Page 35 of His Playground

“Huh, well, it’s nice to meet you,” Jazzy says.

“You too,” Evie replies.

Carlo’s hand lands on the small of my back.

“Antonia, welcome. It’s so nice to finally have you all over for dinner. It was last-minute, though, so I’m sorry if it’s… lacking.” Charlotte pulls me in for a hug. Her sweet southern accent makes me smile. There’s something about her that I’m drawn to. I don’t know what it is, but I honestly think I could be friends with her.

“Thank you for having me,” I tell her.

“Now, let’s go get a drink. Jazzy, you wanna come with us?” Charlotte asks.

“Yes!” Jazzy rushes over and surprises me when she takes hold of my hand. I like it. I shouldn’t be taking comfort from a child. But she’s offering it and I’m not going to reject her affections.

“I have white or red. What do you prefer?” Charlotte says as we walk into the kitchen.

“Ah, red, please.”

“You got it.” Charlotte hands me a glass of red wine. “So, how’s married life?”

“It’s… different,” I say, choosing my words carefully.

“You used to date Carlo, right?” Evie asks.

“Ah, yeah, a long time ago,” I admit.

“Carlo loves her. He told me. And he doesn’t ever lie to me,” Jazzy says.

Well, shit, he told her that?I do think that in some twisted way Carlothinkshe loves me. His actions all those years ago prove otherwise, though. I don’t say anything.

“Tío E told me he loves Evie too. That’s why her name is on his wrist,” Jazzy continues.

I watch a look pass between Charlotte and her friend. “What do you know about Emmanuel?” I ask Evie directly.

“Enough,” she says. “It’s not me. It’s a different Evie.” She’s either lying to herself, or just flat-out lying in general. Either way, it’s not my place to call her on it.

“He’s always been nice to me. I mean, I’ve met him a few times when he’d come to my father’s house,” I say.

“Wouldn’t all men be respectful and nice to you in front of your father?” Evie asks.

“You’d think, but no.” I snort.

“People were mean to you, Antonia?” Jazzy tugs on my dress.

I look down at her. “Not really mean. Just… not as nice as they should be.”

“I think people suck,” Jazzy declares. “Well, not Carlo and my uncles, or you guys, but other people suck.”

I agree but probably shouldn’t encourage her to hate people.

“I think you just have to findyourpeople in life. And you, sweetheart, found us. We are your people, always,” Charlotte says gently.

“I’m gonna go check on Carlo.” Jazzy runs out of the room.

“I’m going to make sure she’s okay,” I say, following her. “Jazz, wait up!”

She stops and turns around. There’s a slight wetness to her eyes.

“Oh my gosh, honey, what’s wrong?” I ask, dropping to my knees in front of her.