After all she had done for her family, after how much she had loved them and sacrificed for them, she was being erased.
Tía Luísa opened the door clutching an orange cat. “Come in quickly or one of these rascals will escape.”
Carolina rushed in and Tía Luísa slammed the door behind her.
Carolina petted the cat. “What’s his name?”
“Nacho.”
Sobs came suddenly and Carolina couldn’t stop them. Nacho nuzzled her and her tears dampened his fur.
“Mija. It’s okay. Come sit.”
Tía Luísa sat on the sofa and placed Nacho on her lap. Carolina sat next to her.
“Now you tell me exactly what happened with Enrique. Did he break up with you?”
Carolina shook her head. “Oh no. The opposite. He has been nothing but a gentleman. But it’s like you said. I was going from my father’s home to his. And though I could still date him no matter where I live, I just need to figure out who I am.”
“I understand. I’m proud of you.” She squeezed Carolina’s hand. “There is no rush. Take some time alone. Figure out what you want.” She wagged a finger at her. “But don’t make my mistake.”
“What was that?”
“Years ago, I was in love with a man. He was good to me also. But I didn’t want to be tied down. I was so insistent on being free, a reaction to my own papá. Your papá is nothing compared to your abuelo. But I loved this boyfriend. And he was patient and kind and waited for me a long time. Until one day, he met someone else. I was finally ready to tell him how I felt, and it was too late.”
Carolina’s eyes bugged. “Is that why you never married?”
“Yes. I dated through the years and never found anyone else I loved as much. You can meet the right person at the wrong time. Luckily, time keeps moving.”
Carolina had no right to ask Enrique to wait for her. Not that he probably ever wanted to see her again.
But was finding herself worth the risk of losing Enrique?
She didn’t know anything.
Carolina finally calmed down. Petting Nacho helped. She really needed a pet.
“Do you want to check out my café?”
Carolina nodded. “I’d love to.”
They walked a few blocks back to the main street. The homes they passed were small but full of character. But Carolina couldn’t help but notice how many brand-new lofts and buildings were in this neighborhood.
Carolina passed Las Pescas. Rosa was standing by the hostess sign. She waved, and Carolina gave a guilty wave back.
She just hoped Enrique wasn’t around. She couldn’t face him.
They stopped outside Café Mariposa, a vivid purple building with brightly painted butterflies adorning it.
Carolina loved her aunt’s café. It was so adorable. There were freshly baked conchas in the case and a list of Mexican-style coffees. Her aunt had accomplished so much without the support of herfamily. Carolina especially loved the mural inside the café of a cholita holding a rosary. She sat at a small table in the shop.
Tía Luísa greeted the girl who worked there and then served Carolina a Mexican mocha and a concha.
The whipped cream from the mocha cooled down the spicy heat. And the concha was crunchy and cloudlike.
Too bad Carolina didn’t get her aunt’s cooking gene.
Tía Luísa sat across from her, then she gave Carolina a little box.
