Page 140 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

“In Munich with Simona and Norbert. By the way, he’s looking forward to seeing you again at Christmas.”

“He’s so complicated,” she says, all sassy. “Tell him I’m going to bring my own Wii games, and he should get ready, because I’m going to whomp him, OK?”

“I’ll pass it on.”

“Tita, I’ll let my mom talk to you now. She’s bugging me! A big, big kiss.”

“One for you too, my love.”

My Luz is so beautiful!

“Cuchufleta, how’s Eric?” my sister asks, worried.

When I called my father and her to tell them Eric was in the hospital, they wanted to come to London. I stopped them. I know so many people would have been overwhelming for Eric.

“All right. We go home the day after tomorrow. I’m exhausted.”

“Oh, Cuchu...what a pity you’re so far away. I would have loved to squeeze and comfort you.”

“I know. I would have liked to have you near. How’s Lucía?”

“Ferocious. This girl eats anything and everything. Any day now, she’ll eat us.”

We both laugh.

“I know something you don’t know...”

“What?”

“Guess.”

“You’re coming to live in Spain?”

“Nooooooo.”

“You dyed your hair blonde?”

“No.”

“My delightful brother-in-law has given you a red Ferrari?”

“No.”

“What is it, Cuchu?”

I laugh.

“I think someone will be calling you Tía Raquel very soon.”

My sister’s scream is deafening.

She starts to clap like crazy, and I hear her tell Luz. The two shout and applaud. I laugh, and then I hear my father.

“Is it true, sweetheart? Is it true you’re going to give me another grandchild?”

“Yes, Papá, it’s true.”

“Oh, my dear girl, you’ve just so gladdened my life. Are you tired, my sweet girl?”

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