A few minutes later, Mamá Alvarez returns and joins me at my table. “My son snuck away before I was up,” she says, folding her hands on the tabletop.
“He did. He said he’s going to skate this morning, but he’ll be back by lunch.”
“That’s always his favorite place to think.” She sighs, not mentioning Isabel. “What about you? What are your plans this morning?”
“I’m not sure. I was thinking of wandering around Santa Luz and soaking in a little sun at the beach.”
“You know, one of the most interesting places is the market. My sisters usually go with me, but they’re both busy today. It’s unfortunate. There’s a lot of items on my list and I could use another pair of hands. You wouldn’t be interested in coming, would you?”
I thought she’d strong-arm me into going, but at least she’s phrased it as a polite request. “I’d love to.”
“Perfecto.” She claps her hands together. “We’ll leave soon. There are so many people to show you off—er, introduce you to!”
“Great,” I say through my teeth. It was a trap. I should’ve known better than to assume the market would mean one stop. I have to remember I’m not in California anymore. I’m in Spain. People here prefer to visit a baker, a butcher, and other individual shops every few days to pick up their groceries. I’d better make sure I wear comfy walking shoes.
Later that afternoon, I receive a text from Fernando.
Fernando: I’m back.
Ava: *Thumbs-up emoji* Hope you had a great session.
Fernando: I did! Have you already grabbed some lunch?
Ava: No. If you’re up for it, I’d love to go out.
Fernando: Great, I’ll meet you in the lobby.
I wince at the suggestion.
Ava: Um, is there a more discreet place we can meet?
Fernando: ???
Ava: There are a few people I’d like to avoid for an hour or two.
Fernando: Mamá?
Ava: And your aunts.
Fernando: Should I even ask?
I snort.
Ava: She took me to the market this morning.
Fernando: That’s not too bad.
Ava: We went to what felt like literally every shop in town. I shook so many hands that I could’ve charged people a quarter each and made some serious money.
Fernando: Oh!
Ava: Yeah. I think I’ve met every shop vendor in Santa Luz. We got back a half hour ago. Your aunts popped into the B&B and wanted to take me on “a few other errands,” but I said I wanted to rest first.
Fernando: I’ll rescue you from Mamá. Let’s meet in your room. We’ll sneak out the back.
Ava: That sounds like something Aladdin would say.
Fernando: Who do you think I got it from?
