Page 30 of Finding Molly Parsons

“I think you do. Considering we are even having this conversation is a massive step. You will always worry about Mateo—he’s your family—but he’s okay. In fact, he’s better than okay, and that is because of you. Maybe it’s time to circle back to yourself. Work on what’s going on up there.” Rita pointed to Carmen’s head. “Mateo is ready to settle down. He wants the same for you. So do I.”

Carmen wondered if Mateo and Rita had been discussing the subject at length. It wasn’t unusual for Mateo to seek Rita, especially if he was frustrated with Carmen. “Has he said something?”

It was Rita’s turn to sigh. “He’s just worried about you. He told me you’ve been spending more and more time in the house. Apparently, you hardly visit the offices anymore.”

Carmen ducked her head. “I’ve not become a hermit intentionally. I’m just comfortable in my house. What’s wrong with that?”

“See, when you adopt that petulant kid tone with me, I know you’re feeling bullied. But Carmen, that’s not the case and you know it.”

“I just… I don’t know,” Carmen tutted, slamming her drink back. So much for enjoying the party. No wonder Mateo had slinked off as soon as he could. The little asshole probably knew Rita was going to call her out on her bullshit.

“Don’t go on the defensive. Look, if all you want is casual, then fine, have at it. If that’s what you truly want. But, if the only reason you prefer casual is because of past trauma, then you know it’s time to figure your shit out. Maybe give Christine a call?”

Carmen had been discharged from Dr. Christine Stark’s care for nearly two years. They still checked in now and then, but Carmen wasn’t a patient. Did she really need to go back to therapy? If this were Mateo, Carmen wouldn’t hesitate to advise him to return to the good doctor.

Rubbing her forehead, Carmen tried to soothe her irritation. She wasn’t irritated at Rita or Mateo, but at herself. Huffing out a breath, Carmen knew what she had to do. “Thanks, Rita. I’ll give Christine a call. Even if it’s just for a refresher.”

“Nothing wrong with that. Actually, it’s probably sensible that you and Mateo check-in now you have Faith in your lives. She needs support, and you guys need to be in the right headspace to give it to her.”

Carmen nodded in agreement. Faith appearing in their lives had shaken something loose. The contentment she once felt for hiding away in her house failed to provide the same comfort. Watching Faith discover the world was a privilege. How many people got to re-invent themselves like that? Not too many, Carmen would wager. And here she was, wasting her life cowering from the world, hiding in her house.

“Alright, Ms. Dark and Gloomy. I can see you getting pissed off with yourself from here. Whatever you’re thinking, stop. At least for now. Enjoy the party and then tomorrow call Christine.”

Carmen laughed at Rita’s observation. Nothing got past that woman. “You’re right. Come on, let’s get a drink.”

???

“Oh dear God.” Carmen clutched her head. The pain radiating through her skull was enough to make her eyes water.

“Shhh,” Mateo’s voice hissed.

“Ow, ow, ow,” Carmen chanted as she sat up.

“Hermana, I’m going to beat you to death with my butt plug if you don’t shut the fuck up.”

Mateo’s room swam into focus. Carmen had no memory of getting home from Rita’s house. In fact, she had no memories after Mateo made her drink… Oh Christ, those bright pink cocktails with candies at the bottom of the glass. What the hell kind of concoction had she consumed?

Gently rubbing her stomach, Carmen willed herself not to vomit. Counting to five, she exhaled slowly. A deep inhale and she was feeling bett—“Oh crap,” she moaned, running to the bathroom as fast as her still drunk ass could carry her.

“Feel better?” Mateo mumbled from his pillow when Carmen returned.

“I just got very intimate with the porcelain throne.”

“Gross.”

“What the hell happened yesterday?” Carmen closed her eyes and rested her head against the headboard.

“We got smashed,” Mateo groaned.

“You both got completely wasted,” Faith giggled from the bedroom door. Carmen’s eyes shot open. Fuck, they’d taken Faith to a party, told her to be safe and then got totally annihilated.

“Faith, oh crap, are you okay?”

Faith laughed again. “I’m fine. Rita helped me get you both home.”

“We are so sorry.” Carmen went to stand, but her body revolted.

“Stay in bed. You both look bad. I’ll grab you some water and Tylenol.”

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