Notes of Us

Chapter 3

"Hola padre!" Fina shouted into the house as she walked in the backdoor of Isidro's house.

"Hija, ¿eres tú?" Isidro called out from the backroom.

"Who else calls you padre?" Fina said with a chuckle as she dropped her things in the kitchen and headed towards his voice. "Hola. Qué tal?" Fina kissed him on the cheek like she always did before she slumped down on the couch in his office.

"Long day?" He asked.

"Sí, siempre, pero fue un buen día." Fina replied as she let out a sigh.

"Uy ¿qué te preocupa?" He asked as he turned his chair to face her. "What's going on in that head of yours?" Isidro got up and sat next to Fina on the couch and took her hand in his. "Is it cafe related?"

"No, es nada. I don't know what to do about something, well a couple of things actually. What else is new?" Fina replied as she rolled eyes.

"Ah. So it's personal life related then? Is it about your friends?" He asked. Fina shook her head no. "So it's girl related then."

"Padre. We don't have to go there. I know it makes you uncomfortable. We can talk about other things." Fina said as she went to get up.

"No, hija. Cuéntame. I'm sorry that you ever felt you needed to hide a part of your life away from me. I know I tell you all the time that I want you to be happy and have someone look after you but I also want to know when you're sad and needing extra support. That's what a good father does and I'm done not being that for you. Tell me about anything you want. I will always love and support you." He said as he brought Fina to his chest and held her tight.

"Gracias padre. You don't have to apologise for that anymore. I know you had a hard time with it and that you've worked hard to overcome things you were taught. I appreciate the support and love you show me. I'm trying to be respectful and not burden you. I don't want you to think I'm unhappy with my life." Fina said as she held tightly on to him.

Isidro took his daughter's chin in his hand and brought it to his face. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek before saying, "and if you are I want you to be able to tell me so I can help you. Are you? Unhappy that is?"

"No. Not really. There are parts of my life that are but generally I'm happy. The cafe is doing great. I've got great friends who love and support me and a wonderful father who adores me and is always there for me." Fina said as she brought his hand to her mouth to kiss it. "I actually have a date, well, might have a date with this nice girl and a book offer from La Reina Publishing."

"Hija! That's great! Are you excited about both?" He asked.

"Well, I'm more nervous to be honest. It's been a while since Matilde and that one interlude was a disaster. I don't think I know how to date anymore." Fina said as she leaned back on the couch and faced her father. "I'm worried that I'm setting myself up for failure with the book idea. I've actually gotten pretty excited about it and with Marta handling it I know it will go well. She's really good at her job and I trust her completely. It's just that I'll be working closely with her on this and well..." She trailed off. She started to avoid eye contact with Isidro.

"Hmmm. I see. You don't think you can date and work with her?" He asked.

"What? No. The date isn't with Marta. Gosh no. I would be a mess if it was with her. She's so...and I'm not...well you know...She's just..." Fina said as she stumbled about her words.

"Just a girl you really like it seems. Is that such a bad thing?" He asked.

"She's not just a girl, padre. She's the girl. The girl that I've crushed on and off for years on. There's no way she would go for me." Fina explained.