Chapter Twenty-Five
Walking through cocktail hour on Valentina’s arm feels like I have won the grand prize at a high-end casino.
The event is set up next to the reception area, and there are multiple bars decorated with flowers, vines, and white linen.
Bartenders in crisp white shirts and black vests stand behind the bar, ready to whip up any drink we desire.
A string quartet plays soft classical music in the background.
We head toward one of the bars to pick up some already prepared his-and-hers drinks. Valentina picks up the spiced pear gin and tonic, and I choose the apple cider Moscow mule. The drink is served in a beautiful crystal glass, garnished with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
“That was a pretty incredible thing you did at the ceremony,” Val says between sips.
“Well, let’s just say I learned I can be strong. And brave.”
I think of my father’s letter about fighting for the ones you love.
“Well, color me impressed. It’s so nice to see the real Isa. And for everyone else to see her too.” Valentina smiles.
“Hear I am!” I do a spin, my dress flowing half a second behind me.
“I can’t believe you put together the big secret in your father’s journal. You and Sofia are half sisters! This is insane.”
“I know; I couldn’t believe it until I saw the other half of the photograph.”
I reach into my clutch and pull out the photograph Sofia and I taped together and show Valentina.
“Oh my God, this is incredible. I’m so happy for you, Isa. Look at you two little babies!” she coos.
I can’t help but look up at Valentina’s eyes. The way they glisten under the starry lights. I reach up toward her, pull her closer, my hand behind her neck, and place my lips against hers.
“Ew, get a room!” Maria shouts as she walks over to us. “What a crazy week, huh? Sisters. Who would have thought? Aren’t you glad I forced you to come? This all happened because of me, you know. You’re welcome.”
“Yes,” I say, laughing. “I know you’re just being a pendeja right now, but none of this would have happened if you didn’t get me out of my fake little world. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Oh, stop it,” Maria says, grinning. “I’m just happy to see my prima finally happy with someone. Treat her well, Val. Or I’ll find you. I know where you live.”
“I promise I will,” Valentina says with a chuckle.
As they hug each other, someone taps my shoulder. I turn around to see Maritza standing there with her arms crossed.
“Hola, Tía,” I say cautiously.
“I just wanted to say that I thought your speech was nice.” She looks away, trying to appear uninterested.
“Thanks, Tía.”
I wait for her to leave, but she lingers.
“Is there anything else?” I wonder out loud.
“I also wanted to say that…you’re not the only one with secrets.”
At this point, Valentina turns around and stands next to me, wrapping her arm around my waist and pulling me closer.
“This might seem hard to believe, but I haven’t been with my husband for many years. I’ve been…dating someone…else.”
Valentina and I both look at each other, trying not to laugh.
“Oh yeah? Who is it?” I ask, knowing full well who it is.
Maritza looks around to see if anyone is close by.
“It’s Gabriel. Roberto’s best friend,” she says, wincing.
“Wow, really? That’s surprising. I had no idea,” I stifle a giggle.
“I know it seems far-fetched. Why would someone amazing like me be with someone like Gabriel, a measly landlord? But he makes me laugh. And I…love him.”
“That’s great, Tía! Don’t be ashamed of it. Gabriel is a great guy, and I don’t think anyone cares. Even if they did, whatever. Love him with all your heart, okay?”
Maritza tries to maintain her pose as she stiffly leans in for a hug. It feels like I’m hugging a tree, but I try my best to embrace her. Her sharp shoulder jabs into my chest, but I ignore it. I couldn’t remember the last time Maritza was this affectionate with me.
“That was crazy.” I laugh as we watch Maritza saunter away, walking so gracefully she looks as if she’s floating.
“Looks like your speech may have inspired even the least likely people. It seems like everyone prefers the real Isabella too, huh?”
“I guess so.” I smile.
I spot Silvana slowly approaching me, looking awkward. She crosses her arms and glances over her shoulder, clearly uncomfortable.
“Okay, so…look, I’m supposed to apologize or whatever,” she says, barely able to make eye contact. She glances around as if she’s checking for an escape route. “For threatening you. And kissing Val. Apparently, Maria told my mom, and now she’s on my case, so here I am. Apologizing. Happy?”
I cross my arms and blink at her. “Wow, Silvana. I’m really feeling the sincerity here. You’re practically oozing remorse.”
“Hey, this is as good as it gets. Take it or leave it. My mom said if I didn’t apologize, she’s cutting my allowance. So…sorry. There. I said it,” she huffs, rolling her eyes as if she’s doing me a massive favor.
I hold back a laugh. “Well, when you put it like that, I’m completely overwhelmed with emotion. Your apology is just…breathtaking.”
She scowls but there’s a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Just don’t expect a repeat performance. Apologizing isn’t really my thing.”
“Shocker,” I deadpan, patting her on the back. “Don’t worry, Silvie. We’re good. You can run along now.”
She looks around one more time as if she’s checking to make sure she’s fulfilled her duty, then quickly turns on her heel. “Cool. Later,” she says, practically sprinting away.
As we mingle with the other guests, I sample some of the delicious hors d’oeuvres being passed around.
There are miniature quiches filled with savory vegetables, delicate phyllo cups stuffed with shrimp and herbs, and skewers of juicy grilled chicken with a tangy dipping sauce.
Each bite is more delicious than the last, and I can’t help but go back for seconds and thirds.
I catch Maria stuffing a few into her clutch.
More guests have approached me to tell me some secrets they’ve been holding in.
Alessandro admits he doesn’t live in the condos he posts on social media but in a small studio apartment across the street with his cat.
Ramon and Rafael, the twins, admit their father hasn’t appointed them to VP positions of his company—they work in cubicles and actually don’t mind it.
Araceli tells us her parents have been divorced for nine years and lying to everyone about it.
Each of them praises me for my bravery and tell me they don’t care about my financial status.
Some even promise to make plans with me when we all return home.
It seems like everyone has secrets they’re keeping from others out of fear of judgment. I’m not as alone as I thought I was.
I see Abuelita sitting in the reception area from a distance, peacefully watching the crowd mingle and the servers scurry by.
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper to Valentina and head toward Abuelita.
I walk under the canopy of lights and sit down next to her. She continues looking at the crowd, or at least it seems like it, through her almost-closed eyes.
“Mijita.” She smiles softly as if she’s just acknowledging my presence.
“Hola, Abuelita.” I kiss her on the head. “How are you?”
“Muy bien, mijita. There’s so much love here tonight, verdad?”
“Si, there is,” I say, putting my hand on hers.
We sit in silence for a moment, watching the guests laugh, drink, and tell each other stories.
“What’s on your mind, Isabellita?” She turns slowly toward me.
“I just wanted to thank you. You were the first to push me to fight for someone, even if it meant doing the same thing my mother did.”
“What do you mean, mija?”
“You know, I basically stole Valentina from Silvana. She loved her.”
“Oh no, Isabellita. You are nothing like your mother. Valentina didn’t love Silvana. Roberto loved Rosita, and Rosita loved Roberto. You’re not like Mariposa. You’re like Roberto.”
“I am? How?”
“You’re strong. Loving. Resilient. He was brave enough to try and tell you the truth, even when he was losing his strength. You were so brave today, telling everyone who the real Isabellita is. I am so proud of you, mijita.”
I reach over and give Abuelita a big hug.
“I’m just happy I could live long enough to see you return to the family. We missed you, Isabellita. You’re so special to us. To me. And Rosita. Te quiero, mijita.”
She plants a light kiss on my cheek.
“Is that my Isabellita?” a voice bellows, startling me.
I look up to see Rosita standing a few feet away.
She wears a floor-length gown in a rich, deep shade of grey that catches the light with every movement.
The fabric is soft and flowing, draping beautifully over her curves.
The dress is adorned with delicate, intricate beading that sparkles in the fairy lights, adding a touch of glamour to the already stunning piece.
As Rosita moves toward us, the dress skirt sways gracefully, revealing a hint of her strappy, metallic heels.
She has accessorized with a simple yet elegant clutch in a matching shade of grey, and her hair is swept back into an elegant updo, revealing sparkling drop earrings that perfectly complement the dress.
“Hola, Tía!” I rush over and embrace her in my arms.
“Isabella, I am so proud of you. You did the thing that so many of us have been too scared to do. I’m so sorry I never told you.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I understand, I promise. I’m not mad at you. Is Sofia?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “She’s surprisingly taking it well. That, or she’s good at hiding how she really feels.”
“It’ll get easier, Tía. I promise.”
“Come, mija. I want to show you something,” Rosita says, leading me toward a random table to sit down.