Page 25 of Yours, For Now

no need to charm the suegra

Gabriel: But they don't know that,

and I want to leave a good impression

Lina: Then they'll never understand

why we broke up. Don't be too perfect

Gabriel: Huh. How close to perfect am I?

In your opinion

Lina: ha ha. You know what I mean.

They won't speak to me for weeks when

we break up, if they like you too much

Gabriel: So I need to tone down the

perfect, or…?

Lina: You know what? Doesn't

matter. The way things look

right now they won't speak to

me either way, when we

end it. I could use the break to

be honest

Gabriel: so I'll just be my usual level

of perfect

Lina: [roll eye gif]

Gabriel: see you on Saturday.

Chapter 9

Saturdaystypicallyinvolvedafew hours of work; my to-do list as a Chief of Staff was never fully done, and the extra hours helped. On that day I'd decided to work from my office, and I barely arrived home on time for dinner. I'd just made it to my room when my mom knocked on my open door.

"Are you going to change? Gabriel will arrive soon. Exciting! You should get pretty."

I arched an eyebrow and left my purse on top of my dresser. "Get pretty? I know I haven't had a boyfriend in a while, but it's not like I need to impress him. He knows how I look."

"Tah." The familiar irritated sound she made with her tongue told me enough, but she continued anyway. "Show some effort. It's a new relationship; show him you care."

I pressed my lips together and crossed my arms. "That may be one of the most old-fashioned things you've said to date, mami. Young people don't want to seem too eager."

She shrugged. "Maybe here they do, but not back home. Women take pride in how they look, and we flaunt it for our man."

My mom dressed well and wore make-up every day, even on Sundays. She definitely walked the talk. It didn't mean I would follow in her steps.