Found

Chapter 19- Hurt

     He rushed past her into the bedroom. She blushed as he closed the door. She heard him turn on the shower. She decided to wait in the living room. Sandra sat down on the couch. She waited for about fifteen minutes. She began to play with her dark curls. She heard gentle footsteps and looked up to see Cesar slicking his hair back with his fingers. She smiled at the sight of him. If he weren't her brother she'd probably be blushing right now.

     "You look amazing."

     "Not as amazing as you," he responded. He fixed his collar and opened the door. They walked out of their apartment together; hand in hand. Now that they had each other, they'd never let go.

.   .   .

     The ride to the restaurant was enjoyable, and long. Cesar talked about how lucky he was to find a girl like her. "Even though we aren't dating or shit like that, I love you so much. I'm glad I found someone as special as you," he had said.

     "Words can't explain what I'm feeling. That's why weren't eating out; to celebrate!" she had said. Now, they walked into the restaurant by the sea. It looked like a small shack outside, but from the inside, they were greeted by a large bar and two floors filled with people dining and drinking in large groups. There were also a few tables filled with giggling couples who got touchy in their booths. But Sandra didn't mind. If Cesar was around, she felt safe. As if he could read her thoughts, he put his arm around her reassuringly.

     "Good evening Sir, will it be a party of two tonight?" a buxom young woman asked them behind the counter.

     "Yes. The name, Sandra," he nodded.

     "It'll be around a fifteen-minute wait Sir."

     "Thank you."

     They took a seat next to a gay couple. One of the two young men had his hand on his partner's leg. She looked over to her right. She tried to hide a smile as the couple began to make out. What are you thinking? Sandra demanded in her head. Was it wrong to just know they were gay? She ignored the quarrel in her head. Cesar smiled as she looked up at him. He put his arm around her. She could feel his even breathing on her hair.

     She whispered in his ear, "Quinn told me the food here's real good."

     "Yeah, but not as good as the Margaritas," Cesar whispered back. She laughed and leaned on his shoulder. She looked up into his chocolate-brown eyes. They were gentle and laughing at the moment. But she knew well they could burn with anger, just like they did when he found out about Vincent's lies. He stared back into her eyes. He looked away for a moment. The familiar warm brown eyes left. They began to burn. Something was wrong. He looked away again, toward the couple Sandra noticed before. She slightly turned her head and stifled a scream. The very man she sat next to was Vincent. How could she not notice it was him? Vincent's gay? a voice ordered in her head. Totally didn't see that coming, she thought. She looked up at Cesar alarmed. He wrapped his arm around her head, forcing her chin touch his chest; her ear to his mouth.

     In a soft whisper, he said, "Keep it cool. I've got a plan. I'm gonna fire this son of a bitch. Right now."

     "Cesar, wait! You can't do that! He has to pay for dinner," Sandra countered in a low voice.

     "He's a doctor, I'm sure he'll be able to pay."

     "Sandra, Party of two," the young woman behind the counter said with a smile. Sandra and Cesar got up to follow the young lady. Before Sandra could catch Cesar's arm, he turned on Vincent and his acquainted.

     "Vincent. Can I speak to you?"

     "Mr. Martínez, Sir! Of course," Vincent said with a too-sweet voice. He got up, and follow Cesar outside to the parking lot.

     "Everything alright?" the man Vincent came with asked.

     "Everything should be fine, he'll be back shortly," Sandra answered.

     "Who's that?"

     "His Boss."

     "Is everything alright Ma'am?" the young lady asked. Sandra merely nodded and followed her down a few stairs. They walked past multiple booths and the bar. The waitress stopped at a booth next to a window. Sandra gasped. The view was spectacular. The sunset was picture perfect over the ocean. The waves crashed into the rocks below. A large group of people sat on the balcony next to their booth, laughing with drinks in their hand. "Is this fine, Ma'am?" the waitress asked.

     "It's perfect, thank you."

     "Can I start you off with a drink?" the waitress asked as Sandra sat on the unusually soft seat.

     "Uh, I'll wait for him to come back, thanks." The waitress nodded and walked away. Sandra slumped in her seat. It had been what? Five, Ten minutes? She rested her head on her hand, waiting impatiently for Cesar to return. She saw a figure walk towards the booth, so she looked up. She gasped. It was Cesar, but his face was drenched in sweat. He clutched his side and winced as he looked at her. It wasn't the sweat or the pain he seemed to have in his side, it was the black eye beginning to form on his right eye and the bloody nose.