12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Cattleya Cardona

T he season is flying by. We've only lost one game and tied two. If we win tonight's match, we're advancing to the playoffs. Luckily for Tinta, most of the teams have stadiums in the Buenos Aires Province, so I've been able to come home every night. I'm sure I would have snuck him into the hotel with me, but I'm just glad it hasn't come to that. I didn't realize how much I needed a companion until he showed up in that cardboard box. I look forward to coming home every day, not only to unwind from training. but also because I know he needs me. And he's growing up so fast, I can't believe my little Furball has gained a pound in the last month.

Chatting with Mati has been a dream; he's every bit the man I remember from all those years ago but better. Not sure how to describe it but he feels more at ease, not worried about my reactions anymore. Ever since that initial freakout, he's been chill and so into me. Sometimes I worry he likes Milena more than he ever liked Cattleya, and it'll be hard for him to reconcile that I'm both. He has mentioned a couple of times that he wants to either try a FaceTime call or meet up. So far, I've been able to get away with telling him I'm away for work. I know I'll have to face the music sooner rather than later, and I would rather do it in person than to give him the shock of his lifetime through a screen where he can simply disconnect. I know I'll owe him a big apology after not telling him upfront who I am, but I hope he can see my side and forgive me. It's truly been a magical time chatting with him.

It's a rare week where we're playing on a Wednesday rather than a Sunday, due to the men's team needing the stadium this weekend. They advanced to the quarter-finals in an international tournament, and since their team is the one that brings in the big bucks, they get preferential treatment. Maybe if we were treated equally, we would be able to bring in more revenue, too. Regardless, I'm excited to get a free weekend for once. I bought a car not too long ago, so I'm driving down to La Plata to see her. The trip is quiet and uneventful, the only noise in the car is Tinta's purring as she naps in her carrier.

"You're here!" Sofi shouts as she opens the door and embraces me in a huge hug.

"Hey, sis. How are you?" I ask as I move inside.

"Not too bad. I'm so glad you came. I bought a ton of junk food. We'll have a movie marathon tonight, just like we used to do when we were living in Medellín." A sense of nostalgia spreads through me; growing up with my sister was such a gift. I'm thankful I still get to have these moments with her though, another reason why I moved to Argentina.

"And your hubs? Is he going to join us?" I ask as I walk toward their guest room to leave my bag.

"Oh, he and Marco are spending the weekend in Alamo Peaks with Luca and Karina." I wonder if Matías is going, too. He didn't mention anything last night while we chatted. "And if you're okay with it, we're grabbing brunch with Dani tomorrow."

"Are you kidding? I'd love that. Maybe she'll let me peruse her designs and see if I can buy something," I say as my sister inspects the backpack holding Tinta.

"You brought the baby and didn't tell me? Oh, my God, I need to hug him." My sister croons as she removes the backpack from my arms and scoops Tinta out. True to being the consentido (spoiled) that he is, he immediately buries into her chest. "Ay Cata, he's so cute. Don't be surprised if when you go home tomorrow, he's not in his backpack," she tells me with a shit-eating grin. I immediately lunge for him, and she darts off toward the kitchen. I arrive right behind her, and she's already getting bowls ready for him while she murmurs sweet nothings in his ear.

"Wow, Sofi, baby fever much?" I tell her as she gently passes her hand over Tinta's fur.

"Oh, yeah. I've been jumping Franco's bones every second he's around but so far nothing." I laugh at her picturesque description of having a healthy sexual relationship with her husband.

"And is he ready to be a dad?" I ask because I honestly don't know. I love my brother-in-law, but it's not like we chat constantly.

Giving me a serious look, Sofi says, "He went to spend his free weekend with his best friends and a newborn. The man is as ready as I am."

I chuckle. "Fair enough." Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge, I spot a ton of green mangoes cut into slices. I turn back, looking at my sister in shock. "You have mango biche (unripe mango) and didn't tell me? How dare you!" I take the bowl out of the fridge and place it on the kitchen island while looking for salt and lime. My mouth waters in anticipation as I dip a mango slice in the lime juice, and then sprinkle a little bit of salt on top. Once I take a bite, a symphony of bitterness, sourness, and all-around deliciousness explodes in my mouth. I moan involuntarily. "Damn, this is a good mango. Where did you find it? I haven't been able to get mangoes like this in Buenos Aires."

My sister is smiling as she continues to pet Tinta. "There's a mini Colombian market not too far from here." I make a mental note to stop by tomorrow before I head back home. "But that moan, Cattleya Fernanda. You need to get laid, sis." I spit the mango out, and she cackles at me. "What? Isn't it true? When are you going to tell Mati it's you he's been chatting with?"

All the humor in the room dissipates. I'm scared shitless of the reaction he's going to have. "Ay Sofi, I think I fucked it up by not telling him from the get-go it was me. It's been amazing chatting with him, but what if he likes Milena and doesn't want anything to do with Cattleya?" I whine. Now that I've voiced my fears, they feel real, and I don't know what to do. Grabbing another piece of mango, I wait for my sister to share her infinite wisdom. Instead, she gives me a look that says, "Yup, you fucked it up."

"Has Mati said anything to Franco? "

Sofi shakes her head. "But I'll tell you this: don't delay telling him any longer. You need to see him ASAP." I nod as I take my phone out of my pocket and send him a message on the app.

Milena: Hey Mati, how are you? I was wondering if you have any free time this upcoming week. My work schedule is kind of light, and I'd love to finally meet you.

As I type, Sofi reads over my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. We head to the living room to begin a marathon of rom-com movies, starting with 27 Dresses.

Matías didn't get back to me last night; it's the first time since we started chatting that he hasn't replied to a message. Thanks to Sofi's conversation with Franco last night, I learned Matías is in Chile with the boys. I'm glad he's having a good time this weekend, too. But my anxiety about all this ordeal is increasing by the second. Now I understand how he felt all those years ago.

"Ready, Cata? Dani said to bring Tinta with us. She's hosting our brunch today since you want to see her designs, and she said it'd be easier if we went to their place." I shimmy my shoulders in excitement; I'm so thankful Dani is my sister's best friend. She's the sweetest, most amazing woman. One day her designs are going to be as exclusive as Carolina Herrera's.

I offer to drive, since that way, I can drop off Sofi before heading back to Buenos Aires. She decides to hold Tinta instead of putting him in his backpack. She's whipped; I cannot imagine how she will be as a mom. Who am I kidding? She'll be the best mom—we have a great example in our own mother. I'll be the auntie who loves to spoil big time.

We get to Dani's apartment in no time. Once I enter, a sense of comfort invades me. Their decor includes a bunch of handmade, native art from Colombia and Argentina. I recognize the molas as the centerpiece in their living room; the geometric design is intricate and made with vibrant fabrics—it's gorgeous.

" Hola, Cata, welcome. I'm so glad you had a little break and decided to spend it with us," Dani says as we hug.

"Oh, I'm so glad too! You know how much I love my sis, and you're like a bonus sister, so here I am." I shrug. When I look at Dani, her eyes shine with emotion. My sister and I embrace her, and suddenly we all are wiping moisture from our eyes. Dani is an only child and lost her parents in a car accident. She came here trying to heal her heart, which is how she and my sister ended up marrying Argentinian men.

"I'm sorry. I'm just so damn emotional these days. Hearing you call me your bonus sister has me all in my feelings," Dani says with a chuckle. She heads toward their kitchen where she has a spread of food, buffet style. My mouth immediately waters.

"Dani, where did you find empanadas?" I ask as I get one from the plate, and add ají (hot sauce) to it. The moan that escapes me belongs in a porno. By the time I try to cover my mouth, it's too late; Sofi and Dani look at each other with knowing eyes and burst out laughing. "Yeah, yeah. I know I need some R the two of them melt at the sight of Tinta, and I roll my eyes at them. This kitty has everyone wrapped around his little paw.

"Okay, Cata. What kind of outfit do you have in mind?" Dani asks as she gets up from the couch and motions us to follow her into her studio. The walls are covered with different swatches of fabrics—the textures, the colors, it's so beautiful. She also has framed pictures by the mantel that wraps around the entire bay window. When I go to see them up close, there's one that immediately grabs my attention and transports me to her wedding week in Playa Blanca. It's a picture of the entire crew. Marco and Dani are in the center, my sister and Franco are on Marco's side, followed by Luca and Karina. I'm next to Dani, and Matías is right next to me. I still remember his hand on the small of my back, how gentle his touch was—barely there but firm. Goosebumps covered my entire back despite it being hot as hell on that island.

I place the picture frame back on the mantel, and when I turn around, Dani and Sofi are both looking at me with kind smiles. I've never told Dani what went down with Mati that week. I'm sure either my sister has filled her in, or Matías told Marco, and he must have shared with Dani because they both have the exact same look on their faces. They look like they're trying to play Cupid, and I'm their target. I don't try to play dumb; I know I'm going to need all the help I can get convincing Matías why I didn't reveal it was me talking to him all this time .

"I'm in your hands, Dani. I need an outfit to leave him speechless." Dani rubs her hands together and scrunches her nose, Bewitched- style. She's adorable.

"Let's see," Dani muses as she goes through the clothes she has hanging on a rack at the side of her desk. "I've been working on a few prototypes for this spring, and I think I have the perfect dress. Why don't you go to the living room, and try this one." Dani takes a beautiful golden dress off the hanger; it's embroidered with countless tiny flowers, has a flowy long skirt, a halter neck, and is backless.

My eyes sparkle as I take the dress from Dani's hands, offering a curtsy before heading to try it on. Tinta has claimed a spot on Dani's couch. Just then, I hear a phone vibrating. I quickly check my backpack and find several unseen messages on the app.

Prince of Hearts: Hey baby, I love that tattoo. Would love to see the rest of your immaculate body.

Ugh, what the fuck? I hit block faster than I can say, "Ni a pedo. (In your dreams)."

Then I notice the message I've been waiting for.

Dark Angel: Hey! Oh, I'd love to meet up. I feel like it's been a long time coming. This weekend I'm out of town, but I'm free Thursday. Would that work for you?

He sent it an hour ago and hasn't sent anything since.

Milena: Hi! Yes, Thursday is fine with me. Tell me the time and place, and I'll be there.

I put the phone away, and try on the dress. Once I have it on, I twirl around Dani's living room feeling like a gorgeous ballerina. I'm about to take a selfie to see how the dress looks on me, but the girls come out of the office. The moment they see me, they both gasp.

"Well? How do I look?" I say as I twirl around one more time.

"You're stunning. Are you sure you want to be a professional soccer player? I'd love to have you as my full-time supermodel," Dani says as she fluffs my skirt to make it look fuller.

I chuckle at her. "I'm sorry, Dani. Soccer is my life, but I promise you'll be my go-to designer every time I need something special to wear."

Dani's grin is wide, and her eyes sparkle. "Deal, I can already see the headlines," Dani says as she sways her arms like she's creating a billboard. " Ballon d'Or's Athlete of the Year, Cattleya Cardona wearing a Daniela Garcia exclusive."

I chuckle at her, but my sister claps her hands like she can't contain her excitement.

"Yes. I can see it too," Sofi says as she hugs me. "You were born to shine, baby sister."

"Ugh, I love you. Thank you for always being my biggest fan. Both of you really." We get into a group hug, and then I feel a little pull on my skirt. Sure enough, when I look down, Tinta is creating a nest on my skirt. We all explode in laughter.