“That’s the idea. It’s good for you.”
“I’d go in the summer.” Auntie Ezzie looked across the table. “Whatdya say, Doris? We could mix up a batch of margaritas and show off our coconuts.”
“Not helpful. The Polar Bear Club won’t meet there in the summer.” Auntie Kat sighed in frustration. “The whole point is to reclaim the water hole which they seem to think is their exclusive property in the winter.”
“Yeah,” Auntie Ezzie said. “What if we wanted to ice skate?”
“It’s not big enough.” Auntie Carmen glanced at her. “And since when do you ice skate?”
She lifted her chin. “I could learn.”
“I agree we should do something.” Grandma Doris tucked her napkin next to her plate. “Let’s help with the dishes and then head to the dorm so we can hash out a strategy.”
“We’ve established you don’t do dishes here anymore,Abuela.” Xavier stood and gave her a fond glance. “But if you’re all ready to go, we’ll help you with your coats.”
“I’m loving this gallantry.” Auntie Kat pushed back her chair. “C’mon, Damsels, let’s go plan a water hole takeover.”
“Just keep it legal.” Adam shuddered to think what mischief was in store. But at least the party was winding down.
As usual, everyone participated in clearing the table and cleaning the kitchen. After they finished, Tracy stood talking with Mila and Claudette.
Of course. He hadn’t thought this through. Since her folks were out of town, his sisters would naturally invite her to stay with them. He’d set her up to make a choice between him and his sisters. What a guy.
Dragging in a breath, he walked over. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but that thing we talked about outside, you’re right. Email works fine.”
She blinked. “You’re sure?”
“Absolutely. If we need to discuss it in person, there’s always tomorrow. We’re still on for a ride, right?”
“Absolutely.” She held his gaze.
“That sounds like fun,” Claudette said. “Can we go?”
He swallowed. “You bet.” Looked like he’d get his wish to spend lots of time with Tracy. And they’d never be alone.
Logic told him that was for the best. But the fever in his needy body didn’t give a damn about logic.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Okay, Trace. What’s the deal with you and my brother.” It wasn’t a question. Mila pinned her with a look that dared her to deny there was an issue.
Curled up in one of Mila’s easy chairs by her beehive fireplace, a cup of warm tea in her hand, Tracy had been lulled into believing the subject wouldn’t come up. “It’s stupid. No big deal.”
“Seems like a big deal to me.” Claudette pulled out the scrunchie holding her thick brown hair in a ponytail. Tossing it on the coffee table, hand-carved in Mexico, she picked up her mug. “He’s clearly jacked up about something and you haven’t been out here in weeks.”
“I know, and I’m sorry about that. I’ve missed you guys.” Mila’s house, with its graceful arched doorways and warm colors, wrapped around her like a hug.
“And we’ve missed you,” Mila said. “I know you’ve been busy. We’re all busy, but?—”
“I let this… issue… with Adam keep me away. My bad. I’m sorry. I won’t let that happen again.”
“Things were so weird I began to wonder if I’d done something.” Mila didn’t sound angry, just bewildered. “I decidedto find out after the meeting last night, but then you went into a huddle with Adam. I asked him this morning if you were mad at me. He said he was the problem but he wouldn’t tell me why.”
“He’s not the problem. I am.” That New Year’s Eve kiss loomed larger by the minute. If only she’d screwed up her courage and told Mila the next day. She could have turned it into a joke, robbed it of its power.
Too late for that. Like her mom always said,the sooner you fess up, the better. She gripped her mug in both hands and looked at Mila. “I kissed Adam on New Year’s Eve.”
Mila blinked. Then she started to laugh. “That’s it? A little kiss on New Year’s Eve? Everybody kisses everybody on New Year’s Eve. It’s tradition! Please don’t tell me that’s what?—”
