Inner Diva Read Online Free PDF Page B

of his
reason he could do inadvertent damage. And that would be the last
thing he wanted.
    “Does this Monica ever remind you of
Angela?”
    At Monica’s name, Luisa’s face lit into a
bright smile. “Not exactly. Monica’s more fun. She likes to do girl
stuff. She’s up for anything.”
    “And Angela wasn’t?” He really wanted to
understand the distinction she was making.
    “Well, Angela was nice and I loved her. It’s
just different. I don’t know.”
    Luisa shrugged and Carlos could tell he would
get no more from her on that topic. One thing was clear, though.
Being with Monica wasn’t causing Luisa to remember painful memories
of Angela. He should feel relieved about that. Not just relieved …
happy.
    But did he?
    The chime on the clock sounded, causing a
flurry of activity from his little sister. She gazed at the clock,
then with a happy smile, she gathered her books and remaining
papers and stuffed them into her backpack. She ran her hand over
her hair and fairly shivered with anticipation. Noticing him
watching her, she shrugged. “It’s six. Monica’s supposed to come at
six.”
    A moment later, the doorbell rang and Luisa
let out a scream. She jumped out of her chair and raced across the
tiny room. At the door, she slowed, took a deep breath and opened
it grandly, her face lit with a welcoming smile.
    “Monica!” the girl shrieked and threw herself
into the woman’s arms.
    Monica kneeled so she was approximately the
same height as Luisa, and administered a solid hug, leaning her
head on Luisa’s shoulder. “So good to see you! Are you ready to
go?”
    “Yes,” Luisa shouted. He felt like a real
heel doing what he needed to do, especially since his hermana so obviously looked forward to her outing with
Monica. But that didn’t change the fact he needed to do it. Right
now.
    He stood, the movement causing Monica’s eyes
to meet his. Her gaze skittered off his face and took a quick glide
over his body before she blushed and propelled her eyes back to
meet his stare.
    Interesting.
    She patted Luisa’s shoulder, and stood. “Hi,
Carlos.” He detected a slight tremble in her voice.
    “Monica.” He walked toward her and observed
her teetering confidence take a little more of a hit. “We need to
talk.”
    “Do we?” She looked around, then rested her
gaze on Luisa, who smiled up at her with open adulation.
    “ Hermanita ,” Carlos said to Luisa, “I
need to talk with Monica for a minute. Go to your room and I’ll
call you when we’re done.”
    Luisa gave him a look that looked like she
was about to argue.
    He held up one finger. “ Un momento ,”
he said. “Now go.”
    The girl sighed, but trudged to her room.
Carlos waited till she was out of sight. “I understand you’re
taking Luisa out.”
    Monica nodded. “We’re going to the mall to
pick up some school supplies.”
    “School supplies.” This was bad news on a
number of levels.
    Luisa stuck her head into the hallway. “Yes,
Carlos, I’ve run out of some things I need for school. Monica asked
Mama if she could take me. And Mama said yes!”
    “Close that door! Now!”
    A slam convinced him she was no longer
eavesdropping. Carlos looked back at Monica. Despite the girl’s
enthusiasm, he needed to make sure Monica understood the ground
rules. “Will you be driving?”
    Monica stared, as if at first she didn’t
understand the question. “Yes,” she said slowly, drawing it out
like she was speaking to an idiot. Carlos tightened his lips, a
thread of annoyance flitting through him.
    “I want to make sure your car is safe. Not to
mention your driving. I don’t want my little sister to go with you
unless I know she won’t be hurt.”
    “Okay.” Monica nodded. “That’s reasonable.
You’re welcome to inspect my car and I’m happy to tell you I’ve
never had a speeding ticket or an accident.”
    He scowled, his forehead creasing with the
intensity of his aggravation. He hoped his mood would convince her
to forget