Tangled: A Moreno Brothers novella

  “Wow,” he said with a smile as he approached her. “I know your being pregnant brings that added glow and the extended twinkle in your eyes when you’re really driving home a point, but that was unreal. Actually, all your expressions as you speak are as captivating as they are endearing.” Isabel could feel her face begin to flush even as he went on. “It’s a shame you won’t be back after the break. I was fascinated the first time, but clearly the more you do it, the better you’re gonna get. You seemed so much more relaxed this time—in your element. I knew you were a natural, but wow.” He clutched his chest dramatically. “Any chance I can persuade you to come back even after the break? Maybe just a few times a week?”

  She knew her face must be on fire. God, she hated how powerless she was to do anything about it. And she really didn’t want him to think his words had that much of an effect on her. It was just a curse she’d had to deal with her whole life. So she looked down for a moment, shrugging. “Thank you, but I’m already feeling so exhausted as it is. I can only imagine how much more exhausted I’ll be as I get further along with this pregnancy. Besides”—she looked up at him, ignoring the heat she was still feeling in her face—“when my husband finds out about the pregnancy, I’m sure he’ll want me home. He wasn’t too happy about me coming back to work in the first place. My children are both still so young. I’ve actually been looking forward to getting back to the way things were before I started working again.”

  She held his gaze for a bit because this wasn’t the first time this week he’d made a comment about his displeasure about her not coming back. Yesterday, he’d actually worded it in such a way she thought maybe he was hoping for a reaction.

  It was one of those days when the students had been dismissed early and it was just the two of them again. She’d been helping him grade the finals, something she’d always been so good at getting through quickly, so when she announced she was finished with the stack he’d given her, he sat back in his seat with that same fascinated expression on his face. “I can’t believe you’re not coming back to me, Isabel. How in the world will I ever find someone who can replace you?”

  She’d been stunned silent momentarily, but she managed to shake it off with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll find someone.”

  Like in the past when she’d suspected he was saying things to her without actually saying them, he responded with what almost felt like a planned counter—as if he already knew how she’d respond to his question. “That’s funny because I was just thinking that I’m sure I never will.”

  Just as he seemed to be trying to say something to her without being so blatant about it, she was sending back her message, only she wanted hers to be absolutely clear. There’d never even been a choice to make, but if he thought for a moment there had been, he was dead wrong. The only reason she was still here was to repay him for the opportunity to do this in the first place. She’d felt indebted, but if she’d had it her way, she would’ve quit weeks ago.

  “You should tell your husband to think of the students,” he said with a playful smile, “and what they’ll be missing out on if you don’t come back.”

  Now she laughed softly, thinking of what Romero would say if she really passed on Elliot’s persuasive message to try and get her to come back—to him.

  “I’m sure he’d retort with something about what he and my kids are missing out on not having me home full-time.” She smiled back, just as playful. “Speaking of my kids, if we’re done with the finals, do you mind if I leave early? I have my mom watching the kids for me, and I’d like to take advantage of it and run to get a few last-minute things at the mall.”

  “Not a problem,” he said, standing up. “We’re done with the handwritten stuff. The rest is all Scantron stuff that I can just put through the machine. So by all means, go ahead.”

  She happily gathered her things as he continued to go through the papers she’d corrected, and he praised her for the phenomenal job she’d done. If he said he couldn’t believe she wasn’t coming back to him just one more time, she was seriously going to have to say something.

  It wasn’t until she’d gotten in her car that she thought about something else. If they were done with correcting finals and the classes weren’t even mandatory anyway, why would she have to come back the next day? More than likely she’d be in the classroom with just him while he continued with his mind games.

  Not happening.

  She picked up her phone, annoyed with herself that she hadn’t thought of it sooner, and texted him.

  Listen. I was just thinking, since we’re all done with the finals, is it okay if I don’t come in tomorrow? I have a lot to do still for Christmas.

  His response made her happy that she thought of asking to take her last day with him off and even happier that she’d waited until she was out of the classroom to do so.

  Sure. But if I’d known I wasn’t going to see you after today, I would’ve given you a proper goodbye.

  Rolling her eyes, she started out of the parking lot and didn’t even respond. Proper goodbye? What the hell did that mean? She was only glad now she’d never know because she didn’t plan on responding to that at least for a few days. Even though he did get a little weird on her toward the end, he never actually crossed any lines. She did at least want to thank him for the opportunity he’d given her and tell him it’d been pleasant to work with him.

  As expected, the mall was packed. Just when she’d almost given up looking for a parking spot, she found one. She knew her surprise for Romero would be more than enough, but she still wanted to give him something fun to unwrap. She’d already gotten him a few baby-related things, but Valerie had mentioned she and her two sisters-in-law along with Sofie had gotten all their husbands matching Charger cufflinks. She assured her they weren’t gaudy or anything and they actually looked very classy.

  The first thing Isabel had thought of was the Padres. Since a Padres game was their first official date and where they’d first kissed, she asked if they had any Padres ones. Valerie told her she’d seen just about all the teams.

  Not surprisingly, she ran into several people while working her way through the crowded mall. First Amanda’s teacher stopped and chatted with her about how awesome she was doing in school. Then her brother-in-law Brandon had been happy to see her because he wanted her opinion on the gift he’d bought her sister.

  Gina was Brandon’s princess, had been from the moment they started dating, and over the years, he’d showered her with tons of princess-related gifts. He was by far the most romantic gift giver Isabel knew, so it surprised her when he said he’d bought her a new waffle maker. Theirs was on the blink, and waffles were one of her sister’s favorite foods.

  “That’s sweet,” Isabel said, not very enthused.

  Over the years, Romero had even admitted to asking Brandon for ideas for unique gifts. Since he said Brandon’s gifts to Gina always put Romero’s gifts to Isabel to shame, Isabel would never compare her and her sister’s husbands. Obviously, Brandon was a very deep thinker, and he’d paid very close attention to the smallest of details. Sometimes too close according to her sister. Gina had complained on more than one occasion about him never forgetting anything! According to Gina, it wasn’t always a good thing.

  “You don’t think she’ll like it?” Brandon asked, looking down at the bag.

  “Oh, I’m sure she will. It’s . . . practical.” She looked up at him, almost disappointed. “But you’re not known for giving practical gifts. I always look forward to seeing what you got when she opens her gifts.” She crinkled her nose. “A waffle maker?”

  Brandon smiled as understanding seemed to set in. “I did get her a few other things.” He lifted the bag in his other hand. “But you’ll think me a cheese ball.”

  Isabel’s eyes were immediately on the bag from the craft store. “No, I won’t. I love the gifts you make her. Can I see?”

  A bit hesitantly he lifted the big bag and pulled out the long pillow with something p
rinted on it. The words “My ticket to paradise” were embroidered just over a photo of an airline ticket. Isabel read the only print embroidered on the airline ticket: the destination from Washington D.C. to San Diego and the date. That was sweet. Her sister had told her how the very first time she’d seen Brandon was at the airport in Washington D.C. when they were stuck there for a few hours because they were on the same delayed connector flight. But somehow Isabel had still expected a bit more.

  “That’s the actual ticket I used that day,” he explained. “I saved it and came across it a few weeks ago, so I had it photocopied onto the material for the pillow.”

  Now Isabel’s jaw dropped. He saved the ticket all these years? Gina had told her she’d been sure he hated her at first sight. He flipped the pillow over, and she read the words he’d had embroidered there.

  Once upon a time, a very grumpy and lonely soldier stood in line at the airport behind a beautiful princess who would change his life forever . . .

  All love stories are beautiful, but ours is my favorite.

  I love you, Princess.

  Merry Christmas

  Instantly Isabel was a mess. Normally something like this would just choke her up, but she had tears streaming down her cheeks this time, and she brought a shaky hand to her mouth, utterly overwhelmed with emotion.

  “Oh Brandon, this is so beautiful,” she sobbed and hugged him.

  “Wow.” He laughed softly. “I thought you might like it, but I didn’t expect this.”

  She pulled away, still sniffling and unable to control the emotion that still inundated her. Wiping at the tears, she shook her head. “I’m sure it’s these damn hormones. I cried a lot when I was pregnant with Romeo too. But seriously, Gina’s gonna love this!”

  Isabel managed to pull it together a little before parting ways with Brandon. She’d almost reached the store with the cufflinks, and unbelievably the tears were still coming. Just as she reached the store, she was almost annoyed at the sight of Elliot rushing toward her. He stopped right in front of her, his eyes overly concerned. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she assured him, wiping away the tears.

  “You sure?” He searched her eyes.

  “Yes, yes,” she said, sniffling and feeling even sillier now. “This pregnancy is making me overly emotional. These are actually tears over something very sweet my brother-in-law just showed me he bought for my sister. They’re not sad tears or anything.”

  “Ah,” he nodded, looking less concerned. “Well, that’s good.” He lifted a Macy’s bag he was holding and held it out for her. “I would’ve given it to you today if I’d known you weren’t coming back tomorrow. It’s just a little something I got for your kids.”

  “Oh, you shouldn’t have,” she said, taking the bag.

  He shook his head. “It’s nothing big. But you might want to have them open them before Christmas. They’re holiday-themed. Something they could put on the tree.”

  She nodded, feeling bad that she’d been irritated when she first saw him. “Thank you, Elliot. This was very thoughtful.”

  It was also awkward since it hadn’t even crossed her mind to buy his kids anything. Elliot shrugged. “No biggie. Since this may be the last time I see you before Christmas or, wow, maybe ever”—he opened up his arms, and Isabel had no choice but to lean in and hug him—“it really has been a pleasure to work with you, Isabel. Have a wonderful holiday.” Before she could respond or pull away, he leaned in closer to her ear and lowered his voice. “I really hope this isn’t goodbye forever.”

  Doing her best to not go stiff, Isabel nodded then pulled away. She wiped a few tears still lingering in the corners of her eyes, determined to not let this moment get her all frazzled in case that was his intention. “It was a pleasure working with you too, Elliot. Thanks again for the opportunity, and”—she lifted a shoulder as nonchalantly as possible—“it’s a small world. We’ll probably run into each other around town.”

  He gazed at her for a moment before catching her completely off guard and reaching for her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. “I hope so.” Isabel didn’t have a chance to protest because, just as quickly, he let go of her hand and backed up, never once breaking the eye contact. “I wish you the best, Isabel. Take care of yourself.”

  Just like that, he spun around and walked away, leaving her standing there a bit stunned. Gathering her wits, she stepped into the crowded store that sold the cufflinks and bought them. She was able to keep Elliot off her mind the whole time she continued to shop.

  Getting out of the mall and finally into her car proved to be tricky. First, after getting a toxic whiff of something from the food court, she had to make a mad dash to the ladies’ room where she puked what felt like all her insides out. After being in the ladies’ room for what felt like forever, she’d finally dragged herself out of there.

  Once in her car, Isabel felt completely drained. She was so glad now she’d gotten out of going into work tomorrow, because she felt so incredibly exhausted. Sleeping in tomorrow would be heaven.

  Isabel must’ve looked as pooped as she felt when she got home because her mom offered to stick around for a few more hours so she could nap, but Isabel refused. She knew her mother had a lot to do still too. Her mom was as bad as Manny and Max when it came to shopping for the grandkids.

  The good thing was the kids had just eaten lunch and her mom had made enough of the casserole that there’d be enough for dinner. Isabel didn’t have to prepare anything for tonight. She sat down with the kids in the front room when her mom left.

  The kids argued for a bit about which of the movies Manny and Max got them to watch. They’d already watched each one so many times Isabel was sure they had all the lines memorized. Normally, she didn’t let them watch so much television, but she’d been so exhausted lately she’d been letting them slide. They finally decided on E.T., the movie they were most obsessed with. Isabel didn’t even get past the part where the cops first arrive and E.T. gets left behind. Both kids had cuddled up on either side of her and she’d promptly passed out.

  Eleven

  Sweet Darling

  I

  t was the third call from Manny he’d gotten today. Romero had been too busy to take any of his calls earlier. Lately, Manny had been calling a lot to ask questions about the kids’ and Izzy’s sizes in clothes, shoes, etc. Yesterday he’d called a lot too and mentioned he’d be shopping today again. Apparently, even with all the shit they’d already bought and given the kids, they were still going to town shopping. Romero was only answering now because he was almost done for the day, but he still had one last thing to do before heading home, and since his uncles could be so long-winded, he answered the way he usually did when they called.

  “I’m busy, so make this fast.” Romero grabbed his tablet, wallet, and keys and headed out of the office, waving at Wanda. “I won’t be back,” he mouthed before walking out the door.

  “Finally you answer! Guess what me and Aida saw today down at the mall,” Manny said, sounding a little too strange for this to be one of his normal annoying “guess what” conversations, and before Romero could even try to guess, he heard Manny take a deep breath. “Now don’t get your panties all in a bunch or anything because ya know maybe it’s nothing, but I just thought I needed to run this one by you.”

  “It really could be nothing, honey,” Romero heard Aida say loudly. “It was just a little weird is all.”

  Romero slowed as he reached his car, remembering Isabel’s reaction to his nearly going in her purse that morning. Even though both his uncles were now adamant now that no way would Izzy ever do anything shady with the professor, he got the feeling this call was about his wife. All day he hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that maybe there was more to it than just a Christmas gift hidden in her purse. She’d been just a bit too frantic. “What did you see?” he asked, already preparing himself not to get too sucked into any theories.

  “Your wife and
that professor,” Manny said a little too cautiously. “She was there with him. They hugged, and she was crying, but—”

  “Wait, wait. Back up,” Romero said, feeling every hair on his body go instantly on alert. “She was crying?”

  “Yeah, she was crying, but before we make more out of nothing, Aida saw her first and—”

  “Put Aida on the phone,” Romero said, his heart already pummeling in his chest, but this didn’t just piss him off. This scared the hell out of him.

  Thoughts of that morning and all her weird moods lately, including the memory of what he’d overheard her and Gina talking about came crashing down on him. He couldn’t bring himself to even buy into the idea that his Izzy would ever consider cheating—risk breaking up her family. He wouldn’t even entertain the idea of her having done anything physical with this guy. But the notion that maybe Izzy was having some kind of emotional affair had crossed his mind. Still he refused to believe anything like this could actually be happening. He needed to hear it straight from Aida, who’d likely be less worried than Manny about freaking him out.

  “Hey, Moe,” Aida said when she got on the line.

  “Is it true? She was actually crying?”

  “Yes, but here’s the thing,” she said in an even more guarded tone than Manny’s. “Before you get all crazy or anything, she was walking through the mall alone when I saw her and asked Manny if she was crying or if I was just seeing things. She definitely was, but I don’t think it was anything that guy said or did to her that made her cry. Me and Manny had just begun to gather all our bags because we were taking a break on one of them benches when I spotted her, but then he showed up, and we sat back down and watched.”

  “He rushed to her,” Manny said loudly in the background, “all concerned and shit. Maybe they’d just had a fight or something. He is her boss, right? Bosses can be dicks sometimes.”