Jewrican

By Jen Royale

Victoria was looking at the man she loved. She knew that their families would be upset because they fell in love, after all she was a Puerto Rican Catholic girl and Erik was a white Jewish man. She had heard the old saying all her life, stick with your own people, you can be friends with everybody but you cant marry just anybody.

Erik swore to protect Victoria even though his family disowned him and threw him out of the house. He didnt care about race and he was having difficulty believing in any religion that would tear apart two people who were destined in their hearts to be together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483657707

Jen Royale

Jen Royale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and has been writing since she was a teen. As she got older her passion for writing kept growing. Jen especially loves to write about romance and uses her imagination to take it to different levels. She traveled to different places to get ideas for her novels. Jen is also the Author of Warriors Spirit. She especially enjoys cooking for her family and friends. Jen currently lives in Plainsboro, NJ with her husband Neal. She has four children and eleven grandchildren, and she loves to spend as much time with them as she can.

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Copyright © 2013 by Jen Royale.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4836-5769-1

                Ebook         978-1-4836-5770-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 06/24/2013

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Author’s Note

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank some of the Jews/Ricans in my life that inspired and kept me going through their endless love, laughter and encouragements. This book is dedicated to them:

To my mother Carmen, thank you for always being there for me no matter what. I love you Mom!

To my father in law Seymour, thank you for accepting the JewRican in your life without prejudice. I will always be grateful for your endless love and understanding. You are the reason for this book!

To my grandmother Carmen who raised me as her own, I know you are not here with me anymore, but I feel you each and everyday in my heart. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. Te quiero Mami. Bendicíon!

To my mother in law Evelyn thank you for sitting down with me while I asked my never-ending questions about Judaism and the Jewish family life. Your honesty and openness made me see things in a whole new way. Thank you too for your acceptance.

To my cousin Victor and Stepson Adam I am truly blessed that I have the two of you in my life.

To David and Shantelle you guys are the best! Thank you!

AUTHOR’S NOTE

I remember growing up in the projects in Brooklyn, N.Y. and the only people I knew were Hispanics and African-Americans. It wasn’t until I went to school in another part of town that I realized that other races existed, and although I was a bit apprehensive, I slowly began to make friends with them and I am pleased to say that I am still friends with many of them to this day.

It’s because of that and many other life experiences, including my father in law that I decided to write this book. JewRican is very near and dear to my heart in many ways and I’m happy to say that I am a part of a wonderful and loving Caucasian Jewish family, just as they are a part of mine.

So to my readers I hope you enjoy reading JewRican as much as I loved writing it.

CHAPTER 1

BRONX, NY 1952

Victoria rushed to put the finishing touches to her long jet-black hair, she was going to interview with a Mr. Steinberg for a job and she didn’t want to be late and ruin her chances for a first good impression. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror she saw bright green eyes staring back at her. If she was lucky she would be leaving the department store where she currently worked with her sister for the past four years at last no more long hours, no more working weekends and holidays, no more standing on her feet for ten or more hours a day, she would have a job in which she will know her hours, a real nine to five job with weekends off and full benefits, with raises and bonuses. With one last look she bolted out of her bedroom and ran to the kitchen to grab a quick cup of coffee before she left to take the train which might take her to her new life if everything went well today.

Victoria is that all you are going to have? Why don’t you have some breakfast? Her grandmother yelled in Spanish.

Si Abuela this is all I have time for, I don’t want to be late I am to interview with the potential boss today, Victoria answered in English.

Her grandmother sighed at her youngest granddaughter and left the room to start her daily chores.

Her grandmother always spoke to Victoria and her sister in Spanish and they would answer her back in English because she didn’t want the girls to have an accent when they spoke to people.

Victoria loved her grandmother very much she took good care of her and her older sister Isabel since her parents died tragically in a car accident when Victoria was only four years old, since then she had to be both mother and father to both girls. Abuela’s own husband died when Victoria was born. Abuela always stood strong when faced with adversity, always thanking God for the things they had and not once questioning the all mighty when things went wrong. Her faith was strong even after losing her only son in a car accident.

Everything happens for a reason Victoria, Abuela explained. We may not understand God’s ways and we must not question them only learn from them be thankful and continue doing everything we can to be good Catholics.

Yes that was Abuela’s way she made sure that the girls went to confession every Saturday and to church every Sunday. She was very proud of them when they made their communion, and confirmation.

Victoria gulped down her coffee, Bendicíon Abuela I’ll see you later. Victoria yelled to her grandmother as she ran out the door and down the two flights of stairs from her apartment, to the subway station. She already had her money in her hand she didn’t want anything to slow her down today. Victoria was nervously shifting from one foot to the other as she stood on the platform looking toward the empty tunnel, wishing that the train would hurry up and get there, finally to Victoria delight she saw the bright lights and knew it would be a matter of seconds before she was on her way to meet Mr. Steinberg.

As Victoria sat down in her seat she starting thinking how great it would be if her luck was finally changing, she went to college for two years and studied everything she needed to become an efficient secretary, but when she graduated after her second year, she couldn’t find anyone who would give her the chance to use those skills, when they first saw her they smiled brightly and shook her hand eagerly, but the moment she said her last name, they would tell her they would think about it and if interested they would give her a call, but they never did. Victoria needed to work to help with the bills, since Abuela was getting older and couldn’t work any longer.

When her sister suggested she work with her at the department store, Victoria reluctantly said yes.

I will only stay here until I get a job as a secretary Isabel, I don’t want to work in a department store until I am exhausted like you, She said.

It’s a job Victoria and a good one, replied Isabel to her younger sister, What gringo is going to give you the opportunity to work for them as a secretary? You are living in a dream world as always.

"But I went to school to learn all the skills I need, I’m sure one day someone will see beyond my last name and give me a job that I am more than qualified for. Victoria heard her sister sigh and shake her head back and forth.

That was four years ago and she was still working at the department store. Yesterday she went on an interview and the lady Mrs. Freedman who she would be replacing if everything went well was going to retire and she almost assured her that she would be hired, but to come in early to see the lawyer who if hired would be her boss Mr. Steinberg. Victoria couldn’t contain her excitement as she exited the train at her stop on Chambers street.

As she went up the stairs to walk the three blocks to the job, she just knew that today was going to be the beginning of many great things to come, as her Abuela always say things happen for a reason and Victoria was going to work hard and wait for the good things to happen, she was really on her way now.

Mr. Steinberg the girl that is supposed to start today should be here soon. Is there anything else that you would like me to show her? Mrs. Freedman smiled sweetly at her young handsome employer.

Mrs. Freedman since when do you address me formally? And you know all the girls that you hired in the past to work here I had to fire for one reason or another, so until I see this girl for myself I will not have you show her anything, Erik said with exasperation.

He knew that Mrs. Freedman wanted to retire so she and her husband can move and live out the rest of their lives in Florida, but he needed to find the right girl, one who knew how to type and take dictation with speed and accuracy, and who knew how to answer the telephone in a friendly and courteous manner. He opened his own law office six months ago, the previous owner also a lawyer had wanted to move to Los Angeles to open up a practice there, and Mrs. Freedman happily stood with Erik, knowing that retirement was just around the corner for her.

Erik the reason why I used your last name is because I want to show the new girl what is the proper way to address her new boss, and please give this girl a chance she graduated from college and wasn’t able to find employment in her field right away.

Well if she couldn’t get a job right away it may be because she is lacking in skills, Erik grumbled.

Mrs. Freedman was about to comment when she heard the front door open; she quickly went to greet Victoria who looked nervous.

Good morning my dear, I see you are right on time, in fact you are a bit early, She said glancing at her watch. Would you like a cup of coffee while you wait to see Mr. Steinberg?

No thank you Mrs. Freedman, Smiled Victoria looking at the older lady who she liked right away, when Mrs. Freedman interviewed her it was so refreshing to see that it didn’t matter what background Victoria came from, she just asked the questions and told her the salary and benefits, she gave her a short typing test, and had her take dictation, which she passed with flying colors, Mrs. Freedman said that she was just the person her boss was looking for and she was sure Victoria would get the job, and if she didn’t mind coming back to see Mr. Steinberg in the morning, which Victoria readily agreed.

Mr. Steinberg will see you now Victoria, Said Mrs. Freedman

Victoria stood up and walked into the open door and saw a tall man with his back to her rearranging some books on the shelf, Close the door behind you and have a seat I will be with you in a moment, He said.

Thank you, Victoria said as she closed the door behind her and sat down. When he turned around blue eyes clasped with green ones as they both stared at each other for a moment, Erik quickly cleared his throat and sat down.

Good morning, Victoria is it? He said extending his hand.

Yes it is, She said rising to shake his hand, he was the most handsome man Victoria had ever seen, his brown hair was cut in the latest fashion short and to the side, his black suit fit him to perfection with his broad shoulders and chest filling it out nicely, he was tall a little over six foot Victoria guessed, but best of all was the beautiful light blue eyes that looked at her.

Mrs. Freedman tells me that you went to college and that you studied to become a secretary, I know she gave you a test yesterday, but I hope you don’t mind if I give you another, you see we have had plenty of secretaries come in here but when I asked them to type or take dictation, it didn’t turn out well. I hope you don’t mind, He said looking deeply into her big green eyes, he was curious as to what nationality she was, she had long jet black hair that hung in the middle of her back, which was unusual most women wore their hair short. She wore a long blue dress cinched at the waist with a belt, it fit her shape beautifully, and she had a lovely figure. He thought.

I wouldn’t mind at all Mr. Steinberg, She replied.

Good, He said as he handed her a tablet and pencil, and he started to dictate some words and sentences to her, he saw how quickly she was writing and when he was done, she looked up and smiled at him, Please read what I just said to you, He said.

Victoria read everything he said with no mistakes.

That was very good, He said, Now if you don’t mind I would like to see how fast you type, you can use the same words and sentences I gave you for dictation.

Victoria got up and went to the typewriter and started to type, and when she was done she got up and handed him the paper.

Erik smiled when he saw how well she typed and again with no errors on the paper, Well Victoria it seems that Mrs. Freedman is right in her assessment of you. I am a little curious as to why you couldn’t attain employment after you completed school?

Well Mr. Steinberg, said Victoria nervously I did go on a few interviews and when they saw me everything seemed fine, but once they heard my last name it was always we will get back to you, and they never did.

What is your nationality Victoria?

She held her head up a little higher, I am Puerto Rican Mr. Steinberg, although I was born and raised in the Bronx to be exact, my parents and grandparents were all born in Puerto Rico.

Erik cleared his throat, I see. Excuse me Victoria I need to speak with Mrs. Freedman for a moment, He got up and walked out of the room.

So how did it go Erik? Asked Mrs. Freedman, A lovely girl isn’t she and didn’t I tell you that she does everything quickly and with accuracy.

Mrs. Freedman, Erik said hotly, You know that I cannot have a Puerto Rican girl working for me, my clients would not appreciate it, and it can cause me to lose a lot of potential clients as well.

Erik did she or did she not take dictation and type with accuracy? You know that I cannot stay here much longer and you haven’t had any luck in finding anyone else, and if you take a real close look at her no one will ever know her nationality unless you tell them. She speaks English perfectly and unaccented.

Erik gave her a strange look, Yes but what if someone asks her or me. What do I tell them?

You tell them that you don’t know. Erik be honest with her and she may just want to stay and work with you anyway, it has taken her four years to get the job in which she went to school for, plus you are offering her benefits, I am sure that she will agree to keep her nationality to herself if asked.

I don’t know Mrs. Freedman, if I allow her to work here, I might have to rescind on the benefit package, she might have a husband and six kids that she will put on her medical plan and I don’t think I can afford to pay for all that. Do you know if she has a family?

No I don’t know, but you can ask her I am sure she will answer any questions that you have.

Erik walked into his office and sat down behind his desk, he looked into the green eyes of the girl in front of him,