Page 68 of Sweet Heart

The bell rings before I can finish the sentence, and Mary practically jumps in my arms. I let out a small laugh, just as startled, before I make my way to the door. I glance over my shoulder once, only to see Mary take a big gulp of wine, and I smirk. Carmen already loves you, you silly little thing. And I’m in trouble because I don’t stand a chance against either of them. Especially together.

Chapter 25

Mary

“And then Cat took off her chancla and swatted him with it,” Carmen howls at the memory, and my whole body shakes in unison with hers.

Every single muscle in my core and face hurts from laughing so much, and still we can’t seem to stop. From the moment she walked in and wrapped me in a big hug, it has felt as if we’ve known each other for years rather than having met only once a couple of months ago. Cat smirked and sat back to watch it all unfold.

Carmen and I formed a surprising bond when she informed me she loves pineapple on pizza and has a strong distaste for anything coconut-related. Catherine seemed offended by both, but I couldn’t agree more. Much to her horror. Every worry I had before melted like snow in the sun when the childhood stories came. And boy, did they come.

The remnants of our dinner still sit on the table when Carmen pours us another glass of wine. I’ve lost track of how many, but instead of feeling drunk, I feel warm and sheltered. My cheeks are a bit more flushed than usual, perhaps, but my mind is sharp and present. Cat has lifted my legs over hers and is now tracing soft circles on my thigh with her thumb, as if it is the most natural thing in the world. Carmen’s eyes flicked over to it once but, other than a quick smirk, she didn’t respond to it. My heart, on the other hand, began racing while something inside me opened up even more. And now I am curled snugly against her, right where I belong.

“In my defense,” Cat’s voice rumbles low next to me, and I glance up at her. “He was trying to get me to dance twice after I said no. Twice.”

Carmen chuckles softly and shakes her head.

“You kicked him straight in his Cuban pride, hermana.”

“He’s lucky a swatting was all he got,” she grumbles back, and I snort.

Somehow, that statement feels so Cat that I can instantly see it. Her at twelve years old, swatting at a very persistent uncle with her slipper. Even then, already unable to be persuaded to do anything that went against her will. I lean my head against her shoulder, still warm from laughter and wine, while beaming.

“Sounds like little Kitty Cat was a badass.” I grin, wiggling my eyebrows.

Carmen roars at the use of the nickname and nearly topples off her chair. And here I was, afraid that I would cross some boundary and trespass on their lifelong friendship. But she welcomed me from that very first moment in the hospital. It was a playful curiosity then, but something warmer and more settled now. As if I am an extension rather than an addition.

The sharp ring of Cat’s phone rudely interrupts us, and we all glare at the device knowingly. I slide my legs down as she stands up to grab it, presses a soft kiss against my temple, and walks into the next room with an apologetic look.

“Durand.”

Her voice is clipped as she closes the door behind her. I stare at where she stepped out, still not used to the interruptions, and feel something settle in my chest. I am wanted here and seen for who I really am. With Cat, I don’t have to pretend to be anything I am not or tone myself down. I can just be me. And she is unapologetically herself, too.

By the time I turn my head again, Carmen’s eyes are on me. The rueful glint has been replaced with something delicate. A fondness of sorts. I glance over my shoulder toward the door, but I realize the look isn’t for Cat. It is for me. She smirks when she sees the realization on my face and tilts her head.

“She really likes you, ya know.”

Her voice is silky, but her eyes bore into mine as if she is trying to penetrate deep into my soul. My throat instantly constricts, and I have to swallow hard to push down the lump forming there. This is it. Now she’ll warn me that if I ever hurt Cat—

“It’s been years since she last let anybody in like that,” Carmen interrupts my thoughts, and I nod softly to acknowledge her words. “I thought she’d never allow herself to have this.” She gestures at me with her hands.

“This?”

“Sí.” She nods firmly. “That feeling of being sheltered. You make her glow, guapa.”

My teeth scrape over my bottom lip as I glance over my shoulder again.

“She makes me feel that way too.”

“Claro que sí,” Carmen quips as if it is only natural. “Once Cat lets somebody in…” A soft, knowing smile appears on her lips. “But getting her to do that, that’s the real flex.”

And just like that, her face transforms back into something mischievous, almost bratty. I let out a huffed laugh and nod in agreement. This much I can affirm from my own personal experience.

“So tell me, rubia, what will you wear to the gala?”

Carmen leans forward on her elbows, props her chin on her hands, and lets her gaze glide down my body. When I recoil and draw my eyebrows together, her eyes widen slightly.

“Gala?” I hate how thin my voice suddenly sounds.