Summary

In "The King of Castelldefels," Nacho wakes up on his back "in someone's garden" (73). Everything is "floating" and he does not know where he is (73). He does not answer his phone when it rings. It is probably his "girlfriend, Cristiani" (74).

Nacho has lived in Castelldefels since his marriage with Montse ended. For the past seven years he has "been with Cristiani" (74). He met her at a club. When she asked what Nacho did, he lied and said he "was a musician" (78). It had been years since he "played piano in a jazz ensemble" (78).

After they started dating, Cristiani moved in with Nacho, bringing her son, Aristides, or Ari, with her. Nacho and Ari bonded over soccer. Nacho did not like soccer, but knew Cristiani would love him "more if [he] appeared to be bonding" with Ari (81). Nacho and Ari started a...