Chapter 4The Secret We Kept

Three days later, my cold had mostly cleared up. During that time, I hadn't spoken to Diego once.

Then my mom texted me to ask me to stop by Diego's house for their Christmas gathering.

Our families had always been close, and since Diego and I had grown up together, we'd spent every Christmas this way for as long as I could remember.

This time, I turned her down.

A long voice message arrived almost immediately.

[Gemma, aren't you and Diego closer than anyone? Did you two have a fight? This is the perfect chance to clear the air. Your dad and I really can't make it this year. Your aunt is finally back in town, so I have to see her, and your dad's visiting your uncle's family...]

[Just do me this favor, okay?]

After a few seconds of silence, I replied: [I'll go.]

Over dinner, Linda Barrett inevitably asked about my love life, "Gemma, you're not getting any younger. Are you seeing anyone?"

Before I could answer, Diego cut in with a frown, "Mom, why are you asking her that?"

Linda frowned back. "I'm an adult asking after someone I've known since she was little. What's wrong with that? Besides, I asked Gemma, not you. Why are you getting so worked up?"

I knew exactly what he was worried about. He was afraid I'd tell everyone about our secret relationship.

I smiled faintly. "Not at the moment. But I did go on a blind date a few days ago. He's a great guy with an impressive career. We're planning to have dinner again and get to know each other better."

Linda visibly relaxed. "Kaleb's a wonderful young man, isn't he? I pulled all my connections to find such an outstanding young man for you. You'd better not let this opportunity slip away."

The smile disappeared from Diego's face. He turned to his mother, disbelief written all over it. His fingers tightened so hard around his water glass that his knuckles turned white.

"Mom, how could you set Gemma up with another man?"

Linda looked at him as though he were being ridiculous. "And why shouldn't I? So you're allowed to go on blind dates, but Gemma isn't? What kind of logic is that?"

His expression darkened, and he didn't say another word.

Linda turned back to me with another warm smile, asking a few more questions about my dating life before encouraging me to settle down soon.

I knew what she really meant. Just like Diego, she'd never thought I was good enough for him.

Back in our sophomore year of college, not long after we'd started dating, we were inseparable. I spent so much time at his house that Linda eventually noticed.

One afternoon, she asked me casually, "You've fallen for my son, haven't you?"

I lowered my head, too embarrassed to answer, not that she seemed interested in hearing one.

"Gemma, don't take this the wrong way, but Diego is simply not good enough for you.

"Long-distance relationships are hard enough as it is. You're attending a state school here, while he's at one of the country's top universities in D.C. Imagine how many beautiful, accomplished girls he'll meet there.

"I've watched you grow up. I'm only saying this because I care about you. Don't hold on to feelings that are only going to hurt you."

I couldn't meet her eyes. The humiliation left me unable to say a word.

I understood exactly what she meant. She wasn't worried about me. She was worried I'd hold her son back.

After that day, I deliberately kept my distance from Diego.

Then, the day before he left to return to school after summer break, he came looking for me. His handsome face was creased with irritation.

"Gemma, what exactly are you upset about?"

I repeated every word Linda had said to me.