Page 30 of Distrustful

"Come on, say yes," Lili insists.

"Alright."

Lili gives a small cry of joy and gets up to hug Trinidad. Maria watches them stunned, trying to find that cold woman who fucks her and then disappears in this affectionate woman who laughs with the child. It's Ursula who pulls her from her thoughts when she moves her chair closer to her, taking advantage that everyone is distracted, and leans in to speak in confidence.

"Do you realize you've fucked all the adult women at the table?" she drops and Maria feels a current run through her that makes her body rigid.

She looks at Ursula ready to deny it, but when she sees how her friend looks at her, she understands she can't lie.

"How did you know?" she asks amazed while color returns to her cheeks.

"Because I've known you for more than twenty years, and it's not just your way of looking at her that gives you away, it's how she looks at you. Neither of you knows how to pretend," Ursula settles and returns to her seat while shaking her head.

At the restaurant door they say goodbye to Ursula, Mildred, and Lili.

Trinidad and Maria walk escorted by Benjamin and Oliver to the hotel. When they enter, Trinidad stops Maria for a few moments.

"You know Lili well, excuse me from her birthday."

"You're not going?" Maria frowns.

"I don't belong there, Maria..."

"I don't care if you belong," the lawyer cuts her off abruptly, surprising Trinidad. "You promised her you'd go and promises to children must be kept, so you better show up," she says before turning around and walking quickly toward the elevator.

"It seems Ms. Maria has quite a temper," Benjamin comments with a teasing tone positioning himself beside her.

Trinidad looks at him and they both laugh.

"Stop calling her Ms. Maria, Benjamin, how many times do I have to tell you?"

"One more," he responds and gestures for her to start walking.