Chapter 4
Rico walked to the window.
Then turned.
"Six months."
Clara looked at him.
"Six months since Elena died."
"I know."
"Leo hasn't said her name."
"I know."
"He doesn't say mommy."
"I know."
"How?"
Clara pointed gently toward him.
"Because you told me."
"I didn't."
"You did."
Rico frowned.
"How?"
"You looked at him when he said it."
She paused.
"You looked like someone had punched a hole through your chest."
Rico looked away.
For the first time in years, nobody had been afraid of him.
Someone had simply seen him.
The next evening, Clara was working again.
She expected Rico to return.
She didn't expect him to bring twelve bodyguards.
At 7:30, the entire restaurant stiffened.
Rico entered carrying Leo.
The boy immediately looked around.
Then spotted Clara.
He reached for her.
"Clara."
It was the clearest word he had spoken all evening.
Rico stopped.
Clara smiled.
"Hi."
Leo reached toward her.
Rico walked over.
"He hasn't stopped asking for you."
Clara looked at him.
"Did he eat?"
"Yes."
"Sleep?"
"Better."
"Any fever?"
"No."
"Then that's good."
Rico looked almost offended.
"You sound like his doctor."
"I've babysat."
"For who?"
"Neighbors."
"You have experience with children?"
"Some."
Rico watched her.
"Come work for me."
Clara laughed.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"I'm a waitress."
"You're fired."
She stared.
"Excuse me?"
"You're no longer a waitress."
"Then what am I?"
"Leo's temporary caregiver."
Clara blinked.
"No."
Rico's eyebrows rose.
"No?"
"I need my job."
"I'll pay you ten times your current salary."
"No."
"Twenty."
"No."
"Thirty."
She folded her arms.
"I'm not for sale."
Rico looked genuinely surprised.
"Everyone has a price."
"Then I'm not everyone."
Leo tugged at his father's collar.
Rico looked down.
The boy pointed at Clara.
"Her."
Rico looked at Clara.
Then nodded.
"Fine."
Clara shook her head.
"I said no."
May you like
Rico smiled for the first time.
"Then we'll negotiate."
