“Mi amor, relax. It’s your sister coming, not some celebrity.Baila conmigo.” Dance with me.
He spins her around, and Mom lets out a hearty laugh. I giggle quietly, trying not to distract them from their moment. Turning my back to give them some much-needed privacy, I can’t help but admire their relationship. No matter how many fights and financial issues they’ve had over the years, their spark has never diminished.
I wonder if I’ll ever be ready for something like that.
Clearly, not any time soon, given my history.
Cameron comes to my mind and our awkward encounter in class replays in my head. I hardly looked at him, and we barely spoke. Everything about it felt so…off.
The amount of conflicting thoughts I’ve had over the break have been filtering through my head the past couple of days. It’s been the great cause of multiple migraines and restless sleep.
Our doorbell rings, and I run to answer it, thankful for my aunt’s timing. Mom yells for Ana to get her ass downstairs, and I’m met with a hug from a woman who looks identical to my mother.
The dinner wentoff without a hitch. We’re all still seated at the table, laughing, eating dessert, and drinking. That is except for Valeria, who has been talking nonstop about her new girlfriend. Her gossiping about her friends from high school reminds me of my time in the past with Cameron.
Stop thinking about him.
My mom and aunt’s laughs pierce my ears. All three adults are tipsy as hell. Rafael is telling them some sort of story about the English teacher and Gym coach at his job, and apparently, it’s hilarious, although I can’t hear a word over Mom and Nancy.
Ana has been engaging in conversation with Valeria and myself as well. It’s been pleasant, that is, until she asks me about my dating life.
“So, Kami, how has the dating scene been at Driscoll? Find a rich guy you’re going to marry yet?” She smiles devilishly.
Say what now? I’ve never mentioned anything about marriage, let alone for money.
Cocking my head, I try to remain calm. “No, Ana. Believe it or not, I didn’t go to Driscoll to find a rich husband.”
“Jeez, learn how to take a joke, hermana.” She picks at her nails. “All I’m saying is that if you’re going to waste your time and drown yourself in loans getting a degree that won’t do anything for your future, you might as well take advantage and get your Mrs. while you’re still there.”
Valeria squeezes my hand, probably out of nerves. She’s not one for confrontation. Closing my eyes, I try to muster up the patience it takes to ignore my sister’s ignorant and hurtful words.
“You have the qualities those types of men are looking for,” she continues. “You know your way around the kitchen, you’re good at cleaning, and you’re submissive. Although, I would recommend working out a little more, it might speed things along. Especially since your dating life has been pretty slow since that last guy you were seeing earlier this year. What washis name? Duncan? Danny?” She taps her fingernails while I clench onto Valeria’s hand. “No, wait, David.”
I slam my palm on the table, and everyone goes quiet.
“Woah,” Valeria whistles and takes her grip off mine.
My heart is working double time from what I can hear in my ear drums. I shoot daggers at Ana. “How dare you speak to me that way. What the hell is the matter with you?”
“What did you say to your sister, Ana?” Mom asks with her no-bullshit tone.
My twin and I glare at each other, waiting to see who fesses up first. She speaks before I can.
“I was just joking around with her, Ma, it’s no big deal. Right, Kami?”
Shaking my head, I refuse to cover for her again. “No, it’s actually a very big deal. But you don’t need to get involved in this, Mom, I got it. All the rude comments Ana’s been making on and off for the past few weeks are just her way of expressing her jealousy and insecurities.”
Ana scoffs. “What fucking jealousy?—”
“Language!” Nancy yells.
Pointing my finger at her, I increase the volume of my voice. “Own up to your feelings, Ana. For once in your goddamn life, admit what you’re fu—freakin’ feeling.”
“If anyone is jealous here, it’s you. You’ve been that way since high school.” She crosses her arms over her chest and purses her lips.
What is she talking about?
“Niñas ya no mas—” Girls that’s enough?—
