Julio could tell Elena was distracted by something.

Elena and Victoria were the physical embodiment of what happens when one tries to split the strong personality of Imelda Rivera in half. Victoria was the no-nonsense, stoic, rigid half of her abuela. Elena was the fiery, nurturing, opinionated half. But both girls had inherited Imelda's focus and drive. So when one of them lost focus, it was a notable out-of-character moment for them.

And considering neither of them ever did their leather work and sewing absentmindedly, Julio knew the moment he observed Elena falling into a daydream-like trance while working the sewing machine that something very important was on her mind. Or perhaps, someone.

Most fathers, upon realizing their daughters had their eye on a man, would immediately wish to know two pieces of information about him: What's his name, and what size coffin does he take? Julio was a shy and gentle man, but would've readily pondered the same questions if his seemingly love-struck daughter had not inherited her grandmother's extreme pickiness when it came to men and eagerness to use the chancla to deter unwanted advances, which precluded any need he had to be concerned about a potential suitor's intentions toward his little girl. As it was, Julio found himself asking the first question, but the second was replaced with, "How soon can we twist his arm into proposing?"

Julio had his suspicions. Elena often enjoyed taking the long way home from the market, passing by some of the farms on the edge of town. Located out there was a small ranch that had provided locally sourced leather to the zapatería before. And Julio knew they had a boy around Elena's age. He had also noted the time Elena volunteered a little too quickly to deliver an order out to that very ranch. Julio knew his daughters well enough to know that they were always the perfect businesswomen, regardless of how they felt internally. So if Elena was interested in the ranch boy, she certainly wouldn't have taken advantage of her delivery task to talk to him about anything other than the business of making shoes. It was a fault of both his daughters. If a boy was even remotely interested in either of them, they refused to converse with him on any topic other than shoes. Julio didn't know whether it was fear or genuine disinterest—though with Victoria, it was very likely the latter—but talking shop all the time was no way to win a husband. Why, if Coco had done that with him, he would've taken it as a sign that she was not and would likely never be interested in him, and his shyness would've prevented him from pursuing the matter further. Frankly, he was forever grateful Coco had broken her mother's cardinal rule banning music from their lives, or she might not have found a meaningful way to connect with him. Even if both of them agreed to abide by the music ban thereafter, they would never forget meeting through the beauty of dance, and it would be a moment they would cherish together forever.

But Victoria and Elena had grown up under the music ban, and had never once questioned it. They knew nothing but shoes and business. That was their family's identity, and they were fine with it.

Unfortunately, their limited interests in life in general also limited men's interest in them. And if all Elena seemed to be interested in were shoes and how they were made, Julio was not at all certain how she might go about wooing this young man she seemed to be infatuated with enough to run her sewing all the way to the end of the piece rather than pivot where she had intended to.

Elena caught her mistake and muttered under her breath. Julio sidled up to her and, with a teasing grin, very brazenly asked, "So, mija, what's his name?"

Elena froze, then started turning a deep crimson. "Wh-what do you mean, Papá? Whose name?"

"This young man who has captivated your thoughts so much that you would make a mistake like that." He pointed at Elena's sewing. "It has to be a boy. I can't think of anything else you would allow to distract you."

There was one thing Elena had inherited from Julio's side of the family, and that was the tendency to try and hide her embarrassment by tucking her chin down into her blouse collar and hunching her shoulders. It was the trademark quirk she shared with her father. Victoria and Coco jokingly called it their "turtle impersonation." Elena hated having this habit pointed out to her, which only caused her to do it more. Julio chuckled as Elena pulled the same move now, but didn't call attention to it. The act, along with her silence, confirmed what he'd guessed.

"Is he muy guapo?" Julio prodded.

"Papá!" Elena exclaimed. "I'm trying to do my work!"

Julio threw up his hands. "Okay, no need to get upset. I just wanted to know who might've caught my little princesa's eye, that's all."

"Who said it was a boy?"

"Well, mija, I've never seen you get that dreamy look on your face when thinking about your mamá's pan dulce, or any pair of shoes."

By this point, Julio was convinced that if Elena turned any redder, she might be seen glowing as far away as Mexico City. He chuckled again. Being a father was so much fun, especially now that his girls were old enough to be thoroughly embarrassed by their old man.

Elena tried to ignore him and return to her sewing. Júlio shrugged and turned back to his own work. He'd give it a few minutes and tease her again in a bit. Enough of that would eventually cause her to break down and shout the information he sought at him just to get him to leave her in peace.

"His name is Franco."

"Victoria!"

Julio turned around in time to see Elena lob a sandal at her sister's head. The elder, taller girl barely moved to dodge it, a smile twitching at her lips.

"You're welcome," Victoria said. "I just saved you the agony of having Papá pester you for the next hour about your crush."

Elena spluttered. "First of all, it's not a crush! I never said I had a crush on anyone! Second, now Papá's just gonna pester me more about it, and the whole workshop knows about it thanks to you!"

"There are only three of us in here," Victoria pointed out. "And even if the whole family were in here, why would you care that they knew you most definitely did not have a crush on a farm boy named Franco?"

"Girls, girls, calm down!" Julio called, trying very hard not to laugh. Elena had worked herself into a frenzy, and was, really, the only one of the two who needed to be told to calm down. Victoria was as calm as ever, barely smirking as she carved a pattern onto a piece of leather. Júlio turned to his younger daughter.

"Alright, mija, I won't tease you about this Franco boy anymore. But have you talked to him?"

Elena ducked her head. "Yes. No. I mean...I've talked to his parents before. For business. They're very dedicated to their work. And they teach their children to be so as well."

"This is good," Julio said. "It's important to have a good work ethic. A man can't support a family if he's not willing to work hard to get things done."

"Nor a woman," Victoria added.

"Sí, very true. Your abuela is a very hard working woman who supports this whole family."

"And her example is why I must also get back to my work," Elena said. "So if everyone could please stop bothering me, that would be just lovely."

Victoria rolled her eyes at Elena's sardonic tone, but didn't respond.

Julio returned to his work as well, a plan forming in his mind. He knew Elena might not work up the courage to speak to this Franco about anything other than business unless she was pushed. So Julio would just have to be the one to give her that nudge. And he had an idea of how to do it.


Julio's suspicions were spot on. He had set out for the edge of town on the pretense of business, and had made his way straight to the ranch where he was certain that boy lived. He'd interacted with the family several times before, and when he knocked at their door, they were quick to invite him in. Júlio felt a twinge of guilt as he explained his purpose for visiting to the parents of the object of his daughter's secret affections. But his plan wouldn't work without their cooperation. He was delighted to learn that Franco's feelings were mutual; he had long been interested in Elena, but the reputation that the Rivera women had for fiercely refusing men's advances had caused him to hold back.

Even better was the fact that Franco was certainly in need of new work boots. His were clearly worn, so being gifted with a new pair wouldn't seem so out of the blue. His parents introduced him to Julio, saying it was high time Franco replaced his boots, and that they had called on Julio to take Franco's measurements.

Franco and Julio conversed easily as Julio worked. The young man had a disposition very similar to Julio's own, and he seemed the honest type. Elena was very close to her papá, and it pleased Julio that she sought his qualities in the personalities of the men she met.

"So how old are you, Franco?" Julio asked.

"Twenty, señor," Franco replied.

"Is that so? I have a daughter around that age."

Julio tried to avoid glancing up from his measurements to see Franco's reaction. But he could tell by the young man's uncomfortable shifting in his seat that he'd achieved the response he wanted. Franco had a classic farmer's tan that darkened his brown skin considerably, but Julio was certain that the boy's blush could be seen right through it. A smile twitched at Julio's mouth, hidden for the most part by his mustache.

"You may have seen her walking down the lane," Julio continued to probe. "She likes to take the long way home, away from the noise of the plaza." He intentionally omitted the part about the music that was a constant presence in the plaza. If this boy was to take an interest in Elena, he would have to come to the decision on his own to cut all ties to music. Julio didn't want to sway his decision in either direction just yet.

Franco continued to shuffle nervously. He coughed to clear his throat. "I...I may have seen her...a time or two...coming this way. I've seen her in the market, too. She's..." he stumbled, trying to find the right words. "She's very...fierce. Doesn't let anyone push her around or tell her what to think."

"Sí, a strong will and temper is a Rivera woman trait," Julio agreed. "I felt I was taking my life into my hands when I asked my mother-in-law for her daughter's hand." He chuckled at the memory. "Imelda is extremely protective of our family, and my Elena's inherited that protectiveness from her abuela."

"That's good," Franco said. "I can't imagine anything happening to my family. I would go crazy if they were hurt, and I wasn't able to help. My mamá, she can take care of herself pretty well as it is, but when she and Papá are on the warpath together, watch out!"

"A real battle couple, eh?"

Franco chuckled. "So much so. There's not a beast in Oaxaca that doesn't fear the very sound of their names whispered at night."

"That would explain why your folks so rarely lose a cow or horse."

Franco nodded.

Julio finished his measurements and tucked his notepad into his apron. He stood and offered Franco a hand to shake. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Franco. And your new boots will be delivered in three to ten business days. Or if you like, you can swing by the zapatería yourself and pick them up."

Franco blushed and shuffled his feet. "Um...if it's not too much trouble...I'd like them delivered. I...have a lot of work to do on the farm. And if I simply wait for them to be delivered, I won't make myself a bother for a week straight if they're not finished in three days."

Julio chuckled, suspecting the young man didn't want to "bother" one person in particular. "Suit yourself. We'll deliver them, then." He tipped his hat and turned to leave the house.

"Señor!" he heard Franco call after him. He paused and turned.

"Does...anyone in your family enjoy trail rides? Because we have several good horses. So...if anyone wants to come around...Iwouldbehappytotakethemonthetrails..." The last few words came out in a mumbled rush.

Julio gave Franco a sly grin. "I honestly couldn't say. You'd have to ask her yourself."

Franco's mouth dropped open, and he quickly clamped it shut again as he turned bright red. He opened and closed his mouth several more times, but no words would come.

Julio kept his ear-to-ear grin on his face as he turned back toward the road home, leaving a very embarrassed Franco alone on his family's porch with his very poorly kept secret crush.


When Julio returned to the store, he immediately placed the order slip on top of the stack of incoming orders. Coco was at the counter that day and didn't miss her husband's bemused grin as he pressed the slip in place.

"What are you up to, mi amor?" Coco asked. "That's a rather suspicious smile."

Julio shushed her and leaned in so she could hear his conspiratorial whisper. "I just took an order for new boots, and I'd like Elena to make and deliver them."

Coco's eyes widened and she stiffled a giggle. "What kind of boots?"

"Ranch boots."

"Aha," Coco said, understanding immediately. "Yes, she has been out that way quite a lot, hasn't she?" She gave her husband a playful slap on the shoulder. "But you! Setting up our daughter like that. How shameless!"

Julio chuckled, removing his hat and holding it at his chest in feigned apology. "Guilty as charged. Whatever shall you do with me?"

Coco gave him a coy grin. "I think I can come up with a suitable punishment, to be administered well after business hours."

"Ah, yes, business before pleasure." Julio leaned in to give his wife a kiss on the cheek. "I'd best get back to the daily grind."

"Speaking of which, we're out of coffee again," Coco said.

Julio sighed. "Good heavens, between your mother and our daughters, we spend more in coffee than we do in groceries!"

"I know. But if we don't keep those workaholics supplied, there's bound to be a mutiny."

"Noted, querida. I'll just send your tíos out to purchase more, since they're the ones truly terrified of your mamá when she's deprived of caffeine."


In accordance with Julio's plot, Coco was careful to omit the recipient's name when she gave Elena the order to fill.

"Work boots?" Elena questioned as she looked over the order. "But Mamá, I've never made work boots before."

"Well, now is the time to learn, mija," Coco replied. She held up a finger as Elena began to protest. "No arguments! I have every confidence in you. You're very good at this. You always have been. These boots should be no trouble for you at all."

Elena sighed and turned to pick out the finest leather for her first pair of hand crafted work boots.


Elena threw herself into her assignment wholeheartedly, not wanting to chance messing anything up. She didn't even hear the whispers and titters that passed between her parents and grandmother as they discussed the plot. Nor did she pay attention to the knowing glances Victoria kept sending her way, having figured out exactly who the order was for. The only ones left in the dark besides Elena herself were Tío Oscar and Tío Felipe, whom no one in the house trusted to keep this secret from Elena.

She worked late into the night, hesitant to leave a seam half-stitched or a design half-pressed. She started the soles over multiple times, each time muttering about how they weren't quite right. After three days of nearly working her fingers to the bone, she was able to hold the shiny new boots aloft and triumphantly shout that they were finished.

Imelda immediately came over to Elena's table to inspect her work. She scrutinized every stitch in the leather, humming over the design and running her fingers across the eyelets. She lifted the tongue, running her hand along its underside and inspecting the inside of the boot. She turned it over and noted with satisfaction the expertly placed Rivera seal on the sole.

"It looks excellent, mija," she declared.

Elena released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

"But now comes the real test," Imelda continued. "Customer satisfaction."

"Well, he can come and pick them up anytime," Elena said.

"Oh, did I forget to mention?" Julio called from across the shop. "This customer specifically requested that they be delivered. As the proud maker of her first pair of boots, I think it's only fitting, heh, that you deliver them, mija."

Elena gave an exasperated sigh as she ran her hand through her hair. Truth be told, she was exhausted. She didn't want to go traipsing across town when the customer could just as easily come and pick up his own order. But one raised eyebrow from her grandmother told her this assignment was non-negotiable.

"Alright, Papá. What's the address?"

"I have it written down for you," Julio said, walking over and handing her a slip of paper.

Elena took the paper and looked over the name and address of the recipient, oblivious to the silence that had settled on the room as everyone present waited for her to absorb the information. Even Oscar and Felipe paused in their work, looking up curiously to see why everyone had gone quiet. A grimace crossed Elena's features as she recognized the name and address. She glared up at her father.

"Papá! Really?"

Julio held up his hands. "He needed new boots," he said innocently.

Elena turned red and began to splutter, but Imelda shooed her out of the shop, handing her a box and dropping the boots in it along the way.

"No protests! The customer is waiting for his boots! Go now! It won't take you long if you hurry."

As Imelda forced Elena out the door and closed it behind her, the family chuckled as they heard Elena let out a frustrated growl.

"I'll get you all for this!" they heard her vow. "Especially you, Papá!"

"You'd best be prepared to hide when she returns, querido," Coco suggested. Julio merely shrugged in response and returned to his work.


It was a few hours before Elena burst through the door again, launching into a tirade. She jabbed an accusing finger at Julio.

"YOU! You set me up on the most embarrassing, excruciating, amazing delivery job ever, and I'll never forgive you for it!"

Julio was fully prepared to duck for cover when his irate daughter returned, but he was rooted in place when he noticed that Elena was dragging something—or someone—into the shop with her. A very confused yet very happy Franco allowed himself to be yanked inside, his brand new boots clomping on the floor. Julio grinned.

"Hello, Franco," he greeted. "I trust the boots are to your satisfaction? Or was there something about them needing our attention?"

"They're perfect, señor," Franco said. "I've never had a new pair of boots this comfortable. I feel like they don't even need to be broken in! Elena did an excellent job." He turned to meet her gaze, and the two blushed, looking away from one another with shy smiles.

"And you were worried he wouldn't like them, mija," Julio said.

"I'm still mad at you, Papá," Elena said, not wanting to admit defeat. "And just for that terrible trick you pulled on me, I'm gonna tell Abuelita that I'm taking the rest of the day off to go on a trail ride, and you've agreed to take over the rest of my daily responsibilities." She dropped Franco's hand to cross her arms, making it clear that she wouldn't take no for an answer.

Franco, meanwhile, hadn't missed Elena's answer to his invitation. His face lit up, and he turned to her. "Really?" he said, delighted that she had agreed to go horseback riding with him.

Imelda sat on the opposite side of the room, working on her own orders. She had paused long enough to take in the entertaining scene before her, and wasn't surprised by Elena's ultimatum.

"Be back by sunset, mija," she said, giving her permission to carry out everything Elena had demanded in recompense.

Elena beamed, turning to her mother for additional permission.

"You heard your abuelita," Coco said.

"Gracias, Abuelita," Elena said, turning back to her grandmother.

"Wait," Oscar said, he and his twin standing at their workbench looking thoroughly confused.

"Is Elena going out with a boy?" Felipe asked.

"As in, a date?"

"With a new novio?"

Elena rolled her eyes. "Yes, tíos, I'm going out on a date with Franco."

The twins grinned and high fived one another, as if the whole thing had been their idea. "Oye! Our little Elena has found love!" they shouted in unison.

Elena brought her hand up to her face and groaned.

Nearby, Victoria had watched the whole ordeal in silence. But now that her sister had a love interest who could feasibly be seen joining the family one day, if her papá's meddling had anything to do with it, she had something to say about the whole affair.

"Of course, you know what this means," Victoria said slyly.

"No, I don't know what it means, Victoria," Elena bit, still thoroughly annoyed at the day's events.

"It means that Papá took the liberty of asking Franco's shoe size for you." She gave Elena a subtle wink.

Elena let out a mortified screech and swept her sandal off her foot. "Victoriaaaaa!"

Victoria let loose a satisfied laugh as she dodged her sister's swipes with the chancla. The two of them dashed toward the kitchen, right past a beet-red Franco and a very amused Julio, Elena shouting every insult just shy of a curse word that she could conjure.

Julio turned to the farm boy and gave him a warm smile. "Best of luck to you," he said simply.

"Thanks," Franco muttered, glowing with embarrassment. "I'll need it."