Chapter 13
Eva is the first out of her chair. She’s petite and rounded, with a short, dark bob feathered around her ageless face. “Lexie,” she says, pulling me into a hug. “We’re so glad you could make it.”
“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Vargas. These are for you.” I hand her one of the bouquets—a white arrangement of calla lilies and chrysanthemums, accented with sprigs and silver and blue pinecones.
“How thoughtful.” She hugs me again. “These are stunning; you have excellent taste. And please, call me Eva. Any friend of C’s is family.”
“I can see that. Your home is very warm and inviting.”
“What a lovely thing to say. Come in, come in.” She ushers me further into the kitchen.
I know how to do this. Smile, offer genuine compliments, and don’t let the nerves show. Poise is what I’m trained in. Still, I latch onto Sophia’s familiar smile. In baggy cargo pants and a cropped sweater, her long sandy twists sway as she bounds over to greet me.
“Hi, Lexie!”
“Hi.” I hand her the other bouquet. “Happy Birthday.”
“Pink roses!” Her eyes light up, telling me I’d made the right choice. She presses her nose to the petals before thanking me with an exuberant embrace.
Although I didn’t grow up with much affection, Dee and Jordyn are big huggers, and it comes more naturally to me now.
“What about me?” Dice swaggers over. He’s about my height, slim, muscular build with a wavy fade and tidy beard to match. There’s a mischievous glint in his eyes that screams player. “No flowers for the domino king?” He clutches his chest in mock offense.
“Had I known I’d be in the presence of royalty, I would have,” I laugh. “Next time.”
I extend my hand, but he kisses it with a theatrical flourish instead of a handshake. “Beautiful and quick. Will you marry me?”
Chaz playfully shoves him away, his arm sliding around my waist, his thumb brushing beneath my ribs. “Find your own woman.”
I realize it’s all in good fun, but my stomach still flutters, and my skin tingles from his words and touch.
Dice raises his palms in surrender, giving me a wink. “I’ll concede to the better man.”
Val Vargas approaches, laughing at their banter. He’s short and stocky, with a salt-and-pepper pompadour and kind eyes. “Bienvenda, Lexie! Welcome to our home,” he says in a thick Spanish accent. “I hope you came hungry.”
“I did. It smells wonderful.”
When the introductions are over, and we settle in with wine, Eva mentions my photography. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for the pictures of C and Bitsy.” At the sound of her name, Bitsy pops her head up from the floor, and Eva gives her a loving stroke. “You captured something very special.”
“Thank you.” I glow under her praise. “I’m glad you liked them.”
“We love them, don’t we, Val?” She glances toward her husband, who’s checking a pot on the stove.
“Yes.” He nods in agreement. “We framed some of the shots and hung them up in the family room.”
“I’m honored.”
Chaz nudges me, his voice full of conviction. “I keep telling Lex she needs a site to showcase her work.”
“You totally do!” Sophia agrees. “Those lake shots—like, sooo good.”
“That’s nice of you, but I’m still finding my groove,” I say, not ready for what they’re suggesting. “Photography is just a hobby.”
“A perfect place to start,” Eva encourages. “You plant the seed and see how it grows.”
“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s her line when she means no,” Chaz says, his eyes on me, teasing. “She has a stubborn streak. But I’m wearing her down.” His tone carries a private meaning that makes me blush.
Eva’s gaze on us sharpens. “Shall we go chat, Lexie?”
“Here comes the inquisition,” he says in a stage whisper, his warm breath tickling my ear.
“Hush up, mijo.” She swats his shoulder and then loops her arm through mine. “We’ll leave you boys to finish off dinner and set the table.”
“I’m coming too.” Sophia follows.
“Yell, if you need rescuing,” Chaz calls to our retreating backs.
There’s nothing to be nervous about, I remind myself.
These are two friendly women who just want to get to know me better.
Reaching the family room, the photos on the walls and mantle steal my attention.
There are several of Gianna Delgado—Sophia and Chaz’s mom and Eva’s best friend.
They met through their teaching jobs when she and the children moved here after her husband passed.
But their smiles in the pictures don’t reflect any of that sadness.
There are others of Val and Eva together and the trio of Chaz, Dice, and Sophia, growing through the years. I zero in on one of Chaz around thirteen, performing at a talent show—his hair was shorter then, his face boyishly cute, but his dimpled grin hasn’t changed.
That sense of familiarity tightens around me again.
It’s not anything I can pinpoint—just a feeling I can’t make sense of.
Of course, it doesn’t stand to reason. I’d remember if Chaz and I had ever crossed paths.
Perhaps in another life, or maybe it’s just a testament to our strong connection.
I’ve never been drawn to anyone like this before.
I think that must be it, but the sensation lingers.
“Chaz tells us you’re here on a mini getaway,” Eva says, snapping me back to the present.
“Something like that,” I reply, as we settle on the sectional with nicely chilled rosé and Bitsy at our feet. “I took a break from Chicago to take better care of myself and decide what I want to do next.”
Eva studies me thoughtfully. “A healing journey.”
“Yes,” I nod. “I like that. I still haven’t figured myself out yet or made any real decisions.”
“You will,” she assures me.
I wish I shared her confidence. I turn my gaze to Sophia, sitting cross-legged on the floor, and shift the conversation. “So, I hear you’re interested in advertising?”
“Yes! Since I was a kid.” Her eyes light up. “I’ve been sending out my resume like crazy. I applied to the top five firms in Chicago—Raven and Ignite are my absolute dream agencies.”
My stomach tightens at the mention of Ignite, but I force a steady tone. “Those are big names, but have you thought about some of the smaller or mid-sized firms? Sometimes you get more hands-on experience and”— I pause, treading lightly—“a healthier work-life balance.”
Her brows knit. “Did C tell you to say that?”
“Not at all.”
“Oh.” She exhales, toying with the carpet fringe. “He’s been . . . better about it lately, thanks to you, but he still hates the idea of me working for a big company. He thinks they’re all run by a-holes and scumbags. I think he’s afraid I’m gonna be taken advantage of or something.”
I nod, understanding that his worry is a scar left by loss and injustice. It’s an anger that’s never been laid to rest, and he’s tried to shield his sister from experiencing those hurts. “Chaz just wants to protect you.”
“I know.” Her voice softens, but not her resolve. “Not all big firms are bad, though.”
“You’re right,” I concede, couching my words.
“But some do have toxic cultures. I’ve heard rumors about Drew Marshall, the CEO of Ignite.
His expectations are said to be intense, even inappropriate.
I can’t confirm anything specific,” I add quickly, “but the rumblings are worth noting. It’s always good to do your research before committing anywhere. ”
“That’s smart advice, mija,” Eva chimes in, petting Bitsy. “This Marshall guy sounds like a bad hombre.”
Sophia shrugs, unconvinced. “Maybe, but Drew Marshall is an advertising icon, and that comes with haters talking shite about you. I’m just hoping to meet some people from Ignite and other firms, too, at this huge marketing event.
A friend of mine is trying to score me an extra ticket.
Eeee!” she shrieks, her hands balling into fists.
“That’d be so awesome. If I make the right connections, I can email them my resume on the spot and put a face to the name. ”
I see what Chaz means about her ambition and unmitigated focus. “That’s the AdVantage Summit, right?” I confirm, recognizing it from my own experiences.
“Yeah,” she nods eagerly. “Any advice?”
“It’s a great event to learn about the latest trends and to network,” I say. “But it’s more about making impressions than actively job-hunting. Suggest staying in touch rather than offering your resume right away.”
“Oh, duh.” She taps her forehead with the heel of her hand. “That’s a really good point.”
“It’s a lot to navigate when you’re just getting started,” I say with a reassuring smile. “If you ever want to talk through strategies or need a sounding board, you can call me anytime.”
“Thanks, Lexie.” Her expression fills with genuine appreciation. “I’ll take you up on it.”
“Now you have a big sister looking out for you too.” Eva smiles, patting my knee. “Do you have siblings, Lexie?”
“No, but I have two best friends who are like sisters to me.”
“Ah.” She lifts her glass in a small toast. “To the family we choose.”
I raise my glass just as Val appears in the doorway, his affection for his wife plain on his face. “Dinner is ready.”
She returns his soft gaze. “We’ll be right there.”
After thanking me again, Sophia goes off with him, leaving me alone with Eva.
Curious, I ask, “How long have you and Val been together?”
“Forty years,” she replies, linking our arms and guiding us back.
“We met when I was twenty-four. I was teaching Spanish at the elementary school here, and that summer, I traveled to Spain to immerse myself in the culture. I found this little restaurant—the kind that looks like nothing special on the outside, but the atmosphere and food have you coming back for more.”
“I know the type,” I say, entranced.