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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Millie Perez
Read between
July 31 - August 1, 2023
Priscilla is your quintessential peaked too soon cautionary tale. Grew double d’s by the time she was a freshman in high school, and hasn’t worn a top that fully covers the upper part of her body ever since. Also, she’s a massive bitch.
I hate this. She “peaked too soon” which led to her being sexualizas at a young age which led to her subconsciously seeking validation from men all the time. She matured faster than others and that changed every aspect of her life because men and society are brutal to young girls.
Tía Isabella has me cornered, telling me about her friend’s son that she wants to set me up with, when Tía Maria intercepts, “Ay mi bella Amelia. Such a pity to be single at this age.” She shakes her head side to side. “Are you sure you can’t forgive Sebastían and give him one more chance? You know good men are hard to come by, and everyone makes mistakes.”
“I’m just saying you’re about to turn thirty, Amelia. You’ve spent so much time going back and forth with that man, and now you’ve lost valuable time. Just think about it before you scare him off for good. I would hate for you to miss out on having a family because of your stubbornness.”
I’m not exactly proud of what I say next, but I guess I’m just in the business of watching people squirm now. “You know, I’m not really sure Priscilla. If you could give me the names of the men you haven’t dated in Manhattan, I’m sure I can work off of that shortlist. And while you’re at it, leave out the names of the married men. That’s more your speed than mine anyways.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Plus, I was supposed to get here a day early and have the place to myself, not have you lurking around every corner,” I complain. “Well…” “Today was supposed to be a day where I got some peaceful ‘me time’ away from the city and everyone that stresses me out. Which by the way, you’re at the top of that list now, thank you very much.” I cross my arms over my chest. “What did I—” Evan starts. “I’ll just call Abby to confirm the details and prove that you are intruding on my one day vacay and I’m sure you can find yourself a Four Seasons somewhere nearby—”
Please stop giving me reasons to hate this lady. She’s getting an all-paid vacation and all she does is complain?
I have no business thinking about being in another relationship so soon, especially with someone like Evan. You don’t half ass date someone your entire family knows! Nope. I just have to stay the course. Stay single for at least a year, and work hard to get that promotion in Miami.
Honestly, fuck this chick. The guy you’ve crushed on your whole life tells you he’s had feeling for you for a decade and now you want to be single and independent and lonely to defy familial expectations?
And just like that, my stomach dive makes a U-turn and shoots right up into my heart, performing what I am pretty sure is an impressive fireworks show. This man … “Oh. Wow. Evan, that is so sweet of you. Obnoxiously sweet. Teetering on me never being able to be an asshole to you again, sweet.”
“He was the last person I dated before my mom died. She wavered in her feelings about him every time we broke up, but she always made a point to say that he was a good man, but just had a little bit of growing up to do. I have memories of them together, of them laughing and dancing. I think I clung onto him at the end because I wanted to marry someone my mother knew, someone she approved of.
I’m still trying to figure out if Miami will be the solution to my cultural identity crisis. You know, the one where I constantly feel like I’m not Latina enough, because I was born in the states instead of the island. While also not being gringa enough because one look at me, and you can see the lineage of my ancestors in my eyes, hair and hips.
This is the first time this topic is being brought up and we’re at 58%. Why? If it’s such a big thing for the FMC why wait so long to mention it?
“Look. I’m sorry … For being an asshole and all.” She laughs. “We’re too grown for this shit, and life is clearly too short to be fighting over literally nothing. I’d like to get a chance to know the grown up version of Amelia. The one I’ve been too busy filling in the blanks for. That is, if you’re also willing to get to know me. I’m a lot more versatile than you think. I don’t even date married men anymore.” She nudges my shoulder. “Which by the way, was a complete misunderstanding, but everyone was too busy sensationalizing it to listen to my version of events.” She sighs into her glass.