Emma and I hold our boxes, wondering what we are supposed to do now. We look at each other and then at Adalia, who is standing there.
“Um,” Evie starts off, about to say something.
“Oh, right. The dresses are for the party this weekend. We just want to ensure they fit, so I need to see them on you. I am to report back if anything needs to be switched out.”
We look at each other then walk into the large bathroom to change, and as soon as we shut the door, Emma starts to speak.
“What happens?—”
I put my hand over her mouth, shaking my head. I place my finger up my mouth and point to the door, indicating that Adalia is listening and will likely report back anything we say.
We get dressed in silence, and I glance in the mirror. The dresses are pretty, but together, they scream ‘holiday party.’ We walk out, and Adalia frowns.
“Well,” I hold my arms out, twirling a little, “What do you think?” Emma doesn’t do anything but stand there holding her hands like a little girl seeking approval from her mother.
A sigh comes out of Adalia’s mouth. “I don’t like the colors together. I am switching them to both be red. What do you girls think?”
I look over to Emma. She shrugs, and I nod. “I think that is a good idea. I do like the colors though.”
We step out of the dresses and hand them over to Adalia, and she walks to the door but hesitates before she leaves. She turns around to face us. Her eyes narrow.
“Don’t screw this up for Mateo. There will be a lot of important people at that party, so your complete cooperation is expected. Otherwise…” she trails off. Her smile widens. “Mr. Martinez has the final say on who you marry, and he might not be very cautious about whom he picks for you from the potential suitors. We have all ages with varying specifications for their future bride. Or even worse, if he allows Oro to punish you, I can guarantee that you won’t be able to walk well for about a week if that happens.”
I hear Emma gulp.
“Dinner is in a couple of hours, so be ready. Someone will be up to escort you to the dining room, so I suggest you are both on your best behavior.”
I look over to Emma as I hear the door close. I walk over, and she throws her arms around me, hugging me. We change into one of the few outfits we were permitted to bring with us and wait. We sit there in silence, deep in our thoughts, not wanting to talk about what we fear and what may happen this weekend. Without a clock or watch, we have no idea how long we sit there waiting.
Suddenly, the door opens, and our brother walks inside. We both jump off the bed and hug him tightly. I step away to look at my brother as Emma still holds on to him. That’s when I notice he isn’t hugging us back.
“Emma,” I say, and she looks at me in question, still holding onto Mateo, then notices what I noticed moments ago—the resemblance.
She steps back, looking at the man we came to love, and wondering if this is an act or something else. Did he betray us?
“Sisters, follow me.” He walks out the door, and his polished shoes click on the tile floor as we follow him down the hall.
The scary-looking guard with the gold tooth, who they referred to as Oro, is leering at Emma. His lip curls in a sinister smile as we walk past. Emma turns her head just as he winks at her, licking his lips and staring at her ass. Mateo doesn’t notice, and she doesn’t comment if he does notice. We continue to walk behind our brother in what I assume is the direction of the dining room.
Enter the dining room, where a large ornate table lies in the middle of the room under a crystal chandelier, there is a serving station with wine and champagne resting in their respective glacettes. Adalia picks up a bottle of red wine and serves Mrs. Martinez.
Mateo pulls our chairs out, and we take our seats in the spots that he selects for us. He then goes to sit across from his father and grandfather.
Adalia stands there along with the butler, who brings everything out to the table. He has a plate full of raw filet mignon steaks that he brings over to Mr. Martinez for approval. I watch with interest at the exchange. Mr. Martinez nods, and then the butler walks over to the guéridon trolley to begin cooking the steaks.
The steak is placed over heat, and brandy is poured into it to begin the flambé process. The fire roars to life, and the meat sizzles, causing my mouth to water. The smell of perfectly cooked meat fills the air, and I realize how hungry I am.
A multitude of trays line the table under heated flames to keep the food warm while the steaks are cooked to perfection. No one asked me how I like my steak cooked, but as I watch this demonstration, I can rest assured that they will be cooked perfectly to a medium-rare temperature.
Adalia picks up a bottle of wine and some champagne from each glacette and fills our cups. I select the champagne, as does Emma. I feel someone looking at me as I turn toward Mrs. Martinez. She is sizing me up with a look of distaste. Mr. Martinez laughs at something Mateo says, and her gaze moves toward him. If she looks at me with distaste, then the emotion on her face as she stares at Mateo is with a look of pure hatred.
She must sense my continued stare because she turns back to me before I can look away as she finishes the rest of her wine in one gulp. As soon as she puts it on the table, it is promptly refilled. I wonder if I should be worried about her lack of restraint. Nothing good could come of a drunk wife around my brother who has quickly taken her son’s place.
I’ve barely taken my last bite of food as I set my napkin on my lap, when I hear a throat clear. I turn to see Mr. Martinez wiping the corners of his mouth like some kind of aristocrat instead of the corrupt politician that he really is.
“Ladies, I hope you have enjoyed your stay here because it will be short-lived.”
Emma and I both look at Mateo, and his expression is emotionless. A robot would have more compassion than my brother.
