Archer:Then hell yes
Lucia:Great
Archer:I’ll come to your place at 8 for pre-cock cocktails?
I laugh to myself and my mom smiles at me. I forgot how much fun Archer is.
Lucia:It’s a date x
Archer:Love you x
I put my cell on the table beside me.
“Well?” My mom asks because she just can’t help herself.
“I’m going out with Archer Friday night. To Papi’s club.”
“Ooh, Archer.” She grins at me. “Is he the drummer with the blond hair and twinkly eyes?”
“Yes, Mom,” I laugh. “Don’t let Papi hear you talking about some dude like that. You know he has a jealous streak.”
“Archer’s gay. He won’t mind.”
“Papi once told me your ass had the power to turn gay men straight,” I remind her.
She laughs so loudly that Hugo and the boys look over at us.
“I remember that. When he was going on and on about my bikini that day at the beach.”
“Yes.” I laugh too. “So I don’t think he will appreciate you getting all swoony over Archer’s twinkly eyes.”
“He does have a possessive streak,” she chuckles as she wipes a tear from her eye.
“It’s kind of cute the way you two are so into each other,” I say with a sigh.
“Hmm.” She looks into the distance with a dreamy expression on her face.
“Mom,” I snap. “Are you thinking dirty things about Papi right now?” I pull a face to make my disgust obvious.
“No.” She frowns at me.
I shake my head and lean back. “Liar.” I shake my head and lean back.
“Don’t call your mother a liar, Lucia,” she pretends to chastise me.
“What if there are no guys like that out there for me, Mom? What if I never find anyone who looks at me the way Papi looks at you?” I sigh.
She reaches over and squeezes my hand in hers. “For you, my beautiful daughter, there is a whole world of love and opportunity. I promise you.” Then she lifts my hand to her lips and kisses it softly.