“I don’t know. I just saw something about my dad’s upcoming announcement on the local news. This is pretty big. I’ve been trying not to think about it too much but… my dad’s running for mayor! Holy cow! This is huge. God I wish you could be there with me tonight. But I know, I know, work comes first.”

The hell it did. “Listen, babe. I gotta take this call on the other line but I’ll call you right back okay?”

What the f**k was wrong with him? The girl he was crazy about wanted him there with her at one of the most important events in her family’s lives and he was passing it up because he was scared? Just a few weeks ago he was pissed that she hadn’t told them about him and now she wanted nothing more than for them to meet him. Time to man up. He called one of the guys on his payroll and arranged for him to meet with the client later that evening. Then he called Isabel back. “Izzy, guess what?”

“What?”

“That was the client I was supposed to meet tonight. They cancelled. I can go to the dinner.” He didn’t like to lie, but wasn’t about to tell her the truth about how easy it was to get someone else to meet the client.

“Really?” The excitement in her voice only made him feel worse. “Yeah, really. You said you have to be there early. What time do I have to be there?”

“Dinner starts at six. I’ll text you the exact address. I’m so happy you’re going to be there.”

Romero squeezed the phone in his hand. God he was an idiot. “Me too, babe. Can’t wait to meet the rest of your family.”

CHAPTER 13

Jacob

Hyped that Romero would be here tonight to help her with her nerves and excited now that the reality of what was happening finally hit her, Isabel walked into the restaurant. It surprised her that they hadn’t picked something more upscale. Pat explained that Charles thought something more down to earth and less pretentious would appeal to a wider range of voters. So they’d chosen the buffet style restaurant, a favorite on the base known for its fair prices more than its food.

She saw him the moment she walked in, and her heart nearly gave out. At first, she was surprised but when she saw her sister approach Jacob with a huge smile, she was furious. How could she?

The news crews and the photographers for the papers were all over. She spotted her mom and Gina sitting with a few people she didn’t recognize and walked toward them instead. She’d only been there a few minutes, just finished giving Gina a hearty hug when she heard Pat’s voice behind her. “Isabel, guess who’s here?”

She turned to see Pat and Jacob, who stood tall and very handsome in his heavily decorated naval uniform. He probably expected an, “Oh my God, Jacob!” And a big hug. Instead, she smiled big, she’d give him that. It was nice to see him after all these years. And their parting was an amicable one. There were no hard feelings, but the last thing she needed was for him to think she planned on spending any time with him tonight socializing. Romero would be there in an hour. After the Lawrence incident, she was certain he wouldn’t be happy about her hanging out with her ex-boyfriend.

She held out her hand. “How are you, Jacob? It’s been so long.”

“Too, long,” he said, shaking her hand. “Wow, the years sure have been kind to you.”

Isabel felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you. They’ve been kind to you as well. I heard you’re up for Lieutenant Commander. Congratulations!”

“Thanks. It’s been a tough journey, but in the end it’ll be worth it.”

“Nothing worthwhile comes easy.” Her sister agreed, then gave Isabel a look. “Mom, Gina.” Pat walked Jacob around Isabel, to where they sat. “You remember Jacob, Bell’s high school sweetheart. He’s up for Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. Isn’t that fantastic?” She turned back to Isabel, nudging her playfully. “And he’s still single.” She let out the stupidest giggle.

Isabel took a deep breath. Pat was relentless.

“Oh yes, of course I remember,” her mother said, reaching out her hand to shake his. “How’ve you been, Jacob?”

After some small talk, Pat touched both Jacob and Isabel on the arm, who still hadn’t taken a seat. “I’ll go see if Charles or Daddy need me. This way you two can have a chance to catch up.”

Isabel was going to kill her. “Didn’t you need me to help?”

“No, I think we have it all under control. Stay where I can find you, though. The photographers will be taking some family photos in a little bit.”

Oh, yes. Isabel was planning on sneaking away to some secluded corner with Jacob to catch up. God, she was infuriating. Isabel turned to Jacob. “So, how long will you be stationed in San Diego?”

“Until next year. But now my responsibilities are changing. Just because I’m stationed here doesn’t mean I’ll be here. I’ll be flying out constantly.”

Isabel nodded. “I can imagine.”

“What about you, Bell? Your sister said you’re a teacher now—middle school uh? You’re a brave girl.”

Isabel had forgotten that having dated him for over two years, he’d picked up on her family’s pet name for her. It felt odd. This wasn’t the same boy she’d gone out with in high school. This was a grown man now, on his way to be a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy no less, someone she’d slept with—calling her Bell.

She told him about her job and her plans to return to school in the fall, part time. He listened intently, asking a few questions. Photographers walked around taking random pictures. One stopped and took of picture of them without even asking, then nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Montenegro.”