Page 25 of Easy Rumba

“You’re on.”

We both climb to the top of the rope and wooden structure. Izzy is right—she’s smaller and able to maneuver over the ropes and through tighter spaces a lot quicker than I can. The boys, who’ve been watching us, start to cheer us both on when they see we’re racing. Izzy swings across the final gap before I even have a chance to reach out for the rope, and she wins. She does a little victory dance, and the boys congratulate her and then start talking about doing their own races.

“Ok, you did beat me, but don’t tell your mama. I don’t want her thinking I’m a loser.”

“Loser.” Izzy makes the sign of an ‘L’ on her forehead.

“Oh no you don’t.” I chase around after her as she screams pretending to shout for help.

Shortly after, Elise appears at the door to the restaurant and shouts to tell us dessert is ready, and we make our way back inside, both of us breathing heavily. I’m not sure I should have run around that much on a full stomach. I sit back down and take a sip of my water before looking down at the dessert Elise ordered me—beignets. I feel my mouth start to salivate at the traditional pastry. They’re more of a breakfast treat, but I could eat them at any time of the day. I can’t believe she remembered after all these years. I’ve always had a soft spot for them.

“Thank you.” I mouth at her while she helps Izzy with the mammoth chocolate cake they’re both sharing.

“Mama?”

“Yes, my darling.” Elise cuddles up to Izzy.

“I like Mr. Leo. He’s a lot of fun.”

“He is. I have to agree.”

“Do you think he could live with us? He could be my daddy rather than the one I’ve got…I don’t like him.”

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