Page 38 of Slay Bells

“Should I ask why you two broke up?”

This was not how she’d pictured the first day with Jeremy in town going. They had dinner plans that night with her parents, Juanito, Mila and her boyfriend. She’d already told them about her decision. It was best Jeremy knew as well.

“We broke up because he’s a weirdo who wanted us to dress matchy-matchy.” She shook her head. “How tacky can someone be?”

“Matchy what?”

“Can we forget about Rafael and talk about us?” Gabriela said, reaching for Jeremy’s hand.

“Mmm. Mmm. Mmm,” the women at the other table sounded off in disapproval and shook their heads in unison.

“Or, maybe we can pay for the drinks and leave. How about a drive through meal?” Jeremy asked standing. He tossed money on the table and took her by the elbow.

Half an hour later, they were seated at her small kitchen table with bags of take out.

Jeremy looked around the apartment. It wasn’t his first time there, but he scanned the surroundings as if it were. “You always keep your place so devoid of decorations. Why?”

“I always knew it was temporary.” She frowned considering it only took a couple hours to move out of her last place. “Sort of.”

“Do you not plan to stay in this apartment then?”

“No. I do not. As a matter of fact…”

The doorbell rang.

“What in the living hell is happening?” Gabriela jumped to her feet and went to the intercom. “What?”

“It’s Nana. I came to help with the packing.”

Gabriela closed her eyes as she pushed the buzzer. Her Nana was obviously confused.

“Packing?” Jeremy came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck. “I was hoping for some alone time.”

“Nana is confused. I don’t plan to pack until after you leave.” He backed away and gave her a confused look.

“What is going on, Gabriela?”

Gabriela threw her hands up. “I’m moving to Montana. I wanted to tell you in a sweet romantic way that I’ve decided to live in Missoula with you and then later at the ranch. I want to get married there too.”

“Why are you yelling?” Her Nana stood at the door. “For goodness sakes, you sound like a crazy woman.” Nana lifted a cheek for Jeremy to kiss and smiled. “Where should I start?

They ended up sharing the meal with Nana and each had a couple glasses of wine.

Nana settled onto the couch and clicked on the television. “I’ll watch my shows. You two young ones do whatever you want. I won’t hear a thing.”

“Oh my God,” Gabriela exclaimed, her face growing hot. Jeremy laughed and tugged her out to the balcony.

He stood for a long time looking across the expanse of buildings and traffic. The blares of car stereos, honking, and hammering of construction filled the air. “Sure is loud here. You must have some thick glass on the door and window to keep it out of the apartment.”

Her arms around his waist, she rested her head on his back. “I can still hear it at night, that’s why I use a noise machine.”

“I must have been too tired every night last time I was here because I don’t remember all this noise.” He chuckled at the innuendo.

“Must have.” Gabriela waited a beat. “You haven’t said anything about my decision. What do you think?”

He turned and hugged her tight. “More than anything, I want you to be happy. You are concerned about the lack of minorities in Montana, and I totally get that. Also, it’s very different than this. Not as much culture and things to do.”

She backed away and looked at him. He was so damn sexy. Wearing a button-up shirt that he’d left un-tucked over a black t-shirt, he could rock the cover of any magazine. He definitely fit into any environment, whether city or small town. Jeremy could blend anywhere, however, she’d noticed the tight lines around his mouth whenever he was in San Diego. Even while sightseeing and walking around Balboa Park, although he’d smiled, it was obvious the crowds disconcerted him.