Both Sides Now

Part 5. 'I really don't know love'

As usual, Lupe's birthday was a family occasion.

Lupe always claimed that Juliana's presence was the only gift she looked forward to on her birthday, even if it meant Juliana could only stay for a few days, but Juliana was determined to show her mother how much she valued having her in her life.

Clearing the mortgage on her mother's house had been one of those gifts. As has had the car she rarely used, and the expansion of Panchito's workshop. Juliana would continue to provide anything they needed.

This celebration, although small, brought many of Lupe's friends and family together every year for food, music, and dancing. But this year, knowing the famous actress Valentina Carvajal would be there, the numbers had noticeably increased. Even the aunts from Matamoros, who rarely visited, were in attendance tonight. Not that Juliana minded, she enjoyed seeing her aunts as they always added entertainment to any celebration. Well, until they all got drunk and started fighting over her grandmother's land.

"Mija, aren't you going to invite your girlfriend to dance?" Asked her aunt Malena as she approached, sipping from her third or fourth margarita.

Malena was probably the only person who hadn't judged Juliana for being gay. Something she couldn't even say about her own mother. Juliana turned to look for her 'girlfriend' and found her sitting with Lupe, laughing at something her mother was telling her, probably an embarrassing story Juliana was glad she couldn't hear.

Juliana smiled at the scene. Glad the two most important women in her life were getting along so well. "I don't think Valentina would like to dance to this music, auntie."

The plump woman snapped her green eyes to Juliana as she tutted in disapproval. "How do you know? And look at that lump, Lucho," her aunt pointed. Lucho was Malena's son and Juliana's cousin. "He's been lingering around your girlfriend for a while now. Since he learned of your relationship with Valentina, he's been mouthing off. Claims she just needs to meet a real man."

Juliana felt her anger rise. It was a typical comment from Lucho, but there were too many idiots just like him who held similar views. "Seriously?"

"Yes, mija. I tried to educate him. I wanted to raise a gentleman, but his father spoiled him. Look at him. He has already interrupted their conversation to offer Valentina something to drink." Malena shook her head in disapproval. "That son of mine will never learn."

Juliana may have been playing a role, but right now, Valentina was her girlfriend, and the entire family needed to respect that. Even from this distance, Juliana could see that Valentina was uncomfortable, especially when Lupe excused herself, leaving her alone with Lucho.

Juliana stood, "I need to..."

"Go, go," Malena shooed. "Go with God and scare that pest away from your girl."

Juliana approached the pair, her steps more confident than she felt. It wouldn't be the first time they danced together. Dancing had been included in a few of the dates they'd been on over the last six months. Valentina claimed she wasn't very skilled, but the brunette didn't agree. Some rhythms were more difficult, but Valentina always danced well.

"Val," Juliana called, interrupting Lucho's forced conversation.

"Bitch."

Juliana ignored Lucho's mumbled complaint, in fact, she ignored his existence completely.

"Hey, Juls."

"Would you like to dance?"

"Juls, you know I can't dance to this," she pouted, referring to the bachata beat that was currently playing.