Page 61 of Mutual Discord

Yet I was starting to suspect that it was that ever-present shame that made it so hard for me to maintain healthy boundaries with Alex…

These thoughts swirled around and around in my head like some toxic tornado, and when I finally pulled into my parents’ driveway, I was exhausted. After letting myself in, I found a note on the counter from my parents indicating they had gone to the carnecería and would be back shortly. Heaving a sigh of relief, I unpacked my car, stashing my gifts under the Christmas tree, and put away the groceries. I wandered to the guest room, where I was greeted by the scent of sun-dappled linens and freshly mopped floors. Pulling my jacket from my shoulders, I dove face-first onto the bed, burying my face in a pillow. Sleep came to me quickly, and I was granted a reprieve from my unhelpful thoughts.

—

It was my cell phone vibrating under my elbow that finally woke me from my sleep. Swiping my curls from my face, I blinked at the screen. It was Caitlin. I pressed the answer button before I was fully awake.

“Sofia, were you sleeping?” Caitlin asked after I uttered a groggy hello. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d be sleeping so early.”

“No, you’re fine.” I cleared my throat and pushed myself up into a sitting position. “I just laid down when I got to my parents’ house and passed out. What’s up?”

Car horns peppered the air in the background, alerting me that she was walking down the street. “I just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas. I’m bummed I can’t be there to celebrate with you and your family, especially because your mom’s cooking is going to be delicious. I know Alex was looking forward to it.”

“Alex?” I tucked a strand of curls behind my ear. “Have you spoken with him recently?”

“Mm-hmm.” Stifled conversation grew louder on Caitlin’s phone but faded away after a moment. I was sure traffic was busy with shoppers securing their last-minute purchases before the holiday. “He mentioned he would be driving down tomorrow morning. I guess his sister couldn’t make it.”

I nodded my head until I remembered Caitlin couldn’t see the gesture. “Yeah, Camila won’t be able to make it out here until New Year’s.” I paused, biting my lip. “You’ll be able to come then, too, right?”

“Well…” Caitlin paused, and the line became muffled. She had probably stepped off the street into a business or building. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to fly in until the first.”

A long whine slipped from my lips. “Oh no, why not?”

“I was invited to a Vogue party.”

“A Vogue party?” I frowned. “As in the Vogue?”

“Yes,” Caitlin exclaimed, the word infused with one hundred percent excitement. “It’s one of the most exclusive parties of the year, and Vogue throws it for various fashion and beauty industry people. I’ve been wanting to attend it for years, so to be on the guest list this year is a dream come true. You understand, don’t you?”

A long breath whooshed from my lungs, and I plopped back on the mattress. “Of course I understand. I’ll miss you, though. I’m sure Alex will, too.”

Caitlin snorted. “Oh, Alex—” A new voice murmured on the other end of the call. It sounded like a man. I couldn’t make out what he was saying, and I wondered if Caitlin had placed her phone against her shoulder. Was she with a guy? “Hey, sorry Sof, but I gotta go. I’ll FaceTime you tomorrow or on Christmas.”

“Wait,” I exclaimed, my Spidey senses tingling. “Who’s that with you?”

“That’s—” The voice spoke in the background again, and Caitlin giggled. A full-throated giggle. I scowled. “That’s Ryan.”

“Who’s Ryan?”

Caitlin sighed. “I don’t have time to talk about it right now because we’re late for an engagement. But I’ll fill you in tomorrow. Promise. Love you.”

And the call abruptly ended.

I blinked down at my phone screen for a full thirty seconds. Caitlin was with a guy. Why would she be with this random Ryan? Maybe he was an employee of one of the brands she worked with. Maybe he was an influencer like her. It was possible they were both attending the event Caitlin mentioned and nothing more.

But she giggled. Caitlin used her beauty and smiles like weapons, deploying them with expert precision. I had seen her use them multiple times over the years, which is why I knew her laugh on the phone had been sincere.

“Mi hijita, you’re awake. I was starting to worry.”

Yanking my head up, I met my mother’s worried gaze. “How long have I been sleeping?”

Mamí looked down at her watch. “We got home almost two hours ago. What time did you get here?”

“I don’t know.” I rubbed the heels of my palms into my eyes. “I passed out when I arrived.”

“I guess so.” Mamí propped her hand on her hip as she stared at me. “You ready to get to work?”

“No,” I moaned, covering my face with the pillow. It didn’t matter how old I was; when I came home, my mom put me to work.