Read Online A So-Called Vacation by Genaro González - Free Book Online Page A

“God, I sweated blood for this. Whoever said it was easy …”
    â€œThat was Dad,” said Gabriel. “Back home he said it practically grew on trees.”
    Gus did not back his remark, and his father responded with a disapproving glance through the rearview mirror. His mother, hoping to cover his gaffe, changed the topic.
    â€œThis place isn’t so bad. But it’s a shame our neighbors are such a bad influence.”
    â€œYou said it,” said Gabriel. “Those Borrados are a bunch of weasels.”
    She stared at him, not quite believing what she had heard. “I meant our other neighbors. It’s bad enough that Señor Serenata likes the sauce so much. But to think think that his oldest son—”
    â€œHis name’s Victor,” said Gus. “He’s the only one who took my side after I screwed up with the crew boss.”
    â€œYes, I heard him. But he’s headed down the same path as his father. Be careful. There’s something about him I don’t like.”
    â€œYou got your neighbors mixed up, Mom. Gabi’s right. Victor’s an okay guy.”
    â€œI didn’t say he was okay!”
    â€œFine, but you did say it was the opposite neighbors we should worry about.”
    â€œYou mean Don Pilo?” asked Paula.
    â€œNo, the old man’s harmless. It’s his kids.”
    â€œHow can you say that?” asked their father. “They’re great kids.”
    â€œTo you grown-ups they look nice.”
    â€œDid I say nice? I said—”
    â€œOkay, Dad, to you they’re great. But they’re actually like those bad seed kids in horror movies. They’re evil.”
    â€œAnd all we’re saying,” said their mother, “is that we’re glad they’re next door. They balance out the bad vibes from that other young man.” Before Gus could remind her that he had a name, she added, “Victor.”
    Gabriel tried hard not to grin, but the harder he tried the worse it became, until his mother asked outright: “Did I say something funny?”
    â€œI just had this mental picture of us sitting on a sofa. The whole family. On one side there’s a little angel, floating next to our heads. And on the other side a little red devil, just like in a cartoon.” He grinned again. “Anyway, I can imagine Victor with horns and a tail. That doesn’t take much imagination. But I just can’t come up with a Borrado—any Borrado—wearing a halo and angel wings.”
    â€œYou’re just not trying hard enough,” said Paula. “Just like when you’re out in the field.”
    Gabriel was too tired to argue back. Besides, he wanted to enjoy the nice green countryside. They had not left camp until after lunch, and twice they lost their way on the unmarked country roads. By the time they arrived at the handful of stores on Main Street a few had already closed.
    Their father first dropped the women off in front of the supermarket. “Get a head start on the basics. We’ll come back in a while. And remember, don’t get anything that spoils.”
    â€œBut that means we’ll have to get canned goods,” said Paula.
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo they’ve got lots of sodium.” When their father continued to stare at her with a blank look, she added, “Salt, Dad. Canned goods have too much salt.”
    â€œI’d rather have too much salt than food poisoning.”
    â€œOh, right,” murmured Gus to his brother. “Like that mayonnaise bull on the way up.”
    It was hard to tell whether the auto parts store was open since there were no cars on the curb outside. Its cluttered aisles and modest assortment of merchandise reminded Gabriel of the way his father described their hometown when he was their age.
    His father went to the door, then signaled them. Gabriel joined him, but Gus simply made a face that suggested a stomachache.
    â€œCome