The Gift of Manhood

By Rick Vasquez and Michael Vasquez

Stages of marriage come in many shades of love. Sometimes we base our relationships on our mates’ expectations, always trying to guess how to satisfy their needs. Other times we find it easier to be a yes person riding the daily wave of discontentment.

The Gift of Manhood explores and follows five sisters, ready to navigate and bring back original love to their relationships. The elder sister Claudia expresses the unsettling relationship of her marriage, wanting her husband to be the love of her life once again. Through her psychologist’s advice, all the sisters agree to send their men to a weekend sensitivity seminar. The sisters manipulate and disguise the weekend as a wedding present to their baby sister. Through twists and turns, both the women and men find the enlightenment of their love for each other. This journey provides humor and compassion for the reader, evaluating their status of commitment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781669878902

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Encino, California, 2016.

It was the first day of summer in 2016. The Mendoza’s home was on a cul-de-sac on the south side of Ventura Blvd. Five houses made up the list of neighbors that created their little community. This family of seven lived there for over 30 years, filling the home with love and many memories. Being a family of color in a predominantly white neighborhood, each survived the social pressures of keeping their culture but adapting to this world, making it their own.

Ben and Loretta, a married couple, moved to this home when their oldest daughter, Claudia, was six. They also had two other daughters, Monica and Sarah, who were four and three, and Loretta was ready to deliver Stella.

It wasn’t as though Ben and Loretta disagreed on having two children, a boy, and a girl, being that two children would be enough. However, when the first two children were girls, Loretta could tell Ben wanted and needed a boy. Maybe it was all the money Ben lost betting with his friends that the new baby would be a boy. However, God knew how much Ben would love his daughters, ending up with five sweethearts and no sons. The family found happiness and success in their home in Encino.

It wasn’t as though Ben and Loretta could afford a house in Encino. When they got married, they moved into Loretta’s Mother’s home. Ben had just started his house renovation business. And as much as Ben had the desire, it was hard for him to get his name out since nobody knew him. However, for any job Ben could get, he would save every penny. He was a good and creative worker, giving insight into the ‘70s.

There was no way that Ben and Loretta could ever afford to live in the community of Encino. Face it, in the early ‘70s, this area was considered the countryside of Beverly Hills. You know, movie stars, production people, swimming pools, large size lots. Very few minorities.

One of Ben’s old high school friends, Manny, was an upcoming realtor, and with much excitement, he got a hold of Ben. You got to see this property that I found today, Manny said, out of breath as if he ran from the residence to the nearest telephone booth. Ben, this place needs fixing up, but with your talent as a builder, I think we can make a marriage of a deal.

Okay, slow down. Where is this house located? Ben half serious in believe that Manny had come up with a winner.

Manny whispered into the telephone as if somebody could overhear this great deal. Encino.

Encino, no way we can’t afford that, Ben whispered so that his mother-in- law couldn’t hear.

I know, bro, we both come from the same neighborhood, but it’s a steal.

How many bedrooms are there?

Well, originally, there were four, but after the fire, you can only use two of them.

A fire? Ben screamed on the phone.

That is where you come around. You can rebuild the extra two bedrooms, the laundry room, and the kitchen and make it your dollhouse. Manny described the mess to Ben.

Manny, you know I have three girls, and Loretta is ready to pop another one out. We need at least four real bedrooms. Ben said, frustrated speaking to Manny.

Well, tell me, bro, how many bedrooms do you have living with your mother-in-law? I think I saw one when I last looked.

That’s different; living here is only temporary. Someday, we will have our own house, and it will have four bedrooms. Ben explained.

Brother, everything will always be too expensive unless you make a move. How much is it? Ben asked.

Oh, my best friend, my brother. That is not the question. The question is, how much are all the houses in the neighborhood is worth?

"Manny, I will hang up this phone unless you get right to the point.

How much dinero is this place?"

Okay, I’ll tell you. The prices for houses in this neighborhood range from fifty thousand dollars up to two hundred thousand dollars.

What, are you crazy? We can’t afford fifty thousand dollars.

"I know, bro, It seems out of wack, but I think I can get you into this house for twenty-five thousand. Listen, I met the owner, and he wants to move on and get rid of it. If you can come up with one thousand dollars, this guy would hold the paper for at least 15 years. I have already talked to him, and he has said you name the monthly payment you think you can afford. He’ll keep it for 15 years, and if you don’t pay it off, you can get a new loan for another 15 years."

Dude, I will punch you hard if you mess with my heart. Don’t make me send Loretta over to get the truth out of you.

"Esa, I swear it’s a legit deal. At least come to the house tomorrow to look at the home.

Okay, me, Loretta, and the kid will arrive at nine… Garcias Hermano.

They were all in the car the following day, ready to go. They stopped for gas, and Loretta asked the serviceman if they sold maps. The guy went inside and came out with a used map. Here you can take this one. It is a map of the whole Valley.

Loretta returned to the car giving the two older girls a piece of Bazooka bubble gum. She right away opened the map and was able to find the correct address. You get on 101 North and off at Balboa Blvd. The girls in the back seat started to laugh, thinking their Mother had said, Bazooka blvd.

It was Claudia who spoke out to her father. Daddy, are we going to live in the same town as our bubble gum?

Ben and Loretta just looked at each other and laughed. Ben faced his wife,

Chiquita, don’t get your hopes up. It’s Manny, and many things could be wrong.

Can you imagine our family living in Encino? Good schools for the girls. No random gunfire throughout the night. A real home that will belong to us.

Ben got off the freeway, turned left, and crossed over Ventura Blvd. Hey, did you bring our passports? Ben smiled, kidding, looking around and seeing all the white folks filling the street.

Loretta saw what Ben was getting at, I brought mine and the kids, but I couldn’t find your green card.

Are you sure you want to move out of the barrio? Ben glanced at his wife, keeping his eyes on the road.

I have lived my entire life in the barrio, and nothing has changed. Everybody is family, and I’ll miss that, but now I have you and the kids. And Encino would be a wonderful place to raise our children.

They slowly crept up a hill, and on their left side was a street named Violet Ct. Loretta started to cry, out of happiness. This is our new home.

CHAPTER 2

The Mendosa’s house was in the middle of the cul-de-sac, sharing a pie-shape lot with their future close friends and neighbor, Alvin and Emma. It was the first day that Ben and the family looked at the house. The actual house was a mess. The spirit of the home had to endure a fire wiping out a good portion of the structure. But deep inside, Loretta felt the peace that this place belonged to them.

Ben had the vision, explaining the new construction to Loretta. "It’s going to take some time. I think we have enough money saved to start the construction. It’s all the time it will take to get it all together. I don’t know, sweetheart. When they looked around the outside of the house, the neighbor Alvin was on his knees, hand raking around his upcoming flowers.

Hello, Ben addressed the man. Are you the gardener for this house?

Alvin laughed, "no, I actually live here with my wife.

Ben tugged on Loretta. I’m so sorry; I hate it when people make assumptions about me.

Alvin got off the ground and extended his hand. My name is Alvin. So, what do you think of the house?

Um, we haven’t talked together about it, but now that we have met our neighbor, it’s starting to look good.

Alvin smiled, I’m sorry to sound so negative. It’s just that my wife and I have gotten our hopes up, and to be truthful. I have to protect each of our hearts. I can’t tell you how many couples have come to see the house. I’m afraid my wife, Emma, and I are the deal killers.

What, unless your wife is, not allowed to come out for our safety, why would you think you are the deal killer, Loretta spoke up.

I’m a man of color, and African Americans don’t tend to increase property values. At least not in this neighborhood.

Hey! Ben said excitedly, We are a family of color too. In case you haven’t noticed, we are brown. Well, actually, Mexican-Americans. We would love to have you as our neighbor.

Alvin got excited and once again extended his hand. Ben, I hope you and your family decide to give this house a try. It’s been through a lot, but the remaining bones are strong.

Hopefully, we can close the deal. Ben smiled at Loretta.

Loretta talked directly to Alvin. I can’t wait to meet your wife. In our neighborhood, neighbors are family to us.

Well, go and make the deal. We will be here forever, always having an open heart and helping hand. Alvin said, giving the Mendosas a giant smile.

Loretta stepped over the flower bed and hugged Alvin.

CHAPTER 3

Encino, California. 2016:

The Mendosa’s garage door was open, blaring music from Marvin Gaye. Eight men and two children were in the so-called Hombre Cave. Five men were sitting around an old poker table, and two men were milling around, talking to one of the guys sitting at the used portable bar. Two young boys sentenced to the Man Cave entertained themselves by playing with their Game Boy.

None of the adult guys complained. This man cave was their sanctuary where men could be men and all the disgusting things that make them men. Besides, they didn’t want to be involved in all the lady talk inside the house. All the guys, mostly Ben, hand-picked all the furniture, solo nonmatching chairs, and a table for the poker games, but the unique piece was a Hawaiian Tiki bar giving the guys the pride of being their own. Over the years, several signs have appeared on the walls. Freedom to feel the pain. Man Cave. Boys only and my favorite. This is a man’s world. homage to Ben and his sons-in-law. However, time spent in the Hombre cave made time stand still, with all the good things and repeated subjects of how to save the world. Mostly it was an opportunity to play poker, drink, and make fun of each other in a loving manly way.

Through a path around the poker table, a skinny door led to the house’s primary residence. After you pass a downstairs powder room, you enter the heart of the home, facing a sizeable white-painted fireplace. A wooden mantel balances the series of framed pictures of the Mendosa family. On the wall beside the fireplace hung a banner reading: CONGRATULATIONS, RINA. On the adjacent wall were several large portraits of the family’s history of weddings. These framed photographs were placed in a sequence of events, enhancing the ultra-white walls, leaving a blank space for the youngest, Rina, and Eddy, her fiancé. The eggshell cove sofa sat facing the fireplace, standing strong beside two overstuffed chairs. There was a gold plate coffee table sporting a glass top. All of this was creating a special place of reflection and warm conversation. An old black antique hard chair with a dark brown leather cushion stood outside the reflecting area, leading and dividing the space between the living room and dining room.

Today the woman celebrating Rina’s wedding shower filled the room with laughter and cheer. Loretta and her neighbor Emma were the event coordinators giving Rina a day to remember. Each of Rina’s sisters was there to support and love their sister. When it was time for Rina to open her presents, each of her sisters reflected on their marriage as they pushed over presents for Rina to open.

Oh my gosh! Mama, look how beautiful. Rina said, holding up white honeymoon lingerie.

All the girls wooed and whistled. Loretta addressed her friend and neighbor.

I swear, Emma. Your taste gets better and better as you put on the years.

Emma gave Loretta a little sash. Considering I’m young enough to be your baby sister.

Loretta gives Emma a sour look. Somebody can’t take a compliment.

*   *   *

Off to the side of the living room, almost in the dining area, Rina’s oldest sister Claudia was looking through the large picture window. She was overlooking the manicured backyard reflecting on her ten years of marriage. Claudia, an attractive woman in her mid-thirties, was thinking about the day before her husband and she tied the knot.

Standing in the dining room, she allowed herself to drift to her college days. She found herself in her college dorm room. She relived a special moment with Michael, her fiancé. Claudia and Michael lie among a stack of books with a sheet covering their naked bodies. She peeked through her covers and allowed a tear to arise. It’s bad luck for you to be seeing me before the wedding.

Michael lifted his head next to her. He noticed the tone of her voice and set aside the book he was reading. He turned to his side and wrapped her arms around his fiancé. Michael snuggled up close and said. I don’t believe in those old wives’ tales like the Rolling Stones said. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away."

Claudia lifted her head and gave her fiancé a sour look. "Who? I swear Michael, I think you should have been born a white man.