Page 13 of Axes and Ohs

“Is that right?” My mother’s a woman who usually speaks passionately about everything, but she says the words now with a kind of careful neutrality I hadn’t known she was capable of.

My palms sweat again. “I don’t know if… I mean, it’s… it’s complicated,” I say softly.

I dart a glance at her and see her nod once. “Como siempre, con el amor.”

I take a shuddering breath. As always, with love.

“It’s not love,” I argue. Then backtrack. “Not exactly. I’m… figuring things out. How I feel. How he feels. And he lives in New York, so…” I blow out a breath. “I honestly don’t know what I’m doing.”

She studies my face with the expression that used to see right through every lie I told as a kid. “You’re happy, mijo. Happier than in a long time.”

It’s not a question, but I answer anyway. “Yeah,” I admit. “I am.”

Mamá nods once. “Well, then. Anyone who makes my son happy is someone I want to meet. You bring him for a visit. I’ll make him pepián.”

I swallow. Can it really be that easy?

Maybe it can.

“Now, go get showered. The frijoles are ready, and the rice will be done in a few minutes. And Carlos,” she warns, “while you eat, we’re gonna be talking about me moving back to my own home. It’s time. ¿Comprendes?”

I’m so relieved, I don’t even argue. I nod and escape to my room.

As I strip down, my phone buzzes with what I figure is a text from Erick. But when I grab my phone with a smile, I find the message is actually from Beckett.

Beckett

Hey, we’re gonna be ramping up production and running weekend shifts starting March 1. You up for overtime?

You know me, boss. Love that sweet, sweet OT. $$$

Beckett

Figured. Thanks, C. So rest up for the next few weeks, huh?

I’m not sure where it comes from, but I’m typing back before I have a chance to second-guess myself.

Speaking of resting, you think I could get Friday off this week? I have some stuff I’d like to do. Out-of-town stuff.

Beckett

This “stuff” have anything to do with your texting buddy?

I hesitate, but finally admit it.

Maybe. Yeah.

Beckett

Glad to hear it. Some “stuff” is more important than work. We’ll manage without you Friday.

I snort as I click off my phone because “some stuff is more important than work” used to be on the list of things Beckett would only say if he’d been replaced by a pod person, but is now something he legit believes.

Which goes to show, I guess, that falling for someone changes your priorities. Makes you want to change your life so it’s in line with those priorities. Makes you want to do all kinds of impulsive shit so you can achieve that.

And as I shower, I realize that maybe this time, being impulsive is precisely the right thing to do.

CHAPTER THREE