“Yes, Hon?”
“That man who was just here… Do you know where their clubhouse is?”
She frowns and puts a hand on her hip. “Now, why would you want to know that?”
“They had an engagement party out at our property a few weeks ago. One of them left something. I was going to drop it off.” I make up a story on the fly and notice Carmen’s eyes widen. She knows it’s all a lie.
“Oh, well, in that case. It’s out past your father’s pecan groves, south on Highway 28 past Mesilla and halfway to San Miguel. The property used to be an old junkyard.”
“I know the place,” Carmen says, looking at me. “The one with the corrugated metal fence and the wooden sign.”
I smile at Dolly. “Thanks.”
“Sure.” She retreats behind the counter and pours coffee for a patron.
“What the hell was that about?” Carmen leans to hiss.
“I just wanted to know.”
“You are not going out there, Luisa,” Carmen states like she gets to decide.
I stare out the window. “I didn’t say I was.”
“You didn’t have to. It’s plain as day on your face.”
“It is not.”
“It is so.” Carmen lets out a sigh.
“You’re the one who said I needed to rebel and have some fun.” I throw her words back at her.
“Not with a biker. Not with one of the Saint’s Outlaws, for God’s sake.” She stares at me. “Luisa, you cannot seriously be thinking of going there.”
I shrug. “I just wanted to drive past and look at the place.”
She shoves a fry into her mouth. “There’s not much to see. It’s pretty desolate out that way. Only reason I know the place is because my father takes his extra tomatoes to the church in San Miguel. They have a food pantry for the poor. We pass right by it.”
I check my watch. “I need to get home soon. I promised my mother I’d help her hang curtains.” It’s another lie. I seem to be making a lot of them lately. I’ll have to go to confession and say the rosary.
“Have they said anything more about Mateo?”
“He started his last year of studies. I don’t think anything will happen until that’s over.”
“So, you have a reprieve until the end of the year. He’s going to New Mexico State, right?” she asks.
“Yes. He’s studying agriculture so he can take over his father’s business.”
“Ruby Chile Company is not far from here. We’ll still be able to see each other after you’re married.”
At her words, my eyes glaze. I don’t want to think about being married to Mateo.
Carmen reaches across the table. “Cheer up. You’ve still got months to get up the courage to tell your father you don’t want to go through with it.”
I nod, and she collects the check. “Come on. I’m paying.”
We walk to our cars, and she hugs me goodbye. I watch her drive off but make no move to start my own car. I glance up the street, thinking. It was a lie that I have to go help my mother hang curtains. I made it up because I needed to get away from my friend. My mother thinks I’m spending the day with Carmen, shopping, and I’m not expected home until dinnertime. That gives me a few precious hours.
Turning the key, I drop the car in reverse and head south. I drive on autopilot, promising myself I’m just going to drive past the place—just to take a look. What’s the harm in that?
