Read Online She Had No Choice by Debra Burroughs - Free Book Online
Authors: Debra Burroughs
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behind in her education. Olivia spent the next few months trying to help her brush up first on simple mathematics, then she worked with Sofía on reading and writing English. She tried her best, but it was difficult for her and she spoke with a thick accent.
When Sofía thought her English was good enough to explore other opportunities in Phoenix, she decided to look for work outside of Olivia’s restaurant and hotel. At first she was afraid Olivia wouldn’t understand and think her ungrateful. But Olivia had watched Sofía grow up and understood her wanting some independence.
Sofía found a job in Phoenix at a popular Mexican restaurant just a few blocks from her home. She was hired as a waitress, where she could use both her native Spanish and try using some of the English she had been practicing. The waitresses all wore puffy, white cotton peasant blouses and colorful, full skirts, which complimented their dark hair.
Being both attractive and experienced in waiting on people, Sofía soon became a favorite of the regulars. Discovering she also had a nice singing voice, sometimes she sang along with the Mariachi band that played in the restaurant on the weekends. She loved the attention she received, and she happily worked there for several years.
Though life had improved for Sofía over the past few years, she still felt an emptiness inside. She longed to love and be loved.
When she was a young girl, her heart had been badly broken when her family members died and her father had to send her away. Then her spirit had been beaten down by her cruel aunt for so many years. She hungered for a kind, loving word during those difficult years in her tía’s house, or a hug, a warm touch. But none ever came.
It was no wonder that she hardly knew what to do with all the flattery and attention she increasingly received from the restaurant’s patrons, especially the men. As she developed into a woman, she became like a moth to the flame.
One young man, in particular, struck her fancy. His name was Enrique Sanchez. He had just turned twenty-six and was very handsome. He stood about five foot ten, with a slender build, and possessed the most beautiful curly black hair and hazel eyes. He began coming to the restaurant regularly, flirting with Sofía and complimenting her beauty and her singing voice. The more often he came, the more overt the flirtations.
He finally asked her to have dinner with him on her night off. At first she was taken by surprise and her first reaction was to tell him no. She was still a little shy, as she hadn’t dated anyone before. Tía Consuela had not allowed it.
But Enrique was persistent, and Tía Consuela was no longer around to forbid it. Sofía finally gave in and accepted Enrique’s invitation. She made plans to meet him at a nearby café, called Maggie’s, the next evening after work.
Their first date was just for coffee and dessert. Maggie’s Café was known in town for its delicious pies.
“ Hi, my name’s Betty,” said their pretty blonde waitress as she flashed a toothy smile. “What can I get for you tonight?”
Sofía and Enrique decided to have a cup of coffee and share a slice of luscious coconut cream pie.
The waitress brought their coffee and pie right away and quickly moved along to wait on the other tables. Sofía thought she was pleasant enough until she noticed Enrique was obviously attracted to her. As the young waitress walked away, he followed her swaying hips with his eyes until Sofía purposely cleared her throat. It broke his stare and brought his attention back to their table.
Sofía wasn’t sure what to think of that. She had never dated before. She led a pretty sheltered life, thanks to Tía Consuela. Maybe men are always attracted to beautiful women, she thought to herself. She decided she would let it go for now. After all, this was just their first date. She had no real claim on him.
They shared their rich dessert and had lively, fun conversation. They
When Sofía thought her English was good enough to explore other opportunities in Phoenix, she decided to look for work outside of Olivia’s restaurant and hotel. At first she was afraid Olivia wouldn’t understand and think her ungrateful. But Olivia had watched Sofía grow up and understood her wanting some independence.
Sofía found a job in Phoenix at a popular Mexican restaurant just a few blocks from her home. She was hired as a waitress, where she could use both her native Spanish and try using some of the English she had been practicing. The waitresses all wore puffy, white cotton peasant blouses and colorful, full skirts, which complimented their dark hair.
Being both attractive and experienced in waiting on people, Sofía soon became a favorite of the regulars. Discovering she also had a nice singing voice, sometimes she sang along with the Mariachi band that played in the restaurant on the weekends. She loved the attention she received, and she happily worked there for several years.
Though life had improved for Sofía over the past few years, she still felt an emptiness inside. She longed to love and be loved.
When she was a young girl, her heart had been badly broken when her family members died and her father had to send her away. Then her spirit had been beaten down by her cruel aunt for so many years. She hungered for a kind, loving word during those difficult years in her tía’s house, or a hug, a warm touch. But none ever came.
It was no wonder that she hardly knew what to do with all the flattery and attention she increasingly received from the restaurant’s patrons, especially the men. As she developed into a woman, she became like a moth to the flame.
One young man, in particular, struck her fancy. His name was Enrique Sanchez. He had just turned twenty-six and was very handsome. He stood about five foot ten, with a slender build, and possessed the most beautiful curly black hair and hazel eyes. He began coming to the restaurant regularly, flirting with Sofía and complimenting her beauty and her singing voice. The more often he came, the more overt the flirtations.
He finally asked her to have dinner with him on her night off. At first she was taken by surprise and her first reaction was to tell him no. She was still a little shy, as she hadn’t dated anyone before. Tía Consuela had not allowed it.
But Enrique was persistent, and Tía Consuela was no longer around to forbid it. Sofía finally gave in and accepted Enrique’s invitation. She made plans to meet him at a nearby café, called Maggie’s, the next evening after work.
Their first date was just for coffee and dessert. Maggie’s Café was known in town for its delicious pies.
“ Hi, my name’s Betty,” said their pretty blonde waitress as she flashed a toothy smile. “What can I get for you tonight?”
Sofía and Enrique decided to have a cup of coffee and share a slice of luscious coconut cream pie.
The waitress brought their coffee and pie right away and quickly moved along to wait on the other tables. Sofía thought she was pleasant enough until she noticed Enrique was obviously attracted to her. As the young waitress walked away, he followed her swaying hips with his eyes until Sofía purposely cleared her throat. It broke his stare and brought his attention back to their table.
Sofía wasn’t sure what to think of that. She had never dated before. She led a pretty sheltered life, thanks to Tía Consuela. Maybe men are always attracted to beautiful women, she thought to herself. She decided she would let it go for now. After all, this was just their first date. She had no real claim on him.
They shared their rich dessert and had lively, fun conversation. They
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