Before she could say more, two honks blared from the driveway. Dulce had arrived to save her, just as Fannie had planned, and the timing was perfect.
âJett! Momâs waiting for you at homeâdinner time!â Jett exhaled and nodded, understanding the cue.
âAlright, Fifi, I wonât push you. If you need time, Iâll give it to you. And Iâll talk to your parents so they wonât hassle you.â With that, he walked to his car and drove off.
As his car passed Dulceâs, she rolled down her window with an awkward grin.
âHope I didnât interrupt anything! If I did, my bad.â
Jett gave her a warning look. âDulce, youâre Fifiâs best friend, and my little sister. Iâm counting on you.â
The playful grin faded from Dulceâs face as a shiver ran through her. Sheâd spent her whole life making trouble and leaning on Jett to bail her out. Whenever she wanted something, she would beg Jett to get it for her. When had he ever asked her for help?
Dulce was caught between feeling flattered and uneasy.
Once Jett was gone, Dulce rushed over to Fannie, her eyes wide. âGirl, I think heâs serious this time! Iâm totally stuck in the middle here. Help me out, or I might get kicked out of the house!â
Watching Jettâs car disappear down the road, Fannie sighed. âLetâs just see how it goes.â
She couldnât deny that Jettâs words about taking things slow didnât sound so bad. He was a good person, after all, and maybe they could end up like Katherine and Shawn.
That evening, at a small bar downtown, Bobby nursed a drink. Beside him sat a tiny, worn teddy bear.
âHey, Bobby, who gave you the bear? Another secret admirer?â A friend, noticing the toy, raised an eyebrow.
Bobby set down his glass, grabbing the bear protectively. âDonât touch it with your grimy hands.â
âOh, come on! Itâs just a little thing, and youâre treating it like itâs some kind of treasure.â
âLittle thing? Itâs not.â Bobby stared at the bear, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
âWait a minute. Isnât that the same one Fannie always carries around?â
Bobbyâs friends started teasing him, but he frowned. âWho said it was hers? This has always been mine! My grandma made it for me.â
The laughter died down. Everyone knew that Bobby had been raised by his grandmother and that sheâd been a central figure in his life. Even though she was long gone, her influence remained deeply embedded in him. They stopped poking fun, respecting the moment.
Bobby took another sip of his drink. Not long after, he got a call from home, summoning him back. That night, a serious meeting took place.
His father didnât mince words as he slammed the table. âNow that Katherineâs married, you canât use her as an excuse anymore! Starting tomorrow, youâll meet three potential partners a dayâbreakfast, lunch, and dinner. Weâre settling this marriage business within the week!â
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