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“Because it was a mistake. It would be so much easier to forget if it had been mediocre.”

“Why do you need to forget it? By the sounds of it, you were both caught up in a moment. It happened, and that’s it. Why are you hanging on to it?”

“Because… because she… I…”

“Hey, come on,” Mateo encouraged, rubbing Carmen’s back gently.

“We connected, not just physically. I can’t remember the last person who I did that with. Yeah, it was a heat of the moment thing, but in that moment we were together, you know, completely in sync.”

Mateo thought for several seconds. “So why does it have to be a mistake? Maybe you could explore something with Molly?”

“Nope, no way!”

“Why not?”

How could Mateo even entertain that idea? “She’s Faith’s aunt for one. If we started something, and it broke down, like it inevitably would, things between me and Faith would get fucked up.”

“Wow, that’s a bleak outlook.”

“It’s an accurate statement.”

“No, it’s not. Carm, this is much deeper than that. Ever since we were kids, you’ve always expected the worst in people, and I get it—you know I do. But we’re not those kids anymore. You encouraged me to meet new people. To live life, and all this time, you have refused to take your own advice.”

“That’s not it,” Carmen argued.

“That’s absolutely it! I want you to set up a therapy appointment, Carmen. It’s time. I’ve been a terrible brother, letting you continue like this. You’ve always done what’s best for me and now I’m doing the same.” Mateo handed Carmen her phone.

“You want me to call now?”

“Yes, no time like the present.”

“Fine.” Carmen wouldn’t argue. For Mateo to be so insistent, she knew it was time to seek help. “There,” she replied, setting the phone down. “I have an appointment on Wednesday.”

“Okay, good. Now, tell me about your chat with Rita.”

“Oh shit! Yeah, I didn’t tell you, did I? I’m going to work full time for Rita. I’ll take over the running of the digital content. I’ve already got so many ideas.”

“What about your business?”

“I’m staying on as a silent partner. I’ve sold part of each company to the new CEOs.”

“Jesus, Carmen, that’s huge. Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“Because you’ve been MIA!” Carmen shot.

“Fuck, yeah, I know.”

“I don’t want to argue or fall out, okay? I knew the day would come when you met someone that swept you off your feet, Mateo. I’m so happy for you, I swear.”

“He has swept me off my feet. But I know better than to abandon my family.”

“That’s a bit much. You haven’t abandoned anyone.”

“It feels like that when I find out you’ve made huge life decisions and I wasn’t around to help you through it.”

“Alright, how about we stop beating on ourselves and just do better?”

“Deal.”