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“Hectic. We moved into the apartment yesterday, so I’ve taken Nana shopping. The place came furnished, but she’s a sucker for ornaments so I took her to the bookshop we went to. She picked up some cushions and drapes from the market. Makes it feel more like home, she said.”
“Home?”
“Yes. I wouldn’t be surprised if she decides to stay.”
Aisha leaned back, her heart beating faster and a flutter of excitement in her stomach. Gabi had a job with Matías and somewhere to live. “And what about you?”
Gabi etched small circles with her fingertip on the tabletop. “That depends, I guess.”
Aisha cleared her throat. “On what?”
“What happens here. With the job. I can’t imagine leaving Nana on her own. I feel different here too. I met someone here.”
Aisha widened her eyes.
Gabi laughed. “She’s interesting, and sexy, and dances like I’ve never seen before.”
Aisha blushed and sipped her drink. She looked towards Nicolas to check he wasn’t watching her.
Gabi’s expression caught Aisha’s breath. Heat expanded from her chest in a flurry of sparkles. At first, it was like being bathed in softness and comfort. The vibrations in her stomach intensified, and the ache between her legs felt electric and exciting, and she wondered whether everyone could see her pleasure. She glanced around and, satisfied that she hadn’t become a beacon of light attracting everyone’s attention, took a deep breath. Gabi could read her mind, she was sure of it.
“I can’t wait until you see the place. It overlooks the river and the hills. I think you’ll like it.”
“It sounds nice.” She wanted to stare at Gabi. She wanted to hold her hand. She wanted to kiss her. She finished her drink, aware that Gabi was staring at her and that Nicolás was laughing, and talking, and keeping a close eye on her.
“Come for a walk with me,” Gabi said.
The warmth of the drink merged with the fire in her belly. She felt choked by the business and noise that she wanted to escape from. She smiled at Gabi, whose expression soured as Nicolás approached.
He smiled. “Good evening.”
Gabi nodded. “Hello.”
He turned to Aisha. “We’re heading home now,” he said.
Aisha’s stomach dropped.
“Can you get a taxi later?” Gabi asked.
Aisha watched Nicolás’s frown deepen as he stared at Gabi. She could imagine what he thought about Gabi’s appearance. She didn’t dress like them, or look like them, or behave like them. Aisha’s stomach tightened. If she didn’t return with him, it would lead to questions from Mama that she didn’t want to have to answer. Not yet. She wasn’t ready.
“We have a van, thanks,” he said.
Aisha shook her head and smiled at Gabi. “We’ll take that walk another time,” she said and stood.
Gabi nodded.
Nicolás looked from Aisha to Gabi and smiled. “Let’s go,” he said and squeezed Aisha’s arm.
“I’ll see you Monday,” she said.
Gabi nodded.
Aisha left the bar and when she looked back, Gabi was heading in the other direction with her head lowered. She glanced at Nicolás and wanted to wipe the smile from his face. “Did you have to be so rude?”
“What’s happening on Monday?” he asked.
She wanted to tell him it was none of his business. “I’m going to help make curtains for their new place,” she said and strode ahead of him.
She stayed silent for the journey home and struck by more than tiredness, said goodnight to Nicolás before he could suggest anything else. In bed, she wrapped her arms around herself and imagined it was Gabi holding her tightly. Warm tears caressed her cheek, and she strengthened her grip. She thought about seeing Gabi again, and her mind calmed, her body became heavy, and she drifted to sleep.
