Chapter 19: Self-Abnegation

As Sophie made her return, Roberto began to stammer apologies. “I should have realized all those little pieces...”

She held up her palm. “Stop right there! I’m not mad at you, it’s handled. And Carrie thinks you are her new best friend; she’s over the moon. Do you have a daughter, or a little sister? Because you picked a perfect gift for a four-year-old girl.”

She settled into a wing chair on his right hand side. “No sister, no children. In fact, I still live with my parents. I hope that doesn’t diminish me in your eyes.”

“Not at all, Roberto. As a matter of fact, you jumped way higher in my estimation when you reminded my daughter that she shouldn’t accept presents from strangers without my approval. I fear there aren’t enough wise men in the world who look after their daughters that way.”

“Sophie, I feel moved to tell you something. As I said, I live with my parents. I love them to pieces,” (“Especially these days,” he noted silently). “I can’t imagine a better childhood. But, my goodness, your contract negotiations with Carrie were breathtaking. Masterful. She’s only four, but she’s going to remember that talk. Maybe not perfectly, she’s just a kid, after all.”

“But she walked away believing you were fair, not just bossing her around. How many children go around thinking that their mothers are fair?”

“My god, Sophie, you might mother better than you cook. I, uh, I’m feeling kind of inadequate here.”

“Oh, please, Roberto, stop right there. Don’t make me repeat that phrase a third time. I was complimenting you, remember? That ‘gifts from strangers’ comment?”

“I am a regular imperfect woman. As my Aunt Leila used to say, ‘I put my pantyhose on one leg at a time, just like everybody else.’”

“Please tell me all about my daughter’s new friend.”

He sighed. “I might as well get it over with. I won’t repeat to you that I live with mom and dad. Why? Because...” He was staring at the floor, glumly. “Because I’m only eighteen years old. I just finished high school. I’m unemployed.”

“You’re kidding! You don’t sound like 18. More like a self-assured college graduate.”

“More importantly, why is this a problem, Roberto?”

“Every minute I’ve spent here tonight makes me think you out-class me in every way. I’ve never had a romantic relationship, a girlfriend. Or a job, ever. And it gets worse.”

“Every minute I’ve spent here tonight makes me more crazily attracted to you. I meant everything I said. You know you can cook. You know you are a great mother. You can’t disbelieve how beautiful you are.”

“Roberto, we talked about that, remember the twenty pounds?”

“Bullshit! Sorry.”

“That’s enough!” shouted Sophie, angrily. She shot out of her chair and started pacing the rug. Roberto stood as well and took one step towards the front door.

Sophie whirled and planted her palm in his chest, shoving him backwards into the sofa.

“STOP. RIGHT. THERE. That’s three times!”