Chapter 7
Zita groaned as she pulled up at her mother’s house to see Carly and Bridget’s cars already there. She was bound to get some teasing. Bess and Saint started barking and ran to the car to greet her, foiling her hope to sneak inside and get changed without anyone noticing. She should train them not to do that.
After greeting her two lovable mutts, she let herself into the house and was met by a living room full of people. OK, so no hiding.
“Hey ZZ, did you run to the shop?” Carly asked, kissing her cheek.
“Ah, no.”
“What do you call it in America?” Alejandra asked. “The walk of shame?”
The girls laughed as Zita’s face heated up. “Nothing shameful about it,” she said and then muttered to Alejandra, “Your English is too good.”
Alejandra beamed at her and joined in the laughter.
“Who’d you go out with?” Bridget asked.
“I took David to the flea market,” she answered, edging toward the staircase.
“Did you get lost?” Jack asked with a grin.
“Enough,” Carmen said. “The weather was too dreadful to drive home, rightniñita?” She winked at her youngest daughter.
Zita sighed. “Yes, Mama. Excuse me, I’m going to get changed.”
There was more laughter as she hurried upstairs.
***
When she returned, her mother called them into the dining room for lunch. The topic of today’s discussion was Carly and Evan’s wedding.
“Yesterday we went to check out the venue Hayden found,” Carly said. “It’s perfect for what we need.”
“What’s it like?” Zita asked.
“It has a room for the ceremony, kind of like a chapel, with big glass windows that look out on to the garden.” Carly smiled. “It will be almost as good as being outside, without the heat.”
“The reception room is large enough for dinner and dancing,” Carmen said. “We can have a meal and celebrate with our friends.”
“Have you picked a date?” Bridget asked.
“We were thinking July. Evan’s parents will have vacation time by then.”
“Then perhaps the end of August will be a good time for us,” Bridget said, taking hold of Jack’s hand. “Mama, can Jack and I get married in your garden?”
“Of course,” Carmen said, and then she froze, mouth open as the words sunk in.
Bridget waved her left hand at her mother, showing the ring. “We’re engaged!”
Carmen’s shriek was enough to deafen them all. Zita grinned as her mother started crying.
“Congratulations,” Zita said to Jack as she stood and hugged him.
“Thanks. I knew I’d wear her down eventually.”
She smiled and kissed Bridget. “Congratulations, Birdy.”
“Thanks, ZZ.”
