“He’s not very polished,” I said. “His mother died when he was young and . . .” Why was I justifying Juan to her? Juan was not Silvia’s business. I did not want to make him her business so she could have an opinion of him, just like she had about everything else. “Anyway, what were you saying about the flowers? Personally, I love daisies.”

She twitched her nose. “Daisies? But they’re so plain.”

Good, I’d diverted her attention. Now, what was I going to do about Juan? I had to make it up to him. Later. After Silvia left, I would talk to him. I grabbed the pitcher of lemonade sitting in the cupboard and removed a couple of glasses from the cabinet. I should have offered Juan a drink. Maybe I still could? I had to get rid of Silvia so I could go back to him. What if this was just a quick stop and he wasn’t staying in town?

Oh, why couldn’t Silvia stop talking? I handed her a glass. Then filled my own and took a long drink. I peeked at the door behind her, calling Juan in my mind. I wanted to see him again. In fact, I could feel my legs tingling to go back to the parlor.

Silvia took a small sip.

“Maybe we should take a drink to Juan?” I said.

“Who?”

Oh, yes, I’d failed to introduce them. What was wrong with me? One glance at Juan and I’d turned into custard.

“The neighbor.”

“Oh, him. No, don’t bother, he didn’t even introduce himself.”

Silvia was right. Juan hadn’t even made an effort to greet us properly, but what could be expected of him? He’d never been conventional and his father had been a madman. But he sure was handsome. Had he gotten married? I’d forgotten to look for a ring. That would explain his indifference, though.

The door burst open and my father entered the room. I expected to see Juan behind him, but Papá was alone.

“Silvia, what a pleasure to see you here, ma belle!”

“Don Armand!”

“You will join us for Angelique’s party?” my dad said in his thick French accent. Over twenty years in Ecuador and he still sounded like he’d just stepped off of the ship.

“Of course, Don Armand. I will be delighted! In fact, your daughter and I were just planning all the details.”

“Papá, did you see Juan? He was waiting for you in the parlor.” Could he possibly have gone to the kitchen, like I’d suggested? Oh, why had I said such a stupid thing?

“What Juan?”

“The only Juan we know. Our neighbor.”

“Oh, he’s back?” He turned his attention back to Silvia and complimented her on how the olive of her dress matched her eyes so well.