« I’m serious. I need your help, » I insisted.
He agreed to help me. A few weeks later, I brought Jose home for dinner, introducing him as my « new boyfriend. » Veronica and Casey’s smiles vanished immediately.
« Jose, why don’t you talk to the girls and get to know them? » I said, leaving them at the dining table as usual. I waited in the kitchen, my heart pounding.
When I returned, Jose’s face was paler than usual. He was gripping his fork nervously and would barely look at me.
After dinner, he left quickly, and I knew something was up. That night, after the girls went to bed, I called Jose.
« Jose, what happened? » I asked, barely able to keep my voice steady.
« Tell me, » I demanded. « What happened last night? What did the girls say? »
« Melinda, your daughters… they think you and Roger will get back together. They’re scaring off your boyfriends on purpose, » he confessed.
I froze. « What do you mean? »
« They told me horrible things about you. That you’re terrible at cooking, taking care of them… cleaning. They said you’re a shopaholic and have sleepwalking issues. They even said you’ve brought home seven guys this week alone, » Jose explained.
