“That makes no sense.”
“We live in different countries. I don’t believe long-distance relationships can work.”
“That’s not what I’m proposing here.”
“It’s not?”
“No.”
“Then what are you proposing?”
“This,” he says and pulls away from my arms. He drops to one knee and looks up at me. He produces a small box from his pocket, and I take a step back, shaking my head.
“Valentina Almonte, I’ve had to face the possibility of losing you more times than my poor, scarred heart can take. I don’t want to spend another second of my life without you. Will you marry me?”
I haven’t yet processed his presence in this gym in Mexico—I certainly can’t process the life-altering question he has asked me.
It suddenly dawns on me that he and Chema have been in contact with each other. How else would he know where to find me? Where I’d be and when? Chema. That’s how.
“You’ve been talking to Chema?”
Rory’s face falls, and he stands. “I’m sorry,” he says, clasping the back of his neck. “I had to know you were okay. Please don’t be mad at him. It was all me.”
“How did you even get his number?”
“We did spend quite a bit of time together in waiting rooms.”
I find Chema sitting at the front desk, grinning at me, but his grin disappears when he sees the daggers my eyes are shooting his way.
He stands and walks over to us. “Is everything okay?” Chema asks with a worried expression.
“You knew he was coming, and you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t know specifics, but I knew he would be coming to see you at some point.”
“You two have been talking about me?”
The two guilty expressions look at each other, then they both hang their heads and stare at their shoes.
“I see,” I say and take a step back, not sure what to make of all this.
Rory looks at Chema with a wide grin. “Full disclosure,” Rory says to Chema, “I asked her to marry me.”
“I saw that,” says Chema with a grin of his own.
“I have to say, I thought you’d be angered by that,” says Rory, looking confused.
“Why would I be angry?” Chema asks.
“I thought you—”
“Honey,” Nico walks up to Chema. “I’m heading out early. I want to get groceries before heading home. I’ll have a special dinner for you tonight.” Nico winks at Chema and gives him a peck on the lips. “And who is this handsome fella?” he asks, reaching out to shake Rory’s hand, scanning his body.
“Valentina’s fiancé,” Chema says.
“Valentina’s what?” Nico’s eyes widen with surprise.
“Well, she hasn’t answered yet,” Rory says, “but, um—you are . . .”