Page 81 of Bound and Blitzed

Besides, would he even believe me? I’m playing hot and cold—even I don’t trust myself.

As I prepare for the research trip, I keep getting lost in my thoughts.

The night before my trip, Abuela calls.

“Hola, Abuelita,” I answer on the first ring.

She frowns at me, her eyes flashing. “Still unhappy I see,mi tesoro?”

I chuckle but it turns into a groan. “Abuela, what am I doing?”

“What do you mean?” she asks.

“I told Avery I need a break.”

“What’s a break?” She wrinkles her nose.

Sighing, I explain the conversation Avery and I had in Chicago. As I speak, Abuela’s mouth tightens, and disappointment sweeps through her eyes.

“You think I made a mistake,” I say.

“Only you can know that,” she replies cryptically.

I close my eyes and admit, “I miss him.”

“How much?” she wonders, her eyes sparking with something akin to mischief.

“Abuela,” I whine. “What should I do?”

“Marriages are hard work, Valentina. You know that. What you have to ask yourself is if you’re willing to do the work that needs to be done.” She gives me a little shrug. “I have to go now. I’m meeting my friends for Zumba. I just wanted to wish you a good, safe trip.”

I snort. “I’ll be fine. You be careful at Zumba. Don’t break a hip.”

“Vale!” she scolds me. “Don’t even say such things.”

“Sorry. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Follow your heart on this one, not your head,” she adds before clicking off.

I toss down my phone and continue to pack. Once I’ve gone over my supplies three times, I shower and climb into bed. Still, Abuela’s words turn over in my mind.

Follow your heart on this one.

Are you willing to do the work that needs to be done?

Avery Callaway flipped my world upside down and made me his wife. I blossomed in that role, wanting to be enough for him. And with him, I felt whole. I felt like the best version of myself.

The second my family questioned that, I buckled. But why? Because they didn’t embrace him the way I wanted them to?

You’ll know you’re grown up when you don’t care what anyone else thinks, Abuela’s voice whispers through my mind.

And that’s when I understand the crux of it. I’m still hung up on my family’s opinions. I’m still desperate for their approval. Where has that ever gotten me?

Alone. Hurt. Apart.

Things Avery never made me feel. He inspires me, cares for me, and loves me. I never would have made it this far without him and his unconditional love. Even now, he’s bunking at his sister and best friend’s place because he’s trying to do right by me. He’s giving me time and space to work out my issues, even though I hurt him.

God, I made a mistake. A horrible mistake.

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