Page 148 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
Mama gave Papa a look then said to me, “I know you love fashion, but I’m worried you’ll burn yourself out. You alreadyhave a lot to manage with your regular classes and your job, and you also need time to enjoy your college experience.”
“Honestly, I’m enjoying it more now that I have classes I actually like. And I’m having a good time with Kriz and Chloe. Also—” I knew it was risky, but I needed to get the secret off my chest. “—I’m seeing someone.”
Gabe’s hand moved to rest on mine, and I clasped it tightly.
Mama’s eyes widened. “Oh!”
“You don’t need any more distractions.” Papa frowned. “It’s better that you focus on your degree, especially this last year. Studying doesn’t come easily to you like it does to your brother.”
I had no idea how I’d kept my face from falling at how he’d casually torn me down. Beside me, Gabe bristled, and I had to press his fingers to silently remind him that I was okay.
“Gabe’s actually been helping me with some of my classes,” I said.
“Gabe?” Mama repeated. “That name sounds familiar.”
“He’s a friend of Ate’s.” I hoped they would miss the implication of my words, but Papa’s glower proved otherwise.
“So he’s Tala’s age?” Mama asked.
I swallowed, bracing myself for what would come next. “A bit older. He’s thirty.”
Papa’s face grew red. “You mean he’s older than your sisterandyour sister’s boyfriend.”
“Juan.” Mama and Papa did their silent conversation thing while I tried to blink away the stinging behind my eyes. Then Mama turned back to me. “Luna, you know we love you and we want you to be happy. But are you sure this . . . Gabe is right for you?”
“Tala!” Papa suddenly called out.
A few tense seconds later, Ate’s voice came through the speakers, though she was out of view. “What’s with the shouting?”
“Did you know your sister is involved with your friend?” Papa demanded.
“Gabe’s a great guy, Papa. I know he’ll take care of Luna.”
“He’s too old for her.”
“Better than her dating one of her classmates who just wants a good time,” Ate said. “I trust Gabe.”
“Alonzo!” Papa yelled again. “Did you meet this Gabe when you visited your sister?”
“Yeah,” Lonzo answered from beyond the frame.
“What did you think of him?”
I gripped Gabe’s hand because I had no idea whether Lonzo would help diffuse the situation or add fuel to the flame.
“He’s serious,” Lonzo replied. “Not very talkative but from what I could tell, he’s a hard worker and he built a successful consultancy on his own.”
I barely managed to stop from gaping at the screen. That was a lot better than I’d expected from him.
Papa grunted. “Luna’s in college and this guy already has his own business. It’s unacceptable.” Turning to me, he said, “It’s your senior year. Don’t waste the last three years by being irresponsible.”
Something inside me snapped at his words. “Why can’t you give me some credit? I know my grades are never going to be as good as Lonzo’s and you’re never going to trust me like you trust Ate. But doesn’t it count for anything that I’ve survived here on my own these past two years? That I managed to make good grades and keep my scholarship—even though studying doesn’t come easily to me and I don’t like most of my classes—and I do that while working and fending for myself? When will anything I do be enough for you?”
When will I be enough for you?I wanted to scream, but I held back. I felt Gabe raring to speak, and I spared him a glance, wordlessly telling him that this was a fight I needed to take onfor myself. He clenched his jaw but nodded, and I took comfort in how he respected my wishes.
“Luna . . .” Mama murmured as Papa stared at me.
“Please don’t say you’re worried about me, Mama. You’ve told me that a million times,” I said. “Papa, just once, I wish you would tell me that you’re proud of me for getting this far. Or that you’re happy for me because I’m finally choosing my own path and doing something that I love.”
