I make a face. Aaron’s probably trying to sue his grandfather for his inheritance since his “blackmail a former girlfriend into marrying me” plan failed. He said he’d do anything to stop his brother from getting all the money.
“Didn’t you date that guy?” Rinaldo says, looking at me.
“Yeah.” Papa is scowling. He has every reason to hate Aaron.
Mama is also looking less than pleased. “What does he need a lawyer for?”
Hugo leans closer. “Apparently, a few newspapers published articles about him embezzling from his family charity and sexually harassing the female employees. His grandfather got so mad, he fired him on the spot.”
There’s a collective gasp. “What?” I blink. “No way. Were the articles in legit papers or just some tabloid?”
“No, no. Real papers.”
“Huh.” I believe Aaron is more than capable of groping and inappropriate talk. He secretly recorded sex with some of his exes, so what’s a little touching and some words?
Hugo continues, “And he got served by at least half a dozen of those women he’s been harassing.”
“Wow. Why would they just decide to sue him now?” I ask.
“Does it matter? He’s going to get justice. Hope he gets the meanest judge in the country,” Mama says.
“Did he do anything bad to you?” Angel’s eyes have gone flat.
Filmed us having sex and then threatened me with the recording. Then gave it to Edgar’s mom. “No.” Not that I want to protect Aaron, but he isn’t worth Angel getting into trouble. If I say anything, he’ll use Aaron’s face for a punching bag.
Papa purses his lips. Hugo is squirming, but I give him a look. He’d better keep his mouth shut. I’m going to have to figure out what I’m going to do about the video Edgar’s mom got.
“I heard rumors that the women are being funded,” Hugo says finally.
“Funded? Somebody’s paying them to sue?” Tío Manny says.
“No, I mean somebody’s paying their legal fees. They’ve got some real sharks representing them, and Aaron’s having trouble finding a good lawyer to take his case.”
Somebody must really hate Aaron, not that I’m particularly shocked. But I wonder why he’s having trouble getting a decent lawyer. He has the money. And his family has the connections to hook him up. His mother will certainly try.
“I hope he represents himself,” Hugo adds with an evil gleam in his eyes. “It’s going to be hilarious.”
The door opens again. Ooh, maybe the servers are going to bring out some food. I’m hungry, and we can talk about something other than my shitty ex.
Edgar walks in.
Frozen in shock, I stare. His eyes are slightly red, as if he hasn’t been getting much sleep. Maybe he’s just been busy with work. He’s in a Brioni suit, just like the first time he came to the restaurant.
Mama’s eyes light up. “You made it!”
“Excellent,” Tía Bea says with a wide grin.
I watch my family stand up and greet him with hugs and handshakes, feeling surreal. Nobody seems to notice anything wrong in my reaction. Probably because they figure Edgar and I are saving our greeting for last because we plan to kiss.
Why is Edgar here? Because of the baby?
Baby or not, he knows we’re over. He’s accepted that. Otherwise he would’ve tried to contact me. Coming here isn’t going to do anything except make a bigger mess. Does he really want to hash it out here?
“You look good,” Edgar says, coming around to me, his voice solemn.
“Of course,” I say. I don’t want him to know how much time I spent thinking about him. Or that the reason I look so good is makeup. Yuna gave me some great pointers for hiding signs of fatigue.
“We saved