“IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET a passport in two weeks?”
“I think so. It costs more. But yes, why do you ask?”
“I’m going to Paris.”
I was trying to read my mother’s expression. “You’re sure?”
I nodded.
“Okay.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“I can’t stand that look of hurt on your face. And I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. You and Dante have some unfinished business. I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do. And if it’s the right thing, it may not be the right time. And I’m not saying it’s the wrong thing to do either. As you recently reminded me, this is your life. But I know better than anyone that you can’t fix everything.”
“Mom, I don’t believe Dante and I are broken.”
My mom looked at me for a long time. Then she smiled. “Look at you, Ari: You’re not afraid to love anymore.”
She combed my hair with her fingers. “Why don’t you and I go the passport office? And let’s get you a ticket to Paris. Luckily, your father left you some money. And your aunt Ophelia’s house will help you put yourself through school once we sell it. Graduate school, too, if you decide that’s what you want to do. Though I’m not sure your father and Ophelia dreamed that they’d be paying your way halfway around the world chasing some boy.”
“He’s not just some boy, Mom. He’s Dante Quintana.”