Big Chicas Don't Cry(81)

“Gracie!” she announced. “What are you doing here?”

I had a little white lie ready and had already asked for forgiveness in the car. “Hi, Mari. Um, I was in the area and thought I’d stop by. I wanted to give you something.”

She hesitated, and for a few seconds I thought she’d actually shut the door on me. But then she smiled and ushered me inside. I’d never been to Mari’s house before, but I had her address since I always sent her and Esteban a Christmas card. Despite never having been inside, I still knew something was off. She led me through a maze of boxes that sat in the large foyer to a beautiful open kitchen. Drawers and cabinets were open, and more boxes sat on the counter.

“Are you guys moving?” I couldn’t help but ask.

Sadness washed over her face, and I immediately felt bad for opening my mouth.

She cleared her throat and stuffed her hands into her pockets. “Yep. Well, I’m moving. Esteban and I are getting a divorce.”

I had no poker face, so I’m sure my shock was as clear as the crystal glasses lining one of the open cabinet shelves. “Oh. I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Where are you moving to?”

She laughed, but I knew it was a hollow one. “Not quite sure yet. I’m staying at a hotel down the street for now. Eventually, I’ll get my own place, I guess. We’re going to sell the house soon. Good thing I decided to do some packing today while Esteban was at the office; otherwise you would have missed me.”

“I’m pregnant, and the father of the baby wants nothing to do with me,” I blurted out. I guess I thought sharing my drama would help lessen hers.

Mari’s mouth dropped open. “Wow. I had no idea. Are you . . . ?”

Realization hit me slowly. “Oh! Yes, I’m keeping the baby.”

She surprised me by coming over to give me a hug. “You’re going to be a great mom, Gracie. I know it.”

That was all it took. I hugged her back hard and didn’t care that I was sobbing into her hair. “I’ve missed you, cousin. We all have.”

She nodded, and judging by the dampness on my cheek, I knew she was crying.

We held each other for what seemed like forever. Eventually, our sobs quieted, and we untangled our arms. Then we looked at each other and laughed.

“So, you said you wanted to give me something?” Mari said after we’d regained our composure.

“Yes! I do!” I reached into my purse and pulled out the photograph I’d found that morning in my album. Then I handed it to her. “I thought you would want it.”

Mari stared at the photo for a few seconds before meeting my eyes again. The sadness was back.

I hadn’t meant to make her feel that way. In fact, it had been the opposite. I’d known something was going on with Mari after what had happened at the funeral. The photo was the excuse I’d needed to check on her. I had hoped it would make her happy. But she looked the complete opposite.

I wasn’t exactly sure when it was taken, but Mari and Erica looked to be around eleven or twelve. They must have given Welita a makeover because she had on lots of eye shadow and red lipstick. All three of them had huge smiles on their faces.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry again,” I rushed out as soon as Mari wiped away a tear.

“You didn’t. It seems all I do is cry these days,” she said with a sad shrug. “Thank you, Gracie. I love this picture.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

As she walked me to the door, I gave her another hug. “Call me, Mari. Anytime you need to talk, okay?”

She smiled. “Okay. Do you think . . .”

This time I knew exactly what she was about to say. “Yes, I know Erica would love to hear from you too.”





Chapter Fifty


ERICA


For the first time in my life, I walked into a restaurant not hungry at all.

My stomach was doing the cha-cha, and putting food in it didn’t seem like a very good idea.

“Can I help you?” the hostess asked.

“I’m meeting someone. Can I look around to see if she’s here?”

The woman nodded, and I walked past her into the dining area. It didn’t take me long to spot Mari. I told the hostess that I’d found her, walked to the table, and offered my cousin a quick wave as I took a seat.

“Thanks for meeting me,” she said.

“Thanks for inviting me,” I told her.

Gracie had told me that Mari was getting a divorce. When I’d heard that, it explained how she’d looked and acted at Welita’s funeral. I couldn’t stop thinking of her and whether she was okay. So I was shocked when she’d called earlier and invited me to lunch.

I picked up the menu, pretending to be interested in the lunch specials. I knew there was no way I would be able to eat anything other than water and crackers if we didn’t start talking soon.

“They make their own potato chips here,” I offered.

“Really?”

“Yes. They’re pretty good.”

I went back to studying the menu.

“I’m getting a divorce,” she blurted.

Of course I already knew this, but I feigned surprise. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“No you’re not.” Her lips pressed into a firm line.