Page 43 of Don't Tell Me Who To Love

Gabi motioned to the glass of Rioja on the table. “I didn’t know what to get you.”

Aisha sat opposite her and took a sip of the wine. “Thanks.” She felt alive with the dizziness of being close to Gabi, and every bubble that popped filled her with joy.

Gabi smiled. “It’s nice in here.” She looked around. “Busy, but—”

“Yes.” Aisha checked to see the men were occupied.

Gabi followed her gaze. “Who is he? The man who plays guitar?”

“Nicolás.”

“Is he related? He seems very protective of you.”

Gabi’s frown deepened and her eyes narrowed, and it was clear she hadn’t warmed to him. Why should she? Aisha had a good idea what he would be thinking, and guilt pricked her conscience. “He is.” She sipped her drink. “He married Esme. We’ve danced together forever. He’s like a brother to me.” She took another sip of wine to settle the discomfort from not being entirely open with Gabi about his intentions to marry her. Firstly, no matter what he thought, she wasn’t going to marry him, and secondly, she didn’t want to raise something that might scare Gabi away. And it wasn’t a conversation for this time or place. Still, she found it hard to look Gabi in the eye without feeling as though she was deceiving her.

Gabi glanced towards him and back at Aisha and took a slug of her drink. Her tight-lipped smile revealed the discomfort that Aisha felt. Perhaps she shouldn’t have invited Gabi to join them. “How was your day?” Aisha asked and smiled.

“Hectic. We moved into the apartment yesterday, so I’ve taken Nana shopping. The place came furnished, but she’s a sucker for ornaments so I took her to the bookshop we went to. She picked up some cushions and drapes from the market. Makes it feel more like home, she said.”

“Home?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t be surprised if she decides to stay.”

Aisha leaned back, her heart beating faster and a flutter of excitement in her stomach. Gabi had a job with Matías and somewhere to live. “And what about you?”

Gabi etched small circles with her fingertip on the tabletop. “That depends, I guess.”

Aisha cleared her throat. “On what?”

“What happens here. With the job. I can’t imagine leaving Nana on her own. I feel different here too. I met someone here.”

Aisha widened her eyes.

Gabi laughed. “She’s interesting, and sexy, and dances like I’ve never seen before.”

Aisha blushed and sipped her drink. She looked towards Nicolas to check he wasn’t watching her.

Gabi’s expression caught Aisha’s breath. Heat expanded from her chest in a flurry of sparkles. At first, it was like being bathed in softness and comfort. The vibrations in her stomach intensified, and the ache between her legs felt electric and exciting, and she wondered whether everyone could see her pleasure. She glanced around and, satisfied that she hadn’t become a beacon of light attracting everyone’s attention, took a deep breath. Gabi could read her mind, she was sure of it.

“I can’t wait until you see the place. It overlooks the river and the hills. I think you’ll like it.”

“It sounds nice.” She wanted to stare at Gabi. She wanted to hold her hand. She wanted to kiss her. She finished her drink, aware that Gabi was staring at her and that Nicolás was laughing, and talking, and keeping a close eye on her.

“Come for a walk with me,” Gabi said.

The warmth of the drink merged with the fire in her belly. She felt choked by the business and noise that she wanted to escape from. She smiled at Gabi, whose expression soured as Nicolás approached.

He smiled. “Good evening.”

Gabi nodded. “Hello.”

He turned to Aisha. “We’re heading home now,” he said.

Aisha’s stomach dropped.

“Can you get a taxi later?” Gabi asked.

Aisha watched Nicolás’s frown deepen as he stared at Gabi. She could imagine what he thought about Gabi’s appearance. She didn’t dress like them, or look like them, or behave like them. Aisha’s stomach tightened. If she didn’t return with him, it would lead to questions from Mama that she didn’t want to have to answer. Not yet. She wasn’t ready.

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