Katrina

Chapter Three - Story B

STORY B

THE PRICE OF BEING LOVED

Miramar, Havana, Cuba

A week later, the Mendoza household was preparing for an afternoon outside.

They'd been invited by by Raphael's close neighbor, friend and partner, Edward McAllister. The plan was simple: a drive along the coast, followed by lunch at a restaurant Edward and Anna had recently discovered.

Now, as sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Mendoza home, Susan stood in the sitting room, trying to persuade three small children that putting on their shoes was not a personal attack against them.

“Sebastián, cariño, your shoes.”

Sebastián looked down at his feet as though he had never seen them before.

Camila, meanwhile, had managed to put one shoe on the wrong foot and seemed perfectly satisfied with her achievement.

Katrina sat on the rug, watching her siblings with solemn interest.

“She's laughing at us,” Sebastián announced, pointing at his sister.

“I'm not,” Katrina replied.

“You are.”

“Maybe a little.”

Susan pressed her lips together, attempting to look stern. She failed when Camila began giggling.

“Ay, Dios mío.” She shook her head. “Three of you, and somehow I need six hands.”

From the doorway, Rafael laughed.

“Perhaps we should have accepted the offer of a nanny years ago.”

Susan turned towards him.

“Don't start.”

“I said perhaps.”

“And I said don't start.”

He raised both hands in surrender, although the amusement remained in his eyes.

Their children were triplets, but anyone who spent more than five minutes with them could see how different their personalities were. Sebastián was bold and argumentative, Camila curious and mischievous, and Katrina quieter than both, with a habit of watching people as if she were trying to understand things they hadn't said aloud.

She was the last of the three to have been born, arriving only minutes after her siblings, but sometimes Susan wondered whether Katrina had somehow inherited an older soul.

The little girl had been watching her mother closely all morning.

Now she rose, padded over to Susan, and wrapped her arms around one of her legs.

“Mami?”

“Sí, mi vida?”

[Yes, my darling?]

“Are we going with Uncle Edward?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Uncle Edward and Aunt Anna are expecting us.”

“And Jason?”

“And Jason.”

“And Ethan?”

“And Ethan.”

“And Heather?”

Susan laughed softly. “Sí, todos.”

[Yes, everyone.]

Satisfied, Katrina hurried back to her siblings to announce the news, as though she had personally arranged the entire outing.

Rafael watched her go, his expression softening.

For all the noise, the toys scattered across the floor, and the endless demands of raising four children, these were the moments he treasured most.

He had spent years building a business with Edward. Together, they had negotiated difficult contracts, survived financial uncertainty, and turned a shared ambition into something neither man could have achieved alone.

But Rafael's greatest pride had never been the hotels bearing their company's name.

It was the family waiting for him at home.

And he knew Edward felt the same way.

At least, he believed Edward did.

---

The McAllister residence stood behind high gates and a sweeping drive lined with palms. Beyond the walls, carefully maintained gardens surrounded the house, their bright flowers and lush greenery softened by the afternoon heat.

By the time the Mendoza family arrived, Edward was already outside.

He had Jason beside him, the older boy looking impatiently towards the gates, while Ethan crouched near a flower bed, studying an ant with the concentration of a scientist. Heather, the youngest, toddled unsteadily between her mother and the steps, determined to follow her brothers despite the considerable difference in their strides.

“There you are!” Edward called.

Rafael stepped out of the car, and the two men clasped hands before embracing.

“Late again,” Edward accused.

“By three minutes.”

“Four.”

“You've been counting?”

“Of course. I have a reputation to maintain.”

Rafael laughed. “Your reputation for being insufferable is perfectly safe.”

“Good. I was worried.”

They were still laughing when Gabriel climbed out of the car.

“Uncle Edward!”

Edward's face lit up.

“There he is!”

Gabriel ran straight into his arms. Edward lifted him, despite the boy's growing size, and held him for a moment before setting him down.

“You've grown again,” Edward said.

“Papa says that every day.”

“Then your papa must be a very observant man.”

“He says I'm going to be taller than him.”

“That would be an achievement.”

Gabriel grinned.

Behind him, the triplets spilled out of the car. Ethan abandoned his ant, and within moments he was standing with Sebastián and Camila, all three talking over one another.

Katrina approached more slowly, her gaze following Heather as the little girl made determined progress across the courtyard.

“Hola, Heather.”

Heather stared at her.

Katrina held out a hand.

“¿Quieres jugar?”

[Do you want to play?]

Heather immediately reached for her fingers.

Anna appeared at the doorway, elegant in a pale dress, her dark hair falling neatly over one shoulder.

“Finally,” she said, smiling. “I was beginning to think your husband had talked you into staying home, Susan.”

Susan laughed as she approached.

“Believe me, I considered it.”

Anna kissed her cheek.

“Come inside for a moment. The children can play while we get everything ready.”

She turned towards Edward, who was helping Jason settle a disagreement with Gabriel about who would sit beside whom during the drive.

“Mi amor, have you checked that everything is ready?”

Edward looked up.

“Twice.”

“Then perhaps you can check it a third time.”

He gave her an affectionate smile. “Anything for you.”

Anna's expression softened. For a brief moment, she looked genuinely pleased by his answer.

Then her attention drifted towards the car waiting beyond the gates.

It was a beautiful car. Of course it was. Edward had bought it for her months earlier after she admired a similar model at a hotel opening.

She had loved it when it arrived.

She had also grown tired of it remarkably quickly.

Anna had never lacked for beautiful things. Edward saw to that. Their house was spacious, their wardrobes full, their holidays comfortable, and their children wanted for nothing.

Yet there were days when she looked around her carefully arranged life and felt an inexplicable restlessness.

She loved the children. She could be tender with them, patient when she chose to be, and fiercely protective when anyone threatened them.

But motherhood had also tied her to a life of routines she had never imagined wanting.

She had grown up in a middle-class household surrounded by relatives, where money was often stretched and every purchase considered. She had promised herself that adulthood would be different. She would never have to count coins before buying something beautiful. She would never have to ask permission to enjoy the finer things in life.

Edward had given her comfort beyond anything she had known growing up.

What he had not given her, she sometimes thought, was the feeling that her life belonged entirely to her.

She watched him laugh with the children.

He was a good man. A wonderful father. A devoted husband.

And sometimes, infuriatingly, that seemed to be all he wanted to be.

“Anna?”

Susan's voice brought her back.

“Sorry, cariño. I was thinking about lunch.”

Susan smiled. “You seem to do that a lot lately.”

“Someone has to make sure everyone is fed.”

The answer was light, and Susan accepted it with a laugh.

Neither woman noticed Rafael watching Anna from across the courtyard.

He had known her for years. He had seen her at her most charming, her most generous, and her most difficult. He had also seen the way her interest sharpened whenever a conversation turned towards money, influence, or an opportunity to improve her position.

It wasn't proof of anything.

Perhaps it was simply ambition.

Perhaps he was being unfair.

He had never said any of it aloud, not even to Edward. Their friendship meant too much to him, and he had no desire to plant suspicion in a marriage that, from the outside, appeared blessed with everything.

Besides, Edward loved his wife.

Rafael knew that better than anyone.

And he knew how fiercely Edward defended the people he loved.

---

They drove towards the coast in two cars, the children dividing themselves between the families with the ease of those who had spent years together.

The sea stretched blue and glittering beneath the afternoon sun. Along the road, palms leaned towards the water, and the warm breeze carried the faint smell of salt.

At the coastal overlook, Edward and Rafael stood a little apart while the children explored the safe, open space nearby under the watchful eyes of their parents.

Jason had appointed himself leader of the younger children, a position Ethan appeared willing to challenge despite being much smaller.

“No, we go this way,” Jason insisted.

“Why?” Ethan demanded.

“Because I said so.”

“That isn't a reason.”

Gabriel burst out laughing.

Sebastián immediately took Ethan's side, while Camila decided that neither boy deserved to be in charge.

Katrina watched the argument for a moment before wandering towards Susan, who sat with Heather on a bench.

“Look, Mami.”

She pointed towards a little shell near her shoe.

Susan bent to look.

“Qué bonita.”

[How pretty.]

“Can I keep it?”

“Of course, mi vida.”

Katrina picked it up carefully and slipped it into her pocket.

A few steps away, Anna watched the children.

For a moment, her expression was peaceful.

Then Jason called for her, and she turned to him at once.

“What is it, cariño?”

“Can we get ice cream after lunch?”

“We'll see.”

“You always say we'll see.”

“Because you always ask before I've finished answering the first question.”

Jason frowned, unconvinced.

Edward approached and placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

“If everyone behaves at lunch, we'll find somewhere for ice cream afterwards.”

Jason brightened immediately.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Anna looked at her husband.

“You do realise you've just promised ice cream to every child here.”

Edward glanced at the assembled group.

Several little faces had turned towards him with sudden, hopeful attention.

He sighed dramatically.

“I have made a terrible mistake.”

Rafael clapped him on the shoulder.

“Your generosity will be remembered.”

“Your children will remember it particularly well.”

“They have excellent memories.”

Anna laughed, and for a moment the adults were simply friends enjoying an ordinary afternoon.

That was what made the moment so easy to trust.

Nothing about it suggested that the foundations beneath their lives might one day give way.

---

Lunch was served at a restaurant overlooking the water, where the tables stood beneath a shaded terrace and the sound of the sea drifted through the open windows.

The children were hungry enough to make the meal surprisingly peaceful.

For a little while, anyway.

Ethan and Sebastián exchanged pieces of food under the table. Camila tried to convince Heather to give her a piece of bread, while Jason attempted to negotiate an additional dessert.

Gabriel, who had appointed himself the responsible older brother, repeatedly reminded the younger children to sit properly.

“You're not their father,” Sebastián informed him.

“No, but somebody has to stop you from making a mess.”

“You make messes too.”

“Not as many as you.”

Katrina, seated between her mother and Camila, listened to the argument while carefully arranging her food.

Across the table, Edward was telling Rafael about a new hotel development they were considering.

“The location is excellent,” Edward said. “But the terms need work. I don't want us committing to anything until we've reviewed the figures properly.”

Rafael nodded.

“Agreed. We'll look at it together next week.”

Anna, who had been listening while helping Heather with her meal, lifted her gaze.

“Is that the property near the marina?”

Edward looked at her, surprised by the question.

“Yes. Why?”

“I heard someone mention it at the opening last month. They said there was considerable interest.”

“There is.”

“And the right buyer could make a great deal of money.”

Edward smiled. “That's generally the idea.”

“But the real value isn't just the property, is it?” Anna continued. “It's what could be built around it. Private residences, restaurants, perhaps a larger resort. People pay for exclusivity.”

Rafael glanced at her.

She was speaking with confidence, and not without understanding. Anna had a good eye for the things people wanted. She understood appearances, status, and the power of making something desirable.

Edward seemed pleased.

“You've been thinking about it.”

“I listen when you talk about work.”

He reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

“I know you do, mi amor.”

For a moment, Anna's expression warmed.

Then she withdrew her hand to wipe Heather's mouth.

“Perhaps I could come along to the next meeting,” she said casually. “I'd like to hear more about the plans.”

“Of course,” Edward replied. “If you're interested.”

“I am.”

Rafael said nothing.

He had no objection to Anna taking an interest in their business. In fact, it was sensible for a couple to understand one another's work.

Still, he noticed the way she had spoken about the property—not as a project they might build together, but as an opportunity whose value lay in what could be extracted from it.

It was a small distinction.

Perhaps too small to matter.

He turned his attention back to Edward.

“Let's review the figures before we get carried away.”

“Spoken like a man who has never once been carried away in his life.”

“Someone has to keep you sensible.”

“And I appreciate you for it.”

Edward said it lightly, but the affection between them was unmistakable.

They had built their lives together through years of shared ambition and trust. Rafael knew the shape of Edward's dreams almost as well as he knew his own.

He could not imagine one man deliberately hurting the other.

Nor could he imagine how much damage could be done when trust was offered to someone who valued it differently.

---

By late afternoon, the children were tired, the adults had finished their coffee, and the sun had begun to lower towards the horizon.

Heather had fallen asleep against Anna's shoulder.

Jason was quieter than before, leaning against Edward while Ethan sat beside him, fighting sleep with stubborn determination.

The triplets had grown subdued, too. Camila rested her head against Susan, while Sebastián watched the sea through the open side of the car.

Katrina sat close to her mother, her small fingers curled around the shell she had found.

“Did you have fun, mi vida?” Susan asked.

Katrina nodded.

“Can we come again?”

“Of course.”

“Soon?”

Susan kissed her forehead.

“Soon.”

Across the car park, Edward stood beside Rafael while the families prepared to leave.

“Same time next week?” Edward asked.

“Let's not become predictable.”

“We've been friends for years. I think predictability is allowed.”

Rafael smiled.

“Next week, then.”

They embraced before parting, each man entirely certain that the other would be there whenever he was needed.

Edward returned to Anna and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

“Ready, mi amor?”

She looked at him.

For an instant, something unreadable passed through her eyes—not dislike, exactly, nor unhappiness she could name. More like the sudden awareness of a door she had not yet decided whether to open.

Then she smiled.

“Sí, cariño.”

[Yes, darling.]

She took his arm and walked towards the car.

Behind them, the sea continued to shimmer beneath the fading light.

The children were already talking about the next outing. Susan was reminding Gabriel not to fall asleep before dinner. Rafael was thinking about the business meeting ahead.

And Anna, seated beside her husband as they drove home, watched the coastline disappear behind them.

Edward reached for her hand.

She let him hold it.

He was a good man. She knew that.

He loved her without reservation, trusted her without suspicion, and believed that the life they had built together was something neither of them would ever willingly destroy.

Anna rested her head against the seat.

She did love parts of that life. She loved her children. She loved the comfort, the beauty, the opportunities that had once seemed impossibly far away.

But somewhere beneath the satisfaction, a restless thought stirred.

Was this all there was?

She did not answer the question.

Not yet.

For now, she let Edward believe that they wanted the same things, and he, loving her as he did, had no reason to think otherwise.

Sometimes, the most dangerous distance between two people was not created by hatred.

It was created by the things one person was willing to give—and the things the other would never consider enough.