While you were Sleeping

13. Ulterior motive

Juliana rolled out of bed at ten o'clock, she wanted to see her mother before she left for work, with their long shifts they barely saw each other anymore.

"Morning ma," Juliana said, rubbing her eyes as she stumbled out of her bedroom. To her surprise, Panchito, the man from the café, was sitting in her living room staring at her. "Oh, sorry," she looked towards the kitchen but there was no sign of her mother. Where is she?

"Good morning, Juliana," he greeted uncomfortably. "I offered your mum a ride to work this morning, she's just getting her things."

"Oh, okay," she smiled and awkwardly pointed towards her mother's bedroom before fleeing. "Ma?" she called as she opened the door. Lupe was sitting in front of the mirror applying her lipstick when Juliana entered and closed the door, she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. "Aren't you a little dressed up for work?" she asked.

"Hush Juli! Anyone would think I never make an effort!" she answered before rubbing her lips together.

"I've never seen you make this much of an effort! Especially for work, is there any particular reason?" she teased.

Lupe narrowed her eyes. "What possible reason could I have?" she asked innocently, a slight blush on her cheeks.

"Oh, I don't know... maybe the handsome man sitting in our living room!"

Lupe smiled as she looked down at the lipstick in her hand. "Do you think he's handsome?"

"For an older guy? Yeah," she shrugged and moved to sit beside her mother on the bed. "What's going on with you two?"

Lupe looked at her in surprise, "Nothing..." she said sheepishly. "He asked me to dinner but we haven't had a chance to go out yet. We're going for an early lunch before starting work."

Juliana smiled and nodded, "That sounds nice," she was happy for her mother but something seemed off. "Are you okay?"

Lupe turned to look at her daughter with a worried expression. "I'm a scared mija, I haven't dated in a really long time!"

"Ma, you'll be fine!" Juliana reached for her mother's hand and gave it a squeeze. "He seems nice, just try to enjoy yourself."

Lupe nodded, "Yes, you're right. It'll be fine!" She took a deep breath and released it before standing up to collect her things.

"Oh, and ma?" Lupe turned to look at her. "A little heads-up next time..." she gestured to her skimpy pyjamas, "this is not how I want to be dressed while there are strange men in our house!"

Lupe rolled her eyes. "Because there have been so many of them around!" She answered sarcastically. "He was early and I didn't expect you to be up yet!" She put her hand up and continued when Juliana opened her mouth to respond. "But yes, you are right, IF there is a next time, I will warn you," she gave Juliana a kiss and headed for the door. "See you later mija."

"Have a good time and behave yourself! I'm too old for a baby brother or sister!" she teased.

Lupe gave her a warning look before taking another deep breath and opening the door.

* * * * *

Monday morning came and went. Valentina was already tired; she had slotted back into her 'demanding' job with ease. She made coffees, without spilling any! She used the copier, without any mishaps! Everything seemed to be going well. Maybe this job wasn't too bad. No one mentioned her meltdown but they did share kind words and well wishes for Guille.

After discussing her extended lunches with Mateo, she was given two hours. The hospital wasn't too far away so she was able to spend most of the time with Guille. Valentina had been visiting every lunch for almost a week, the nurses and orderlies now called her by her first name, even offering her cups of tea or coffee while doing their rounds.