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“Two years. A bit less.” Bea had started counting the weeks, and that was insane.

“Do your parents know you’ve fallen in love?”

Bea flinched.

“You have, haven’t you?” Anna’s head was bent toward hers, her words impossible to hear if anyone was eavesdropping.

“They have to stop work, Anna. Papá particularly. He’s nearly a decade older than Mamá. The accident aged him even more. And I promised.”

“You promised before you met Casildo.”

“I had a crush on Casildo when we first met five years ago. I told myself it was a fantasy. Why would he ever look in my direction?”

“Because you’re a lovely human being, and I’m guessing it’s harder to tell yourself he’s not interested now you’ve shared an apartment and his bed. Talk to your parents.”

“I plan to talk to my parents. I won’t bankroll my younger sisters anymore. It’s time they got jobs and helped support themselves.”

“That’s a blessing.”

“I thought you liked my younger sisters?”

“I do, but I love you, Bea. And they’re far too comfortable with the tradition that the oldest daughter in a family is responsible for caring for her parents in their old age.” Anna paused for a moment. “And you’re not fighting me on this. Hallelujah.”

“I’ve found myself wishing that I hadn’t made such a big promise.” The guilt accompanying those thoughts had almost paralysed her.

“What’s Casildo think?”

“I’m not sure. Worried that I kept it a secret until now. Maybe deep down worried that I’m only interested in him because he comes from money.”

“He wouldn’t be so stupid.”

“Casildo isn’t stupid. He’s hurt, but in his heart, he believes that promises to family are sacrosanct. He’s struggling with what to believe.”

“You’re both idiots. Wonderful idiots.”

“He’s making some changes in his life too. He’s committed to establishing his textile design business.”

“Committed?” Anna hesitated, “That sounds like contracts signed and money committed.”

“He’s been sounding people out, waiting for the money to hit his account before he signs. It’s due to hit his account this week.”

“You’re worried he might not go ahead?” Anna did that. Studied you with quiet intensity so you thought she could read your mind.

Casildo nourished Bea’s soul, inflamed her body, sparked her imagination, and made her simply want to be with him. She yearned for him, and his words haunted her. She’d finally found someone she couldn’t bear to live without.

“I said I wanted a time-limited affair because if he’s to have a chance at his dream, he doesn’t need another liability.” Bea kept telling herself that. It was the truth, but her body and mind kept wanting to shut down each time she recited the words. “I’m also worried Casildo might throw in his lot with his father.”

“Hunter hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“Has Hunter spoken to Casildo yet?”

“Not that I’m aware of. But Hunter’s as focused on the Hariris’s wellbeing as he is on his own.”

Bea traced patterns on the tablecloth with the unused fork. “Casildo told me about Nick Richardson and what he tried to do. Is Hunter okay now? Are you okay?”

“Living and loving are works in progress, Bea. But we’re focused on the future. Cas sounds like he’s told you a hell of a lot?”

Bea nodded. “Casildo thinks he’s failed his dad. Somehow it’s tangled up with what happened with Monique?”