Chapter 41: Dinner

The very next day, Victoria left the house and went straight to Pedro's uncle's place to look for him. She knocked on the door and the uncle, Mr Arthuro, who was a widower, opened the door and welcomed her in.

Mr Arthuro was a kind man. He was the only one who helped Pedro after his parents kicked him out of their house. He gave Pedro the benefit of a doubt when no one else would. Mr Arthuro had discovered that in life, you should never push family away but spend as much time as you possibly can with them, because you never know when they'll be gone forever, and you'll never see them again.

Time was limited, so why let petty incidents cause you to push away someone you love? The day Pedro knocked on his door seeking solace and accommodation, he welcomed him with open arms, not even asking for an explanation or scolding him. That was the kind of man he was; a kind of beautiful soul that was rare to come across.

Pedro was glad to see her, but he wondered why she was here to see him. They both went to the back of the house to talk and Victoria informed him about everything she had discussed with her brother.

He was so excited by this news that he gave her a big hug. His excitement, however, was quelled when she mentioned the part about him moving back in with his parents.

"You know how many times I've gone back to them and asked for their forgiveness. I've tried to explain myself and get them to take me back but they always turn me away," Pedro said with a sad voice.

"I'll go with you this time. I'll tell them that you are no longer the same person that broke their hearts and that you've changed," Victoria offered.

"You'd be willing to do that for me?"

"Of course, I would. I know you, Pedro. I know that you're a good person with a kind heart. Your parents have forgotten that so let's remind them together," Victoria said with a smile.

"Ok then. We'll go to them!" Pedro also sounded excited and hopeful. "When do we go?"

"First thing's first! My brother wants to meet you. He's invited you to dinner at our place by eight o'clock," She said quickly.

"Ok. Why do I suddenly feel so nervous?" Pedro said, "It's not like I'm coming to ask for his permission for your hand," He said playfully and went on one knee.

Victoria pulled him back up on his feet and gave him a playful punch to his shoulder.

"We should tell my uncle. He'll be so excited."

"Yes, we should. And we should also get him to come along with you for dinner tonight." Victoria suggested.

"What? Why?" Pedro asked.

"Your uncle is an elderly man who loves you and wants the best for you. Think of all the nice things he'll tell my brother about you."

"...which will convince your brother that I'm perfect for the job and won't let him down," Pedro finished her sentence.

They smiled at each other and Pedro put his hands on her shoulders. He looked deep into her eyes and gave her a hug that carried love, admiration, appreciation, and gratitude.

"Thank you, Victoria. You're a good friend."

"Don't mention it. That's what friends are for. Just don't let me down, ok?"

"Si, Señora," Pedro said and gave her a soldier's salute which made her laugh.

"Let me go give my uncle the good news," Pedro said and went back inside.

As he walked back inside, Victoria watched him go with a smile on her face. Nobody knew, not even Juanita, who was her only female friend, but

Victoria had always had feelings for Pedro. From the day they met, she thought he was handsome, charming, smart, and funny. He, however, saw her as just a friend and before she could reveal to him how she felt, he had already put her in the friend zone.

_It didn't stop her from liking him though. It only prevented her from ever telling him._

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That evening, Pedro and his Uncle Arthuro came over and had dinner with Hector, Victoria, and of course, Sharon, who was now a part of the family. The dinner was lovely from start to finish. Pedro and his uncle had arrived with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine.

During dinner, Pedro said all the right things and was constantly complimented by his uncle. It took away every doubt from Hector's mind, and he decided to give Pedro the job when it was ready.