I was VERY excited to write this story, I love writing Luisa and Alejandra. I think they balance each other out very well. Plus I like writing a bit of lighthearted meddling...


Luisa was feeling pretty clever for thinking up a reason for Alejandra to visit the Casita without drawing suspicion from their family. She wanted to tell everyone about her girlfriend, but she didn't want to rush it and ruin things. So for now, she would focus on finding little ways to get the family used to Alejandra without making a big deal out of it.

Like forming a book club, for just the two of them. And if they happened to discuss each other more than the books they were reading, so be it. Alejandra had never seen Luisa's room before, and they'd certainly never gotten a chance to be alone together like that…

"Your room is so big! And so full of workout equipment- don't you think you're strong enough, mi vida?"

"Perhaps. But mindless training relaxes me. There's no pressure when I'm working out just for myself."

"So long as you're happy and not overworking yourself." Alejandra leaned over to kiss Luisa and was rudely interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Stay there, I'll deal with it," Luisa said, trying not to let her nervousness show. Mirabel was the only Madrigal she'd come out to and Luisa wasn't ready to step out into the light any more than she had to. That was just too much pressure.

Dolores and Pepa stood on the other side of the door. Dolores held up the book that she must have seen Alejandra carry in a few minutes earlier.

"Can we join your book club?" Luisa stared at Dolores for a minute. She had to know that Alejandra was more than just a book club buddy, she heard everything. This was intentional sabotage.

Luisa gritted her teeth and nearly pulled the door off the wall, "Sure."

"Alejandra! My Tía Pepa and my cousin Dolores are going to join us. To discuss the book."

"Oh, okay!" Alejandra quickly moved into a sitting position and tried to look more serious and less flirty. She knew it was important to keep up appearances.

"Nice to meet you, Señora. And you, as well, Dolores." As Alejandra chatted amicably with her aunt and cousin, Luisa mentally considered all the ways she could murder Dolores. An angry gloom settled over Luisa, no longer able to even enjoy her girlfriend's presence.

Alejandra noticed the shift in Luisa's mood but she couldn't do much about it at the moment. The tenderness she would usually show Luisa was off-limits in front of her family. So they turned their attention to the book and eventually Luisa was able to stop sulking. Once she got into the book she was actually almost having a good time. But every time she snuck a glance at Alejandra she remembered their limitations and her heart would sink.

"So, what book are we discussing next time?" Pepa asked. Alejandra rattled off a couple of options and Luisa went back to seeing red.

"It really was nice meeting you, I guess I'll see you next time. Luisa and I will clean up in here." Alejandra politely but directly drove Luisa's familia out of the room, and then the two collapsed on the bed together.

"That was exhausting," Luisa groaned, "pretending not to love you… It took all of my strength."

Alejandra rolled over so she was essentially on top of Luisa, who easily and happily held her.

"Let me kiss is better," Alejandra whispered, kissing all over Luisa's face.

"You must have the gift of healing as well-" Luisa began.

Alejandra withheld a kiss, "I'm going to stop you before you directly compared me to your mother."

Luisa laughed a little, still feeling glum.

"I'm sorry about my family."

"I'm glad I got to meet them. They're lovely. And one day you'll introduce me to them as your partner."

"Are you really okay with waiting?"

"Of course, mi vida."

"I don't want to be star-crossed," Luisa whispered, "I don't want to be doomed to fail."

She stroked Luisa's face, "We're not, Lu, I promise. Our love is strong. Stronger than you could ever be alone."

"Thank you… Thank you for loving me. Thank you for letting me take my time." They shared another kiss before Alejandra stood, knowing she had to leave before her lingering became suspicious. Luisa walked her to the door, yearning burning inside of her.

Rage also still burned inside of her, so as soon as Alejandra was out of sight Luisa went on the hunt for her cousin.

Cornering Dolores was quite easy.

"It's really you? Not Camilo?"

"Yes, it's me, can you talk quieter?"

"Oh, I'm about to," Luisa said, in a low, angry voice, "Does she know?"

"What?" Dolores squeaked.

"Does Tía Pepa know about Alejandra?"

"Mamá thinks Alejandra is a lovely young woman."

"And?" Luisa prompted.

"And she doesn't know that you two are dating."

"But you do, and you still dropped in on our date. That was cruel, Dolores. Crueler than I'd expect from you. Camilo maybe, but you?"

Luisa took a step back and sighed deeply, "I just want to know why you did it. What do you think I did to deserve that?"

Dolores frowned at that. It did bother her to see her cousin in distress.

"Luisa… I just think that hiding your feelings leads to hurt. I know our family would accept Alejandra. Maybe you should tell them."

"Please don't pretend to know what I'm going through."

"I had to hide my feelings for Mariano for most of my life."

"Respectfully, Dolores, this is still different. I don't know how everyone would react and I need more time. Alejandra understands that. Please don't push me."

"I'm sorry for meddling," Dolores mumbled, "Alejandra seems perfect for you. I won't interfere again."

Luisa smiled then, and scooped Dolores into a hug.

"I forgive you. Thank you, for understanding, and for giving Alejandra a chance."

"I know the rest of the family will like her too, but I'm not going to push you. It's your life, Luisa. You deserve to go at your pace."