The look his mother gave him was none too pleased; obviously, she thought her son was being far too abrupt. But she didn’t protest, only said, “Of course. I have some fresh tamarind juice and ice, perfect for a hot day like this. Come in.”
Teresa led them into the house, which was just as Gabriel remembered it — scrupulously clean, with vases of flowers everywhere there was an available surface. The same carved wood crucifix occupied the place of honor above the hearth, and baubles of colored glass hung in the windows. One new addition was the ductless air conditioning unit that had been installed on the far wall of the main room. Vicénte had had a system put in some five years earlier, and it seemed that others in the clan had decided to follow his lead.
Ava’s eyes shut briefly, blissfu
