“Far from it.” Camila smiles.
“I would love to see you again. Grab coffee? Maybe dinner?” Zoe asks, her voice trailing off slightly as she meets Camila’s gaze.
A foreign excitement courses through Camila; she’s never been asked out by a woman before. She’s always had to make the first move, but honestly, this feels great.
“Sure, yeah, that sounds nice,” she answers shyly, utterly incapable of looking at Zoe.
“Are you only saying yes because of your parents? Because I won’t be offended if you’re not interested.”
At that, Camila’s head shoots up. “No, I’m not only saying yes because of my parents. If anything, I’d say no because of them. Rebel child and all.”
“Noted,” Zoe laughs.
Just then, Camila’s phone rings. She reaches for it and sees it’s a message from Valeria.
“Sorry, I have to take a look at this,” Camila says to Zoe.
“Please.”
Valeria 1:56 p.m.:
Hey, I’m so sorry I haven’t been replying, I’ve had a terrible few days.
Camila 1:56 p.m.:
Don’t worry about it, I’m glad you’re alive. I was seconds from contacting the FBI lol.Everything okay?
Valeria 1:56 p.m.:
Yeah, everything is fine. Brooke drama ... if you’re free later, I’d love to grab coffee or dinner, there’s so much to catch you up on.
Camila 1:57 p.m.:
That actually sounds nice. I’m at my parents’ right now, and I could use a drink or 10, it’s been a wild day.
Valeria 1:57 p.m.:
Perfect, the coffee shop we like serves alcohol after 5, so we can meet there.
Camila 1:58 p.m.:
Perfect. I’ll see you then.
Camila lets out a long sigh.
“Everything okay?” Zoe asks, eyeing her carefully.
“Yeah, just making plans with a friend. I hadn’t heard from her in a few days, and I was starting to worry she hated me or something.”
“You seem impossible to hate,” Zoe says, her eyes tracing Camila’s face like she’s memorizing her. Camila’s cheeks grow warm with the attention.
“How’s it going over here?” Camila’s mom asks, walking down the path to the garden.
“Great,” Zoe answers cheerfully. “These fruit tarts are delicious.”
“Oh, good! They are Camila’s favorites. Did you try them?” her mom asks, looking straight into her eyes.
“Not yet, but I’m sure they’re amazing, Mom, thank you.”
