Page 106 of Cava with My Colleague

“It’s also true.”

I’m quiet for a moment, then: “Carlos?”

“Mmm?”

“Can I say something without you trying to fix it?”

“Yes.”

“I’m really angry. At Rebecca, at corporate, at the universe. We finally figured this out and now it’s all falling apart.”

“I know.”

“And I know you’re being supportive and patient and wonderful. But I’m allowed to be angry, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good. Because I am. I’m furious.”

He kisses the top of my head. “Be furious. I’ll be here when you’re done.”

“What if I’m furious for six months?”

“Then I’ll be here for six months.”

“That’s very patient of you.”

I kiss him, deep and desperate, trying to memorize the feel of him. We have months of uncertainty ahead of us.

But we’ll make it work. Somehow.

We have to.

Because the alternative—giving up on this, on us—is unbearable.

“I love you,” I whisper against his lips.

“I love you too, cariño.”

“Even when I’m angry and scared and trying to push you away?”

“Especially then.”

We make love slowly, tenderly, like we have all the time in the world instead of one short week.

And after, tangled together with Izan snoring beside us, I let myself believe it.

That we’ll make it work.

That this isn’t the end.

That distance and uncertainty and bad timing can’t break something this strong.

One day at a time.

Epilogue

Carlos