When We Left Cuba

Beatriz continues to attend Palm Beach parties, though she’s never invited to the ones with the most important people. Her father is focused on his business, “Cuba a fading memory in the face of the new fortunes he seeks to build” (68), while her mother focuses on the family’s social status and Beatriz’s unmarried state. Beatriz resents that she is “meant to marry, have children, live the lives our parents lived before us” (71). She walks on the beach with Eduardo and again they imagine what they will do when they go back to Cuba. Eduardo warns that Fidel’s increasing friendliness with the Soviets is stirring tensions between Cuba and the US. Eduardo, too, warns Beatriz not to get involved with the CIA, trying to keep her safe. Beatriz feels that she and Eduardo are alike in many ways.

Beatriz’s sister Elisa, who is married to Juan with a young son, Miguel, announces that they are moving to Miami. Beatriz complains that she is only valued for being beautiful and charming, expected to do nothing but marry. Elisa hints that Eduardo desires Beatriz, but Beatriz insists they are only friends. Dwyer meets Beatriz in her driveway and says the CIA wants to send her to New York while Castro is visiting and see if she can catch his eye.