“Are you doing the apps?”
Penny restrained a sigh. It said a lot about the state of her dating life that her mother knew more about modern dating technology than she did. “Not right now. But I will.”
“There are new ones,” Mom said, then rattled off several names. “Have you tried them?”
“Not yet, but I will.”
“When was the last time you went on a date?”
Over a year ago — and it was a dud, she didn’t say. “It’s been a while, but as you know, I’ve been busy.”
“You are a beautiful, intelligent, dynamic, accomplished woman,” Mom said, not relenting. “The man of your dreams —the man you deserve —is out there. You need to be out there, too.”
“You’re completely right,” Penny replied, pleased that her tone remained even. “Totally agree.”
Mom was about to say more —a lot more —when Dad cleared his throat. “So, Penny,” he said, “okay if I change topics?”
“Please.”
“Your mom and I have news as well.” Her mom shot him a quick glance and sat up straighter.
“News?” Penny said as she scooped up the last bite of her dinner. “What news?”
There was a pause which went on longer than usual. Penny glanced up from her bowl —her delicious enchiladas had completely vanished, alas —and realized that her parents were gazing at her with expressions that seemed anxious. No, more than that. It was like they feltguiltyabout something.
“Honey,” Dad said, “we’ve been meaning to talk about this with you for a while….”
“Talk about what?” A tingle of unease crept through her. What were they so hesitant to share?
“It’s about yourabuela.”
“Abuela Maria?” Penny’s heart started thumping. Her beloved grandmother Maria had just turned ninety and lived with Mom’s sister Rosarioin the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. “Has something happened? Is she okay?”
“She’s okay — no big changes, nothing to be worried about,” Dad said right away. “But as you know, her memory is continuing to decline.”
Penny nodded, her tension growing. “The news is about Abuela’s memory issues?”
Mom spoke up. “It’s becoming more difficult for Rosario to take care of Mama on her own.”
“I see,” Penny said.
“So in January, we’re going there to help.”
“Oh, that’s great,” Penny replied. If this was their news, then she was all for it. Her parents went to Oaxaca all the time to see Mom’s family.
“And we’ll be staying there,” Mom said.
“For how long?”
“Mija,” Mom said, sitting up straighter. “Your father and I aremovingthere.”
Penny went still, not sure she’d heard right. “Wait. You’removingthere?”
“We’ll keep the house here and come back for visits, but your father and I are moving to Oaxaca.”
“Permanently?” Penny’s heart started hammering. She looked at her dad for confirmation. “For real?”
He nodded. “Yes, honey.”
