“Okay, bathroom is through here. I had some new dresses brought in from the store for you. They’re hanging in the closet,” Aunt Evie says.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I tell her. “I’m only here for the weekend and I packed a bag.”
“I wanted to. Besides, this will be your room for whenever you want to visit. I’ve always loved you like a daughter, Frankie, and now, well…” My aunt looks around the space. “If there’s anything you want to change, let me know and I’ll have it done.”
I don’t know what to say. I know what she thinks. I came herewithEmilio. It’s exactly what I thought people would think. “It’s not like that,” I say quietly. “We’re just friends.”
“What?”
“Emilio and me, we’re just friends,” I clarify.
“Oh, I thought… never mind. It’s only a matter of time. Oh, wait! Your mom wanted me to video call her when you got here.” Aunt Evie takes out her phone.
“She knows I’m here?”
“Yes, I called her as soon as E told me you were coming. I was excited.”
The sound of a ringing phone comes through my aunt’s device, and then my mom’s voice follows it. “Is she there?”
“I’m here, Mom,” I say.
“Frankie, you cannot just go off to Mexico for the weekend and not say anything. Now tell me everything. Oh my god, Evie, it’s finally happening!” Mom squeals.
“Hold up. Mom, nothing is happening,” I insist. “You two really need to give up this dream of having shared grandbabies. It’s not happening.”
“What? But you went with Emilio?”
“Because I wanted to see Aunt Evie and Tío E, and it was a free trip to Mexico. Why wouldn’t I come?” I explain.
“Evie, turn the screen around. I need to look at my daughter,” Mom says, and then I’m staring back at her. “Frankie, are you telling me nothing has happened? With you and Emilio? Nothing at all?”
I blush. I can’t help it.
“I knew it. Something has happened. Look how red she just went, Evie!” Mom squeals again.
“Mom, stop. It’s nothing and I really don’t need these rumors getting back to Dad… or Alfie.”
It seems everyone is on Team Emilio and Frankie except my dad and oldest brother. I’m pretty sure Hudson would help Alfie get rid of Emilio’s body too if he were asked.
“Frankie, I’ve told you before: Do not let fear of the unknown hold you back from something your heart wants. If I did that, I never would have married your father.”
“Are you suggesting I run off and get hitched in a Vegas chapel?” I laugh.
“Absolutely not. This is a wedding Evie and I have been planning since the day you were born,” Mom tells me.
“Right, well, I’m not sure I’m ever going to marry anyone,” I mutter.
“I said that once too. Then I met your Tío E. Well, actually, he kind of kidnapped me. I think I probably have that victim thing where they fall for their captors.” Aunt Evie smiles blissfully. She is so in love with Tío E.
“Hey, I heard you were here.” Elias, Emilio’s older brother, comes into the room and hugs me. “You staying long?”
“Just the weekend,” I tell him.
“Blink once if you were brought here against your will. I’ll get you out,” he deadpans.
“Do you really think I’d ever let someone take me against my will?” My arms fold over my chest.
“No. But I know my brother and how… convincing he can be when he wants something.”