Big Chicas Don't Cry(59)

Eventually, the shadows drifted away, and the sky lightened in preparation for the sun’s first rays. I decided I might as well get up and start the coffee for everyone.

My mom had had the same idea.

She was seated at their kitchen table, cupping a mug and staring at nothing in particular.

“Good morning,” I said as I kissed her cheek.

“Good morning. Coffee is ready,” she said and took a sip.

When I finally joined her at the table, I noticed the bags under her eyes. “Guess I wasn’t the only one who didn’t sleep.”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t. Just in case, you know.”

“I know.” I reached over and covered her hand with mine. “She’s going to be okay. She has to be.”

My mom didn’t say anything.

“Welita is a tough cookie—you know that. Besides, Araceli’s birthday party is in a few weeks. You know nothing is going to stop her from being there. Besides, she’s making the beans.”

We both laughed about that for a few seconds until she covered her face with her hands and began to cry.

I wiped away my own tears and hugged her. “Oh, Mommy. It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”

We stayed like that for several minutes. Both of us holding on to each other and the hope that Welita would get better. When the heaving stopped, I pulled away and offered her a napkin to blow her nose.

“Thank you, Selena, for being here,” she said with a small smile.

“Where else would I be?”

“I know. But it was nice to have all of my children under the same roof again. It gave me some peace, and I need that right now.”

“I’m glad. Although, next time I spend the night, I’m going to use the air mattress. Gracie snores.”

She laughed. “Whatever you want. It means a lot to have everyone here during something like this. I know it’s selfish, but I don’t even want to imagine one of you moving away so far that I could only see you on holidays.”

Although I smiled, my heart sank into my stomach.

I hadn’t said a word to anyone about why I had really gone to New York, so I knew her comment was an innocent one. Or maybe there really was such a thing as a mother’s intuition.

My phone rang, and I told my mom I’d be back to finish my coffee.

“Hey,” I told Nathan as I walked out the front door.

“Hey there. Did I wake you? I know it’s still early there.”

“Um, no. I actually haven’t even gone to sleep. My welita had a heart attack yesterday.”

He gasped. “Oh my God, Selena. I’m so sorry. How is she?”

“Not good. It’s pretty much touch-and-go right now. We may know more later today.”

“Well, I know the timing sucks, but I was actually calling to tell you some good news. You’re one of three final candidates for the Kane position.”

I stilled. “I am? Wow.”

“We can go into the details later. They’re hoping to make a decision by the end of the month. They could ask you to come back to New York for another interview.”

“I don’t know, Nathan. With everything that’s going on with my welita, I just can’t commit to leaving town right now.”

“I know. We’ll work something out if it comes to that, okay? Don’t worry about it—just be there for your family.”

“Thanks. You are a very good recruiter, you know that?”

“Gee, thanks.”

I laughed a little. “You are also a really great guy. No wonder my family loves you.” The last sentence slipped out before I could catch it. I squeezed my eyes shut and hoped he hadn’t heard.

“They love me, huh? Good to know. Does that mean I get an invitation to the next family shindig?”

“Don’t push your luck.”

“I don’t know, Selena. I’m pretty charming. I may just win your heart after all.”

“Nathan—”

“What? We both know this thing between us is changing. And if you move to New York, there’s no reason why we couldn’t be together like a real, actual couple.”

My heart was going a mile a minute. Since when did Nathan want to date me?

I stayed quiet because I wasn’t ready to have that conversation.

“Are you still there?”

“I am, but my mom is calling me, so I better go.”

He sighed. “Selena, don’t you dare freak out on me. Please.”

“Goodbye, Nathan. I’ll text you later, okay?”

I hung up the phone before he could say one more word.





Chapter Thirty-Two


MARI


It’s funny how you can get your mind to focus on the tiniest of details in order to block out, or ignore, the bigger picture.

I studied the pattern of the silver spoon in my hand and was amazed that I had never noticed it before. It was an infinity sign, actually a triple infinity sign. I grabbed the fork lying on the patio table and studied it as well. The same sign. I felt relieved. I don’t know what I would have done if they hadn’t matched.

“Marisol, I’m asking you a question.” I looked up to see Esteban standing right next to me. Letty stood behind him.