We make idle conversation. He tells me about his last semester of schooling, and how he can’t wait for it to be over.
I listen politely until he broaches a topic of importance.
“When classes are over, we shall get engaged. Perhaps a wedding next summer. By then I should be established in my father’s place at the estate.
“So soon? I thought it would take longer to… get established.”
“I see no need to wait. My degree has been the only thing holding me back.”
He’s got it all decided like I have no say in the matter, and the walls feel like they’re closing in on me. Everything inside me is screaming no. There must be a dozen girls who’d kill to be in my position, but all I want to do is run.
Mateo has so much to offer, at least in my parents’ eyes. He can give me stability and a comfortable life—all the things a girl like me is taught to want.
But I don’t want any of it. Not with him.
My stomach churns.
“I… I really must get inside. I should help my mother clean up the kitchen and…” I trail off.
“Of course.” Mateo stands, and I can’t help wondering if he’s as anxious to leave as I am to see him gone. Maybe this is as much a duty for him as it is for me.
It’s like there are no feelings involved. How can this be any girl’s dream?
He kisses me chastely on the cheek. “Tell your mother and father goodbye for me, will you?”
“Of course.”
“Dinner was delicious. Pass on my compliments to your mother.”
“I will. Goodbye, Mateo.”
“Goodbye, Luisa.”
He climbs into his expensive jeep and drives off, and I relax for the first time.
My cousins Alba and Estrella come outside, like they’d been watching.
“What did he say? Why did he leave?”
“He had studies,” I lie. “A test, I think.”
Alba folds her arms. “You’re blind, Luisa. That man is gorgeous. I’d snap him up in a heartbeat.”
“You’re welcome to him, Alba.”
“You know I’m engaged to Jose.” She tsks. “What is not to like about him?”
“I like him just fine, but there’s no spark.”
“Spark. Pfft. What’s so great about a spark? The man can afford to give you anything you desire. You’re a fool, Luisa.”
With that, she marches to her car. “Come on, Estella.”
Estella hugs me. “She’s wrong. Love is important. Don’t ever give up hope.”
I watch her go, and sadness fills me. I don’t know how I’m ever going to make it through what’s to come. I know I’m going to break my mother’s heart as sure as I’m standing here. But is my own heart not important?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
