“He’s sick?” Luísa asked as another cat ran across a back room.
“Yes, he had a pulmonary embolism, but he is doing better. Or was. He’s not speaking to me right now.”
“I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“Don’t apologize—it’s his fault you don’t speak.”
“True.”
Carolina continued. “Anyway, Enrique was there for me, but when he visited for dinner, Papá made him do this elaborate song and dance and I flipped. I went dancing with him alone—and you can guess what happened next.”
“I can only imagine. Your father always overreacts. He’s just like my father.”
“Yeah, they share a temper.” Carolina sipped her coffee. It was smooth and lovely. “Anyway, Enrique and I went to Carmel-by-the-Sea together, but we got stuck there in a storm and we had to stay the night together. And...”
“And?” her tía asked gently.
“And he’s wonderful, Tía. He was super supportive and patient. He makes me smile, and I feel more relaxed being around him. And he wants to start supporting farmworkers and making real changes in his farms. He was absolutely wonderful to me.”
“Wow. Sounds like a great guy.”
“He is. And...” She couldn’t believe she was actually going to share this intimate detail out loud, but she hadn’t been able to talk to Blanca and she was dying to tell someone. Plus she knew Tía Luísa didn’t talk to her parents, so there was zero chance it would get backto them. “I slept with him! I still can’t believe it. But I really wanted to, and it felt so right. He didn’t pressure me at all, and I don’t regret it.” And she didn’t. No matter what ended up happening with her and Enrique, she would never question her decision.
“I’m so happy for you.” Tía Luísa clasped her hands together. “You know, I was once just like you. I know our family sees me as the tipsy spinster dog mom, but I didn’t want to live by your grandfather’s rules. I had suitors, but I wanted my own life. To come and go as I pleased.”
Independence. That sounded dreamy. But also hard. “Do you have any regrets about leaving home?”
“No, not about leaving home. Sure, I get lonely sometimes. But no. I’m happy. Your grandfather never forgave me when I left and wouldn’t even let me come visit. I missed him terribly, and you, your sisters that I met, and your father, but I wanted to live my life.”
“I understand. But it’s not that easy.” She glanced toward the window where, moments ago, Enrique had been. Was she living her life if she was with him? Or living his?
“Tell me, Carolina.”
“Tell you what?”
Luísa waggled her finger. “We may have been apart for many years, but sometimes an aunt knows when her niece has man troubles.”
Carolina sighed. “I just worry if maybe this is all moving too fast. Enrique has suggested that I move to San Diego, and he’s even spoken of marriage and babies, and I don’t know if I’m ready.”
“Carolina,” her aunt sighed. “Be careful about going from one controlling situation to another. I’m glad you are exploring what you want in your life, but you need some time alone. You are strong, smart, and independent. I support you wanting to get out from under your parents’ restrictive ways, but don’t run from one problem to another. Find yourself first.”
Her words hit Carolina. Did she actually want to start a relationship? Was she using Enrique to escape her family’s control?
And was he controlling her? It hadn’t occurred to her at first, but... he wanted her to move down to San Diego. He even already mentioned marriage and having kids.
What was she doing?
She didn’t know—all she knew was that she needed some time alone to process what her aunt had said. “Tía Luísa—is there any way I can spend the night here with you tonight?”
Tía Luísa’s lips spread into a wide smile. “I would love that! We can watch telenovelas and order in a pizza and chat.”
Carolina picked up her phone to call Enrique to tell him about the change of plans, but it went to voice mail. Instead of leaving a message, she sent him a text.
Carolina:Hey. I’ve decided to spend the night with my aunt. I haven’t seen her for years and really want to catch up with her.
A few seconds later, Enrique replied.
Enrique:Cool, sorry I missed your call. Glad you’re having a great time. I’ll call you tomorrow. Do you want to go to yoga with me? There is a class at eleven.
