Chapter 3
There You See Her
"I can't wait! I haven't seen my friend in so long. We practically grew up together; well I am older, but still!" Esteban was bubbling as he awaited his friend who would be arriving at any time.
"Well, I can't wait to meet your friend," Maddie had no sooner opened her mouth when there was a voice from behind Esteban.
"Why, if it isn't the most adorable bellhop I've ever seen."
Both looked to see a very young and attractive Latin woman no taller than Maddie.
"Anita!" Esteban hugged her.
All the while, Maddie was trying to keep her jaw from dropping. Esteban's friend was a woman…and she had been expecting a man. As she thought about it, she realized that Esteban had never actually said either way. He had only used terms such as "friend" or "we". She pulled herself back to reality when she heard Esteban's voice.
"Maddie, this is Anita Navarate. Anita, this is Madeline Fitzpatrick."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madeline," Anita extended her hand to shake Maddie's.
"It's nice to meet you too, but you can call me Maddie." She wondered at Esteban's sudden use of her full name. "I'm sure you two have lots to catch up on so I'll just excuse myself." She already felt like a third wheel.
"But I want my two closest friends to get to know each other," Esteban was oblivious to the uncomfortable expressions both girls' faces showed. "I know! The 3 of us can have dinner tonight."
"Sounds fun, but I'm going to have to pass. Mom wouldn't like me going out on such short notice," Maddie made up an excuse.
Anita's expression eased a little, "I hope we still have a chance to get to know each other better."
"Me too. And I hope the two of you have a nice dinner," Maddie offered a friendly smile.
"Maddie is quite charming," Anita commented as she and Esteban ate dinner in the hotel restaurant.
"Yes she is."
"I think she looks as if she has a good head on her shoulder."
"She does."
"And she's pretty."
"Very," Esteban realized his mistake too late. He looked at his friend, who simply sat there smiling mischievously. "You're still crafty like when we were kids."
"Well, at least you're not denying what you said."
"Why should I? It would be an insult if I said she wasn't pretty," Esteban answered bluntly.
"I see right through you, Esteban. You know that don't you."
"She is still a child, Anita."
"And so am I. You have forgotten that I'm only 19?" She asked.
"No, but it's not like you and me…I mean," he was trying to put it kindly.
"Do you not know why your grandmama invited me? It's no secret that she's hoping we'll feel more than just friendship for each other."
Esteban didn't know what to say at first. "I guess I have always loved you, but nothing more than a little sister. Please tell me you feel the same." He searched her face for a bit of a clue.
"Esteban, there's something I've been wanting to tell you…"
Unbeknownst to the two at the table, a tabloid person was hiding with a camera nearby. He had just the right information now to twist into a jaw-dropping magazine cover.
Anita approached the candy counter, a few dollars in hand. "Buenas Dias, Maddie."
"Hi, Anita. What can I get for you?"
"Um, a chocolate pecan nougat."
"That's Esteban's favorite," Maddie commented.
"Yeah, well, I guess that Esteban and I have a lot in common," Anita explained.
"Well, you do seem pretty close," Maddie tried not to sound jealous.
"Yes, we are. I think it's because I was an only child, so I've always looked up to him as an older brother."
This threw Maddie for a loop. Maybe she was making something out of nothing. Maybe Esteban and Anita really were just close friends.
"I can see how that could happen," Maddie imagined Esteban as a very caring older brother. The kind that would protect his younger siblings from anything.
"And I can see why Esteban enjoys talking to you. I hope I do get the chance to know you better. Maybe we could become friends."
"I'd like that," Maddie felt as if she'd misjudged Anita completely. She was glad to finally let down her guard.