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Gabi didn’t believe she meant it. They travelled to Gabi’s in silence. Aisha needed time to think things through before they left Granada. She had to know that her mama was okay, or if not, that she had the opportunity to pay her last respects. She might not realise it right now, but Gabi did. And she wouldn’t let them leave until Aisha had calmed down.
Gabi tucked her up in bed and went to the living room. She explained everything to Nana over a large vodka Coke.
“I need another sherry, Gabriela,” Nana said and topped up her glass. “I can’t believe that Pilar would do this. If I was twenty years younger, I’d knock some sense into the woman.”
Gabi shook her head. “It’s cruel and heartless.”
They stared towards the river. Reds and pinks rose from behind the hills and cast a lighter hue across the opposing landscape. It was as if someone had dusted the treetops with pink candyfloss. Gabi handed over the rectangular box she’d wrapped in fine silver paper and a red bow.
Nana smiled. “What is this?”
“Open it. I made it, and I’d like you to have it.”
Nana carefully unwrapped the gift and opened the box. She lifted the spiral necklace and stared at it. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, Gabriela.” She looked up, her eyes glassy, and her lip trembling. She placed the jewellery carefully back in the box.
“I’ll miss you,” Gabi said.
Nana cleared her throat and took a sip of her third sherry. “I’ll miss you,” she said.
Gabi bit her lip and wiped her eyes. Nana took her hand and held it. The warmth brought the tears on in floods.
“Everything will be fine, Gabriela.”
“I’m scared.”
“Cariño, you’re ready for this. You’ve found someone who makes your heart sing. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Gabi nodded.
“I’m a little scared to not have you here, but you’re not my nursemaid, and you have such a rich life ahead of you. It’s time to do something special and being a little anxious is normal.”
“I hope so.”
“Trust me.”
Gabi did. She excused herself after her second drink and went to the bedroom. She undressed, got into the bed, and spooned around Aisha. She murmured, and Gabi held her tightly. It wasn’t the way she’d planned for them to spend their first night together, but it was even more special and intimate for the sadness and suffering Aisha had endured. Gabi couldn’t love her enough, and she fell asleep, not wanting to let her go.
