Page 50 of The Overdue Kiss

She waves a spatula at me. “Men are fickle. They don’t know what they want until it’s gone.”

“I know what I don’t want, and it’s an unfaithful husband. Can we just drop this? I’m here with Des.”

“Your friend, as you’ve told me a hundred times.”

I roll my eyes at her exaggeration as she continues.

“Plus I ran into Felipe yesterday and?—‍”

My stomach lurches, and I grip the counter. “What did you do?”

“—‍I might have mentioned how you miss him and want him back.”

“Mami, why, why? I don’t want him back. For the first time since last Christmas, I’m happy. Things are falling into place at work and I’m meeting new people, trying new things. I don’t want to go back in the past.”

“Mija. Listen to me.” She goes to grab my hands, but I pull away. “Felipe is a once-in-a-lifetime catch. His career is only going upward. He’s meant for stardom and success. You will be taken care of and provided for.”

“I want nothing from him.Nothing.” I untie Abuela’s apron from around my neck and toss it on the table, ready to head home.

“Is this really a smart decision? To give up on what you two had for some teacher?”

My spine straightens and I turn back to her slowly. “Desmond is worth a million Felipes. There is no comparison.”

She holds up her hands in defeat. “¡Ay! You are so stubborn. One day you’ll understand that sometimes God puts certain people in your life for a reason. I don’t want you to regret this later, mija.”

“I know God does. How do you think I met Des?”

A booming howl of laughter erupts in the living room, echoing so loudly in the kitchen that the decorative plates on the wall rattle.

Mami shakes her head, her eyes full of disappointment. “You sure? He just ran out the back door.”

Chapter Twelve

Irush out onto the deck, leaving the chaos of shouting and laughter behind me. Anxiety’s claws loosen from my chest with each deep breath I take. The drilling headache lessens with the soothing cricket song.

It’s not often that I get overstimulated like this anymore, not like when I was a child. But frustrating that something I thought I had overcome could still tear me down in a nanosecond.

The back door opens, and the sound of cautious footsteps tap on the deck. Her vanilla scent drifts up as Maya rests her forearms on the railing and glances up at me. I knew she’d come find me eventually, but I’d hoped to have more time to think about how to explain things.

“You all right? Did someone say something to you? I’ll beat them up on your behalf.”

“You would, wouldn’t you?” I laugh at the thought. My eyes flutter closed. “Nah. I’m okay. Loud noises bother me sometimes, and it’s best if I just leave the room rather than yell at everyone. It’s not their fault I get like this sometimes.”

She loops her arm through mine, surprising me when she leans her head against my shoulder. “You can still yell at them. Especially my brother Juan. I’m sure he said something annoying tonight.”

My hand itches to wrap around her, to pull her close in a hug like I had earlier. But I don’t trust myself to not ask for more than she’s ready to give right now. To be safe, I tuck my fists in my pockets.

“But then I’d have to leave this special one-on-one party we are having right now.” I rest my jaw on her head, allowing this one gentle touch. “Nah, it’s not worth it.”

“Besides all the noise, are you having a good time?”

“Everyone has been nice. The tamales were good like you said. I think I ate too many.”

“That would make Mami’s day. We don’t have to stay the whole time, you know.” She squeezes my arm. “I appreciate the fact you came at all.”

“I want to stay. I just need to collect myself for a few minutes.”

“Take all the time you need. Do you want me to go inside or?—‍”

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