CHAPTER FIVE

Elena

I'm having the worst day. I've just come back from my interview with the family for the nanny position. Horrible. The kid was a total monster. He was racing back and forth around the room, shouting as if someone were beating him. Not only that, but the parents were completely stuck-up and glared at me when I mentioned my native origin. I politely told them that perhaps it wasn't the job for me and I left. They had a friggin' housekeeper trying to watch the little terror.

Before that, I went to see about the job as a maid. Someone else got the position just hours after I'd called to set up the interview. And don't get me started on the restaurant manager. When he asked my credentials, his gaze never left my breasts. I grew so uncomfortable that I just stood up and left. I'm glad I did. It wasn't the job for me, I guess.

As I pass through the house from the kitchen to head upstairs, my phone rings. I set my purse on the counter and rummage through the mess. When I see the unknown number on my screen, I hesitate to answer the call. But it keeps ringing. Unless I answer, it will go straight to voicemail. But I hate that.

"Hello?" I say, putting my phone to my ear as I snap my purse shut.

"Elena."

"Aiden? What do you want?"

"I miss you."

"It's a little late to be feeling anything like that, don't you think?"

He sighs, "Babe, I made a mistake. I'm sorry."

"What? Is your flame not who you thought? Did you realize why you weren't with her after high school?"

My blood is boiling. I don't want to hear his bullshit. But I can't bring myself to hang up. Why?

"Elena, baby," Aiden pleads, and I can almost imagine him bouncing on his feet like a child. That's what he is. A CHILD.

"You don't get to call me that anymore," I say, closing my eyes as the tears threaten spill out. "If you really cared about me, you wouldn't have cheated on me in the first place. Don't call me ever again."

I hang up and sit down as my legs give out. That stupid bastard.

"Gemela," comes Jose's voice and I open my eyes to see him standing before me. "Que paso? Porque lloras?"

I shake my head, closing my eyes again.

"I'll kill him," he hisses. "I'm licensed to kill, I could do it."

I crack a smile, because the thought of my brother killing Aiden is amusing. Jose chuckles and I open my eyes, looking up at him with a bleary gaze. He bends in front of me with the smile I've know for so long.

"It just adds to the already terrible day I've had," I say, shrugging.

"Elena," Jose takes my hands in his. "Don't you dare let him do that to you. He made the mistake, not you. You're better off without him, believe me. You can turn this day around. Sólo necesitas la distracción adecuada."

"Like what?" I ask, pulling a hand away to wipe my eyes.

"I found a really cool job you might like," he replies, pulling me to my feet. "Come upstairs, I'll show you."

I grab my purse and he leads me up to his room. He releases my hand, pulling out his desk chair and starting up his computer. I sit on the bed, tossing my purse aside and tucking my hands between my thighs while watching Jose tap away at the keyboard.

"Mira esto," he says, pushing away and indicating for me to sit in the chair. "Trust me. I think you'd like this."

I sigh and move to the chair. My brother pushes me close to the desk and points to the screen. And I sit up straighter when I read the article.

Ayuda deseada: Debe estar dispuesto a viajar al extranjero. Tener buenas habilidades sociales. Fluido en inglés y español. Se requerirá para servir comida y bebidas. Y en ocasiones, hacer el trabajo de la secretaría, y hacer recados.

"A steward," I say, drawing my own conclusion as I translate the advertisement. "'Help wanted: Must be willing to travel abroad. Have good social skills. Fluent in English and Spanish. Will be required to serve food and drinks. And on occasion, do secretary work and run errands.' That's basically a steward."

I click on the information icon, which takes me to the main website. A picture of a handsome, older man with a million-watt smile and a top-of-the-line suit displays on the front page. He's waving to someone that was probably behind the camera. The name beneath the picture says: Adán Daniel Mendez Senior. I guess his son has the same name or something. I browse around and learn that I'm right. He's seeking new stewards and servers. The steward position grabs my attention most.

"I could do that," I say, nodding as I look at my brother. "But what does the traveling have to do with this? Would I have to go on business trips, or something?"

"No," Jose takes the mouse and clicks back to the page we were on. "It's at a yacht club in Colombia. You want something different, and I think you deserve a fresh start. Colombia is amazing."

"And leave my family?" I ask slowly. "Move away just for a job?"

"Not for nothing, but you did move away to be with that idiot boyfriend."

I close my eyes and look at the website again. Colombia. A yacht club. I could do that. I meet all the requirements, which are few, considering how big this place feels.

"What do I do to apply?" I ask, looking at Jose. "I'm interested."

My brother grins and sets to work printing the application.

***

I help Mami prepare the table for dinner. After spending a good couple hours with Jose, filling out my application, we used Papi's scanner to photocopy and email it back to the club. I am also keeping the originals to bring with me if they wish to meet me face to face.

"You've been so quiet, mija," Mami says as she brings the salad bowl to the table. "What's wrong?"

"I have a lot on my mind," I reply, shrugging as I set Papi's place at the head of the table.

"Elena, talk to me. I'm your mother. I can always tell when something is bothering my children."

She pats the table and sit in her usual place. I sit next to her with a sigh. I explain my day, all the downs, the terrible job interviews. I then explain my hesitation to leave home to work at this yacht club. When I tell Mami that Jose and I emailed an application, she stops me with a grin.

"You would do so well in a job like that," she says, smacking the table, loud. "You learned English the best of all this family. I know you're not very outgoing like your sister, but you could work in that environment."

"But aren't you worried about me living by myself?" I ask, lowering my voice. "About me leaving home to another country?"

"Oh, mija, yes, but you know what? I know you will do well. Your father and I raised you best we know how. We just have to hope you will be alright without us."

I give a sad smile. Mami does know me well. And she knew I needed to hear her say this. Mami pats my knee before standing and walking into the kitchen. I dab my eyes and stand to finish setting the table. Yessenia walks in, chatting on the phone.

"No you hang up!" she squeaks, giggling like an idiot. "No mi amor, you hang up."

"Who are you talking to?" I ask as she sits in her place.

"None of your business," she scoffs, "but I'll tell you anyway. Es mi amiguito. You know what that is, don't you?"

I roll my eyes and go into the kitchen. She's being smug. Rubbing it in my face. I pass my mother and walk out the back door to the yard. I look up at the sky, breathing deeply and slowly. I don't need a man to define me. I don't need to take my sister's bashing. As a matter of fact, I think this is the push I need. Moving to Colombia will be my great escape. I will be away from my sister's abuse and I will make a new life for myself. And if the job doesn't work out, I'll find somewhere else to work and live there. Jose can come visit me and I'll keep in touch with my parents. It's going to be great.

***

When I hear back from the yacht club, I'm ecstatic! The employee recruiter told me to be at the airport on the 12th of July. That someone would be waiting for me with my plane ticket. My entire trip to Colombia would be paid in full, including housing and food. How amazing is that?! I am going to nail this interview. I just know it!