Page 18 of Now and Forever

“I didn’t say that, but I have to talk to David.”

He’s still not letting me go.

“Why?”

Although I’m dazed, I give him one hard look.

“Because he’s waiting, because he’s come for me, and he deserves an explanation.”

Eric nods and lets me go. I finally get out of the kitchen, preceded by Eric, and when David sees me, he whistles.

“You look spectacular, Judith.”

“Thanks,” I say, without much desire to smile.

Without another thought, I grab David by the arm and take him out to the garden so I can speak to him in private. David remembers Eric from last night. He understands what I’m saying, and, after giving me a kiss on the cheek, he leaves. I go back in the house, and everybody’s looking at me. My father grins, and Eric extends his hand to me.

“Are you coming with me?”

I just stare at him.

“Auntie, you have to forgive him,” says my niece. “Eric’s a really good guy. Look, he brought me a box of SpongeBob SquarePants chocolates.”

That’s when I see Eric wink at my niece.

She grins back at him, gap-toothed and complacent. Those two! I look over at my father, who’s emotional, and he nods. I look over at my sister, wearing one of her silly smiles, and she nods too. My brother-in-law winks at me. I close my eyes, and my heart surrenders. It’s what I want. It’s what I need.

“You and I are going to talk right now,” I tell Eric.

“Whatever you want, love.”

“Give me a sec.”

When I go to my room, my sister follows. She knows I’m overcome, and she hugs me.

“Put your pride aside, you stubborn girl, and just enjoy this man who’s come for you. Don’t deny your feelings, and let yourself be loved.”

Annoyed with myself because I seem so fickle, I sit on the bed.

“He drives me out of my mind, Raquel.”

“Of course! Just like Jesús does me. But we love each other, and that’s what counts, Cuchufleta.” I finally calm down and, with her help, put a few things in my backpack.

I feel so much for Eric, I can hardly stand it. I love him, need him, and adore him. When I return to the living room with my bag, Eric grins, hugs me, and gives me goose bumps by making a declaration in front of my father and my entire family: “I’m going to court you each and every day.”

6

After I say goodbye to my family, I climb into Eric’s car.

I’ve given in.

I’ve surrendered, and I’m with him again.

I thought we were on our way to Zahara, to Frida and Andrés’s house, so I’m surprised to see we’re heading toward the pretty little villa Eric rented last summer.

Once we’re past the gate, I see the house.

“What are we doing here?”

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