“Agreed.” Fernando nods as we pause in front of a glass case filled with intricate necklaces and earrings. “One of the tías you’ll meet in Santa Luz worked as a head designer in a factory similar to this one.”
“I’ll have to ask her more about it.” I shake my head. “If I ever have a midlife crisis and change careers, I think becoming a jewelry designer would be my job of choice.”
“Are you going to do some shopping while you’re here? Or do you want to look around some of the other shops?”
“I think most of what they have here is similar to what I’d find in other boutiques. If you don’t mind, I’ll shop now.” I immediately reach for a black-and-gold pendant on the shelf in front of me with a gold bird surrounded by a few flowers. It’ll be perfect for Daphne. “Do you think your mom or aunts would go for some jewelry from here too? I’d like to have a hostess gift for them.”
Fernando’s face softens. “You don’t have to get them anything. They’ll be happy just to see you.”
“Yes or no?” I hold up a pendant similar to the one already in my hand, looking them over for any flaws.
“Yes.”
“And how many aunts do you have?”
“Too many.”
I roll my eyes.
“There’s three I’m close to who you’ll see every day that you’re in town.” He lets out a tired sigh. “Ava, if you insist on getting them gifts, why don’t you let me?—”
“Nope. These are from me. I’m paying for them.” I clutch them to my chest. “If you want to give them something, it’s on you.” I school my face into my best doctor stare to let him know I mean business.
“Fine. Have it your way.” He takes a step backward. “I’ll meet you outside when you’re done. I’m gonna go find a coffee. Do you want one too?”
“Yes please.” I beam. “Give me about ten minutes.”
Fernando nods and heads out of the store. Over the last three days, I’ve realized that like many men, he doesn’t enjoy shopping. He admitted yesterday that sometimes he gets claustrophobic if there are too many people confined to a small space. If it’s an outdoor market though, he’s fine. For his sake, I’ve tried to keep the shopping to a minimum, but sometimes, it’s hard to resist the call of tourist trinkets.
As I select a few more items from the display shelves, I spy the familiar tall form of Dylan and his blue-haired girlfriend. I lean my head back and squeeze my eyes shut. What are they doing here? Maybe I’m imagining things.
When I open my eyes, he’s still there. With any luck, they won’t see me. I take a few steps behind one of the taller display cases, giving myself a pep talk. “I’m not going to let them ruin this trip. I don’t have to speak to them or acknowledge their presence. Icando this. Dylan no longer has a hold on my heart.”
Admitting this to myself sends waves of exhilaration through my body. I’m still working through my emotions, but I’m happy to say I don’t feel like a pile of mush when I see him. It’s a big step up from where I was a few weeks ago.
Squaring my shoulders, I walk up to the cash register, pretending Dylan and the Queen of Vultures don’t exist, then head straight out the door. It’s better if I don’t engage with the enemy.
“That was fast,” Fernando says as I meet him outside. “Did you have enough time? I don’t mind waiting a little longer.”
“I’m good. I got something for all the females in your family and my sister. I’m ready to get going,” I say, slightly breathless.
He frowns, looking me up and down. “Did something happen inside?”
“It’s fine,” I say quickly.
“Ava,you don’t look like you’re—” he starts, but is interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Glancing at the caller ID, he says, “It’s Mamá, I...”
“Go on, answer it.”
He nods and steps off to a private corner, just as Dylan and his girlfriend exit the store. “I knew you were planning a trip to Spain for a reason!” she says. “And now I know why! I can’t wait to call everyone and tell them we’re engaged! They won’t believe it when?—”
“Ava!” Dylan shouts, freezing in place.
My fingers dig into the flesh of my palm. I will myself not to say something snarky.
“Oh, um, hi again,” the blue-haired woman says, grabbing Dylan’s waist and pulling him closer to her.
My jaw twitches. “Congratulations,” I manage.
