Page 14 of Tainted Truth

Zane, Asher, and Rio stop what they’re doing and make their way to her as if this is routine. She hugs and gives each of them a peck on the cheek, leaving behind a pink lip print. Asher wipes his away immediately, Rio makes a fuss that’s clearly fake about his mom’s kiss, and Zane beams at the show of love and slowly cleans off the lipstick.

This really is a home filled with love.

My mother loves me, I know that, but she showed it differently. She was what people would call a “helicopter mom.” She was a bit emotionally distant, but she hovered. She always wanted to be involved, know where I was going, who I was with, and how long I’d be gone. She was protective and worried, but she didn’t support my art until I was almost done with high school, when I finally sold my first sculpture.

Rio’s mom seems to take a different approach to parenting. She appears to shower her kids, even those that aren’t her own, with love—a lot of love. My mom doesn’t hug me when I get home or kiss my cheek, but I know she cares. She just shows it in her own way.

Rio’s mother’s eyes connect with mine. She frowns and she smacks each of the guys upside the head.

Oh shit. Am I supposed to be here?

Rio rubs the back of his head. “Ouch, Ma! ¿Y por qué fue eso?”What was that for?

“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a girl! I would have dressed nicer!” She chastises them as she smooths out the wrinkles in her apron.

“You look great, Paloma,” Zane reassures her.

I fiddle with my hair and bite the inside of my cheek as Rio places an arm around his mother and leads her over to me. “Má,wewould like you to meet Spencer. She’s the one who has been teaching me pottery. Spencer, this is my mother, Paloma.”

Paloma raises her brows when he drops the “we” and I cringe, waiting for the judgment that never comes.

Turning on my southern charm, I extend my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Flores.”

She ignores my hand, steps forward, and wraps me in a warm embrace. She pours her maternal love through our brief physical connection, and once again, I hold back tears. The only otherperson to hug me this way died three years ago. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed Abuela’s hugs until now.

“We hug here. I’m so happy I get to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

My eyes almost pop out of my head as I look to Rio over Paloma’s shoulder. He smirks and shrugs guiltlessly then nods towards Zane whose cheeks turn a little pink.

“Y’all talk about me?”

Zane nods while Rio blurts out, “Of course I do, Mama.”

During all of this Asher hangs back, refusing to be part of the exchange as if he doesn’t want to be associated with me at all. The thought stings, but I’m a big girl.

He wants to be an ass? Fine. He can be an ass. I’ll do the same.

When Paloma and I part, Rio says, “Spencer moved in.”

If I was drinking something, it’d be all over everyone right now.

I can’t believe he just said that.

“No—I—It’s not?—”

Paloma’s smile brightens her face even more. “A whirlwind romance. How beautiful,” she comments wistfully.

Is this real life? Someone pinch me. What planet are these people from? How can they accept a relationship,that I’m not even sure is happening, like this so easily?

Everyone ignores my shock, and I’m led over to the other three women by Paloma with Zane, Rio, and Asher trailing behind. “Come meet Rio’s sisters.”

“Where’s Carmen?” Rio questions with a hint of worry as he scans the yard, even though he knows she’s not here.

Paloma waves off his concern. “She’ll be here soon, don’t worry. She had a test to study for.”

“Spencer, this is Elena.” Paloma gestures to the sister with short hair. “And Mariela.” The one with the club clothing. “And Solana.” The sister with braided hair and a book.

My weight shifts side to side and a tingling sensation sweeps up the back of my neck as I remember where I’ve heard the name “Solana” before.

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