Page 21 of Born to Make You Smile

“They’re Venezuelan pastries. Like a sweet croissant with a ham filling.” Dorina stirred the straw of her whiskey sour, then took a sip.

Ethan nodded. “They sound good.”

“They arebomb,” Will announced.

“I don’t know how she did it, but Grace managed to make them just like my abuela used to make.”

Perfecting the recipe definitely took plenty of trial and error. But I pushed myself, knowing how much it meant to Dorina.

“Okay, now I’m getting hungry,” said Will.

“You’re always hungry!” stated Dorina.

A pleasant warmth filled me as we continued to laugh and share stories. Having the four of us get along made me feel positive about the decision to take a chance and date Ethan. I was pleased with how our relationship had unfolded and hopeful for our future direction.

A little while later, Dorina and I headed to the ladies’ room together to freshen up. As I dried my hands, my phone pinged in my purse.

Gavin:Hi, Grace. I really feel terrible about what happened today. Let me know if you require the day off tomorrow.

I rolled my eyes. He was being so overly dramatic and protective as usual. I had to admit, it was kind of sweet.

Me:Don't be silly. I'm fine!

Gavin:Alright. Anyhow, so very sorry to interrupt. Have a great night.

Me:Nite, Gavin :)

“Whoa,pollita,” Dorina said as she exited the bathroom stall to wash her hands. “Gavin really got you. I can see it under the light now. You sure you’re okay?”

I nodded. “You should have seen it before. Thank God I iced it at the party.”

“So how was the party?” she asked, tracing some pink gloss over her lips, then offering it to me.

“Good. Everyone showed up, and the weather was hot. I was in the pool most of the day.”

“Oh fun! It seems like things are going well with Ethan.” She nudged me. “Looks like you two are hitting it off.”

She nodded enthusiastically.

I smiled. “Yeah. He’s really great.”

“Told ya.” She winked, then put her gloss back into her purse. “Did you want to come shopping with me tomorrow, after work? I know you said you needed some new jeans.”

My stomach wobbled, knowing Dorina’s love for designer clothing. Clothing I could not afford right now.

“You know what, I’m gonna have to pass. I have a lot to do. And I can make my old jeans work for another season.”

“Are you sure everything is okay? Is this about your mortgage? Because, listen, I can help…”

“No,” I said firmly, waving my hand. “Please. I’m fine. I just need to save my next few paychecks, and I’ll be all caught up.”

A month after my mother died, Dorina wanted to cancel her summer grad trip to Venezuela. A trip she'd been looking forward to the entire last year of high school. She even offered to pay for me to come with her. But I politely declined. I told her I was staying with my cousin in Orillia for the summer—which was a lie. And while I appreciated her beyond sweet gesture, I couldn't bear the thought of Dorina upending her dream vacation for me or paying for my entire stay. I couldn’t place that burden on her. Not then, not now.

“Why don’t you ask Gavin for a raise?” Dorina suggested with a nod.

“He just gave me one in January.”

“Well. Maybe you can persuade him for a small upgrade, or at least some advances. He’d be easy to convince right now, especially after what he did to your head there.”

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