The Dancing Torera

46

Sunday Afternoon

Anais

I hear the loud screams of rabid fan girls as Esteban and I walk hand in hand to the bustling conference center. Esteban had a press hearing for his week long redención(redemption). Hector had come up with the bright idea of doing a week long event where El Ninos would bullfight for their adoring fans. Today was the press conference to kick off the redención and was Esteban's first appearance in the public eye since the cancelled fight.

"You ready?" Esteban's hand rests against the small of my back as we walked through the back doors of the conference hall. I nodded calmly and shrugged. I was ready as I could be. Hector didn't give me much of a choice.

"Esteban! Anais! Finally! you made it." Hector exclaims, hugging Esteban before moving to kiss my cheek.

"Hector" Esteban greeted him, adjusting his dress shirt. Hector smiles at me, sizing me up and down before making mental notes on my appearance.

"Don't approve? Or approve?" I grumbled pushing my arms above my chest.

"Anais you look beautiful. Bella!"

"Sure Hector." I scoffed. I knew his compliment was a precursor to something else coming. Before I could even finish my thought, Hector pulled out two shiny bracelets, clasping it around my wrist before slinging a matching gold one around Esteban's wrist.

"Oro Luisa. When they ask you a question Anais, say you love it! You get all your jewelry from Oro Luisa. 40,000 pesos for a name drop."

"Ughhh" I groaned rolling my eyes. Esteban chuckled and kissed my cheek to calm me down. "Lo siento mi amor. It is part of the game" Esteban patiently explains. I adjust the buttons on his t-shirt before nodding.

And the press conference started. I stood behind Esteban, smiling pretty for the cameras and reporters. I made sure to nod when Hector signaled and giggled at every witty remark, no matter how unamusing it was.

"Now! A couple of words from Ms. Jefe" a reporter signals for me to approach the microphone.

"Or should we say Mrs." one reporter nosily pried. I stepped up to the podium, Esteban looping his arm
around my waist. He stood by my side, adjusting my microphone so it could reach my lips.

"Anais! All black? Your dresses are usually more vibrant." One reporter yelled.

"After that encounter with the bull, I think I just wanted a little bit more muted colors" I teased. The crowd laughed and nodded.

"So how is it being girlfriend to the most famous bull fighter in Spain?"

"Next question" I winked. The people erupted into a fit of laughter. I waited and smiled until they finished.

"Well? What can I say? You all know him as el Jefe but to me he's plain ole Esteban la Renta. Sweet kind...gentle but loving. He never makes me feel less than. Always buys me jewelry from Oro Luisa" I made sure plug the name of the jewelry company. I hear Hector hum in excitement.

"Is that true Esteban? Are you the gentle giant Anais claims you to be?"

He shrugged kissing my cheek and laughing. "Anais only speaks the truth. I would listen to what she says" he warns them.

"Anais!
Anais! Anais" the reporters yell, lifting up their pads and pens, desperate for my attention. I point to one man in the front.

"Anis. The night of the cancelled bullfight! That was quite the encounter you had with the beast! Were you scared?"