Fe laughed. “I’m afraid it’s true, Tia. We have to get home.”

Maria narrowed her eyes. “It’s my birthday, Meu amorzinho.”

“Yes, I know, but…”

“I may not live much longer.”

Fe took a breath, because she could tell by her aunt’s manipulation, she wasn’t getting out of this one.

“You stay,” Maria said with a nod.

Fe glanced over at Elliot and cringed.

He immediately lifted one shoulders and made a face. As if he realized just like she had, that they were screwed. There was no getting out of this one.

All the alcohol must have finally started doing its job, because when she looked around the yard again, seeing her aunts and cousin’s dancing. Her mom sitting in her father’s lap, sipping wine, she was filled with nostalgia. It had been so long since she’s spent time with her family, and she missed them terribly. “Okay, Tia. We’ll stay.”

Maria grabbed her face once more, and kissed her firmly on the mouth. “You make an old woman very happy, Meu amorzinho.”

Fe laughed, as the old woman took her hand, spun around, and announced to the whole world. “Look who I found!”