touch

“This week,” she confirmed.

I thought back to my vision. Beatriz had accepted me. Could she still even without me choosing Brad?

“I’ll think on it,” I agreed.

“I also wanted to let you know I had a talk with Stephen.”

Crunching on a bite of toast, I studied her. She looked happy. “And?”

“He met Aunt Danielle.”

My mouth dropped open. “No way!”

She grinned shakily. “He was a bit shocked, but kissed me before he left last night. I didn’t tell him everything. I figured I’d start small before working up to Morik.”

She gave me a hug and left me to scrounge up some clothes for the day.

I looked at the clock wishing I had time to ask Aunt Danielle what she thought of the introduction last night. Her blunt practicality typically amused and enlightened me.

Sighing, I dressed and headed to school with Morik.

Beatriz waited for me on the steps as usual. She called a cheeky good-bye to Morik and then dragged me to my locker.

“So, what did your mom say,” she demanded.

“She said it was up to me.”

She clapped and bounced on her feet until she saw my serious expression. “What? Seriously, why wouldn’t you want me to come over?” she said with a hurt look hiding her hands behind her back.

Taking her by the shoulders, I hugged her tightly. Of course, Ted walked by. Quickly letting her go, I turned her toward Ted and busied myself in my locker.

“See you at the dance?” he asked Beatriz his voice laced with uncertainty.

“Absolutely.”

Hearing him move away, I stood and smiled at her. “Why is it always him who notices us?”

She watched his retreating form, shaking her head wearing a small smile. “So, about Saturday?”

“You can come over on one condition.” She arched a brow at me. “You have to promise not to go outside after dark without me or Morik.” She gave me a ‘are you serious’ look. “It’s important,” I said earnestly.

Throwing her arms up in surrender, she agreed to my terms.



Despite Beatriz’s begging to spend the day together, I went to work Saturday morning. Morik didn’t order a coffee or linger. He carried in the boxes then left.

“You two fight?” Mona asked setting out the bakery.

“No,” I said while watching the car pull away from the curb. “We’re going to a school dance tonight. Maybe he needs to get ready or something.”

“He probably forgot to order the corsage,” Mona said cryptically.

I hung my jacket to hide my panic. We hadn’t talked about the dance in those terms. He hadn’t tasted meatloaf until Gran made it for him, why would I think he knew anything about a school dance? I barely knew anything. Would he know how to dress? I didn’t want him to feel out of place.

Before scooting back out to the storefront, I calmed myself. We had plenty of time to find him something to wear after Mona closed. No worries.



Beatriz tapped on the glass of the locked door as I washed down tables. She smiled hugely and waved to me, motioning for me to hurry. Brad’s car idled at the curb.

My stomach dipped. No Morik.

I quickly unlocked the door to let her in. “I wasn’t expecting you. I just have to finish up a few tables.”

“Morik asked if we could give you a ride home. We can wait,” she assured me looking around the shop.

“No, you go ahead,” Mona called stepping from the back. We’d already divided tips. “I know how long it takes to get ready for a dance. Have a good time.” She tossed me my jacket and shooed us out the door with a laugh.

Beatriz stopped me from getting in the car. “Tell him he can’t stay,” she whispered quickly and then opened the back door. She slid all the way in making room for me to sit in the back with her.

Confused by her request, I got in and said hello to Brad. “Didn’t think you were due to come home until spring break,” I commented after buckling.

Bea reached over and pinched me. If she kept that up, she’d witness Morik popping into the car. It hurt.

“I had to come home for my sister’s first date,” he said glancing at Beatriz via the rearview mirror. “I want to meet her mystery man.”

“Oh. That’s going to be kind of hard since she’s meeting him at the dance.”

“I was thinking of hanging out with you guys,” he said turning onto my street.

Ah. Now it made sense. Brad wanted to put some fear into Ted.

“Not necessary. I know what you’re up to Brad.” He pulled into the driveway and arched a brow at me. I put an arm around a pouting Beatriz, leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You see, stuff like that… Ted keeps witnessing it and thinks we’re a couple. He’s curious about Beatriz. Seriously, no threat.”

“You’re both ridiculous,” Beatriz cried theatrically and stormed from the car.