Page 68 of The Replay

The last few bites could crack a molar, but I manage to swallow and finish it off with the rest of my drink.

Mariana scrunches her face. "Fair. I don't want to be told what to do about anything, either."

"As long as that's settled."

"I'm sorry. Let's just be careful, okay?"

Meal done and water consumed, I push my plate away and lean my phone on my bottle, so I can stay on the call hands-free. I sit back on the cushions again.

I raise an eyebrow. "Careful how? Taking turns to go to the club with everyone, so we never share a space? Are you going to decline going to Evie and Logan's wedding? Mariana, random people are going to think whatever they want. People close to us won't see anything if we don't give them anything. No one will worry if we prove we're fine. And we're fine."

"Right. Okay." She settles further on the sofa. "We can work through this. We can keep our career goals and pause hookup plans if we need to. We'll hold the line if anyone questions us. You and I are not dating and anyone who thinks otherwise can stuff it."

"Exactly. It will only be a few months. Eventually, you'll leave again."

Her eyes widen— my words impact her more than I thought they would. She gulps.

I purse my lips. "We can't forget you're leaving, Mariana."

"I know." She clears her throat. "I'm not. Going back to England to work with Maisie is the whole point. I don't want my parents to think I'm going to change my mind and I just get in my head, you know? I'm not ready to be judged for my decisions."

I cross my arms. "Tall order, Princesa. Everyone's always judging. Some are harsh about it. You need to learn to live with it."

"I'm always going to care what my family thinks, okay? But I'm finding my way." She chews on her lips and hides a smile. "Don't judge."

I chuckle. "Got it. Now go make yourself a calming tea and go to bed."

"I need to eat something first. I haven't had dinner yet, unlike some people I know."

"Don't tell me you forgot to eat? You used to, when you were nervous."

She shrugs. "I didn't realize I was hungry until I saw you. So rude, not offering."

"I won't apologize for hogging my abuela's chiles en nogada."

"Is that poor woman still cooking for you? A whole grown ass man?"

"Every week." I grin. "Randomly, I'll get a text letting me know my mom dropped off a little something. When I get home, I'll find a couple of meals, some sweets, maybe a few treats. Just to make me happy. They adore me and they want to pamper me, that's all."

"Oh my God." She laughs. "Unbelievable."

"I would break their heart if I told them to stop."

"So spoiled."

"Now you’re jealous. I'm sure of it. Who wouldn't want a homemade meal cooked with love?"

"What if I am?" She gets up from her seat and takes the phone somewhere with her. My guess is her kitchen. "Do you even know how lucky you are?"

"I know how lucky I am," I say. "Now eat something and rest. Then go to bed."

The light changes in such a way, I'm sure she opened her fridge. She frowns.

"Fuck." She closes the door. "Don't get bossy. And remember you don't need to take care of me."

"I wasn't taking care of you. It slipped."

"We're doing that a lot, aren't we? Slipping."