Page 27 of Entangled With You

“And is he ready to be a dad?” I ask because I honestly don’t know. I love my brother-in-law, but it’s not like we chat constantly.

Giving me a serious look, Sofi says, “He went to spend his free weekend with his best friends and a newborn. The man is as ready as I am.”

I chuckle. “Fair enough.” Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge, I spot a ton of green mangoes cut into slices. I turn back, looking at my sister in shock. “You have mango biche (unripe mango) and didn’t tell me? How dare you!” I take the bowl out of the fridge and place it on the kitchen island while looking for salt and lime. My mouth waters in anticipation as I dip a mango slice in the lime juice, and then sprinkle a little bit of salt on top. Once I take a bite, a symphony of bitterness, sourness, and all-around deliciousness explodes in my mouth. I moan involuntarily. “Damn, this is a good mango. Where did you find it? I haven’t been able to get mangoes like this in Buenos Aires.”

My sister is smiling as she continues to pet Tinta. “There’s a mini Colombian market not too far from here.” I make a mental note to stop by tomorrow before I head back home. “But that moan, Cattleya Fernanda. You need to get laid, sis.” I spit the mango out, and she cackles at me. “What? Isn’t it true? When are you going to tell Mati it’s you he’s been chatting with?”

All the humor in the room dissipates. I’m scared shitless of the reaction he’s going to have. “Ay Sofi, I think I fucked it up by not telling him from the get-go it was me. It’s been amazing chatting with him, but what if he likes Milena and doesn’t want anything to do with Cattleya?” I whine. Now that I’ve voiced my fears, they feel real, and I don’t know what to do. Grabbing another piece of mango, I wait for my sister to share her infinite wisdom. Instead, she gives me a look that says, “Yup, you fucked it up.”

“Has Mati said anything to Franco?”

Sofi shakes her head. “But I’ll tell you this: don’t delay telling him any longer. You need to see him ASAP.” I nod as I take my phone out of my pocket and send him a message on the app.

Milena: Hey Mati, how are you? I was wondering if you have any free time this upcoming week. My work schedule is kind of light, and I’d love to finally meet you.

As I type, Sofi reads over my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. We head to the living room to begin a marathon of rom-com movies, starting with 27 Dresses.

Matías didn’t get back to me last night; it’s the first time since we started chatting that he hasn’t replied to a message. Thanks to Sofi’s conversation with Franco last night, I learned Matías is in Chile with the boys. I’m glad he’s having a good time this weekend, too. But my anxiety about all this ordeal is increasing by the second. Now I understand how he felt all those years ago.

“Ready, Cata? Dani said to bring Tinta with us. She’s hosting our brunch today since you want to see her designs, and she said it’d be easier if we went to their place.” I shimmy my shoulders in excitement; I’m so thankful Dani is my sister’s best friend. She’s the sweetest, most amazing woman. One day her designs are going to be as exclusive as Carolina Herrera’s.

I offer to drive, since that way, I can drop off Sofi before heading back to Buenos Aires. She decides to hold Tinta instead of putting him in his backpack. She’s whipped; I cannot imagine how she will be as a mom. Who am I kidding? She'll be the best mom—we have a great example in our own mother. I'll be the auntie who loves to spoil big time.

We get to Dani’s apartment in no time. Once I enter, a sense of comfort invades me. Their decor includes a bunch of handmade, native art from Colombia and Argentina. I recognize the molas as the centerpiece in their living room; the geometric design is intricate and made with vibrant fabrics—it’s gorgeous.

“Hola, Cata, welcome. I’m so glad you had a little break and decided to spend it with us,” Dani says as we hug.

“Oh, I’m so glad too! You know how much I love my sis, and you’re like a bonus sister, so here I am.” I shrug. When I look at Dani, her eyes shine with emotion. My sister and I embrace her, and suddenly we all are wiping moisture from our eyes. Dani is an only child and lost her parents in a car accident. She came here trying to heal her heart, which is how she and my sister ended up marrying Argentinian men.

“I’m sorry. I’m just so damn emotional these days. Hearing you call me your bonus sister has me all in my feelings,” Dani says with a chuckle. She heads toward their kitchen where she has a spread of food, buffet style. My mouth immediately waters.

“Dani, where did you find empanadas?” I ask as I get one from the plate, and add ají (hot sauce) to it. The moan that escapes me belongs in a porno. By the time I try to cover my mouth, it’s too late; Sofi and Dani look at each other with knowing eyes and burst out laughing. “Yeah, yeah. I know I need some R&R. You two bitches are lucky to have those hot men warming up your beds every night,” I say as I grab a buñuelo next. Somehow these two know all the Colombian spots to get food— I’ll have to come visit them more often.

Once I’ve eaten to my heart’s content, I clean the kitchen despite Dani trying to send me to her office with my sister while she cleans.

“My mom taught me well. You hosted and provided us with a feast. The least I can do is clean.” She side-hugs me as she passes me to join my sister on the couch; the two of them melt at the sight of Tinta, and I roll my eyes at them. This kitty has everyone wrapped around his little paw.

“Okay, Cata. What kind of outfit do you have in mind?” Dani asks as she gets up from the couch and motions us to follow her into her studio. The walls are covered with different swatches of fabrics—the textures, the colors, it’s so beautiful. She also has framed pictures by the mantel that wraps around the entire bay window. When I go to see them up close, there’s one that immediately grabs my attention and transports me to her wedding week in Playa Blanca. It’s a picture of the entire crew. Marco and Dani are in the center, my sister and Franco are on Marco’s side, followed by Luca and Karina. I’m next to Dani, and Matías is right next to me. I still remember his hand on the small of my back, how gentle his touch was—barely there but firm. Goosebumps covered my entire back despite it being hot as hell on that island.

I place the picture frame back on the mantel, and when I turn around, Dani and Sofi are both looking at me with kind smiles. I’ve never told Dani what went down with Mati that week. I’m sure either my sister has filled her in, or Matías told Marco, and he must have shared with Dani because they both have the exact same look on their faces. They look like they’re trying to play Cupid, and I’m their target. I don’t try to play dumb; I know I’m going to need all the help I can get convincing Matías why I didn’t reveal it was me talking to him all this time.

“I’m in your hands, Dani. I need an outfit to leave him speechless.” Dani rubs her hands together and scrunches her nose, Bewitched-style. She’s adorable.

“Let’s see,” Dani muses as she goes through the clothes she has hanging on a rack at the side of her desk. “I’ve been working on a few prototypes for this spring, and I think I have the perfect dress. Why don’t you go to the living room, and try this one.” Dani takes a beautiful golden dress off the hanger; it’s embroidered with countless tiny flowers, has a flowy long skirt, a halter neck, and is backless.

My eyes sparkle as I take the dress from Dani’s hands, offering a curtsy before heading to try it on. Tinta has claimed a spot on Dani’s couch. Just then, I hear a phone vibrating. I quickly check my backpack and find several unseen messages on the app.

Prince of Hearts: Hey baby, I love that tattoo. Would love to see the rest of your immaculate body.

Ugh, what the fuck? I hit block faster than I can say, “Ni a pedo. (In your dreams).”

Then I notice the message I’ve been waiting for.

Dark Angel: Hey! Oh, I’d love to meet up. I feel like it’s been a long time coming. This weekend I’m out of town, but I’m free Thursday. Would that work for you?

He sent it an hour ago and hasn’t sent anything since.

Milena: Hi! Yes, Thursday is fine with me. Tell me the time and place, and I’ll be there.

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