Free Broken Rules by Olivia Jake

him. It was ironic, growing up
in LA only 20 or so miles from the beach, but feeling like he was land locked.
    Jesús mumbled, “Lucky bastard.” Alex chuckled and
then grabbed his arm pulling him to her side said, “Thank you Jesús, for
earlier. I really… that’s never happened to me before.” He nodded and put an
awkward arm around her giving her a little squeeze. Alex knew that showing
emotion wasn’t Jesús’ strong suit. Just this little display was far more than
he was comfortable with. Over the years she had tried to show him that it was
ok to feel, to hug, and he was definitely more affectionate with her now than
he ever had been before, but showing affection was still very far outside his
comfort zone. He preferred to show his love, and she knew that he loved her, by
always being there for her, by working hard, by being completely loyal to her.
It was a silent show of affection and love, but she knew it was there and she
never took him for granted. As strong and mean-looking as he was, she knew that
emotionally he was very, very fragile.
    From behind them, she heard Marco, “ Esteban,
mis amigos Alexandra y Jesús.” Marco beamed, it was clear he was happy to
be home, and it was hard not to be happy in a place like this. There was also a
pride and comfort that Alex could feel. Esteban, the owner, shook Alex’s hand,
and then regarded Jesús, his tattooed covered arms and scowl really put a lot
of people off, but he shook his hand as well, “ Con mucho gusto .” Esteban
smiled at them both and then gestured to the tables, “ Sienten. Sienten. Que
quieren beber? Comer? ” Marco ordered for the table, telling them that the
ceviche and sea cucumber were local traditions, then he leaned over so that
only Alex could hear and said with boyish charm and a wink, “And it’s said that
the sea cucumber is an aphrodisiac, Alexandra.” Alex chuckled, rolled her eyes
and laughed. After the panic attack and all the emotions that the flight
triggered, she certainly wasn’t going to let a little flirting by a gorgeous
man upset her.
    Alex asked, “And to drink? Remember, I need a
drink Marco. Badly.”
     “ Ten paciencia, Corazon . You already
got sick once today. You don’t have any food in your stomach, and we’re in no
rush. Relajate y disfruta, ok?” he said so sweetly. Alex was surprised
that this actor could be so caring. She was also surprised he knew what
happened in the bathroom at the airport.
     “You knew I got sick in the airport?”
    Marco laughed, “Well, when a man takes a woman
into the women’s room, and that man looks like Jesús, no offense,” he looked at
Jesús who shrugged, “people tend to talk. That’s why I ran into the bathroom.
You two gave all the women quite a scare!” Alex nodded and realized what they
must have looked like. The whole episode was such a blur she hadn’t really had
time to think about it. “You’re feeling better now, Corazon ?”
    Alex nodded, “Yes, much. Thank you, Marco.” She
gave him a soft smile.
    He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze and
said simply, “Good.”
    Alex took a deep breath, “I know I owe you an
explanation,” but before she could finish, Marco interrupted,
     “You don’t owe me anything, Alexandra. If
you want to tell me, tell me. When you’re ready. But for now, let’s enjoy the
view and relax for a bit. We’ll have a little something to eat and drink and
then I’ll show you around the island before we go to my mother’s, ok?” Alex
nodded. It was so odd having these conversations with Marco knowing that Jesús
was right there. As close as Alex was to Jesús, she felt like she was having an
intimate conversation with Marco, and with Jesús there listening, it was an odd
dynamic. But perhaps a good reminder that her conversations with Marco
shouldn’t be intimate. Then again, being as flirty as he was, Alex had a
feeling that would be very difficult. 
    The food came and Marco chatted easily about