“You’re welcome. Can I see you again before I leave?”
She grinned. “Of course. Actually, would you like to come over the day after tomorrow? In the daytime, I mean. Not for another interrogation by my family. I can show you the farm for real. That is why you came up to Santa Maria in the first place, right?”
His eyes lit up. “I’d love that. It really was. I want to do better. But Carolina, it’s not just about the farm anymore. I like spending time with you.”
“I like spending time with you, too.”
He gave her a chaste kiss, most likely because they were near her home, and then got out of his SUV and opened her door.
She hugged him goodbye. Oh, those muscles. “I’ll see you on Monday, okay? Get here at five a.m. We start work early.”
“Sounds—early. But good.” He winked. “Good night, babe.” He walked back around to the driver’s seat, and when she turned around for a final glance, he was still watching her.
Once she was on the porch, the tires scattered the gravel as he pulled away, and the taillights disappeared in the distance.
Carolina took a deep breath.
She put her key in the door and opened it.
Her father and mother sat next to each other on the couch, matching scowls on their faces. Blanca was on the recliner, her face animated, clearly waiting for the train wreck to commence. Carolina was surprised that she hadn’t made herself popcorn. Her parents didn’t say a word as Carolina slowly locked the door behind her, put her keys down, and took her shoes off before turning to her family.
The stonewalling was killer, so Carolina decided to get the first words in. “I know what you’re going to say, but I am telling you that you are overreacting. I just went dancing. That is all. That is what normal American women do. I have abided by your rules my entire life, but I’m an adult. I’ve been a grown-up for a long time, actually, and I’ve decided that I am entitled to some freedom.”
Her father opened his mouth, but instead of words, a wheezy cough came out. Carolina’s chest ached at the sound; she was heartbroken and concerned about his health, but she wasn’t going to use that as an excuse to continue to live under his thumb.
Mamá tensed up her shoulders and spoke for them both. “No, Carolina. You are not entitled to anything. Yes, you may technically own this house, but in our culture, the father is always the head of the household. He deserves respect. You humiliated him tonight. In front of Blanca’s suitor, Tiburón. He probably thinks we raised wild women!”
“Tiburón? The ex-convict? You’re worried about what he thinks?” Blanca shot Carolina a look, and she felt a quick sting of guilt for being cruel toward Enrique’s cousin, but Carolina held firm.
Papá spoke. “You watch your mouth about him. Unlike your date, Tiburón showed us nothing but respect. He answered all my questions without any attitude and declared his intentions toward Blanca. He is interested in starting a serious relationship with an eye toward marriage.”
This was unbelievable. “I did not humiliate you! I simply went on a date with a man I like. One date. He took me out to a lovely dinner and then we went dancing. And you know what? It was the best night of my life.”
Her mother couldn’t let it go. “Well, you will not live in this house defying our rules.”
Carolina’s throat tightened. “Well, if you want to play that game, this is technicallymyhouse. I bought it. And I’m going to do whatever I want.”
Blanca let out an audible gasp as Mamá clutched her chest and Papá’s eyes bugged out.
Carolina’s heart dropped. Maybe she had pushed too far. Yes, it was her house, but she would never kick her family out.
Ever.
But she still could leave...
She paused, wondering if she should further engage. Ultimately, she decided she was better off removing herself. “I’m going to go to bed.”
Neither of her parents said another word. Carolina scurried down the hall as Blanca raced after her.
When she reached their bedroom door, Carolina held her hand up like a stop sign. “Don’t start, Blanca. I don’t want to hear it.”
Blanca clutched Carolina’s wrist.
“Well, I’m going to say it. What are you doing? Look, I’m thrilled you stood up to Papá. We both know he’s ridiculous. Insane, even. But Cari, he’s not going to change. Ever. You know this. I know this.”
Carolina did know this. She closed the door behind her, collapsing on her bed, and Blanca sat next to her. At least they had some privacy in this house, after all the girls being stuffed like strawberries in a packing crate for years. Blanca and Carolina were so excited tohave their own space. They had painted the room lavender, and Blanca crocheted some blankets to make the space comfortable. It was cute, cozy, and completely theirs.
“I agree. But what are my options? Live here until I die or wed a stranger? I don’t want to get married, Blanca. Ever. I could never, ever be controlled by another man.”
