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I’ve felt this bubbly feeling once before. There was a cute boy who worked at the coffee shop Mamá liked when I was in high school. I haven’t seen him in years, but this rush feels just like that. This is encouraging, really. A great start.
Because I’m developing a crush on my fiancé.
CHAPTER 5
Eleanna
“Quit thinking about it!” Lu yells at me from my computer.
“I’m not!”
“You are, you frown a little bit every time.”
Mia chimes in, “Are we really shocked? Did we expect him to stay celibate the second they made the arrangement? This is a man we’re talking about. The worst.”
“Pff, what do you know of men?” Mamá mutters as she finishes fussing with my hair.
“I don’t know about celibacy but maybe not a different woman every night in front of every single photographer in D.C., just moments after we fake-met.” I sigh.
“Aaand the frown is back,” Luna sighs right back.
My mothertsksat us, “Mija,what did your Papá say, huh?”
“He chose me.” I grumble what she wants to hear.
“Sí, él te eligió a ti.”She repeats it back to me in Spanish, as if it will mean more in another language.Newsflash Mamá, it doesn’t. “So, stop your complaining and yourworrying. When you’re married, it will be different.”
“Will it?” Mia asks sarcastically.
“She has a point,” Lu raises a finger, “Technically, you two are going on your very first date tonight, and even then, you won’t be engaged for a while. Maybe he’s just playing the part.”
“Exactly.” Mamá agrees. “No more frowning. Tonight is a big night!”
“Yes, Ellie, he chose you and you have no choice whatsoever. But hey, you get to dress up and go to a ball, so it’s all worth it!” All three of us groan at my sister. She takes a deep breath. “Sorry. I’m sure it will be fun, and you look amazing.”
Again, the dress choice was a struggle. It’s a black-tie event, so we all agreed I needed a classy gown. We just disagreed on the definition of classy.
We settled on a deep green one shoulder dress that Mia said brought out tiny green flecks in my hazel eyes. I think she was exaggerating, but the color does work with my tanned skin and dark hair. It is tight on the top with one long sleeve that has a stiff shoulder, giving it a “fashion-y look” Luna loved. Mamá approved after she added a stitch to make the slit at the front not so high. My hair is down and blown out to add some glamour.
Mamá almost jumps out of her skin when we hear the rumble of Mark’s motorcade coming down our long drive. She whisper-yells for me to stay upstairs until called as she leaves the room.
“Is it normal to have so many cars for one senator?” I wonder aloud.
“He’s not a normal senator if he’s joiningla familia.” Mia grumbles at the window.
“Mia, quit grouching and find her a pair of nail clippers.” Luna commands.
“Huh?”
“There are some right here?” I say, sneaking a glance at my manicured fingers as I pull a set from my drawer.
“Great.” My best friend continues like a drill sergeant. “Take them in your clutch. When you get out of this house and no one’s looking, fix that slit, girl.”
“Yes!” Mia shrieks. My face twists at the idea that I both love and hate at the same time.
“Eleanna, Mark is here!” Mamá calls from the entryway.
“Go, you look amazing. Have fun!” Luna says quickly before hanging up. I hear Papá clear his throat impatiently, and even Mia sucks in an excited breath. I toss the clippers in my bag at the last second and head out of my door.
