“I have another confession while we’re at it.” Sofia laughs.
I laugh back. “Lay it on me, prima. I’m ready.”
“I was jealous of you. Growing up.”
“What? You were jealous of me?” I cackle, unable to even comprehend the thought.
“Yeah, I was. Roberto was always a great uncle to me, but it would have been nice to grow up with a father—a real one. I remember being so envious of you and him when you did your father-daughter dance at our quinceañera. I wished I had someone I could have danced with.”
“Oh, Sof. I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry.”
“No need to apologize. Like I said, he was a great uncle to me. He was there for me a lot. Cheered me on at events. Went to my school plays. I only wish—”
“What?”
“I wish I could have been there. For the funeral. I’m sorry, Isa. I really wanted to. I sent a letter to your mom, and we sent flowers, but it’s all we could do. She refused.”
“You sent flowers? I didn’t even know. She didn’t tell me,” I say softly, feeling hurt.
“Moms, am I right?” She chuckles softly, but there’s sadness in her voice. “I only hope we can continue moving forward together, despite their issues. What do you think?”
I smile. “I would love that.”
“Mi amor,” Luciano shouts and waves Sofia over to him.
“I’m going to go annoy my future husband for a bit. Can you believe the wedding is in two days?”
I watch her go, and suddenly remember I forgot to check her hair to see if it matches the lock I have stashed in my bikini top.Shit.It’s not like I can just ask her, though. I need to see if it has that same reddish-brown tint in the sunlight or if it shimmers with those subtle golden streaks, just like the one I found. I glance down to make sure it’s still tucked safely inside my top, nice and dry.
“Do your breast screenings somewhere else, prima,” Silvana remarks.
I look over to see her paddling by me. She’s on her knees, making me think she’s never done this before. I figured she would keep paddling by, but to my surprise, she stays beside me. She doesn’t say anything for a solid minute. I sit awkwardly, waiting, watching the tiny fish swim under the board.
“What are you doing with Valentina?” she finally asks. “You’re spending a lot of time with her here.”
“She’s helping me with something,” I reply, trying not to sound defensive.
“Do you like her?”
“Why do you care?” I retort.
“Because she’s mine.”
“Okay, Silvie.” I snort. “It sure seems that way. She’sveeeryaffectionate towards you.”
“Oh, fuck off. She just doesn’t want everyone to know. So you need to back off, or you’ll regret it.”
“Is this high school? Grow up, Silvie.”
She sneers and adds, “I guess losing your father made you extra defensive, huh? I suppose it’s not like you’d understand loyalty.”
Her jab hits harder than I’d like, and I feel the sting.
“Where’s your dad, anyway?” I quickly snap back.
“Excuse me?” She turns and glares at me.
“I said, where is your dad? I’m just saying, family loyalty goes both ways, doesn’t it? You’d think he’d be around if it mattered so much to you.”
