John Brown had become a regular at Tio Pepe's Cantina. His introduction by Marisol and the endorsement from Pepe got it started, but he became popular with the staff in his own right due to his natural charm and geniality. He was a good student and had done well in the Survival Spanish class, and then there was the extra credit for his "homework" with
Profesora
Perez. He had emerged with a good grip on street lingo and the borderland "Spanglish" slang spoken by the majority of Pepe's crew, but beyond that he had found someone that made him want to get up in the morning and provided the inspiration to get it up at night. John Brown had found the one. He decided to postpone his extended vacation in Mexico and refine his abilities in the Spanish language. OK, improving his Spanish was more of an excuse. His primary motivation was Marisol. The Survival course only lasted 6 weeks and they had been avidly banging bodies for a good six months since that first date. (See the original Teacher's Pet). Besides being the best sex he had had in.., well, ever, he had fallen hard for her - the personality, the independence, the brutal honesty, the intelligence, the sharp-edged wit. She was a total package, and he was hooked.
And she showed all the signs of being happy with him, too. His soft machismo, his hard body, his kindness and thoughtfulness, his effortless class; she seemed content with the relationship. So it came as a bit of a surprise when she announced that she was expecting the visit of an old friend and former lover. This was clearly part of that past they never spoke about, and he had figured it was bound to happen sometime, so now here it was.
"Should I be jealous?" he asked.
"No reason to be," she replied, "but I'd be flattered if you were. I'd like you to meet and I think you will enjoy each other. And we'll soon find out because the flight arrives tomorrow, and I already arranged to meet for dinner at Pepe's."
"Well, OK," he said. "OK..." (But not really)
He had mixed feelings and tried not to show it. He admired her openness and honesty, but really didn't want to meet any ex-lovers. Not threatened, just not interested. But no way around it. He'd just have to man up and make the best of it. He made a point of not asking for any more details and as usual, she didn't offer any. It wasn't like he was worried that she would drop him for an old flame or anything. But still, he couldn't help but be nervous.
He picked her up early the next evening and they headed down the familiar route to the Cantina. He was trying to relax and act natural without much success. His efforts at conversation fell flat. She seemed a bit anxious but made no effort to conceal her eagerness to see her friend. Or 'dear friend' as she put it.
When they arrived, he was surprised to find someone sitting at their regular table - an attractive forty-something with a trim figure and a stylish haircut. He was even more surprised when Marisol walked straight up to her, kissed her on the lips and wrapped her in an embrace. She turned to face him, flashing that naughty smile he loved so well.
"This is my dear friend Carmen," she said. "Carmen, this is my lover, Juan Pardo. The Gringos call him John Brown."
"Well, you finally won the prize, eh?" said Carmen. "
Te felicito
." (Congratulations)
Marisol feigned taking a punch. "Hey, what's with the 'finally' thing? You make me out to be a spinster."
"Well, you never were much good at the dating game, but you must've hit a lucky streak, because this one looks like a decent catch."
John spoke up: "Oh no, I'm the lucky one." (delivered with the charming, self-deprecating style that usually put people at ease).
"No shit," said Carmen.
There was a prolonged pause while that soaked in, then Marisol snorted and cracked up.
"Come on Carmen, give him a break. He's more than a catch or some handy eye candy; he's my man, and he's not used to you or your feminist schtick, so be nice."
Carmen visibly relaxed and gave John a genuine smile. "Nice to meet you Juan Pardo," she said. Please don't hold my lack of social grace against me. I congratulate you on your union with my
compañera
and I warn you to treat her right. Or else..."
John smiled back and said, "Everyone says that. Even her. OK, especially her."
Both women laughed at that, and he was relieved that he'd landed one. Carmen reached out and hugged him. "If you hadn't you wouldn't be here," she said. "If you passed her test, you pass mine." She gave him a squeeze and kissed him on the cheek. She was very pretty, with big brown eyes, and delicate features perched on an elegant neck. A sensible business suit accented her thin but shapely body. He couldn't help but speculate about what was under it. They ordered pozole and stuffed poblano peppers. And a pitcher or two of Margaritas of course. The conversation was mainly between the ladies.
"How's David?"
"Busy as usual. Always running another project. But in good health so there is that."
"And the twins?"
"They start college next year. I have done my best with them but apparently, I don't know anything, and they can't be bothered to straighten me out."
"They'll outgrow that. Eventually..."
John was not interested in the family gossip and went to the kitchen to pay homage to Pepe and bullshit with the crew. When he returned to the table it was as if some fresh new wind had blown through the room. Suddenly it was time to leave. Carmen grabbed her carry-on roller bag, Marisol drained the last of the Margaritas, and John signed the tab.
He pulled up at Marisol's building, and they filed into her apartment like bees returning to the hive. He excused himself and went to the toilet. When he returned, they were locked in a full body embrace with their faces fused together by interlocking tongues and hands griping each other's ass. John was momentarily stunned and stopped in his tracks.
"Um, I can give you some privacy and come back later..." he said, feeling a little lame.
