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“Hang on,” Faith gasped, realization smacking her square in the face. “Did they…” No way! Of course, that’s what had happened. Faith had caught the looks her aunt and Carmen shared.

“Ask Carmen,” Mateo spluttered. “I’m going to get my face creams.” And just like that, Mateo disappeared.

“Well, well, well. Carmen and Aunt Molly.” Faith grinned to herself. If Mateo wouldn’t give her the scoop, she knew a cantankerous pothead who would. Shouting to Mateo she was popping out for a bit, Faith ran over to Enid’s.

Bursting through the door, Faith beelined for Enid, who was sitting in her spot by the window. The one she used to spy on her neighbors. “Carmen and Molly did it, didn’t they?”

“Ha,” Enid cackled. “You finally caught on.”

“I can’t believe it. Why didn’t they tell me they liked each other?”

“Love, they can’t even admit it to themselves yet. They’re not as evolved as the likes of you and me.”

“That’s stupid. What’s the problem?” Did Carmen and Molly think Faith would take it badly or something? “Is it me?”

“No, love, although I’m sure they will use you as an excuse for a while. They’ve both just got their heads up their asses at the minute, but I’m not worried.”

“Should I talk to Carmen, tell her I’m cool with it? I could ring Molly.”

“No, leave it be. Do you want a cocktail? I had a delightful sex on the beach earlier.”

“Sure, why not! It’s a day of celebration,” Faith smiled, her mind transporting back to this morning.

“Oh yeah, and why’s that?” Enid asked, her eyebrows cocked.

“Just is,” Faith mumbled, her face flushing.

“Well, alright then. Let’s celebrate.”

Faith laughed as Enid did a strange salsa dance to the kitchen. Faith sat in Enid’s unoccupied seat. Even though the day was gray, nothing could dampen Faith’s mood. She couldn’t wait to have Nathalie back in her bed. Chuckling to herself, Faith shook her head. “Who are you?” she asked herself playfully. She was a young, vibrant woman, with a delicious girlfriend and wonderful people. That’s who she was and, boy, was that something!

Enid shuffled in with two cocktails and a tray of snacks. “Here you go, love, get that down your gullet.”

“Cheers, Enid,”

“Cheers, love.”

Sipping her drink, Faith smiled widely, her chest full of warmth. Yesterday was hard, but a new day brought new things and Faith was going to hold on to them with all her might.

Chapter 25

Carmen

You’d think after so many weeks and a new relationship, the thought of Molly being close wouldn’t cause such a deep ache, and yet that’s exactly what Carmen felt every time she closed her eyes and pictured Molly.

It wasn’t fair to Rachel. Carmen was well aware of that and yet she still didn’t do the right thing and break it off. And now, Rachel was talking about their future, whereas Carmen was thinking about another woman. She was a garbage human being!

“So, what do you think? A trip to Vermont in the Fall would be so romantic.” Rachel wasn’t going to let the topic drop, no matter how many times Carmen tried to avoid it.

“Um, I’m not sure, Rach, it depends on what Rita needs me to do.” Bullshit excuse, but it was all Carmen had.

“Right, sure.” Rachel’s eyes narrowed and Carmen felt herself shrink. “I guess I’ll be the adult then,” Rachel continued. “Carmen, do you want to be in this relationship?”

“What, of course!”

“Why don’t I believe you? I feel like the only one invested in this. It doesn’t help that trying to talk to you is like pulling teeth.”

Guilt. That’s all Carmen felt. She should have known that Rachel, a detective, would pick up her growing unease. “I think maybe we’re just moving fast.”