We had a stare-down until I finally blinked. “If I do this, I’m going to have stipulations.”
Tee-Tee smiled. “Always the rebel.”
“I’m serious.”
“And I’m listening.”
“I’m paying rent.”
“Yes. You are. What else?”
“Edge can’t know.”
“That one’s more difficult.”
“Why?”
“Because he used to be a spy, Mija. I think he still might be.”
I patted her hand. “Yes. He still is. And if he finds out on his own, I can’t do anything about that, but if he asks you, I want you to tell him that if he wants to know anything about me, to ask me himself.”
Tee-Tee tapped her lower lip with her finger. “Okay. What else?”
“That’s it. No, wait. How much am I getting paid?”
“Twenty-five dollars per hour.”
“What? No. That’s way too much.”
“Twenty?”
“That’s still a lot, Tee-Tee. I don’t have any experience.”
“Tía, and yes, you do. We work long hours here at the ranch, and the Alexander family pays us well. You’ll be no exception. Quint will fire me if I underpay you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Sure, he will.”
“Then he’ll give you my job. Is that what you want?”
I laughed, but she didn’t look away. “Of course it isn’t. Don’t be silly.”
“So, what are you waiting for? Hug me and then decide what you’re making for dessert this week.”
“You’re a slave driver.”
“Which is why I’m paying you so much money.”
“I love you, Tía.”
“I love you too, Mija.”
“Oh! Where do you live?”
“Here on the ranch.”
“I know that, but where on the ranch?”
“On the other side of the ranch manager’s house.”