Falling With Grace

“You’re easy to read.”

I scrunched my chin and leaned away from him. “I am not.”

“You are.”

“Am not.”

“I’m not arguing with a little girl.”

I scowled. “I’m twenty years old; that’s hardly considered little.”

“Wow, you argue like siblings.” Nadia laughed, her hand shifting over Elias’ resting on the table. “I see you’re fitting in well here. Flirting with Javier, alone in Elias’ office… even Rosa has stars in her eyes.”

Flirting?

She thinks I’m interested in…Javier?

A shiver ran through me, my belly grumbling as the table fell silent.

“Jealousy is an ugly look, Nadia.” Rosa moved her hands out of the way as Valeria and Alba placed our food in front of us.

“It’s not jealousy.” Her jaw clenched. “Trust me.”

“What is it then?” Elias fixed his gaze on her.

She scoffed.

Is she jealous of me?

Why?

I’m nothing compared.

“I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.” I gave her a strained smile.

“I didn’t. I was just remarking on how well you’ve acclimated.”

“See.” I flicked my eyes to Elias with a gentle exhale. “It wasn’t anything. Nadia has been nothing but nice to me.” Valeria placed a plate filled with Mole Poblano in front of me, and I swallowed the tightness in my throat. “Gracias, Valeria.”

The staff moved about the table, putting everyone’s food in front of them, the rich aroma causing my stomach to growl.

Rosa bowed her head for prayer, making the sign of the cross. Elias and Javier did the same as Nadia and I stared at one another in a silent battle of wills.

Does she hate me?

Does she know?

How can she, unless Rosa…

She wouldn’t.

Would she?

I tucked my chin to my chest, giving in to her dominating stare.

“Amen,” they said in unison.

I raised my head as though I’d joined them andgave her a weak smile, her focus set dead ahead on me.