Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Page 7

  “It’s going to be the greatest moment of your life,” Hector whispers for me to hear.

  “The Garden of Arts will be showcasing a debut artist, Zoey Reyes.” With the announcement of my name, the lights dim and a large bright spotlight shines on my charcoal. I don’t need to open my eyes to see it happening. I’ve seen plenty of gallery openings.

  I hear the collective gasp throughout the room. Oh God, they hate it. I know they’re all thinking it’s the drawing of a two year old. I keep my eyes closed, so I don’t have to see their disgusted faces. I can see the headlines in the morning paper: Memphis’ Own Zoey Reyes: Sucky Artist of the Year.

  “Open your eyes,” Hector softly orders and squeezes my hip.

  I shake my head.

  “Open them,” he hisses more firmly.

  I peek through one and the entire crowd is circled around the charcoal. I stand up straighter; I see their excited faces and wide-eyed amazement as they look at the canvas.

  They like it.

  They like my charcoal.

  Holy crap on a cracker.

  I look up at Hector and he’s smiling down at me. He’s not even looking at the piece. His eyes are only for me. I lift up on my toes and I want to kiss him. His eyes widen slightly, knowing what’s about to come.

  “I told you.” Aunt Minnie comes up, interrupting our moment. “Do you know how much I love to say those three words to you?” She laughs.

  “People are going to hate to find out it’s sold,” Aunt Lanny adds.

  “Sold? Sold?” I choke on the words a bit. “You just unveiled it. How the heck did it sell?”

  “Private buyer. I showed him, and he loved it instantly,” Aunt Minnie explains.

  “What if I don’t want to sell it?” I whine.

  “You told me it was crap. I tend to sell crap very well.” Aunt Minnie winks.

  “How much did it go for?” Hector asks.

  “Well, that kind of crap,” Aunt Minnie thumbs over her shoulder, “goes for five thousand dollars.”

  “Wha…what?” My knees give way and Hector’s hard arms hold me steady. “Someone bought my charcoal for five thousand dollars?”

  “Yes. Now, we have to mingle.” Aunt Minnie winks at Hector and hugs me, as does Aunt Lanny.

  “Hey, I think it’s time to get some fresh air.” Hector tugs on my hand and I nod as we walk out of the gallery.

  He leads me all the way to his Jeep and I walk out of his grasp. I lay my hands flat on the hood and take several deep breaths. Hector comes up behind me and rubs my back. He doesn’t say anything.

  “Someone bought my charcoal,” I finally speak.

  “I heard.”

  “You know what that means?” I stand up and Hector’s hand lands lower than the small of my back, but I can’t think of anything but the painting.

  “You can finally call yourself an artist,” he grins.

  “Oh my God, yes. Hector, that’s exactly what it means. But what if it’s the only one I ever sell? What if I’m like one of those 80’s hair bands who only have one hit and then you never hear anything from them ever again? Crap, am I a one-hit wonder?” I begin to panic again.

  Hector pulls me closer to him and wraps his large arms around me. “No, you aren’t. You’ll sell many, many more, I’m sure of it. You’re a fantastic artist, Zoey. People will buy your work in a heartbeat.”

  I don’t think about what I’m about to do next. I let my body and hormones do it for me. I lift up and hug Hector, pressing our bodies together. “Thank you, Hector. I don’t know what else to say or do, but thank you. I was a wreck this evening and then I saw you…” I instantly still. I can’t tell him everything. I’m sure he already thinks I’m a basket case because of my reaction inside the gallery.

  “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad I could be here for this with you.”

  “You’re too kind to me.” I release his neck and lean back, but I don’t leave the circle of his arms this time. “You really are. Is there anything I can do for you? I feel like I owe you.”

  “Owe me for what? Being a good friend? I don’t think so.” Hector stares at me for a moment before he asks, “What we should be talking about is what you want to do to celebrate your night?”

  I stare at him; his eyes are drinking me in. I can feel the pull between us. It’s there and I’m not imagining it. Did I feel it before tonight? Or was I ignoring it? I’m not going to ignore it this time. I’m twenty-six and there’s a nice guy in front of me who I think likes me as much as I like him.

  “I’m going to be frank with you, even though I usually am. I know we’re supposed to have dinner with my aunts, but I want to have dinner with you. Alone. Is that okay?” I begin to lose my nerve, and I hope I’m doing a good job at not showing it.

  His smile could light up the night sky. “It’s your night, Zoey, I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Let’s go to the diner and eat until the carbs make us sick,” I giggle like a teenager.

  “Do you need to go back inside first for anything?”

  Oh, I need to tell my aunts. “Give me one minute.”

  I sprint back into the gallery and find my aunts. Before I can even say a single thing, Aunt Lanny speaks first.

  “Have a good night with Hector, dear.” She hugs me, as does Aunt Minnie. I don’t want to know how they knew what I was going to say, but I leave them standing there and head back to Hector.

  Yep, I’m turning into that girl: the one with the butterflies in her stomach and the sweaty palms when she looks at a guy. My normal cool, confident self, which I rarely am, is shucked out of the window when I see Hector leaning against the Jeep. I even forgot that I drove myself here tonight.

  Right now, I don’t care.

  “I’m ready when you are.” I smile, approaching him. He opens the door for me, and I gracefully hop into the Jeep, trying not to flash him.

  I’m thankful we have a short drive because I can’t stop fidgeting. I want to blurt out all my feelings, but at the same time, I don’t want to say anything. Due to my rambling internal thoughts, we make it to the diner and sit in a booth before I can even really blink my eyes.

  “How does it feel to be able to call yourself an artist?” Hector finally speaks.

  “Scary. Awesome. Nerve wracking. Elated. Everything in between.” I shake my head and try to process everything that’s pulsing through me.

  Hector chuckles. “Well, congratulations on your achievement. It’ll feel more awesome once it sinks in.”

  “You know, I’m wondering who bought it. My head is spinning, thinking of where someone would put it in their house. Maybe their office? It seems strange to have my work in someone else’s possession.”

  “If you still had it, what room would you pick to put it in? You know, assuming you don’t still think it’s ‘crap on a cracker.’”

  I try to hold back my grin as he sweetly makes fun of me. “My bedroom. I would put it over my headboard. It’s a little dark, but it’s where I would want it.”

  “That’s what I was thinking too. A more personal room.”

  “Exactly,” I declare as he takes the words from my thoughts. “You can’t get more personal than a bedroom. You do all sort of private things in there.” I stop as images of Hector and me in my bed run through me. Now isn’t the time for that. “You know what I mean.” The fire I feel tells me I’m really red in the face.

  “Hmm. I don’t think I do. What do you mean?” He uses his sexy grin against me.

  “Is this the game you’re playing tonight, Hector?” I’m challenging him to see how far our flirting will go.

  “I’m not playing any games. I do like seeing you blush though.”

  “You might not believe me when I say this, but you’re the only one who makes me blush,” I lower my voice shyly. I’ve got to be more confident around him.

  “Really? Does that mean I can add one more thing to the list of ways we’re compatible? Do you still think we aren’t?”
>
  “Hector…” I drag his name out and then stop speaking. How do you tell someone how you feel when you’re not sure yourself? I don’t want to blurt it out because I don’t want to lose him as a friend. He really does mean something to me. “Some of my opinions may have changed over the past few weeks.”

  “Want to explain that some more?”

  Of course he wants me to go on. “You really want me to lay all my cards out on the table? You want to hear this?”

  Hector looks me over and I feel exposed even though he doesn’t know what I’m thinking. Then again, he does seem to have that super hidden talent sometimes. “No, you don’t have to say it.”

  “I want to.” Great, I just told myself I’m not going to blurt out anything and there I go and do it. Be honest with him, Zoey, I tell myself. You’re both adults and it’s time you start acting like it. “But like everything else, I’m not sure how to say it. People see these tats and dark hair and think I’m some emo, but I’m not, and when I look at you, I lose all my train of thought and all rational emotions,” I tell him the truth and now, I feel as if I’m naked, running through the streets of downtown Memphis.

  “I know exactly what you mean. Whenever I look at you, all I see is Zoey Reyes and while I don’t lose my train of thought, I do become serious, I guess? Determined, definitely. Does knowing that about me make you feel better?”

  Come on. Is he really telling me he isn’t determined all the time? This is Hector the professional baseball player. He’s confident, caring, and a great guy. Tell him. My hormones and emotions are screaming so loud in my head my ears are ringing.

  “Crap,” I say aloud, more so for me than for Hector. “Okay, I’m just going to say it. I’m going to say the words and you can do with them as you please. I don’t know how you did it, but you did accomplish your mission because I like you. I spent almost two hours today, picking out this outfit, doing my hair, and my makeup while thinking of you and what you would think of it. I was on my hands and knees looking for heels because I thought you’d like them more than flats.

  “Let me not forget to tell you that I woke up this morning and checked my phone to see if you texted before I even got out of the bed. And on top of that, I was sad you weren’t in my bed. So, there it is. There is my crazy, messed up emotional ball of hot mess that I am in right now. I’ve never felt this way about someone and I’ve never seen my aunts react to anyone the way they did to you,” I spout out all my feelings and the silence grows between us. I’m not sure if it’s good or bad. Right before I’m about to ask, Hector breaks out his famous grin.

  “Every time I think I have a handle on who you are, you surprise me. If it hasn’t already been obvious, I like you, too.”

  “I know you do, Hector, but the two of us are from different planets. I’ve said this a hundred times to you. Now, I’m rambling off my emotions as if I’m on a talk show.” I pick at the napkin in front of me.

  “We may be from different planets, but the differences aren’t too big of a hurdle, right?” I look up at him and he is absentmindedly twisting the cross he wears around his neck. His brow is furrowed, and I know he’s thinking of something serious. He’s right again. Different planet is one thing, but are we really that different?

  “It’s not. But I’ve never really been in a relationship. You heard my aunts when they discussed it. I’m concerned that if this goes further, what about your family? I know my name isn’t on your mom’s list.”

  “My family wouldn’t affect my decision to be with you. I won’t lie. You and your family are further away from my family’s viewpoints than any other girl I’ve ever dated, but differing opinions hasn’t stopped me before. My family means a lot to me, but in the end, it’s my life.” He gives me a small smile. “Now, you’ve got me rambling.”

  I shake my head at the thought that I’m rubbing off on poor Hector. We’re sitting here talking about meeting families and discussing our future when we haven’t even kissed yet.

  “I think we’re both getting ahead of ourselves,” I tell him logically. “Let’s do what we’ve been doing. Let’s take it slow. We’re friends and we both like each other. When and if anything else progresses from that, then we’ll cross that bridge when we reach it. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds perfect.” Hector relaxes and dinner continues smoothly.

  We talk about baseball, the charcoal, and Hector’s busy schedule approaching. The Angels are in the running for a playoff spot and he couldn’t be more proud and excited. After we eat, Hector takes me to my car. I almost forgot about it because of the great night I’ve had. He makes me laugh and even feel good about the charcoal by the end of the night.

  I open my car door and Hector pins me in between him and the car.

  “Do you have to work tomorrow night?”

  “I do. I told Storm I would cover a shift for him.”

  “Okay.”

  Before I take another breath, Hector’s warm mouth is on mine. I moan at the connection of our lips and bodies. The tingling is back. It causes my hands to shake as I slide them up his chest and around his neck. Making out with Hector in front of The Garden of Arts isn’t what I had planned for this evening, but I’m glad I am. When he slides his tongue into my mouth, I inhale deeply, pulling him closer. I want to keep going, but Hector has enough sense between us to slow down and release me. My lips are swollen and I’m not sure I’ll breathe correctly ever again.

  “I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” his voice is husky and I nod because I can’t even remember my own name. I slide into my seat and drive off toward my apartment with the biggest smile on my face, still thinking of Hector’s mind-blowing kiss.

  THERE’S STILL A grin on my face from last night. It just can’t be helped. I’m sure it’ll stay there since I’m about to leave for the bar to see Zoey again. Just as I open the door, I stop in surprise.

  “Carissa, what are you doing here?”

  “Well, it’s nice to see you too, Hector.” She rolls her eyes at me before brushing past me to come inside with a small piece of luggage in her hands. “Mom’s driving me up a wall, and I needed a weekend of fun.” She sets her luggage down next to the couch and turns to face me with a smile. “Surprise! You aren’t mad, are you?”

  “No. I’m happy to see you. I was just on my way out.”

  “Were you on your way to see that girl?” she asks with too much excitement. “I want to meet her!”

  “Aren’t you tired from the flight?” She shakes her head. “Fine, let’s go.”

  She squeals and I wonder what kind of trouble I’ve just gotten myself into. The entire drive over, Carissa talks and talks and talks. She catches me up on what’s been going on with her schoolwork. Before she can tell me how Mom has been, we park in the lot at the bar.

  When we walk inside the building, Carissa leans over to whisper, “Which one is she?”

  “C’mon.” I lead her to the bar where we take a seat on a pair of stools. Zoey spots me right away, flashing me a smile, which I return. She grabs a beer before coming over to us. “Thanks,” I say when she sets it in front of me. “Zoey, this is my sister, Carissa. Carissa, this is Zoey.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Carissa. What can I get you to drink?”

  “It’s great to meet you, too! I’ll just have a water, please.” Zoey nods before walking down the bar for her drink and Carissa turns in her seat. “Oh my goodness, Hector! Mom would seriously fall over dead just from looking at her.”

  I narrow my eyes at her. “How’s it going with the list?”

  “Point taken.” Zoey comes back over and places a water in front of her. “Thank you. I hope I haven’t ruined any plans between you and Hector. I decided to surprise him; he didn’t even know I was coming.”

  “No. I don’t think we had plans. I have to work all weekend anyway. Hector told me you’re in college. How is that going?”

  Carissa groans. “I’m surprised I haven’t pulled all my hair out yet, which is why I wanted t
o come visit Hector. Get away and have some fun. I enjoy it for the most part. What about you? Hector said you’re an artist.”

  “Yes, I paint and what not in my spare time. However, I’m more concerned about this fun that you speak of. See, I’ve got a wager going on with Hector right now because he isn’t fun at all. I’m trying to get him to go skydiving. Have you ever been?”

  Carissa gasps. “No, but I want to!”

  She turns to me, but I shake my head. “Don’t even think about it.” I look at Zoey. “You’re going to use my sister against me? That’s not fair.”

  “You haven’t played fair for three months. Carissa, do you really want to? Because I bet I can get us booked this weekend if you want.”

  My sister nods and turns toward me, grabbing my arm as she begins to beg. “Please, Hector! You said yourself I needed to have fun, and this is the perfect opportunity. Please, please, please!”

  “If we do it, then I lose the bet, and you know I don’t want to skydive.”

  Carissa is famous for pulling out those puppy dog eyes on my father and getting whatever she wants. Tonight, she’s decided to use the trick on me. “Please? For me, your baby sister.”

  I glance at Zoey, not feeling good about this at all. “I didn’t realize you were evil, Zoey.”

  “I’m not evil. However, this is fun to watch. Come on, Hector, you know you want to fling yourself out of an airplane.” She giggles and I wince at the thought.

  “How about I think about it and give you my answer before we leave? Will that satisfy you both?”

  “No, but I’ll take it. I’ll be right back.” She rushes to help other customers.

  I turn to my sister with narrowed eyes. “I thought we were supposed to stick together, Carissa? The only reason I even agreed to her wager was because I knew I would win and now, you’re pulling out the baby sister card.” I’m half serious, half joking. Skydiving is the last thing on this damn planet that I want to do and I already know I’m about to cave.

  “Hector, you’re the most open and fun guy I know. I can’t believe you haven’t already done it. This will be great for both of us. Come on, you know you want to.”