Free Broken Rules by Olivia Jake Page A

the
islands, growing up there and where would be some good places to shoot. He
finally ordered some passion fruit cocktails for the three of them, though
after one sip, Jesús ordered himself a beer. He didn’t like the fruity girly
drink, and he certainly didn’t like another man ordering for him. Marco
shrugged it off, reminding Alex once again how easy-going he could be.
    The drinks were deceptively sweet, masking just
how strong they were. After one and a half, Alex was buzzed and found herself
giggling at Marco’s little jokes. “You are relaxed now, Corazon ?” he
smiled at her. She knew she was grinning at him, but she couldn’t help it.
     “Mmmhmm. Very relaxed.” She closed her eyes
and leaned her head back taking in a deep breath. She wanted to leave the
anxiety and sadness of her parents’ death behind, but she wanted to tell Marco.
She felt if she did it now, and did it quickly, she could move on with the rest
of the trip. She opened her eyes and found him staring at her. Now was as good
a time as any. “Marco,” she started, “when I was 16, my parents died in a small
commuter plane crash.” Her heart started pounding as she said those words. She
took another deep breath and continued, “I have never been on a small plane
because of that, and I promised myself I never would.”
     “ Corazon , then why did you? You
should have said something, we could have worked something out. You didn’t have
to come here!” he said with such care and concern.
     “I couldn’t turn down this job, or this
opportunity. It would have been very bad for my career. And I was flattered
that you wanted me to shoot you. There was no time to negotiate it all happened
so fast, and the story was already set, I couldn’t change it.” He opened his
mouth to say something but Alex shook her head. She wanted to finish this
conversation. “It really didn’t hit me until we were about to board. I had
tried to convince myself that I could handle it,” she chuckled, “but I guess my
body had other plans.” He smiled softly. “Anyway, that’s what that was all
about. It’s not something I enjoy talking about but I wanted to tell you why
all of that happened. We’re here now and that’s behind me. I’d like to move
forward, ok?”
     “Thank you for telling me, Alexandra. I am
so sorry that you lost your parents at such a young age.” Alex nodded, she had
tears in her eyes thinking about her folks. Jesús had been quiet, but seeing
her getting teary worried him.
     “Alex? You ok?” She nodded and sniffled a
bit, smiled at him and then said,
     “Ok, you guys ready to go? Marco, you’ll
show us around this beautiful island of yours?” Alex was eager to change the
subject and get up and get moving before things became too morose.
     “Si, Corazon! Vamanos!”

CHAPTER 9
     
    Marco drove them around the island, pointing out
various beaches, including which ones were best for snorkeling and diving,
where the large sea lion colonies were, red and blue footed boobies and
tortoises. They got out a few times to look at various views, but it was clear
Marco was anxious to see his mother and family. He explained that they would
meet his family, where Alex could capture some photos if she liked, and then he
would take them to their hotel after.
    By the time they got to the Flores’ house, Alex
was exhausted and hoped that meeting them would be quick. After everything, she
was looking forward to an early night’s sleep.
    When they walked into the house, the aromas of
home cooking hit Alex hard. Spices and warmth filled the air. That, and a lot
of female voices and music, so loud and immersed in conversation that Marco’s
mom and sisters didn’t even realize they were in the house until the three of
them walked into the kitchen. When they saw him, his mother Lydia broke into a
huge grin, putting down her knife and walking towards Marco exclaiming, “ Mihijo!
Ay, look at you, come here! Oh, you, you’re too skinny,