Page 160 of Love Redesigned

“Oh, I won’t stop you from giving him hell.” I gesture toward the man standing off to the side with his arms crossed.

“Don’t tempt me.” She plants her hands on her hips. “Luis Julian Lopez Junior, what were you thinking, scaring her like that?”

He doesn’t speak.

I place my hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine, Josefina. Julian and I talked it out.”

She turns toward me with hearts in her eyes. “Did you?”

“Yup.”

“I was wondering why your dress is on inside out…”

“What?” I turn my neck to check for a tag.

“Kidding!”

“Ma,” Julian groans.

She shrugs. “What? I wanted to confirm something.”

“The fact that you’re crazy?”

She cackles.

Julian shoots me a look over her shoulder.

“Josefina,” I say.

That seems to sober her. “Yes?”

“Do you mind keeping this between us?”

She winces.

“Who did you tell?” Julian grumbles.

“Rosa.”

I want to get annoyed, but Josefina truly can’t help herself.The woman was born with a big heart and an even bigger mouth.

Julian glares at his mother.

Her arms shoot up to her sides in submission. “That’s it. I swear.”

Julian reaches for the door. “Call Rosa on your way home and tell her not to tell anyone else.”

Her left brow curves into a perfect arch. “Don’t tell anyonewhat?”

“What you saw.” He kisses the top of her head before yanking the door open.

Josefina walks outside. “And what exactly did I see?” She bats her lashes at her son.

“Too damn much.”

“Don’t—”

“Te quiero. Cuídate.” He swings the door shut, closing us off yet again from the outside world.

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