"Val…" he tried again, stepping closer.
Valentina raised a hand. "Don't," she said.
"Val, please… we have to talk. Just give me five minutes."
The usual ease in his voice—the charm, the effortless confidence he wore had been stripped down.
"I don't have five minutes," she snapped, not even looking at him as she shuffled a stack of receipts. "We are short-staffed. My sister isn't here, Rosa isn't here. I don't have time for your nonsense. Now, please leave."
"Not until you talk to me."
Valentina looked up at him then, her patience snapping. "Jesus Christ!" she burst out, throwing her hands up slightly before letting them fall back against the counter. "Are you listening to me? I'm busy."
"I understand that," Ricardo said quickly. "But I will wait until you have the time for me."
