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I turn to look at Marcus. He’s staring after Margo.

“You know they would have paid you for the cleanup.”

“Good for business,” he grunts, staring at the now-closed back door.

“Hm,” I murmur, but I don’t push. I know why Marcus volunteered. He didn’t want any of his rivals to get a shot at the job.

He’s competitive, in his own quiet way. I’m just louder about it.

I follow his gaze to the back door.

This is a game he’s not going to win.

CHAPTER TEN

MARGO

My mother wrenches out of my grip as soon as the back door swings closed.

“What do you think you are doing, Margarita? Are you ashamed of your madre?”

I blink. “What? No, of course not.”

Guilt feels hot at the back of my head. I’m not ashamed of her, but she’s got this penchant for criticizing me in public. Embarrassing me.

She huffs.

“I just wanted us to have some time alone to talk,” I hedge.

Her face softens.

“Alright, mija.” She pauses. “Your friend seems nice.”

“My friend?”

“Mr. Hayes.”

I scoff. “He’s not my… friend. And they’re all nice.”

They claimed my wishes.

Heat flushes my cheeks and my mother gives me a wide-eyed look.

“All of them?”

“Yes.”

“Dios mío.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I’ll be working with them leading up to the festival. Well, all except for Cole. He’s just here to annoy me, I’m pretty sure.”

“Providing desserts for the whole festival.” My mother smiles. “You’ve done well for yourself, Margo.”

I freeze. I’ve been going by Margo instead of Margarita since I was eight years old, but this is the first time my mother’s ever respected that.

Respected me.

Tears spring to the backs of my eyes and I pull her into a hug.