Page 34 of Finding Molly Parsons

Carmen huffed out an irritated breath. “We get on because we both have our own space. Plus, Mateo is out of the house nearly all day. When we’re cooped up like this, our infantile sides emerge. I know it’s stupid, but he just gets on my last nerve. Especially when he whines and gets all demanding.”

“Ah, the dark side to having a sibling,” Faith grinned.

“It’s not all facials and glitter,” Carmen laughed. “You know…” Carmen trailed off, her eyes darting from the road to Faith. “You’re a part of that now. Our odd little family. I just… I wanted you to know that no matter what happens with your aunt or your parents, you have a place with us.”

Faith’s throat tightened. Tears stung the corner of her eyes. “Thank you,” she croaked.

“Carmen, why is Faith crying again?” Mateo barked. Carmen rolled her eyes and pumped the brakes a little hard, causing Mateo to jerk forward, his head hitting Carmen’s seat. “Fuck, what did you do that for?”

“Because you keep insinuating that I make Faith cry on purpose. Stop butting in.”

“I’m fine, Mateo.”

“That was a nice move, Carmen. I’ll remember that the next time Mildrid yaps on about how precious her dog is even though it shits on my lawn. Maybe a good knock to the head will shut her up,” Enid laughed. Mateo scowled at everyone.

“Mateo, what time did you go to bed last night?” Carmen asked, her eyes boring into him through the rear-view mirror.

“You’re not my mother, Carmen.”

“No, I’m not. But you only get this bitchy when you run out of cucumber face mask or you’ve had less than six hours sleep. I know for a fact you have at least three tubes of cucumber goo.”

“Ugh, fine. I was a little late going to sleep.”

“Why, we all turned in early.”

Faith turned in her seat to look at Mateo, who had uncharacteristically blushed. His gaze darted everywhere but at Carmen or her. “Mateo, were you talking to a boy?” Faith teased. Being silly and teasing came as second nature to Faith now. She called it the Ruiz Effect.

“Mateo, were you talking to a boy?” Carmen parroted.

Mateo huffed dramatically, but it was all for show. He couldn’t suppress the smile on his face. “Daniel gave me his number and we may have been chatting.”

“About time,” Enid clapped. “That boy is as smooth as you!”

“How the hell would you know that?” Mateo laughed.

“I Insta stalked him.” Three sets of eyes whipped round to look at Enid. “What? You think because I’m old I don’t know how to find shit out? Hmm… that’s the problem with young people now.”

“What else did you find out?” Mateo asked nonchalantly.

“He’s got the goods to fill Speedos.”

Faith burst out laughing, as did Carmen. Mateo looked thoroughly delighted. “Well, maybe I should invite him to Rita’s. We can have a pool party.”

???

Many, many hours later and Mateo finally stopped drilling Enid for information on Daniel. They’d stopped again for a pee break and began looking for a place to crash for the night.

The motel was alright. Faith couldn’t complain really, it’s not like she was the one paying for any of it. Somehow, she needed to work out a payment plan with Carmen. Although she was sure both Mateo and Carmen would decline any money, Faith was determined to pay them back for everything.

Everyone seemed on top form after a good night’s sleep. Carmen shared a room with Faith and Mateo with Enid. Allowing Carmen and Mateo to get some space away from each other had done them both the world of good.

The miles flew by in laughter and intrigue. Enid had lived a full and interesting life. Her stories helped keep Faith’s anxiety at bay. However, after a second night in a motel and a few more hours on the road, Faith saw a road sign for Vermont. In less than an hour, she would stand on Molly’s front porch. As they drew closer, everyone in the car grew quieter.

“How are you feeling, chica?” Mateo asked softly from the back seat.

Faith drew in a breath. “Nervous. It feels like a lifetime ago I found out I had an aunt. So much has happened and now… now I’m hopefully going to meet her.”

“She’s going to be thrilled to see you kid,” Carmen winked.

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