She leans forward and takes my hand. “Because I saw his face when you left on Saturday. And I’ve seen his face each time I ask about you. He clams up. But there’s something in his eyes. He cares about you, Solange. Maybe enough to give himself permission to fall in love. But he’s terrified that he won’t figure into your life in the same way he’d like you to figure into his.”

I don’t like this conversation. At all. It’s giving me hope. Making me want things I thought were out of reach. And Dean’s mother is contradicting the very statements her son made just two days ago. I jump to my feet. “I appreciate the insight, Melissa. I really do. Dean’s a wonderful guy. There’s no doubt in my mind about that. But there are numerous parts to this equation, and I think Dean and I have maxed out on where our relationship can go. Thanks for chatting with me.”

She drops her head and sniffles.

“What is it?” I ask, alarmed by the abrupt change in her demeanor.

She hiccups through her response. “It’s just . . . I hate being here . . . alone. And Dean won’t be home for a while.” She waves her hands in my general direction. “Don’t worry about it, dear. This is all on me.”

Ah jeez. She sounds so tragic that I’m hesitant to leave her like this. But what am I supposed to do? I can’t understand her aversion to being alone; half the time I don’t even want to talk to my own damn family.

Oh.

That’s it.

She needs to meet the tias.

If anyone can show Dean’s mother there’s no shame in being alone, it’s them.

“Hey, Melissa, my mother and aunts own a small Brazilian grocery and café in Wheaton. It’s a bit of a hike, but it’d be worth it. You game for heading over there with me?”

She jerks her head up, then wipes away her tears. “Is that where Dean got all of that glorious food we ate yesterday?”

“No, that was a home-cooked meal. They only sell breads and bite-size snacks at the shop. Everything’s delicious, though.”

“Well, in that case, I’d love to!”

I send Dean a text to let him know my plans.

Me: I’m taking your mother to Rio de Wheaton. she’s bored.

Dean: seriously?

Me: no, jokingly

Dean: cute. this is great actually. I could use a couple more hours at work. thanks.

Me: no problem

Dean: promise you two won’t get into any trouble?

Me: I never make promises I can’t keep. tchau.

Me: psst. isn’t it freeing to let go of all those punctuation marks?

Dean: not really but I’m trying

Now that exchange felt better. Maybe we’re not doomed to be estranged after all.