“You have a lot to consider, Leona. Which is why we must make a plan for our conquest of Paris,” Manu said kindly, making Luz smile at the nickname the three of them had acquired while in finishing school in Switzerland. The three Latinas who roamed the hallowed halls of the famed Ville Mont-Feu like a pride of three. Twelve years on and here they were, still ready to take on the world for each other.

“We already have plans,” Luz reminded her, while she passed a biscuit to her sister. “You’re presenting two of your paintings at the Beaux-Arts salon so all of France can witness your genius.”

They all turned to look at Manu, who blushed at the attention. Manuela’s art was the one thing she took seriously. She was talented—brilliant, even. Getting her work selected for such a prestigious event was evidence of that.

Luz Alana tipped her chin toward Aurora next. “Aurora has plans to meet with her group of women physicians at the exposition and formalize their international society of women doctors.” Aurora, who had a true talent for organizing people, had been corresponding with other women physicians around the world for the past couple of years. A few of them would be in attendance to the exposition, and their friend had lofty plans for what they’d accomplish during their time together.

“You should make time to enjoy yourself too, Luz,” Aurora said, uncharacteristically. If the woman whose idea of leisure was improvising a clinic in a steamer thought Luz was taking things too seriously, the situation had to be dire. But her friend lifted a hand before she could respond. “Enjoyment within reason, of course.”

“Everyone brace for Aurora’s list of all the things we can’t do, see or touch.” If there was one thing Manuela loved above all else, it was to needle their best friend.

“You are the reason I even make these lists, Manuela Caceres,” Aurora retorted, falling right into the trap as usual.

Manuela leaned forward to cover Clarita’s ears and whisper. “As long as your rules allow for our Luz to at least once kiss the wrong man for the right reasons.”

“And that misguided request gives us the first rule,” Aurora announced. “No falling in love.”

“Love?” Manuela, balked. “What does kissing have to do with love?” She was whispering but, given the gasps around the room, the acoustics were better than Luz would have thought.