Shocked, Hector quickly said, “What are you talking about? She’s your mother-in-law. What ist the meaning of this?”
Olivia held his arm. ‘Aw, you’re not getting any younger, and you still don’t have a partner. And I’m going back eventually, so you might need someone to date. If it’s Ellen, then I can always come over to see you.” I am so smart. Then my kids can come home with me. Master won’t have to say goodbye, and he can have a partner too. I am going to make this work one way or another.
“I don’t feel that way about Ellen,” said Hector. Olivia pouted. “Yeah, right. You protected her when you thought you guys were in danger, and you defended her, and you made lunch with her.”
Panic flashed in Hector’s eyes, and he quickly said, “B-Because I am a man. I couldn’t possibly let a woman stand in front of me when there’s danger. And you don’t know how to cook. I couldn’t let her cook for everyone all by herself, or she might complain about you. I trash-talked you so she wouldn’t have anything to say. That doesn’t mean I like her.”
Olivia looked him in the eye. “You sure you don’t like her?”
“Yes,” A sigh escaped Olivia’s lips. ‘Fine. I thought you liked her too. Guess her feelings will go unrequited.” She pretended to leave.
Wait, what? Confused, Hector wanted to know more. “What are you talking about?” Olivia stopped and looked at him. Flatly, she asked, “What? I thought you didn’t like her.”
Hector coughed. Awkwardly, he said, “Just asking. It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me about it.” Olivia stood around, staring at him. “Fine. We got a house for them. If you don’t like her, then we’ll move out.”
Hector’s frown deepened. “And where are you supposed to go? Not like I can’t host you guys.
Just stay.” “I don’t mind, but we’re a big family, so… I thought you liked Ellen, so I wanted to match you guys up. Thought I could get an excuse for her to stay. Guess I was wrong on that part.” And she turned.
“Hey, wait.” Hector looked a little impatient. “Can you finish your story before you leave? Geez, you never change.”
Olivia gave him a look of suspicion. “But I made things clear. You said you didn’t like her.”
“I mean, yeah, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay. The boy still needs to get treated. You can’t move,” said Hector sheepishly.
“But the house is right behind the center. Not far away anyway. The kids will come over lots, but I don’t think Ellen will.”
My gods, why does she keep talking about Ellen? Hector was a little annoyed. He didn’t exactly have feelings for her. Aside from the meeting eight years ago, they’d been living together for less than two weeks. But he didn’t dislike her. He liked staying with her. He liked how gentle she was. He liked that she cared about him. It was a feeling he couldn’t describe.
Frustrated, he tore at his hair. Give us more time to get along, dammit. You can’t expect us to fall in love right away. We’re not young anymore. The spark isn’t as volatile. The look on his face made Olivia laugh out loud. “So, what do you want, Master?”
Hector shot her a look. “You won’t even let us get along for a while longer, and you expect me to tell you how I feel about her?”
