Chapter 17

EMILIANA

"I'm very excited that you're here with your family," Mom inquired as we walked through the streets of the town. As soon as we got out of the car, she had her arm linked with mine, eagerly pointing out all the renovations I had missed during my absence. I had no interest in any of these trivialities, but they brought her so much joy that the least I could do was swallow my displeasure, plaster a smile on my face, and nod, pretending to pay attention to her explanations. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course.

I must confess that my entertainment was focused on less mundane matters, specifically on a certain fiery-haired woman with a poisonous tongue. I had been wondering what she would think of this place, and I concluded that she would probably enjoy the cultural aspects that attracted tourists, but when she met the friendly population, she would flee in terror. The thought amused me; I could perfectly imagine her shouting at anyone who dared to mak