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“I can’t believe he did that!” Tootsie exclaims.
They’re good friends, as evidenced by their immediate outrage. It feels good, and I’m tempted to pretend the rest of the evening didn’t happen. But as I showered this morning, it crossed my mind that I might not have been entirely fair to Grayson. He never actually said anything about me or about the building. Maximillian is the one who made derogatory comments about me both times. That thought leads to the realization that Grayson himself has never said anything about selling the building. On the contrary, Grayson seems to love the building. He hasn’t indicated, in word or action, his intention to sell anything.
I bungled it. The combination of my disappointment over my father’s last minute ghosting, a few more drinks than normal, and his brother’s comments came together in a vicious storm. One that Grayson didn’t necessarily deserve to be blamed for.
Briefly, I explain to Tootsie and Penny what happened. By the end, Tootsie has tears in her eyes and Penny emphatically shakes her head.
“Hermana, you know I’m on your side but… you have to apologize.” Penny blinks at me with all seriousness.
My head bangs softly on the table. “I know,” I groan with regret. I hate apologizing, probably because I’m usually right so I don’t have to do it often.
“Do you like him?” Tootsie asks. She’s the most romantic of us, and today she seems especially sincere.
I’m tempted to ask what’s been happening with her that she’s in such a good mood. But her question brings all my circling thoughts to a halt.
It almost doesn’t matter who did “this” right or “that” wrong. If I like him enough to take a chance, then I need to let the bitterness go. If I want him to stick around, then we need to communicate and fix this. If I don’t like him, then why did I get so upset when I thought he betrayed me?
Tootsie nods thoughtfully, watching the expressions chase across my face. “I know it’s scary. But if he makes you happy, then you need to make this right. Just remember, there’s always some turbulence before you get your happily ever after.”
I consider what they’ve said. I remember chatting about the history of the building while he renovated the space next door. I remember his face when he tried the durian tea. I remember him nervously asking me to attend the masquerade with me. And most recently, I remember how safe I felt dancing in his arms.
“He’s worth it.”
Both my friends give me cheesy, supportive grins. “Don’t hurry back! My mama will take care of everything here for the day, right, Mamá?”
Maria steps through the beaded curtain, a proud smile on her face. She’s obviously been listening in on the conversation. “Go take care of yourself and your man, hija. We’ll take care of your shop.”
