Chapter 12 Beating Around the Bush
Gabriel didn't get back to the Garcia mansion until nearly midnight, thanks to the ride for Teresa.
Normally, his parents, Raymond Garcia and Katherine, would have been long asleep by now. But not tonight; tonight, they had stayed up waiting for him.
"Gabriel, where have you been? Why are you so late?" Katherine looked tired, yawning, but perked up the second she saw her son, and she got on her feet to greet him.
"What's up?" Gabriel glanced at Katherine, then at Raymond, who was sitting on the couch with an unhappy look. He didn’t bother explaining anything.
"About your grandfather..." Katherine began, tugging at Gabriel's arm and looking at Raymond. Seeing that he remained tight-lipped, she continued, "The doctor said he may not have much time left. You know his biggest wish is to see you settled down."
The mere mention of the topic irritated Gabriel. He was about to speak up when Raymond's authoritative voice cut in, "This isn’t up for debate. You’re getting married whether you want to or not."
Gabriel sighed, he stared at Raymond, but he stayed silent.
"Gabriel, these young women have been carefully selected by your father and me. Your grandfather has seen them as well. Whether it's their family background, education, appearance, or character, any of them would be a good match for you. Pick one," Katherine said, reaching for a few photographs on a side table and handed them to Gabriel.
He took them, and glancd over them showing no interest.
Any of these five women seemed a perfect match socially.
For the Garcias, marriage was chess, a game of strategy. Gabriel knew that all too well.
"If you’ve already decided, then choose whoever you want, it makes no difference to me." The photos fell from his hand as he made for the stairs.
Mason's time was short, and his dying wish was Gabriel's happiness in marriage—a wish Gabriel intended to honor.
"What's with the cold shoulder?" Raymond's irritation was palpable as Gabriel remained aloof.
Without a word, Gabriel ascended the stairs, leaving the tension behind.
"Raymond, he's consented. Let's just choose," Katherine interjected, calming the brewing storm.
Raymond gave her a sharp look, his frustration evident, but acquiesced. "Fine, pick a decent one."
"I will."
...
"Teresa, you vanished last night. Everyone was on edge. What's up?"
The next day, Unity caught Teresa at school with a grin that spelled curiosity.
"Just out with friends," Teresa didn’t feel like answering..
"You weren't up to no good with Liam, were you? He's River North's golden boy," Unity prodded, observing Teresa's every twitch.
"It's over between us," Teresa shared, trusting Unity, a friend and peer of four years.
"What? Why? Is there someone else?" Unity's surprise was palpable.
"Why the fuss over me and Liam?" Teresa deflected with a chuckle.
"Liam's a catch. He's been good to you. Did you find someone new?" Unity pressed.
Teresa's smile waned. "It wasn't my call; he's lost interest."
"Why?" Unity leaned in, but a buzz from her phone cut her off. It was her uncle Preston.
"Excuse me, Teresa. I need to take this," Unity said, stepping away.
"Hey, Uncle."
"Unity, Mason Garcia's fading. The Garcias are rushing to marry off Gabriel to cheer him. Come home now; we're lunching with the Garcias," Preston's voice was laced with urgency.
"Uncle, you mean..." Unity trailed off.
"You've been with Gabriel. Time to seal the deal."
"On my way."
