{"id":83063,"date":"2021-09-19T05:50:21","date_gmt":"2021-09-19T05:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trottbaileyfamily.com\/?p=83063"},"modified":"2023-08-11T21:01:34","modified_gmt":"2023-08-11T21:01:34","slug":"juanitas-victories-chapter-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trottbaileyfamily.com\/1drop\/juanitas-victories-chapter-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Juanita’s Victories Chapter 19. Juanita plans and cooks Salvano a delicious meal. They continue to talk and get to know each other."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Written By Sher Trott Bailey.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mario Martinez looked through all the news reports and updates coming through his phone. The latest hot news was the discovery of new continents by the Trott-Bailey Family. For days reports had been coming out of a new land discovered in the Indian Ocean overflowing with wealth. Outrageous claims and speculations kept going around of large precious stones just laying around, amazing unseen before animals and plants appearing on the land. Mass migration of bird species: flamingos, eagles, penguins, etc to the new continent. Throwing down his phone, Mario leaned back in his chair and sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“ I can’t stand these people, lif<\/strong>e is always giving more to some people.” Mario thought grudgingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gerta Martinez, his mother, looked up from her tea drinking-and surveyed her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” What’s bothering you, Mario?” She asked in her direct manner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Nothing Mom, nothing,” Mario answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” It was clearly something you read. So what is it?” Gerta prodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Can you believe a whole new continent has appeared? And guess who’s discovered it?” Mario Martinez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Oh, them. Yes, I saw the news. Now nothing about the Trott Bailey Family surprises me. It’s clear that God is with them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” You go to church, you are the head of several church committees, how come our family isn’t discovering new continents?” Mario questioned enviously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Son there is a difference between church-going and actual faith. I couldn’t tell you the last time I spoke to God. I can’t even pretend to know what it’s like to know God like that Family knows him.” Gerta said calmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Do not work up yourself over matters which are beyond you, Mario.” His mother said raising one eyebrow at him and staring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth be told, Mario was more perturbed about all the news he was hearing about Juanita and Salvano. He had heard about their budding relationship and Juanita moving out of her mother’s house from Maria Cortazar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing heavily again and throwing back his head, he slumped in his chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Your campaign is going great. Elections will be called in February of next year. You are sure to be the next Prime Minister, so what’s that sigh for?” His mother pressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” I said it’s nothing Mother,” Mario said softly but firmly, meaning he wanted an end to her questioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Fine! Well, I have something I want to talk to you about. Something that’s been on my mind for a while.” Gerta said firmly to her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Go ahead mom, I can’t stop you.” Mario quipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With raised eyebrows, Gerta Martinez placed aside her teacup. She leaned back in her chair, took in a deep breath of the fresh air around her, and began her speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” You have only one child and she has no interest in taking over the business nor does she show the business acumen to do so. You are still very young and handsome with a wonderful physique that you got from your father. It’s time to remarry and have some sons. The younger the girl the better. I don’t want to hear of any problems with some older woman having difficulties getting pregnant.” Gerta said curtly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” You must think of the family’s name. Who will carry on you and your father’s legacy? Adrianna will get married and form her own family. Will a son-in-law take all your wealth?” Gerta asked pointedly, knowing where to strike her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” I hear you, mom. It’s not like I haven’t been thinking about remarrying.” Mario said sighing again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” So? What’s the hindrance?” Gerta asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was silence from Mario then another heavy sigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” It’s because you’ve set your heart on that Juanita girl right?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A very startled Mario jumped up in his seat, he stared at his mother. He quickly composed himself again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“How did she know?” he thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” I knew from the way you acted at the party. You couldn’t take your eyes off her, you fawned over her like a lovesick peacock. I know my son” Gerta said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” So what’s the matter? The girl should be happy you’re giving her attention. Have you lost your charms?” Gerta asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Mom this is very awkward to discuss with you,” Mario said vexedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Mario, I’m the best person to discuss this with. I’m dispassionate and neutral. Which means I’m clear-headed in this matter, unlike you that’s caught up in emotions.” Gerta replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, Mario Martinez paused. Then after a time, he said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Well if you must know, Salvano has beaten me to it. He has started dating Juanita. From what I heard the girl likes him too.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knocking her hands down on the table, Gerta Martinez’s reaction was instant and bitter. She was like a lioness with a thorn in her paw and someone had disturbed the thorn. Her bitterness towards Leyla, her husband’s ex-mistress would not wane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” How dare that little upstart even comes up in this conversation,” Gerta said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” How dare he try to take away something from my son.” Gerta continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Just like his mother, the apple doesn’t fall far from the horrid tree,” Gerta said angrily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” What happened to you being dispassionate and neutral?” Mario mocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two were interrupted by the incoming figure of Adrianna Martinez. Adrianna walked up to a table with a variety of breakfast foods and filled her plate with some cheese croissants and ham slices. She then took a seat beside her father and said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Good morning Grandmother, hi Dad.” Shoving her father by the shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Good morning Princess,” Mario answered her with a smile, grabbing his daughter by the shoulders and flicking her nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Daddy!!!! I’m too old for you to still be doing that” Adrianna complained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You’re never too old for a nose flick Princess,” Mario replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Dad, when are you going to let me and my friends take a trip to see mom in France?” Adrianna asked poutingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Well Princess, you act like I’m the hindrance….hasn’t it been your mom giving you excuses all the time. Plus I thought you were going to go off to college in London but now I hear you’ve changed your mind.” Mario answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Yes, I no longer want to go to college. I’m going to open a designer boutique. I’ll shop all over Paris and Italy and bring back the finest dresses.” Adrianna said forcefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Wow, how ambitious,” Gerta interjected sarcastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Oh please Grandma, your just mad because I don’t want to sell wood and rubber for the rest of my life!” Adrianna angrily shot back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Meanwhile there are people out there doing cool things like shooting movies,” Adrianna mumbled loudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” And you choose to open a boutique. What’s cool about that?” Gerta said sarcastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” It’s better than being in our business.” Adrianna shot back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Our lumber and rubber business is what made this family its wealth,” Gerta replied calmly as though dealing with an irritable child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Dad’s fine with my choices and that’s all that matters,” Adrianna said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Well, your dad is getting remarried and going to have other children. At least they will make our family proud.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Mother!” Mario said sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Really Dad? You’ve found someone? I’m not mad at it. You are pretty handsome. I had hoped for a long time that you and Mom<\/mark> might, just maybe get back together but I see Mom doesn’t even want us.<\/mark> ” Adrianna said, her tone neutral. She had gotten over her mother’s absence and their divorce years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” I’m sure you won’t like who he’s found,” Gerta interjected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Why are you always like this Grandma?” Adrianna said rolling her eyes at Gerta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Let dad tell his own story.” Adrianna continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Really? You want to hear about your father’s fascination with a certain young  Juanita?” Gerta said spitefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mario Martinez could feel like one more strand of his hair turned grey. He could feel the electric shock from his brain literally course from his scalp into his hair follicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” What! What!” Adrianna exclaimed in disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” No! No, No, No,….. Dad No, Dad? Is it true? You like Juanita?” Adrianna asked in continued disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Addy it’s not like anything has happened. I do like Juanita but she is with Salvano now.” Mario said to his daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Even if she wasn’t with Salvano Dad, you can like any woman but her. She is my enemy.” Adrianna shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Plus she’s my age, it would be almost like you’re dating me!” Adrianna continued on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” No! I will find some other woman for you, but get Juanita out of your head and heart Dad. Get real! It would never work out and you would ruin you and my relationship because I would never talk to you again if you were to marry Juanita. Juanita as my stepmother. Preposterous!” Adrianna Shouted banging her hands on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Ok Addy… calm down,” Mario said, unaware that his daughter felt so strongly against Juanita. If there was one woman in Mario’s life that took first place it was certainly his daughter Adrianna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Get her off your mind Dad. I promise you, I will set you up with better women for you. Just not Juanita! Okay?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking at his discomfited daughter, Mario Martinez conceded his defeat. He knew already he was no match for Salvano anyway. Now his daughter was reacting this way. His mother was on his case about the family name and legacy. Maybe he should broaden his horizons and let go of this silly infatuation with Juanita.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Ok Addy. Anything for you.” Mario finally said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Well, it seems Adrianna and I have a mutual mission in mind. We must both work together to find your father a new love interest and get him settled.” Gerta stated to her granddaughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Why don’t we just make it into a competition grandma? Whoever gets Dad to fall in love first…wins.” Adrianna countered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Mhmm and what’s the prize?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Hello, I am sitting here,” Mario interjected looking left and right at the two women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Exactly son, so everything is clear,” Gerta replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“If I win and Dad gets married to any of my picks, I get to liquidate my shares in the family company and do whatever I want to do with my life and not a peep out of you about it,” Adrianna said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” And if I win, you leave the company but you leave with nothing. Just your inheritance from your dad but no ownership in the company. You will sign over those shares to me. Deal?” Gerta replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” Deal!” Adrianna agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mario watched as the two main women in his life shook each other’s hands. He rolled his eyes and smirked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hey he was open for love, maybe these two could really help him.” He thought to himself, internally perking up a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile with Salvano & Juanita.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n