Page 25 of Serving my Dragon
I expected Mama to explode only she nodded. “The girl has a gift. She can bring Pollita over as I have much to show her still.”
Mama teaching another woman her secrets. The world must be about to end.
“I don’t imagine Kayleigh will be here much longer. Soon as her affairs are sorted, she’ll head back home.” An observation that bothered me more than it should have.
“Don’t be so sure it will be quick. Bureaucrats love to complicate things. Which is good for you. You seem to enjoy her company.”
I was saved from replying as Kayleigh returned from her excursion with my cousins, laden with bags and a smile. “Goodness, hello everyone. How was your day? If you give me a second to unload this stuff, I’ll get some supper started.”
“No need, querida. I knew you’d be busy and brought over a little something.”
Wait, when did Mama start calling Kayleigh querida, which translated to dear?
“You have to stay with us to eat,” Kayleigh insisted.
“Oh, I shouldn’t.”
“I insist,” Polly added.
After only a very weak protest, Mama stayed for dinner, with Pollita in her lap being hand-fed. The pot of seco de carne—a delicious stew—had Kayleigh groaning and naming off the ingredients she recognized and Mama supplying those she didn’t catch.
After the meal, Mama insisted on giving Polly a scrub in the shower to remove the remaining loose skin from her molting. An offer that boggled my mind.
Given the clear evening, I asked Kayleigh to join me in the garden for a coffee under the stars. We sat, not talking but comfortable.
After a while, she said, “This is really nice. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love my life back home, but this…” She sighed. “I really love it here.”
“Peru has much to offer.”
“Oh, Peru is nice, but I’m talking more about the people. Your family. Your mom especially. You…” She paused. “You’ve been a real gentleman.”
“I’m just doing what anyone would.”
“No. You’ve gone above and beyond. Not to mention, you’ve not made a single move on me. If your family didn’t have stories about your ex-girlfriends, I’d think it was because you were into men.”
The very idea almost had me toppling my chair. “What? No.”
Kayleigh giggled. “I know that, just saying a lot of guys wouldn’t have been so respectful.”
“It wouldn’t be right to try and seduce you given your situation.”
“Have you wanted to?”
Should I lie? “You’re a beautiful woman, full of life and laughter. Of course I’m attracted.”
“I hear a but,” she sang.
“I wouldn’t want you to acquiesce because you feel obliged. Not to mention, it is not an affair that could go anywhere. Your home is in Ohio. Mine is here.”
“We have a saying in America. Home is where the heart is, and mine has been beating extra hard since meeting you.” At the admission, her head ducked, and I’m sure had there been light, I’d have seen a blush.
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I don’t know what the future holds but I’d really like for you to kiss me.”
A man only had so much willpower.
I stood and held out my hand. She slid hers into it and a tingle of awareness shot through me. She rose to face me, showing a rare shyness. My free hand cupped her jaw as I leaned in and brushed my mouth against hers. I paused for her reaction.
