“Did you eat them all while I was gone, Valdes?” Val asks in mock horror.
I stand up, stretching my lower back by twisting my body from side to side. Sitting on a log is not as comfortable as they make it seem in the movies.
“Maybe I did.” I laugh and head towards the snack station near the main hall.
I step away from the campfire and into the darkness of the campsite. The fire was the only light source, casting flickering shadows across the trees and bushes surrounding them. The rest of the grounds are shrouded in darkness, the only sounds being the soft rustling of leaves and the distant croaking of frogs.
I make my way toward the station where Sofia has stored the extra marshmallows, my hand outstretched in front of me as I feel for any obstacles in my path. The darkness is absolute, and I can barely make out the shapes of the trees and bushes surrounding me. A small light outside the main hall creates a beacon of safety. I walk toward it, feeling more at ease. I’m not sure how Valentina walked through here without feeling creeped out. Then again, she probably wasn’t convinced by Maria that there is some killer on the loose in the campground.
As I walk, I feel a shiver run down my spine. The darkness is palpable, and I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. As if someone is watching me. I quicken my pace, eager to reach the safety of the snack station. Finally, I reach the cart and open the cabinet door on the side, feeling around for the bag of marshmallows. I grab a handful, close the cooler, and turn back toward the campfire.
When I turn around, I see a shadowy figure lurking in the corner. I gasp and let out a half scream, clutching my chest. The figure steps forward into the light.
“Jeez, relax,” Silvana says, rolling her eyes and taking a long drag from her cigarette. “I’m not going to murder you. I was just sneaking a smoke.”
“Oh. Right.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, trying to act casual even though my heart is racing.
Silvana flicks some ash off her cigarette and gives me a look that could cut glass. “But I do know things, Isa. Things you probably wouldn’t want getting out. Like the truth about your so-called booming restaurant. You think you can just stroll in here and play pretend?”
“What are you talking about?” I cross my arms, trying to look unfazed, but Silvana just smirks.
“I told you to leave Val alone. I told you to stop asking questions. I know you’re dirt poor. I know you owe Gabriel three months of back rent. I know you can’t afford to pay him without Luciano’s help. I know everything.”
“How do you—”
“What’s that? You’re wondering how I know?” Silvana flicks her cigarette into a nearby planter. “My mother has been dating Gabriel for years. She left my real father for him. I just happened to see some paperwork on our table from La Mariposa. Oof. It is not looking good for your father’s restaurant, is it?”
I freeze, my mind racing. That must have been the man Sofia was talking about. Maritza’s lover was not my father but his best friend, Gabriel. That must be why he has her number in his journal, to help the both of them stay in contact while she sneaked around. If Maritza wasn’t the one my father was in love with, then who was it?
Silvana raises an eyebrow. “Oh, and don’t worry—I also overheard your little lakeside chat with Valentina. Gotta say, I’m shocked you’d go along with her little sabotage plan, considering how much you have to lose. You must really like her, huh?” She gives me a smug grin, obviously loving every second of this.
The shadows on her face caused by the dim lighting make her look distorted.
I roll my eyes and take a step back. “What do you want, Silvana?”
“Oh, Isa, relax,” she says, leaning casually against the wall. “I’m not planning to throw Valentina under the bus. But you?” She narrows her eyes. “Well, I really couldn’t care less. If you keep playing around here, I might just have to mention your little deception to Sofia and Luciano. How do you think they’ll feel when they find out the truth about your restaurant? About the investment you so desperately need?”
I sigh and cross my arms, forcing myself to sound braver than I feel. “Just spit it out, Silvana. What’s your endgame here?”
She gives a fake gasp, as if she’s shocked I haven’t figured it out yet. “Oh, come on. It’s simple. Stay away from Valentina. You can’t just waltz in here, swoop in on my girl, and act like you’re suddenly one of us,” Silvana hisses, a hint of desperation undercutting her usual bravado.
“This family—it’s mine. I’ve been here through everything, and you? You disappear, then show up and suddenly everyone’s fawning over you like you’re the next best thing? So, do as I say, and I won’t blow your little cover.” She steps back with a smug smile, clearly satisfied with herself.
“You can’t boss me around, Silv.” I scoff. “You’re deluded.”
“Oh, come on, Isa. Be smart about this.” Silvana sneers, stepping in close and giving a smug smile. “You really want to risk it all? I mean, once everyone finds out about the real Valdes family—the fake designer bag, the restaurant on its last legs, the father who’s not here anymore—well, it’s not exactly the picture you’ve been trying to paint, is it?”
“Go to hell,” I retort, pushing her away and turning to walk back. I’m done with her games.
But before I can take more than a step, she grabs my wrist and holds it, her nails digging in. “Are you seriously going to let some silly crush ruin everything you’ve built? Risk being exposed as a fraud?” she hisses. “Do you really think Valentina would still want you if she knew the truth? That you’re barely holding it together?”
I yank my arm free, but her words sting. I’ve come too far to let this all crumble now. My mother’s pride, the family’s approval, this second chance at success—it’s all on the line. And she knows it.
She steps closer. “Break it off with her, Isa,” she says in a mock whisper. “Spare yourself the humiliation. You really want to lose everything just to chase after a girl?”
I look at her, taking in the twisted glee in her eyes. She knows exactly where to hit, and she’s right. If I don’t end this, she could destroy everything I’ve worked for. I close my eyes for a second and take a deep breath, knowing there’s only one choice left to make. “Fine. If that’s what it takes, I’ll end it.”
