La Mujer de Lalo (Lalo's Woman)

Malverde

It was Andrea's baby shower that evening. Ana had made all the necessary arrangements. A small garden in a park was chosen as the location. Very simple decorations were put up and few of Andrea's colleagues and friends were invited. Ana had arranged a live painting session where each guest could choose to paint or write something for the baby in a plain white onesie.

The glow on Andrea's face said it all. She had a nice time with her friends. Snacks and drinks were passed around. Everyone of the guests complimented Ana on arranging a very different baby shower. The pile of gifts were later opened and around 5 p.m. The party wound up. Ana had a team to help load the gifts onto her car and drove Andrea home.

When they reached home, Andrea hugged Ana and started crying. Just like Ana, Andrea too didn't have any close family members. Atleast Ana had Nacho and Tío Manuel. Orphaned at a young age, Andrea grew up in a convent. During college, Ana ended up being her roommate and from then on, it was as though they had found a new family member.

Andrea didn't have to say anything. Ana understood how she was feeling. They still wound up being a real family when they started dating the Salamanca men. Ana had informed Lalo that it was going to be a girl's night at Tuco's. He was fussing like a baby when she told that she wouldn't be staying the night. It was so cute to see him like that.
The girls ended up talking most of the night, till Andrea fell asleep. Ana couldn't sleep, knowing that Lalo wasn't with her.

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As Ana had been busy with the baby shower, Lalo had gone to meet his Tío with Tuco. After giving some updates on business and discussing family and baby issues, they got ready to leave. Hector stopped Lalo using his bell. He then gave instructions to Lalo on introducing Nacho to Don Eladio in person.

"As you wish, Tío. The boy has shown real courage and loyalty. He is a natural." Lalo remarked.

"And my friend." Tuco added to it.

"Really? Well then how about, he might be my future brother-in-law!" Lalo exclaimed furrowing his brows.

That was a quick response. No hesitation. No second thoughts or doubts. It's as though he wanted it to happen.

"I mean, you know, considering the fact that I'm dating Ana." Lalo finished the sentence and felt lame about it.

"Jajaja... yeah right. Relax Lalito, you'll get there." Said Tuco, trying to pull his leg.

That night, Lalo didn't even go home. He dropped Tuco at his place and went around the block and parked his car. He then went inside an abandoned building, which was still far from completion. He reached the first floor, which gave a nice view of the room where Ana and Andrea were.

He had his binoculars to zoom in on his girl and was admiring Ana in her cute t-shirt and shorts. Girls night did look fun. They kept talking and examining all the gifts that Andrea had received. Ana gave Andrea her gift. Lalo's face automatically grew into a smile when he saw how happy Ana was.

"Ah querida! Me muero sin tu toque!" He said to himself. (Ah darling, I'm dying without your touch!)

It was very late when they both turned to bed. After few minutes he got bored and started humming a song. A classic mariachi song by Vincente Ferńandes called Hermoso Cariño. The song fit Ana and Lalo perfectly. His mind had picked up this song at the thought of his Ana.

"Hermoso cariño...(Beautiful darling)
Que Dios ha mandado nomás para mí... (That God has sent only for me)

Precioso regalo...(My precious gift)
Del cielo ha llegado...(From heaven it has come)..."

Lalo had almost packed up to leave as Ana had dozed off. But at that moment, he saw something move in the room. It was Ana, she had woken up and started rubbing her eyes. Her eyes and body were tired, but her mind and heart just wouldn't let her sleep.