Isabel smiled then gave Jacob a look. “That was weird. How did he know who I was?”

Jacob laughed. “Get used it. From here on, everyone at events like these for your father will know who you are. Just wait until he makes mayor. It’ll get even worse.”

Pat rushed over to them, motioning to her mother and Gina who still sat at the table behind Jacob and Isabel. “It’s time for the press family photos.”

Isabel smoothed her hair. She hadn’t even noticed Jacob watching her. “Don’t worry you look beautiful, Bell.” She glanced at him and he smiled. “I can’t believe how much you’ve changed since I last saw you.” He placed his hand on his chest. “I mean you were always beautiful to me, but we were kids back then. You look so put together now.” He laughed. “Even in my big tough uniform, it was still a little intimidating walking up to you earlier.”

Isabel smiled but said nothing more than, “Thank you.” He looked really good himself but she didn’t want to encourage anything. Her sister would be doing enough of that on her own.

Art was already with her father and even as she hugged him hello, she saw the camera flashes go off. This was too weird. The family all stood on either side of her father, smiling big for the cameras as they flashed away. She tried her best to smile genuinely even though this was all so strange to her. Pat had the fake smile down. When it was finally over and she had a moment alone with Pat, she pulled her aside. “Patricia, why is he here?”

“Who?”

“You know what I’m talking about. My high school sweetheart? What is wrong with you? Why would you invite him to this and then so obviously leave us alone to catch up?”

“Bell, it’s not always about you. Remember tonight is about daddy. Need I remind you Jacob will be a Lieutenant Commander stationed in San Diego? Charles knows a lot of people but he’s always in Miami. Jacob’s connections are mostly from around these parts—people with lots of influence. He could be a big help in this campaign and he offered to do whatever he could to help.” She turned and glanced at Jacob. A man held a small notepad taking notes as he spoke with him. “Besides I don’t see the harm in you catching up with an old friend. An old friend who’s made a name for himself. It might remind you of what you’re missing out on.”

“You know what? I’m getting real tired of—”

“Belly Bell!” Isabel flinched when she felt fingers poke either side of her ribs. Art and Gina stood next to her smiling. By the time Isabel turned back to Pat she was already schmoozing with someone else.

“Isn’t this crazy?” Gina’s eyes were big with excitement. “Daddy? Mayor of San Diego?”

“Best thing about it,” Art said. “If he pulls this off, he only has to do it for a few years, then he retires with a ton of perks. He’s set for life.” He stopped for a moment and checked Isabel out. “Wow, Bell. You look good. What did you do?”

Isabel smiled, feeling her face warm. Before she could answer, Gina answered for her. “Mom says she’s in love.” Well, at least someone was acknowledging it. “When do we get to meet this guy? Romeo?”

Isabel laughed. “It’s Romero, and he’ll be here tonight. You’ll all get to meet him.” That did something to her insides. She prayed Pat didn’t do anything stupid. She hadn’t even finished her thought when Pat walked over to them with Jacob again. “I invited Jacob to sit with us for dinner tonight.” And there it was. Isabel was going to kill her.

***

Manny and Max had left Romero’s room exactly as he’d left it. They told him it would always be his if he ever wanted to move back in. As usual Manny had been choked up about it and said there was no way he’d be able to take his things out.

Since his apartment was so small, he took very little with him when he moved out, figuring he’d be back often anyway. So most of his dress clothes were still there. He’d showered there and gotted ready. He told Manny and Max where he was going that night. They were about as impressed as he thought they would be. “Fucking, lying, thieving politicians.”

“Hey!” Romero had warned Manny. “Don’t ever say that in front of, Izzy. Politician or not, this is her dad we’re talking about.”

Max stuck his nose into Romero’s bedroom. “Lookin’ good there, Moe,” he smiled. “You gonna be ‘round a bunch of big wigs tonight, uh?”

“Yeah, I guess.” The only one he was worried about was her dad. Isabel had never actually said it, but from the stories she’d told him about her dad, the man sounded difficult. That’s probably where Pat got it from, because her mother was cool enough. All those years of literally judging people couldn’t fare well for Romero. “This is the first time I’m meeting her dad.”

Max winced. “Really?” He looked Romero up and down. “So you’re wearing that?”

Romero eyed himself in the mirror, scrutinizing his long sleeved black dress shirt and his charcoal grey slacks. “What’s wrong with this?”

“Nothing but this is his first impression of you. You want it to be one he won’t forget. You know, make a statement.”

“A statement?” Romero frowned.

“Oh, I know. I got just the thing.” Max hurried away.

Yeah, that’s what he needed—something out of Max’s closet to meet Isabel’s dad. Romero could already see the leopard tie or an oversized gold chain. He shook his head, buttoning the cuffs on his shirt.