Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Read online

  “Hector, I’ve never felt this way before and I’m scared of letting go of my emotions. I know people say ‘go big or go home’, but I’m not that type of person. I don’t pour out emotions verbally and I’m…scared.” I stop talking because there’s nothing else to say. I told him my heart and soul and there’s nothing left in me but my love for him.

  “Zoey,” he pauses. “Mom has already tried to do that. And do you know what I told her? I told her that if it came down to it, I would choose you. Her not liking you has nothing to do with who you are and it’s wrong. It’s why she didn’t come to my game that day. Because I told her I’d walk away from her.”

  “Hector.” My voice cracks and for the first time in I don’t know how long, I let a tear escape me. The whirlwind named Hector settles my nerves and emotions and for the first time, I feel love from and for a man.

  OKAY, I’M GOING to puke and it’s going to be all over my shoes. I shake out my hands again as I stand outside the gallery. I’m shaking badly and I can’t stop it. I keep taking deep breaths and I’m trying not to sweat. It’s hard to do when I’m standing in the Memphis heat.

  “Do you want to go in?” Hector asks. Poor Hector. He has been standing next to me as I have my nervous breakdown in front of the gallery. He has been standing here as I freak out and he’s still smiling.

  “This is bad.” I shake out my hands again.

  “Explain to me what’s going on.”

  “How can I explain it?” I stare at him. “This is like game seven of the World Series in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded and a full count. Oh, and a tied game.” I try to control my breathing, but I’m becoming erratic.

  “Okay, I can understand that.” He pulls me into his arms. “Now, listen to me. You’re going step up to the plate, swing high, and you will knock it out of the park.”

  I can’t help the laugh as it escapes. “Do you know how a girl knows she’s spending too much time with a baseball guy?” Hector shakes his head. “When she understand what you’re saying with a baseball metaphor.”

  Hector laughs loudly. “Well, to be fair, you started it. Now, are we ready?”

  “Yes,” I answer without hesitation.

  He takes my hand and leads me into the gallery. We came early because I want him to see everything before everyone else. I unlock the door and flip on the lights. I turn to see Hector’s face and it’s shock, real shock.

  “Wow,” he sighs. He drops my hand and walks into the gallery. “Zoey.” He walks around the room. “It’s incredible.”

  I haven’t left my spot by the door yet. I’m not sure what to do right now. “You’re my muse.”

  Hector chuckles. “I can tell and I love it.” He strolls back over to me and kisses me deeply. “You hit it out of the park.”

  ZOEY’S SHOWING IS winding down, and it’s gone wonderfully. Even though she was so nervous beforehand, she’s obviously in her element here. Her aunts have been keeping her moving around the room, talking to people, but she’s finally on her way back over to me.

  “We should be able to leave shortly,” she says, slipping an arm around my waist.

  “No rush. Do you want to stay at my place tonight? I have tomorrow off.”

  She smiles. “Yeah, let’s do that. I think I’m long overdue for a night at your place.”

  “I agree, so finish up here and then we can go.”

  Her aunts call her over to where the last person has yet to leave. Zoey goes, and it’s not until an hour later that we’re walking into my house. I tell her she can go ahead and take her overnight bag to my bedroom. I’m kind of hungry, so while she does that, I look at my fridge to see if anything looks good.

  “Hector, come here!” Zoey calls.

  The door to the fridge shuts with a thud and I make my way to my bedroom. She’s standing next to my bed, looking at what’s hanging above my headboard, the first painting she sold. I just happened to be the buyer.

  “It looks good there, doesn’t it?” I say.

  “You’re the person who bought it?”

  I chuckle. “That would be why it’s hanging up in my bedroom, yeah. I really loved it and I wanted to make sure it was mine.” I pause as a thought hits me. “You aren’t mad, are you?”

  “I’m not sure how I feel.”

  “You’re an amazing artist, Zoey. I just wanted a piece of that for myself.”

  “I shouldn’t be shocked you were the one to buy it. I’m not mad. I think I’m a little embarrassed because it’s been in your bedroom this whole time. It’s almost like I’ve been here with you.”

  “If we had stayed here sooner, you would have seen it before now. I’m kind of proud that when I told you where I would hang it, you said you would have put it there, too. I like it in here because like you said, it’s almost like you’ve been here with me.”

  “I like it there too. I hate to say it, but I’m glad you bought it. I probably would have given it to you because you were the one who inspired it.”

  “But then you wouldn’t have gotten that look on your face when you found out someone bought it and who knows if you would’ve actually kept going if you just gave it away. One could say you owe me a thank you for your new career, but I’m not that kind of guy, and I know I really have nothing to do with it. It’s all you.”

  “A thank you?” She gives me a sly smile. “I could think of some way to thank you, but since you’re not that kind of guy, I guess I won’t,” she teases, running her hands over my chest.

  “You’re not feeling generous anyway?”

  A grin appears on both of our faces before she leans forward to kiss me. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” I breathe, lying her down on the bed.

  “I’m more worried about what you’re going to do with me.”

  My grin widens. “Lots and lots of dirty things.”

  ZOEY AND I are cooking breakfast. We woke up about half an hour ago, but just now made it to the kitchen for food. Zoey is standing at the stove, cooking bacon, and she’s distracting me. I’m supposed to be getting things together for French toast, but she’s wearing one of my t-shirts and that’s it. Just as I’m about to walk over to her, there’s a knock on my door.

  It’s only ten in the morning, and I’m wondering who could be here at this hour. I’m not expecting anyone. Nothing could have prepared me for who I find when I open the door.

  My mother and Paulina, an ex-girlfriend.

  “Mom, what are you doing here?”

  Mom walks past me before I can stop her, but she stops immediately at seeing Zoey standing in my kitchen. “What is she doing here?”

  “I asked you first. You should’ve called before showing up like this.” What a way to ruin our morning.

  “I’m your mother. I think you’ve forgotten this small fact, Hector. The reason I’m here is since you can’t seem to find the time to quit acting like a horny teenager, I brought you a prospect with me.” She points to Paulina, the poor girl.

  “I haven’t forgotten anything. I’m surprised you’re here unannounced when you live in another state. I’m sorry you’ve come all this way for nothing. I’m with Zoey, and even if I wasn’t, there’s no way I would get back together with Paulina. Sorry,” I say to Paulina. She looks uncomfortable and I have a feeling she had no idea what my mother was walking her into.

  “Hector, Paulina is a sweet, caring Catholic who will be a good wife. What does she have?” She tosses a nod towards Zoey. “I flew Paulina first class up here to reconnect with you. This is what you need.” Mom nudges Paulina toward me, and I realize Mom has officially lost her mind.

  “It is not what I need. Paulina could have reached out to me herself if she wanted to reconnect. What did you say to pressure her up here?” I look at Paulina. “Do you seriously even want to be here? To have a chance to get back together?”

  Her nervous glance toward my mother tells me all I need to know, but she softly says, “You know how your mother is.”

 
; “I think what she means,” Mom jumps in, “is that she understands how you two need alone time together. I’m sure she’s terribly embarrassed to come here and see…” Mom stares at Zoey as if she can’t find the words to describe her.

  “I have a name,” Zoey firmly states. “I’m not a piece of the furniture.”

  “You shouldn’t have come, Mom. I’m tired of this, of constantly fighting with you over Zoey. Why don’t you and Paulina just go back to the airport and fly home? Nothing has changed since the last time you were here, and nothing is going to change. There’s no point in doing this. You should feel bad for trying to ambush me with an ex-girlfriend when I already have a girlfriend. Just go home, Mom.”

  “You’re throwing me out? I’m your mother.” Her mouth drops, but I don’t care.

  “Until you can accept my relationship with Zoey, then yeah, I’m throwing you out with a please don’t come back, phone calls only sign going on the door. You are my mother, and I love you, but I’m done with the ridiculousness.”

  “My concern with your well-being is not ridiculous,” she snaps. “I’m your mother. It’s my job to make sure you make the right decisions. Right now, you’re making the wrong one.”

  “My well-being?” I scoff. “I’m happy; what more do you want? If you think I’m making the wrong decision, then that’s your problem. You’re the only one who thinks so. Even Dad thinks you’re out of line and going too far.”

  She sucks in a breath and narrows her eyes at me. “Don’t worry about what your father thinks, and as far as you being happy, I think you have it all wrong. You’re a male and it’s in your nature to think you’re happy with someone who will drop her panties for you. However, it’s not love.”

  “Are you calling me a slut?” Zoey asks.

  When will this end? I’m ready to pull my hair out and I’m tempted to literally push my mother out the door.

  “Are you standing there in a t-shirt, spending the night with my son because of his checkbook? Then yes, I am.”

  “How dare you? I’m not a slut and I’m not with Hector because of his checkbook!” Zoey yells.

  “So you say.”

  “You don’t have to defend yourself to her, Zoey.” I turn to Mom, completely fed up. “You don’t know her, and you don’t get to judge her on what you think she’s like. You’re ruining your relationship with your son, and if you keep attacking her, you won’t have one at all. So, please, go home.”

  “If I leave Hector, don’t think for one second I will be coming back until you have seen the errors of your ways. Is that what you want?”

  I walk over and open the door for them to leave, giving her my answer. Mom seems shocked, but she quickly covers it and walks out the door.

  “Sorry, Paulina,” I tell her as she follows her.

  Once they are both gone, I shut the door and lay my forehead against it, really wishing I would bang my head against it instead because I’m so frustrated with my mother. The worst part about it all is that I’m honestly not surprised by the stunt she pulled just now. With a sigh, I return to the kitchen.

  “Sorry, Zoey. Again.”

  “I may have tattoos, but I don’t care about your checkbook, and I’m sure as hell not a slut,” she angrily spews.

  “I know that,” I reassure her, gathering her in my arms, needing to feel her touch.

  I OFFICIALLY QUIT the bar two days ago, but I miss it now as I’m lying in bed staring at my ceiling. I wish I were there right now and not dealing with the thoughts in my head. Hector is out on the road for the next four days, and I can’t get the conversation with his mother out of my head.

  I’m not a slut.

  I’m not a gold digger.

  I’m a woman who is trying to be the best damn artist I can be and survive.

  I roll out of the bed and stand up. My muscles are tight from being lazy all day. I head to the kitchen and turn on the coffee pot. Maybe some caffeine will get me going. As it brews, I walk over to my studio. Another blank canvas sits on the easel staring at me.

  There isn’t one piece of creative juice pulsing through me. It’s as if I’m dried up, and I know it’s because there’s only one thing going on in my head.

  Hector’s mom.

  I can’t think inside my apartment. I need fresh air. I race to my bedroom and throw on the first thing I grab, turn off the coffee pot, and head out.

  I let the music blare as I head out of town to Aunt Lanny and Aunt Minnie’s house. I can think there. They will help me understand the erratic mess called my feelings.

  “Hi, honey.” Aunt Lanny hugs me as I walk into the kitchen. “This is a lovely surprise.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  “Oh, no.” She steps back with a look of horror on her face. “What is it? Here,” she pulls out a chair. “I’ll grab us some sweet tea.” She opens the fridge and pulls out a pitcher then grabs a couple glasses. “Okay. Start.”

  “I like Hector. I like him a lot. We’ve had an amazing couple of weeks. I can’t even remember being this happy with anyone else.” I stop and tears start to build.

  “But…”

  I wipe my eyes. “His mother showed up the other night and she brought one of Hector’s ex-girlfriends.”

  “No,” Aunt Lanny gasps.

  “Yep. It was a massive argument. She called me a slut and a gold digger.”

  “Did Hector stand up for you?” she asks carefully.

  “Yes, he did. He threw his own mother out of his house and told her not to come back until she could accept our relationship.”

  “Good for him. I mean, I don’t condone fighting, but I’m glad he stood up for you.”

  I sigh. “I’m not surprised he did.”

  “What’s really going on?”

  I look down at the brown liquid in my crystal clear glass. I don’t know how to say the words. I can’t express myself, which is something I’ve never had trouble doing before.

  “Zoey, you’ve never not been able to talk to me. Please, I’m a little worried right now.” Aunt Lanny takes my hand.

  “He threw his mother out of his house.”

  “Yes.”

  “Would I?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If the roles were reversed, could I throw you or Aunt Minnie out of my life?”

  “Zoey.” Aunt Lanny shakes her head. “You can’t think this way. The roles aren’t reversed. Hector is a grown man who loves and respects you. It’s his choice on what he does with his mother.”

  “She’s his mother,” I whisper. “She’s the woman who gave him life, and he turned his back on her.”

  “Wait.” Aunt Lanny sits back a bit. “Are you thinking this way because you think he’ll turn his back on you?”

  I shrug.

  “Zoey.” Her tone is firm. “Hector’s mother is a small minded woman who wants to control her son as if she’s a puppet master. Standing up for you shows how mature and open minded he is. He has never shown an ounce of disrespect to Minnie or me. Has he?”

  I shake my head.

  “You’re over thinking this, and I suggest you stop it. You’ve never been this way before. What’s changed?”

  I keep my mouth closed and don’t say the words. I want to say them, but Hector needs to hear them first. But will I ever say them?

  “What would you do if I came into your home and did the same thing Hector’s mom did? Tell me truthfully.” Aunt Lanny looks me right in the eyes.

  “I don’t know.” I wipe the tears away from my cheeks. “I owe Aunt Minnie and you everything, but…”

  “But you love Hector as much as he loves you,” she says the words I’m feeling.

  “I can’t break up a family. You raised me better.”

  “You’re not breaking up anything. Hector’s mother is the one who is ripping her family apart. Not you. Is that what you think?”

  I remain quiet and stare at the table. I can’t seem to get a grip on my feelings right now. There’s a million things runnin
g through me and none of it makes sense. I do know Hector can’t turn his back on his mother or anyone he loves. It’s not in his nature. He wants to protect them. He needs to be there for his mother.

  “I’m going to head home.” I stand, and before she can try to stop me, I’m out the door and into my car.

  When I reach my apartment, I head straight for a canvas. The blank canvas is still mocking me and I can’t bring myself to pick up a paintbrush, a piece of charcoal, or even a pencil to sketch.

  My phone is buzzing in my pocket and I don’t have to look at the screen to know it’s Hector. It’s like that I already know he’s trying to contact me.

  “Hello, Hector.”

  “Hey. How’s your day going?”

  “It’s going, I guess.”

  “That doesn’t sound so good. What’s wrong, Zoey?”

  “Have you talked to your mom?”

  “What? No, I haven’t. I talked to my dad and my sister earlier, but I haven’t talked to her. Why are you asking?”

  “Because I can’t be the reason a family breaks up. I don’t know what it’s like to have a mother who flies up to try and stick her nose into her son’s business. Granted, she did it the wrong way, but she has to be doing it out of love, right?”

  “You aren’t breaking up a family, Zoey. My mother is just throwing a tantrum. She’ll come around, but it’ll take time because she’s stubborn. The point is you aren’t the reason. This was a long time coming with her.”

  Part of me believes him. Actually, all of me does, but this is his mother. Not some friend or teammate, his mother.

  “It would be easier if I wasn’t around, Hector, right? We’re not serious or anything?” Even though I know it’s serious for me. I feel the love there for him. I just haven’t admitted it.

  “No, it wouldn’t be easier. If you weren’t around, my mom would still be pushing me on someone and I would still be fighting her about it. What are you getting at with this, Zoey? We are serious, and you know it. We’re serious enough that I’m not willing to back down from my mother, and if you think your walking away will make me talk to her, that’s not going to happen. The problems with my mom have always been there. It’s just that now I’ve actually found someone to make it worth standing up to her. Even if you walk away, I still won’t talk to her until she comes to her senses. So, don’t go there.”