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Carmen knew there was something going on, but if Molly didn’t want to say, she wouldn’t push. “Okay, so a thing happened,” Carmen began.

“A thing?” Molly laughed. “Okay, what thing?”

“Um, I think Faith and Nathalie are, um, you know, sexually active.”

“Right, okay.”

“Um, should I talk to her, or do you want to, or should we leave it?”

“Carmen,” Molly laughed. “You’re rambling.”

“Sorry, I just feel out of my depth on this.”

“Why? Faith talks to you about everything, doesn’t she?”

“Yeah, but this is different, right? I mean, this is a big deal, isn’t it? It was when I first started having sex.”

“It might not be a big deal to her. Maybe wait for Faith to come to you. I’m sure she’ll want someone to confide in, and my guess is that will be you.”

“Shouldn’t it be you, though?”

“Why? Because we’re blood-related? It doesn’t work like that. I’m just happy she’s comfortable enough to talk to you about these things.”

“Why aren’t you freaking out?”

“Why are you?”

“I… I supposed it just sort of took me by surprise. I mean, I never, ever want to hear what I heard again. But I suppose I’m happy they were somewhere safe.”

“Listen, I have to go, but call me anytime, okay? And stop freaking out. Sex is natural and fun. Maybe you need reminding of that,” Molly laughed. A heat rose in Carmen’s chest as she visualized Molly bent over the old truck, Carmen knuckle-deep inside.

“Ha, yeah,” Carmen stuttered. “Okay, talk soon.” Dropping the phone to her desk, Carmen took a few steady breaths.

“Okay, Ruiz, get yourself together. You are a successful woman. You kick ass daily. You can handle a teenager having sex.”

The pep talk revved Carmen up and gave her the confidence needed until she stepped foot inside the house later that afternoon and came face to face with Faith. Instead of being a kickass woman, she melted into a nervous puddle. “Hey, kid.”

“Hey, Carmen, do you have a second?” Oh God, she’s going to talk to me about it.

“Sure, absolutely.”

“Are you okay? You’re flustered.”

“Yes, yep, I’m fine, I’m ready!”

“Ready? What for?”

“Nothing, or anything, whatever you want to tell me.”

Faith looked utterly perplexed at Carmen’s behavior. “Riiight, okay. Um, so I wanted to ask you something.”

“It’s completely natural, and as long as you and Nathalie are both consenting, it’s okay. I’m glad you were in a safe space to explore things together. I’m happy to take you to a clinic if you want to get tested, you know, just to make sure you’re both safe, or I can ask Mateo, or Enid if you like,” Carmen blurted.

Faith’s stunned face stared back at her. Maybe Carmen could have approached it a little better. “You… you know about… me and Nathalie?”

“Is that not what you wanted to talk to me about?”

“No, I wanted to ask if you slept with Molly.” Oh. My. God. This is not happening!