Page 31 of Love Arranged
Desperate to leave this place, I search for my keys until I find them on the pedestal.
I go inside the house and get dressed. Once I’m done with my makeup, I head into the kitchen in search of coffee. My mom is leaning against the counter, watching her favorite morning talk show on her tablet while sipping coffee from a mug.
I’m surprised to see her already dressed for work whenshe isn’t on the schedule today. She only comes in a couple of times a week now that I’m a co-owner of Rose & Thorn, although she’s always happy to help me with large orders or rush deliveries.
It was hard to convince her to take a step back, but after the doctor noted their concern about her heart and some unideal test results earlier this year, she finally listened to Dahlia and me.
“Hola, Mami.”I kiss her cheek before making my own cup.“¿Estás trabajando hoy?”?*
“Yes, I plan on stopping by this morning to check on some bookkeeping things, but I’m only going to be there for a few hours before my hair appointment.”
“Want to grab lunch afterward?” I reluctantly offer, knowing I’ll have to get the uncomfortable conversation out of the way sooner rather than later.
“Sure. I’d love that.”
My pulse grows stronger with each heavy beat of my heart. “Great,” I manage to say, the word fighting to make it past my tight throat.
She pats my cheek affectionately on her way to the sink. “You okay? You look tired.”
I cringe. “I didn’t sleep the best, to be honest.”
“Did it have something to do with your car being stolen yesterday?”
“It wasn’tstolen,” I say.
“According to Julian, it was.”
“Julian’s only annoyed Lorenzo got involved.”
She doesn’t crack a smile. “Manny’s mother texted me to tell me how sweet it was of Lorenzo to cover your repair bill.”
This is news to me.
She continues, “Apparently Lorenzo asked Manny to give it a full workup.”
“Maybe Manny should practice mechanic-client privilege.”
My mom makes a face. “I don’t know if that’s a thing.”
“Well, it should be with how much Manny and his mom like to talk,” I grumble more to myself than her.
She toys with her crucifix pendant. “Sweet boy. It’s a shame you don’t like someone like him.”
“Seeing as I grew up during hiseat dirtphase, I’ll politely pass on the opportunity.”
“Better him than Lorenzo.”
I swallow hard.
She continues, “Perdóname, mijita.?* I’m a little concerned, but do you blame me? Julian doesn’t like him, which is what worries me most.”
“Who is Julian to talk? Half the town still dislikes him for tearing down heirloom homes and turning them into gray boxes.”
“Liliana!”
“What? You know it’s true.”
“He had good intentions.”
