241 Gus and Maria

(Judy)

Gabriel watches quietly, his eyes flicking between us. He doesn’t intervene, but his presence is undeniable. His sisters start talking to each other in Spanish.

I don’t speak Spanish and I have no clue what they are saying.

Gabriel answers them. I assume he’s relaying what he thinks is wrong with Cass.

My annoyance flares. “It’s polite to speak in a language everyone at the table can understand,” I say, trying to maintain control of the situation.

Gabriel turns his gaze on me, his expression calm but authoritative. “I will speak with my sisters however I please, Judy,” he says, his voice smooth but firm. “We don’t need to explain ourselves to you or anyone else.”

The power in his words hangs in the air, and for the first time, I feel a shift. Gabriel isn’t just playing a role, he’s asserting himself. I don’t like it, but I can’t afford to challenge him openly. Not yet.

Cass, emboldened by Gabriel’s support, crosses her arms and looks me dead in the eye. “You’re not going to ge