“That’s nice of you, but I’m still finding my groove,” I say, not ready for what they’re suggesting. “Photography is just a hobby.”
“A perfect place to start,” Eva encourages. “You plant the seed and see how it grows.”
“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s her line when she means no,” Chaz says, his eyes on me, teasing. “She has a stubborn streak. But I’m wearing her down.” His tone carries a private meaning that makes me blush.
Eva’s gaze on us sharpens. “Shall we go chat, Lexie?”
“Here comes the inquisition,” he says in a stage whisper, his warm breath tickling my ear.
“Hush up,mijo.” She swats his shoulder and then loops her arm through mine. “We’ll leave you boys to finish off dinner and set the table.”
“I’m coming too.” Sophia follows.
“Yell, if you need rescuing,” Chaz calls to our retreating backs.
There’s nothing to be nervous about, I remind myself. These are two friendly women who just want to get to know me better. Reaching the family room, the photos on the walls and mantle steal my attention. There are several of Gianna Delgado—Sophia and Chaz’s mom and Eva’s best friend. They met through their teaching jobs when she and the children moved here after her husband passed. But their smiles in the pictures don’t reflect any of that sadness.
There are others of Val and Eva together and the trio of Chaz, Dice, and Sophia, growing through the years. I zero in on one of Chaz around thirteen, performing at a talent show—his hair was shorter then, his face boyishly cute, but his dimpled grin hasn’t changed.
That sense of familiarity tightens around me again. It’s not anything I can pinpoint—just a feeling I can’t make sense of. Of course, it doesn’t stand to reason. I’d remember if Chaz and I had ever crossed paths. Perhaps in another life, or maybe it’s just a testament to our strong connection. I’ve never been drawn to anyone like this before. I think that must be it, but the sensation lingers.
“Chaz tells us you’re here on a mini getaway,” Eva says, snapping me back to the present.
“Something like that,” I reply, as we settle on the sectional with nicely chilled rosé and Bitsy at our feet. “I took a break fromChicago to take better care of myself and decide what I want to do next.”
Eva studies me thoughtfully. “A healing journey.”
“Yes,” I nod. “I like that. I still haven’t figured myself out yet or made any real decisions.”
“You will,” she assures me.
I wish I shared her confidence. I turn my gaze to Sophia, sitting cross-legged on the floor, and shift the conversation. “So, I hear you’re interested in advertising?”
“Yes! Since I was a kid.” Her eyes light up. “I’ve been sending out my resume like crazy. I applied to the top five firms in Chicago—Raven and Ignite are my absolute dream agencies.”
My stomach tightens at the mention of Ignite, but I force a steady tone. “Those are big names, but have you thought about some of the smaller or mid-sized firms? Sometimes you get more hands-on experience and”— I pause, treading lightly—“a healthier work-life balance.”
Her brows knit. “Did C tell you to say that?”
“Not at all.”
“Oh.” She exhales, toying with the carpet fringe. “He’s been . . . better about it lately, thanks to you, but he still hates the idea of me working for a big company. He thinks they’re all run by a-holes and scumbags. I think he’s afraid I’m gonna be taken advantage of or something.”
I nod, understanding that his worry is a scar left by loss and injustice. It’s an anger that’s never been laid to rest, and he’s tried to shield his sister from experiencing those hurts. “Chaz just wants to protect you.”
“I know.” Her voice softens, but not her resolve. “Not all big firms are bad, though.”
“You’re right,” I concede, couching my words. “But some do have toxic cultures. I’ve heard rumors about Drew Marshall, the CEO of Ignite. His expectations are said to be intense, eveninappropriate. I can’t confirm anything specific,” I add quickly, “but the rumblings are worth noting. It’s always good to do your research before committing anywhere.”
“That’s smart advice,mija,” Eva chimes in, petting Bitsy. “This Marshall guy sounds like a bad hombre.”
Sophia shrugs, unconvinced. “Maybe, but Drew Marshall is an advertising icon, and that comes with haters talking shite about you. I’m just hoping to meet some people from Ignite and other firms, too, at this huge marketing event. A friend of mine is trying to score me an extra ticket. Eeee!”she shrieks, her hands balling into fists. “That’d be so awesome. If I make the right connections, I can email them my resume on the spot and put a face to the name.”
I see what Chaz means about her ambition and unmitigated focus. “That’s the AdVantage Summit, right?” I confirm, recognizing it from my own experiences.
“Yeah,” she nods eagerly. “Any advice?”
