Page 44 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

“I just made out with...with...Juan Alberto?”

“Yes.” She doesn’t respond. “You just made out like a teenager with your little roll in the hay. The only thing you didn’t do is say ‘sabroso’!”

My sister blinks.

“Mother of God...did you see how that man kisses?”

I nod. I saw, along with half of Jerez.

“I just threw myself at him and...and...he squeezed me and...and...then he grabbed my ass, the pig! And he shoved his tongue down my throat. Oh God...I’m so hot! And then he said that thing about love at first sight or—”

“Or he’d kiss you again. Yes, it was very much like a scene in a soap opera,” I say.

I try to fan her and she swoons, because she loves being dramatic.

She pours some more water on her neck and pants. She still can’t believe what she did. Poor woman.

“I think today you got rid of Jesús for the rest of your life,” I say. “Juan Alberto made that very clear to him, dude.”

“Oh, Cuchu, don’t laugh.”

“I can’t help it, Raquel.”

“That man must think I’m out of my mind,” she says, touching her face.

“But didn’t you say you wanted to be fresh and modern?”

“Yes, but not slutty,” she says, blushing now.

“Look, Raquel, let him think whatever he wants to think,” I say. “Did you like kissing him?”

She has no hesitation. “Yes...I’m not going to deny it.”

“So, that’s that. Be positive and think about these two things. First, you got rid of Jesús. Second, this man you like has kissed you like they do on the soap operas and completely knocked you out.”

She finally laughs. I do too.

“My God, Cuchu,” she says.

7

I’ve never liked farewells, and I like them even less when I’m saying goodbye to my family. Leaving them breaks my heart, but Eric is right there to make me smile and promises I can see them again whenever I want.

The jet is waiting for us at the Jerez airport. My niece insists on climbing in. She wants chocolates, and the flight attendant gives her some. But time is passing, and we have to go, so there is no choice but to finally say goodbye.

“Listen, sweetheart,” says my father as he hugs me, “you’re very happy. I can tell. I always liked Eric from the first minute; you know that, right?”

I nod.

“Then smile and enjoy your life, and that way I’ll enjoy mine too.”

“Papá, it’s just that I miss you so much. And not knowing when I’m going to see you again kills me.”

My father smiles and puts a finger on my lips.

“I promised Eric we will all spend next Christmas in Germany. That guy loves you, and he didn’t stop asking until I finally said yes.”

“Seriously?”

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