Now that I had Vera, I could’ve afforded to take a few hours off. So, instead of checking my email, I decided to text her:
Me: I hope you’re happy!
Vera: When I’m talking to you, I am.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my smile.
Vera: Is everything okay, though? Why do I have the feeling that wasn’t a happy statement?
Me: No, everything’s not fine! You’ve infiltrated my thoughts and you’re not even here!
Me: I was going to get work done, but your voice barged into my head and made me change my mind. I hope you’re happy! If my work suffers, it’s because of you!!
Vera: Oh, princesa. Your work isn’t going to suffer because you take a night off. I’m proud of you, baby. Also, I can rectify that issue if you’re just dying to see me. I wouldn't want you to suffer.
Me: I know it won’t, I just have to adjust to time off. Work has consumed my life for years, and now that I have other things going on in my life, I need to find a balance. And I do miss you, actually.
Instead of a reply, my phone rang.
“Hey, you,” I said softly.
“Hey back. Sorry I didn’t want to text anymore. I wanted to hear your voice. Am I bothering you?”
I shook my head, feeling dumb after realizing she couldn’t see it. “Uh, no, not at all. How was your day?”
I couldn’t contain my smile. There was something about her voice that calmed my racing thoughts. I was in deep trouble.
“My day was good. Just got in from taking Nyx on a walk. Ran into those sweet girls from the bookstore. Farrah and Alexis, right?”
“Yeah. They’re sweet.”
“Si. So, what are you up to?”
“I just got home not that long ago. After work, I went to the bookstore and ran into Fallon.”
“Really? How is she? She’s due any day now, right? Shouldn’t she be on bed rest?”
I laughed. “You don’t know Fallon. She’s stubborn. Mackenzie insisted she stayed home to rest, but she snuck out. She also apologized for the Rebecca thing and the date incident for the billionth time.”
“I really hate that name now.”
I laughed. “I know you do.”
“I miss you, princesa.”
I settled into the couch, my heart feeling full. “I miss you, too.”
“So, feel free to say no, but I am requesting your beautiful company tomorrow. My niece is having a soccer game, and I’d love for you to be my plus one. A few of my brothers and cousins will be there, so it’s going to be low-key. Again, feel free to say no. I know meeting the family can be huge, and I don’t want to put any pressure on you. It’s just a casual thing.”
I laughed. Only about half a dozen people. Super low-key. As I sat and thought about it, I pulled my lip in between my teeth, toying with the skin.
Meeting the family was a big thing. I’d seen her with her brothers at the gym and they looked very intimidating. What if they didn’t like me because I didn’t look like someone she should be with? What if they didn’t think I was good enough for Vera?
I cleared my throat. If she wanted me there, there was no way I was saying no, despite how nervous I felt. “Of course. I’ll be there.”
“Really? That’s great! It starts at ten, so I’ll pick you up around nine?”
“That sounds good.”
