Chapter 11

Crunchy sat in the front window and watched the girls as the car dropped them off. After saying good night to their new friends, they got their purses, paid the tab and waited for their ride. Sitting silently in the back seat of the car, they held hands, fingers gently woven together.

Climbing the stairs, each of them was thinking a great deal about things. Closing the door behind them, Brandi took off her shoes and tossed them into the closet. Lupe did the same.

“Thank you for indulging me and going out tonight. It was wonderful.”

“I didn’t want that last dance to end.”

“It really doesn’t need to. Alexa! Play Vonda Shepard! You belong to me!”

Again, music played and the girls held each other. But as the lyrics of being “so alone without you” started, Brandi turned her head slightly and pulled Lupe to her.

And kissed her.

To the both of them, it was as natural as anything that could happen. They swayed and kissed, softly, their lips pressed and a gentle swipe of tongues danced as well.

The music ended and Lupe pulled back. Tears started to flow, which led to sobs as she turned her back, hands covering her face.

Stricken, Brandi gently took Lupe’s shoulders and turned her.

“I’m sorry.” Her heart was aching at the possibility that she had misread Lupe’s affection, and had overstepped, forcing Lupe to leave. Her own tears matched Lupe’s. She took Lupe’s hand and led her to the sofa.

“Can we talk about what just happened?” Lupe nodded, pressing a wad of tissues to her eyes.

“I’m about to say the four words that made my ex husband cower in fright. ‘We need to talk.’ But before you start to panic, it’s nothing bad. At least, I hope not. I really need your thoughts on things. Okay?” Seeing a nod of acceptance, she continued. “Oh Lupe, where to begin? You came into my life just a few short months ago. I can’t envision things going back to how they were before. You have become so very special to me. So beautiful. A heart that is open and loving. Your smile and personality is like sparking sunshine. I have said it over and over that you can stay here for as long as you like. Guess what? I want you here! I love having you here with me because my life is enriched in ways that I’m having trouble expressing. But I need to know, what do you want? How can I help you get things the way you want? Please, let me know. I’m begging here. Help me to help you!”

Her heart was aching at the possibility that she had over-stepped and might cause Lupe to reevaluate the relationship and go.

Tears flowed again from Lupe’s eyes. “I knew this day would come. There are things you need to know first. Please,” she held up a hand, “let me speak.”

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she continued. “You and everyone here calls me ‘Lupe’ and it is a name that I have embraced. A new name for a new me. My actual name is Rosalinda Marquez. And yes, I want to stay here. In Lodi. With you. By now, I think my family has accepted my decision and they have all given up on me. I disappoint them so.”

“How?”

“At my age, a woman is to be married. Have babies. Take care of her husband. I can’t do that. It’s not who I am. My family was ready to disown me if I didn’t agree to that marriage. He was almost fifty and so disgusting! I couldn’t bring myself to be subjected to that life. I would rather die.”

“And there was nobody else that they would accept?”