“I’m serious. I need your help,” I insisted.
He agreed to help me. A few weeks later, I brought Jose home for dinner, introducing him as my “new boyfriend.” Veronica and Casey’s smiles vanished immediately.
“Jose, why don’t you talk to the girls and get to know them?” I said, leaving them at the dining table as usual. I waited in the kitchen, my heart pounding.

A couple holding hands | Source: Unsplash
When I returned, Jose’s face was paler than usual. He was gripping his fork nervously and would barely look at me.
After dinner, he left quickly, and I knew something was up. That night, after the girls went to bed, I called Jose.
“Jose, what happened?” I asked, barely able to keep my voice steady.
“Melinda, we need to talk in person,” he said. My heart sank.

A startled man holding his head | Source: Pexels
The next morning, I hurried to the office, finding Jose before our shift started.
“Tell me,” I demanded. “What happened last night? What did the girls say?”