fruits from here and bring it home for us. She would always get that dried grapefruit candy that was made fresh here. My sister Lucia and I would always fight over it. Do you still have some by any chance? I just got a craving.”
Trisha’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’m afraid not. We don’t grow grapefruit here anymore. It’s just too water heavy.”
Dante smiled. “My mother always made small talk with the woman who helped run the place. I think it was Mary Kaplan. Is she still here? I always ride pass here but never got the opportunity to meet her.”
“That was my mother,” Trisha whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. “She died earlier this year from cancer. Dad didn’t last too long after that. He just stopped taking care of himself.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that,” the man offered. He seemed to internally curse himself for upsetting her. “I’ve lost my mother recently as well, Beatrix”
“Please call me Trisha,” she replied, stopping the tears from flowing. This was now a time for business rather than reminiscing. “Beatrix is my real name but only my mother ever used to call me that. I always hated being called. It always made me feel old.”
“Okay, Trisha,” he said. “I should have come here sooner for a joyride. The fresh air is already making me feel better.”
Trisha gave him a teasing smile. “Happy to get away from the media frenzy surrounding your motorcycle club?”
Dante shifted uncomfortable in his riding boots. “You heard?”
“I may not be a city girl but I follow the news,” she replied. “I heard about the awful things they’re saying about your uncle. The man did his time. He should be able to live the rest of his time out in peace. It’s like as if the media wants another trial.”
“The media has to justify its wages,” Dante said, bemused at her words. “I won’t blame a dog for wanting to bark.”
“I apologize if I sounded rude earlier,” she said, opening the door to her home. “It’s just that when people come here to do business, I always expect them to give me offers for the land.”
“I can assure you,” Dante said with a playful smile. “I have no interest in your land. Let’s go inside and discuss my order.”
Life was hard for Beatrix Kaplan. Now, her burden felt a little lighter.