For some reason, Ramón was still there. “He’s good. He’s still pretty hands-on with the business. I’m hoping he will be able to retire and take a break soon.”
Tía Eva leaned in closer. “What I mean, Ramón—is your father single?”
Julieta’s cheeks burned. “Oh my God, Tía Eva. Just stop.”
She gave an evil smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. Linda still has a crush on him. My bad.”
Ramón gave a nervous laugh.
Mamá spoke up. “Don’t mind Eva. All she thinks about is sex.”
Julieta was officially mortified. “Jesus, Mamá!” she yelled.
What on earth had Julieta been thinking, inviting Ramón over? He would never ever want to come back here again.
Tía Gabriella glared at Julieta. Her kind, almond-shaped eyes exuded warmth. “Please don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.”
Rosa saved the day by bringing in a platter of food. “Dinner!”
Julieta prayed they would all behave.
Tía Gabriella blessed the food.
Julieta and Rosa served everyone enchiladas, arroz rojo, refried beans, and a side salad. Simple, classic recipes with fresh ingredients. Sometimes, even Julieta wanted comfort food. She dug her fork into the cheesy enchiladas and took a bite.
Ramón devoured his food, and all of her aunts watched him eat like he was some kind of caged animal.
Tía Juanita cozied up to him. She wore a big cardigan despite it being eighty degrees in the house. “Do you like the food, Ramón?”
Tía Adriana knocked back a shot. “Of course he loves it. She’s the best cook.”
Tía Eva chimed in. “Yes, she is. She will make a great wife, don’t you think?”
Julieta wanted to drown in the tequila. “You all are so embarrassing. This is why we can’t invite anyone over. Can you just behave and act normal? For once?”
Her tías remained quiet. The answer was no. Thiswasnormal for them.
“I’m here to play Lotería. Let’s get started?” Julieta set out pinto beans as markers.
Tía Juanita smiled at Ramón. “So, Ramón, have you ever played Lotería?”
“Not a lot. I played a few times with my tía.”
Tía Eva scooped up a handful of beans. “Maybe Ramón should play with cash?”
“Or diamonds.” Tía Adriana laughed and took a swig of tequila. From the bottle.
It would be a long night.
Play the game once and you can leave.
Julieta gave Ramón a handful of beans. “Pinto beans will be fine. Who’s going to call?”
“I will,” Tía Gabriella volunteered.
Julieta handed Ramón a tabla.
Tía Gabriella clasped her hands. “Let’s say a prayer.”
