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“You’d be fine,” Bessie answered, carrying a tray of lemonade over to the table. Enid stood beside her, cradling a cup of coffee. “You just needed a helping hand, but you’re all survivors. We’re proud of each one of you.”

A lump formed in Carmen’s throat. What she would have given to have had that kind of influence and support in her life. Even if it had just been someone to chat with, other than Mateo. Her mind wandered to Camilla Ruiz. What would have happened if she hadn’t died? Would she have taken Mateo and Carmen in permanently? They’d gotten a brief glimpse of what a mother could be, only to have it cruelly ripped away.

“Ah shucks, Bessie, you’re gonna make me cry,” Courtney laughed.

“Wiseass,” Bessie laughed. “Everyone, grab a drink. I’ll make some sandwiches too.”

“Please don’t go to any trouble,” Carmen interjected.

“No, please, go to trouble. I’m famished,” Mateo added.

“That’s because you loaded up on candy instead of actual food, Hermano.”

“Sorry, I forgot you were the candy police,” Mateo scowled, then stuck his tongue out.

“You two are like children,” Enid chimed.

“She started it,” Mateo chuckled, causing Carmen to grin and flick his nose.

“You two are hella funny,” Courtney giggled.

“So everyone says,” Mateo grinned.

“Enid here tells me you live in Molly’s old house.” Bessie settled in the chair next to Mateo. Carmen got the gist they might be here for some time, so she took a seat.

“Yeah, we didn’t know that until Faith turned up. It’s been an interesting few weeks.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” Carmen looked up to identify where the deep voice came from. Stood in the entry doorway was a young man who resembled Courtney, but with a beard. No, not a beard. That was way too generous.

“Li, this is Carmen, Mateo, Enid and outside with Molly is Faith.”

“Is Faith joining the house?” Liam asked.

“No, Faith is Molly’s niece,” Lisa added.

“Cool.” That was as far as Liam’s interest stretched by all accounts. “I’m gonna go play on the Xbox, call when you want a hand with the laundry.” Liam stalked off.

“Your twin, I gather,” Carmen asked Courtney.

“Yeah, real bag of laughs, that one,” she replied, shaking her head. “It’s like puberty hit and turned him into a hungry hippo with a side of attitude.”

Carmen laughed at the comparison. Mateo would never admit it, but that’s what happened to him. Carmen couldn’t keep food in the fridge longer than a couple of hours when he went through that stage. God knows how Bessie and Molly coped with four teenagers in the house.

“Everyone goes through puberty differently,” Bessie softly chastised.

“Well, if he ever wants to get laid, he needs to chill the fuck out,” Courtney stated.

“Dear Lord,” Bessie sighed. Everyone else laughed.

When the coast was clear, Carmen leaned over to Mateo. “Do you think Faith is okay?”

“I’m sure she’s fine, Carm. Don’t worry. They need a bit of time to adjust and talk. Faiths come a long way.”

“Oh, I think my gummies are finally wearing off,” Enid interrupted. “Those green little shits are potent.”

“You have gummies?” Bessie asked.

“Oh yes, want one?”