Dad’s expression flickers with unhappiness. “I’ve known that boy since he was eight years old. He always had a good head on his shoulders.”
“I thought so, too.”
“Surely there’s more to this story. Perhaps Nico—”
“He cheated on me, Daddy.”
“And I’m not excusing it,” he says quickly. “I promise you I’m not. All I’m saying is, maybe there’s more to the story. Maybe Nico is having emotional problems we’re unaware of, or substance abuse issues, or—”
“Or maybe he’s just a fucking asshole,” I snap.
Dad’s eyes narrow. “Language.”
“No, I’m not going to watch my language, and I’m not going to stand here while you seriously try to persuade me that my serial-cheating ex-boyfriend is worthy of another chance. No way, Dad. I’m not getting back together with him and I’m not excusing that kind of behavior. We’re over.”
“Maybe in the future—”
A cry of desperation is ripped from my throat. “Oh my God, no! We’re done. And please, please don’t invite them for Christmas.” My stomach churns as I imagine having to spend the holidays with Nico’s family. I always thought my father had my back, but at the moment it seems as though he’s genuinely torn between me and Nico. And I’m his daughter.
Without another word, I stomp out of the kitchen and hurry upstairs to my bedroom. It’s not ten seconds later when my mother appears in the doorway.
“Demi, baby.” She sees my wet eyes and holds her arms open, and like a little kid I fall into them.
“Why is he being so stupid?” I mumble against her huge boobs.
“Because he’s a man.”
My answering giggle is muffled.
“Do you want to talk about it some more?” Mom offers, rubbing soothing circles on my upper spine.
“No, there’s nothing else to say. But what I’d love for you to do is go downstairs and tell Dad to stop whatever the hell this is. Tell him if he wants Nico back, he can date him himself.”
She laughs quietly. “I will pass that message along. And I want you to know, yes, we are having a tough time believing that Nicolás could do something like this, but the pain in your eyes tells me that boy hurt you very badly, and anyone who hurts my baby…” She trails off ominously, her brown eyes becoming deadly slits. “Are you sure we can’t invite them for Christmas so I can poison their food?”
“No,” I say glumly. “I like the rest of his family too much.” A sigh slips out. “And I don’t want him dead, either. I think he probably feels terrible about what he did. But that doesn’t mean I’d ever take him back. Do you know how humiliating it is knowing he was sleeping with other women? Meanwhile, he was lying to me about it and buying me dumb gifts and making me feel like—” My voice cracks and I stop talking, because there’s no point in continuing.
It’s over between Nico and me. And I truly don’t want him back. In fact, since I blocked his number it’s almost like a weight was lifted off my chest.
“Ugh. Mom, I just want to be alone for a bit,” I admit. “Do you mind putting aside a plate for me so I can eat it later?”
“Of course, mami. If you need me I’m only a shout away, okay?”
Once she’s gone, I lie on my bed and stare at the ceiling. The room was dusted and cleaned in anticipation of my arrival, and it smells like pine and fresh linens. Mom knows how to make everything feel homey.
I roll over and toy with the edge of a throw pillow. This truly sucks. I hate how entangled mine and Nico’s families are. I’m always going to have this constant reminder of him, when all I want to do is put him behind me. Truth be told, I’m ready to move on. Or, at the very least, I’m intrigued by the idea of being with somebody new.
Sighing, I open Instagram and mindlessly scroll through my feed. I make sure to follow Pablo Eggscobar, who still only has one pic up. I wonder if that little rope hammock was homemade. I can’t imagine where they might’ve bought one. Hastings isn’t exactly teeming with miniature egg clothing and accessories boutiques.
Hunter texts during my scrolling session, a welcome distraction from social media.
HUNTER: You make it to the city all right?
ME: Yep. I’m here now. But it was the worst bus ride EVER. The guy beside me kept showing me