No.. I just mean that.. its good to miss someone youll be seeing again soon, Jenny says as she looks at me. I avert my eyes, I dont think two weeks are that soon.

Its like.. it proves that you love her. You really love her, Jenny says knowingly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Yeah, I say again quietly. I really love her, and I cant believe I really said that aloud. It feels weird but at the same time perfectly right.

Jenny doesnt say anything anymore. I like that about her, she knows when to shut up. I hand her my pack of cigarettes and we smoke together, comfortably resting in the late afternoon sunlight shining through the window, into our clean house.

Carmen really loves you too.

Hey?

Shane? Baby, its me, Carmen said over the phone.

Carmen!? Shane said enlightened, raising her voice.

Yeah Carmen said, and Shane could hear the smile in her voice.

How are you?

Im good, Im good. Its so good to hear your voice again.. I have some exciting news to tell.. well at least it was for me. My brother Carlos.. his wife.. or well his girlfriend, theyre not married, shes pregnant.

Oh, thats so cool! Shane said, happy to hear that Carmen was doing well.

Yeah it is.. it really is. And I hope theyre telling my mom soon so it will distract her from poking around in my business, Carmen said, her tone regretful.

Your mother just cares about you Carmen. She wants to know whats going on in your life, Shane said softly.

No, she doesnt. Believe me hermosa.. she doesnt want to know, Carmen said biting her lip in frustration. She took a deep breath and sighed. But anyway.. how are you? Carmen asked, focusing all her attention on Shane.

Shane smiled a little. Im pretty good I guess, she said after a few moments of silence.

Pretty good I guess? Doesnt sound very convincing, Carmen said grinning, trying to hide the fact that she was a little worried about her.

I cleaned the house today, Shane said, changing the subject.

Carmen chuckled. Yeah, it could use some serious cleaning.