafael and we didn’t want to chance he’d invite himself along.”
“I didn’t know you all disliked him so much.”
“We wanted you to come on the Alaskan cruise too but decided to tell you it was invitation only.”
Gabriela fell backwards on the chair. “I’m so glad Jeremy is coming tomorrow.” She lifted her hand to admire her engagement ring and her lips curved.
“Now he’s a good man. We like Jeremy. He’s normal.” Her mother stood. “Randolph, not so much. Want another glass of wine?”
Her ex hadn’t returned, nor had he tried to contact her. Perhaps the fact she’d not hesitated to call for help deterred him. Or it could be he was biding his time and coming up with another plan.
She’d not seen it at first. Rafael was not in love with her, he was fanatical with them as a couple. The man was an idiot who’d become so obsessive he’d began to plan matching wardrobes. When he’d asked to go shopping together so they could find the same color outfits to attend a dinner party, she’d questioned his sexuality.
When she’d declined, to say he’d had a fit would be a major understatement. He’d huffed and slumped onto the floor like a petulant child. Which made Gabriela wonder even more if he was gay.
“Look,” she’d told him, lowering to the floor. “I love gay people. If you’re homosexual, it’s okay.”
He’d sat up and glared at her. “I’m not gay. I am so in love with you, I want to ensure everyone knows you’re mine and I want us to be the couple everyone envies. I want to be the one couple others strive to be like.” His face had brightened up. “We should start a YouTube channel.”
“What?” She gaped as he stood and began pacing, a strange wide smile on his handsome face. “I took the liberty of hiring a graphic artist to make a logo.”
“Stop.” Gabriela got to her feet and shoved him in the chest. “What is wrong with you? Do you need a pill?”
Ignoring her, he’d gone to the computer and three clicks later she watched an animation of them walking hand in hand, her dog trotting next to them.
“What do you think?”
Gabriela pinched the bridge of her nose. “I think this is creepier than when you take pictures of me while I sleep.”
A week later while he was at work, she’d moved out. Within two hours she and her dog were in her parent’s spare bedroom and most of her belongings packed in her car.
The San Diego airport was complicated and yet familiar to Gabriela as she pulled into a parking space in the multi-level complex, exited her car and hurried to the terminal.
After dodging cars in the drop off and pick up area, she managed to get to the escalator and up to where she’d be able to wait for Jeremy.
Gabriela fidgeted with her purse strap and once again checked the archway where the passengers would be coming out. Jeremy’s airplane had landed and with each passing moment, she became more excited about seeing him.
Finally, he walked out. At six foot three, it was easy to spot him. His flat gaze moved across the crowd. A pair of women to Gabriela’s left openly gawked.
When he spotted her, a grin split his face and she could barely keep from running to him. Instead, she waited for him to come closer and envelop her in a bear hug. She sagged against him needing the strength he radiated.
He lifted her face and his mouth immediately covered hers. Gabriela closed her eyes not caring who watched and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I missed you,” he whispered into her ear, the warmth of his breath making her tingle.
Jeremy’s hand was wrapped around the passenger door handle, his knuckles turning white as she zigzagged through traffic. “Move out of the way moron,” she exclaimed. “Jeez.”
“You’re tail-gating,” he said not giving up his hold. “Maybe I should drive.”
She glanced at him. “You won’t survive. These people are out for blood.” She zipped into a tight space and
