No Ordinary Love

Chapter 23

******Not Edited *******

Dinner went fairly well. Zayra didn't feel like crying anymore but did feel blue. Martha, Don Xavier and Doña Lourdes only surviving child was there. Zayra hadn't seen her in a couple of years.

She lived in the city of Lima. Where the company headquarters was. She was President of Sales. She was really good too. She traveled frequently so hardly made it to family functions.

Martha let her know that her aunt Jimena, the baby of the Alonso siblings were to coming over to stay for Xmas. From the all her aunt's Jimena was her favorite. She was the youngest of them all and kept her playfulness.

She lived in New York and worked as a Professor of Economics. She had three children ages 16-14-8. Two girls one boy. Her husband Hugo Rossi was a Fire Marshal for N.Y.PD. He was also easy going man.

Martha told her that Yolanda was upset she had chosen Roman instead of Carlos. Zayra almost choked at this.

"I was never interested in Carlos." She looked at Martha.

"I know. Roman has liked you for a long time. They are just so vainglorious it's upsetting for me to see. I like it when it doesn't go in their favor. I hope one day they'll learn humility." She shook her head. She looked at her. "How are you doing Zayra?"

"I'm good I guess." she shrugged.

"I don't know how many times I can say I'm sorry about your loss. It sounds weak but it comes from my heart. I loved your mom and all your siblings. I've always thought of you as my nieces and nephews. It didn't matter that you weren't my brother's kids. You were always looked at as family. Zayra, you are family." Her eyes sincere.

Zayra looked at her hands and bit her lip. She felt the same lump form in her throat. She nodded, not trusting her voice to speak. She let Martha hug her, awkwardly.

"Remember, what ever you need, let us know. My father thinks highly of you Zayra and I know Roman has always thought of you. I see you guys are getting along better, that's good to see." she had released her.

Zayra picked up her glass and took a sip nodding. She turned and saw Roman was watching her intently. He was talking to his mother and Dona Lourdes. She saw his eyes dark with worry. His body positioned ready to leave in case she needed him. She gave him a weak smile.

He didn't want to be rude and interfere her conversation, however watching her face fall and her eyes glisten was hard for him to stay back and watch and not do anything about it.

He knew she was just talking to Zayra and what ever conversation they had would involve her family thus making her sad. Yet he didn't want to see her hurt. So he had to breath in and make sure when she needed him he'd be there.

He looked at his mom who gave him a small smile. She knew what he was doing, his body was already positioned to leave and go to Zayra. She was glad that she was here with them and not alone with strangers.

Marina needed her family together for the holidays and Zayra was family. She was glad that her son finally decided to pursue Zayra. She had never seen him happier, smiling, joking even. He had always been so serious and quiet. She brought out the best in him.

Marina had taken time before Dinner to talk to Zayra, to hug her, even though she didn't hug back. Just to let her know if she needed anything or anyone that she was there for her.

"I'm not trying to replace your mother Zayra, no one can ever do that. I just want you to know that you're someone special to me, not because my son loves you or because you saved Rudy's life, but because you are someone special and I'd like to stay in touch with you, no matter what."