Skidding on the curves of your heart

-Ready, little Frida?

-Yes, Coach.

The girl is confident in her voice, and Mapi nods her head. Nearby, Karl and Oscar give each other a thumbs-up.

-Okay, go get them and do your thing.

Frida hugs Mapi and runs to where the other girls are waiting to begin the meeting.

There were competitions in the youth categories of a small girls' club in the region, and Frida wanted to try out. It took Mapi's help and her "small" influence, as she called it, to persuade the club authorities to let the little girl participate because registration was closed.

Mapi was only in charge of managing everything and supporting her. And now she's biting her nails from the sidelines.

Ingrid arrives late, but at least she arrives after the match has already started and Frida's team is ahead. The workload was terrible that day.

She stays with her brother-in-law and nephew, trying to locate Mapi. She's nearby, but she can't get her attention.

-Ada wants photos and videos-says Ingrid when Karl smiles and shakes the head.

-I already sent you ten of each.

-There are never enough.

She also couldn't get enough of gazing at Mapi, looking her up and down. Sometimes she stares at the Spaniard very blatantly, and she lets her, even if she plays dumb a bit. Today is no exception. The only bad thing is that woman who keeps talking to her, which provokes two things in Ingrid: a little bit of jealousy, nothing too significant; and a desperate desire to take her hand off Mapi's arm.

That's why Ingrid watches Frida and encourages her. And when her gaze inevitably returns to Mapi, she's there chatting amicably with the woman. She looks away again, and so on. Until finally, she can't help but tense her jaw and pull down her sunglasses to be absolutely sure that this woman is squeezing her gir...Mapi's forearm.

The tests conclude shortly after and Frida shoots off like a rocket towards them.

-You've been sensational, Frid, the future best defender in the world!

-The best-Oscar repeats.

-I want to be like María León.

Mapi smiles as she hears her as she arrives and ruffles the hair.

-You did very well, good blocks-Mapi high fives and gives Ingrid a soft look-is everything okay?

-Yes, I arrived a few minutes ago.

-I saw you-Mapi answers simply.

They wait for Frida to go change and Karl and Oscar go buy something to eat.

-Do you really think it went well?

--Very well, but I think because of the age range, she's not eligible. Maybe in a year or two.

-Yes, I know you told that to Ada.

Mapi approaches and runs the palms of her hands over Ingrid's thick coat.

-You've been very busy.

-Is this your way of telling me you miss me?

-Maybe-but Mapi immediately becomes serious-you know I do it.

-And since it's quite a challenge to get a confession like that out of you, I'll try to free myself in a day or two, okay? And we can plan something.

-I take it as a promise.

They are still so close and looking at each other in such an intimate way that anyone outside would know what is happening just by observing them for a few seconds.

-Mapi.

There is the same woman, with an anxious expression, almost running towards Mapi, calling her with complete confidence.

The Spanish woman introduces them and they chat a bit about training.

-If you train her, with how good you are, we'll have a great defender in a few years.

Ingrid raises her eyebrows at the praise that comes out in an unpleasant purr. She's talking about Frida, but she's not the one who matters to her at all. And the worst part is not being able to do anything or say anything. Yes, Ingrid thinks she could act immaturely and cling to the Spanish woman's arm, touch her nonstop, and send out all the necessary signals to make the woman stop seeing her as a nuisance and Mapi as a prize.

Luckily, Karl returns with the two children ready to go.

-Mapi-the woman stops her by the arm-maybe we could meet sometime?

-The truth is that I have a very busy schedule.

-Are you serious?

-Sure-says Mapi very firmly-see you later.

They all walk silently to the cars and there Ingrid discovers that Mapi went with Karl, so obviously she offers to take her.

-That woman was flirting with you.

-I know.

-It didn't bother you.

-I didn't care, really.

-You…know her.

-She was a player and we met a few times.

-Well, it seems she left something unfinished because her hands were everywhere.

Mapi laughs and Ingrid inevitably does the same.

-You could have kissed me in front of her, you know.

-That wouldn't have been...mature.

-No, but it would have pushed her away, made it clear that you and I...that we're into something.

-We're onto something-Ingrid savors the words-nice way of putting it.

-I suffered the same thing thinking about you and…Jill.

-Oh, I see how this works.

-A little revenge-Mapi says, untrue, and playfully bumps Ingrid's arm into her shoulder.

Mapi looks out the window for a bit and then at the black-haired girl.

-Can I put on some music?

-You don't have to ask.

-Mmm, I was thinking-murmurs Mapi leaving the music at a low volume-thinking about asking you if... you would like to go out with me and Patri this weekend.

-Patri?

-She said she'd come. Well, she asked when we met in Oslo, and I couldn't refuse.

-And now she told you she was coming?

-Yeah, it was a big call a few days ago, and it's coming tomorrow. She asked for a few days off.

Ingrid blinks and focuses on the road. It's not that she feels excluded, because Mapi doesn't have to tell her everything, and they haven't even formally established that they're dating, even though they're in a serious relationship, and that seems so contradictory. But they're supposed to be working toward something since that lunch a few weeks ago, and now Mapi just drops the information the day before her friend arrives.

-What about your parents?

-What's wrong with them? -Mapi says defensively.

-I thought you'd invite them too.

-I didn't invite Patri and... I don't think I'm ready to see them. Maybe later.

-Okay.

The wheels in Ingrid's mind are already turning. She isn't going to tell Mapi anything, but her parents could surprise her at any moment, and if it's up to her, it'll happen soon.

-I'd love to do something with you.

-Okay, I'll see what we can arrange.

They continue their journey peacefully, listening to music and talking only briefly, so that it's not awkward. Mapi is quite pensive, but she smiles every time their eyes meet and strokes the back of Ingrid's hand whenever possible.

By the time they arrive at Ada's house, where the Spanish woman left the car, it's already getting dark, and neither of them wants to say goodbye. Ingrid bites her lip and gently runs her tongue around, and Mapi plays with the keys, tossing them from one hand to the other.

-Are you going to come in and get something to eat or are you just going to stand there staring at each other like idiots?

-Ada, how subtle.

-You girls don't cooperate, and I'm more subtle than Mom.

-Now we go in. Thank you, Mrs. Subtlety.

Mapi laughs and waits for Ada to come out of the door before slowly pulling Ingrid closer by her arm. She intends to say something, but forgets as soon as Ingrid hugs her neck, looks sideways, and waits for her next move. Mapi kisses her without much thought, a shameless and intentional kiss that elicits sighs and gasps and pierces both of their layers of clothing; warmth spreads and envelops them, driving the cold wind away.

-Do you think your family suspects something?

-Suspect? I told you, they know everything-Ingrid shakes the head and they go inside.

And later, after saying goodbye without revealing much, Ingrid is on her way home thinking that she should be happier and more grateful, less alert to how much Mapi keeps quiet and holds back; she feels like an overly anxious, desperate teenager, eager for Mapi and everything she entails.

Things themselves haven't changed much. Yes, she and Mapi kiss and hug—sometimes they say sweet things—but other than that, everything remains the same. Ingrid visits her occasionally; they see each other when it's her turn to pick up the kids; they haven't gone on any more dates.

Everything feels great and at the same time not, as if Mapi's pace doesn't match hers. Because in just a few days, she changed her internal monologue. She went from "we can do this slowly" to "I urgently need more and I don't want to push it so she doesn't slip away."

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

-You're the dumbest and ugliest sight in the universe-Patri shouts, throwing herself into Mapi's arms for a big hug-and I hope you don't mind...

-I don't care...

-Surprise-Aitana whispers, appearing from Patri's side, so tiny that she was hiding.

-I hate you-Mapi replies, rolling her eyes.

-You love us and miss us-Aitana punches her in the arm-come on, we're starving and we want to know a little about your place in the world

Mapi doesn't even try to refute that. Now the cabin and Melhus feel like their place.

-It's a shame I can't go where you work, tía, I would have loved to see it.

-It's nothing out of this world, it's the children who make it special.

-Just the kids? -Patri wiggles her eyebrows mockingly-We know things.

-I'm not even going to ask about that.

Mapi puts her luggage in the trunk of the SUV and drives off, avoiding eye contact with either of them.

-Come on, Mapi-asks Aitana.

-Yeah, don't pretend, you know you're not fooling us.

-What do you think about going for brunch? I know a place here in town.

-You're unbearable-Patri mumbles, crossing her arms.

--I'm waiting for fresh news, gossip, spicy stuff. Everything I've been missing-- and that has the desired effect for Mapi because it diverts, for the moment, the attention of the other two.

Aitana and Patri light up and begin recounting crazy situations and adventures that seem inherent to the Barcelona women's game. The crazy antics of Cata, Vicky, Pina, and younger girls Mapi doesn't know. And how Alexia sets limits in vain because they have her thumbs tied to her.

Upon hearing the captain's name, Mapi tenses imperceptibly, but neither of them makes a comment.

A few hours later, as they pass Melhus and Patri and Aitana gaze at the surroundings in awe, Mapi's thoughts lead her to regret how badly she behaved toward everyone, those people who only wanted to be there and help her. They lead her to Ingrid and her invaluable influence, because that's so obvious. The influence of the black-haired girl and the entire family.

Mapi smiles softly, eager to see her and introduce her-now-properly to her friends. Well, introduce her how? She swallows and shakes her head. Maybe, for now, no more awkward introductions. It's just Ingrid.

-I can't believe you live here-Patri marvels, getting out of the car and inspecting everything at a glance.

-If you saw it in the summer, it would be dazzling-Mapi replies, leaning casually.

-And in winter there must be like five meters of snow-Aitana pretends to shiver-and yet it's so beautiful. Retirement was good for you.

Mapi laughs and leads them inside. They haven't mentioned the real reason they're visiting, and it's better that way for now. For now, Mapi isn't interested in remembering it.

-Come on, get comfortable and let's go for a walk around the area.

Of course they entertain themselves with the two kittens, the greenhouse, and everything else they find interesting.

-Are you happy here, Mapi?

-Happiness is overrated.

-That's something someone who has this every day says-Aitana grumbles.

-I'm calm, okay, I don't know if it's the same thing, but having peace of mind is something I didn't expect to achieve or deserve.

-But it's almost as good-Patri agrees-and I'm glad you have it.

They make a wide detour around the cabin, Mapi explains a few things, and they return as the air around them cools rapidly.

Mapi makes a fire inside the house and offers coffee.

I thought you didn't drink coffee anymore-Aitana uses a suspicious tone and exchanges glances with Patri.

-Mmm, yes...Ingrid drinks-Mapi lowers her eyes and prepares the infusions with the same calmness as always.

-And Ingrid is?

-Don't say it's your friend's fault because I swear I'll strangle you-warns Patri.

-You're the worst gossip, Patricia.

-We get older while we wait-Aitana croons, sprawling in the nearest armchair.

-Ingrid is…she's a great friend but we're trying for something more.

-“We’re trying something else” -Patri mimes-that doesn’t tell us anything.

-It's very new, okay, and we're just getting started.

-You've known her for so many months and you're just starting something?

-We got it from Caro-Aitana explains, to Mapi's puzzled look-and we worked hard for it. Caro won't let anything go.

-You are the worst that exists-Mapi passes them the cups-and to feed your gossipy soul, I like Ingrid and we recently went on a date and we are starting something very nice step by step.

-Just one date? One? -Patri shakes her head and puts her hand to her forehead-You're so slow, Mapi.

Mapi ignores her and smiles into her teacup. Tomorrow she's going to invite Ingrid to join them; she misses her and wants her to spend time with Aitana and Patri. Besides, she's already planned what to do and where to go for the day.

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

-What are you doing, Mapi? -Patri rubs her eyes and yawns-It's not even light outside.

-I can't be as lazy as you-Mapi takes off her shoes and jacket-you should try it, take advantage of every hour of the day.

-Are you sure you weren't kidnapped by aliens? Or do you have a fever?

-Funny so early-after putting on some comfortable shoes, Mapi goes to rekindle the fire she lit before leaving-This is who I am now, Patri, and I like it more than the bitter and depressed version I was in Barcelona.

-You weren't always like this, you know.

Before Patri can turn around, Mapi takes her arm.

-I’m sorry for everything.

-There’s nothing to apologize for, Mapi.

-You know-Mapi snorts-how badly I behaved with you, with Aita. I’m going to apologize to her too.

-She’ll tell you the same thing I did. That’s behind us. We love you, and that’s all.

Patri doesn’t give those words much thought and enters the bathroom, muttering that she needs to wash her face with cold water. Mapi is squatting in front of the fire, adding wood. Maybe she wasn't always like this, but she wasn't always good e it her. And there is certainly still much to tell her friends.

-You're thinking too much.

-It seems I do-she looks at Patri over his shoulder- I... haven't thanked you for being here.

-You don't have to do it, I mean, I know you wanted to be alone like in previous years but you don't have to be alone.

-Well, I try to forget the date, you know.

-The date has already passed.

-Yes, I know. I appreciate you being here. I guess you thought I'd be wallowing in my misery.

-I thought about it-Patri admits with a small smile-but for Ingrid, you know, the tension was very noticeable.

Mapi rolls her eyes and appreciates the change of subject.

-If you slept with that goddess every night, you can be sure you wouldn't wake up so early.

-Shut your mouth.

-That's the problem, right? -Patri studies her for a few minutes and laughs at her own wit-You haven't slept with her. It's so fucking obvious. It's all about you, the sexual abstinence.

-I'm not like that. I don't go through life…you know…

-Because you like it so much, you're crazy-says the midfielder.

Mapi neither denies nor confirms it. She just keeps a silly smile on her lips.

-That might not stop you from fucking like rabbits during the winter.

Mapi throws a harmless piece of wood at her and Patri laughs for a long time at her own dirty joke.

-And she's the owner of this place? -she asks.

-It is.

-Well, I hope he doesn't charge you too much rent.

-One thing has nothing to do with the other.

-I'm just saying-Patri pulls back the curtain and looks out in wonder-what are our plans today?

Aitana appears with a sleepy face and waves slightly as she goes to make coffee.

-Lots of hiking and outdoor life.

-Can't we just lie in bed all Day? -the midfielder says, wrinkling her nose.

-I support that-says Aitana.

-What's the fun in that? Aren't you great athletes? I'm ashamed of you.

-Will Ingrid be coming? We want to get to know her better.

-I'll ask her.

Mapi texts her later, Ingrid returns the call, and they agree to meet around noon at a spot to hike up to the fjords. It's something she did as soon as she arrived, and she knows both Patri and Aitana will appreciate it.

-We'll meet Ingrid there, she's working in the area.

-What does she do, exactly?

-Ask her, Aita.

-All kinds of questions?

-Patri-warns Mapi getting into the car with everything she needs.

-You just said it.

-Could you please behave yourselves? Ingrid will go with her friend Frido.

-Oh, I see, you have to make good handwriting- Aitana sings.

-I hate you so much-Mapi murmurs, setting off.

She acts like a fool when she spots Ingrid and Frido, unsure of how to behave. A shy kiss on the cheek from the black-haired is a sign that she doesn't feel ready to reveal herself to her friends. She just hopes Ingrid understands, and even so, she desperately needs to touch more of her because that kiss wasn't enough.

She makes the appropriate introductions, and from the very beginning, Patri's intentions are clear: to corner Ingrid and find out absolutely everything about her.

While Aitana and Frido seem to get along very well, Patri has an arm on Ingrid's shoulder as if they were great friends for a long time and they chat along the path without Mapi being able to hear what they are saying.

Mapi takes care of the backpack and the bag in which they carry water and food, and every so often, she warns Patri by pointing her index finger under her eye. It's not that she doesn't trust her friend, but Patri tends to be impetuous and gets carried away; she also doesn't want her to say anything she shouldn't.

-You look very serious-Ingrid points out, standing next to her.

-No…I'm not. I'm just…thinking.

-You always think a lot.

-Well, I'm hungry and I was wondering where to stop for something to eat.

Ingrid looks at her, trying to determine whether she is telling the truth or not.

-You look strange, Maria.

-No, of course not, it's just... -Mapi gestures from side to side-this is a bit much.

-Are your friends here, me, Frido or what?

-I just don't want it to sound bad, you know.

-I think I understand, don't worry-Ingrid replies-You're completely alone, and suddenly you find yourself surrounded by people. It's not hard to understand.

-Especially because I pushed Patri and Aitana away many times.

-But they love you and want to belong again, otherwise they wouldn't be here.

Mapi nods and lowers her head until she looks at Ingrid again.

-I told them a little about you and me.

- _Great, because Patri could pursue a career in law enforcement, and she's already gotten all the juicy information out of me. Plus, she gave me the typical "if you hurt her, I'll kill you" lecture and all that.

Mapi snorts a more relaxed laugh and leaves a kiss on the Norwegian's cheek before going to pass water to Frido.

They walk for what feels like hours, a little out of breath and heavy legs, but they finally reach the place Mapi wanted to show them, from where they can see the Trondheim fjords in all their expanse.

Patri whistles dramatically and drops unceremoniously onto a rock.

-Well, I can say it was worth it.

-You don't trust me.

-You're insufferable, Mapi, but you were right about this. Happy?

They all imitate Patri by sitting and looking out at the water, eating sandwiches and chatting.

Aitana promises to send tickets for Frido and her boyfriend, who turns out to be a fan; and Frido promises to reserve one of the cabins they purchased in Orkanger and are renovating exclusively for her when she wants to visit again.

Ingrid smiles when she meets Mapi's soft gaze, who apparently still doesn't believe that everyone is there, and she is enjoying it.

-Okay, come on, I'll take a few souvenir photos of you-says Ingrid-with the fjords behind you.

Mapi passes her the phone and the three of them pose and act silly.

-Time to go back-Mapi announces-or the night will catch us off guard.

As they descend, the Spanish woman stays further back waiting for Ingrid, listening to Patri grumbling about how cold it is.

-What will you do later?

-No plans, really.

-Do you fancy a few drinks? We'll go to this bar in Melhus…

-To the only bar.

-How tactless-Mapi laughs-so…?

-I'm in.

-It's a plan.

-Maaapiii-Aitana croons-you'll never get rid of us again, do you understand? We'll come visit you every month.

-I take it as a threat, but I guess I have no choice.

-Ingrid, how did he manage to win you over, being so rude?

-I didn't say I did it, Aitana-Ingrid winks and laughs at Mapi's expression of disbelief.

-That made me feel terrible, you know.

-Well, I'm not the one who acts like nothing's happening between us.

-So that's what it's all about?

-I don't mind, if you ask me, but...I don't know.

-Sorry, okay-Mapi whispers-I have a hard time being open about this.

-It's okay- Ingrid's apparent indifference doesn't fool Mapi for a second- I mean, both your friends and my friend know it, so I don't see the point in pretending otherwise.

-You're right.

-Usually-Ingrid answers petulantly.

-Hey, that's enough.

-You love it.

-Usually.

Ingrid laughs and unexpectedly feels the soft touch of Mapi's hand on the back of her neck and is drawn into a delicate, unhurried kiss as they savor each other.

-Don't eat in front of the poor-Patri mocks, and Frido and Aitana burst out laughing.

Ingrid and Mapi part ways with a smile.

A couple of hours later, they head to the village tavern for something to drink and eat. And maybe some billiards or darts.

Patri, now that she's done her rounds of investigations and spent a few hours observing, is convinced that Ingrid is just what Mapi needs.

-You know-she begins, slurring her words, thinking what to say while they leave Aitana and Mapi with the darts-I didn't think I'd be able to see her like that again.

-I suppose... you're saying that because of that bad time in Barcelona-Ingrid probes.

-Bad? That was terrible.

Ingrid doesn't know why, but she shudders. Maybe it's the tone, maybe it's what those words hide.

-But now I see her like this and I feel calm-the Spanish midfielder continues-She let me be, but not enough, and there came a point where it became difficult to persist when everything was clearly overwhelming her and she kept pushing us away.

-Are you talking…? Are you talking about both the injuries and his… girlfriend?

-Wow, if she told you about Sara, it's because she's serious about you-Patri sighs-Yes, I'm talking about all of that. And although I insisted last year that we come around this time, she didn't want to. In fact, she didn't even respond to my texts or Pilar's.

-I think he's still catching up with everything.

-Yeah, I mean, I'm here with her having just as much fun as before, and when I asked her to come, she didn't object. I think it has a lot to do with you, too.

-I don't think it's because of me.

-She is-Patri insists-she's in love with you, and even though she cursed everything and swore she wouldn't get involved with anyone after Sara died, you can't go against the desires of the heart, right?

Ingrid blinks and clears her throat uncomfortably.

Sara died. These dates.

Slowly, Ingrid understands the whole conversation. Mapi's girlfriend died in November, and Patri and Aitana were there for emotional support.

And Mapi never told him, did he plan to do it?

-I want to tell you... be patient, okay? -Patri grimaces-I know it may seem like I'm being overprotective with all those questions today, but Mapi... it hasn't been easy for her.

-I know you don't.

Although I didn't know much.

Ingrid contemplates her, laughing with Aitana, relaxed. A completely different version of herself from the one she knew months ago and a version closer to the current one, the one she was showing herself to her.

It hurts to have to find out from Patri. It's not like Mapi had any obligation…and yet, it still hurts.

-Hey, do you want to...-Mapi's cheeks are flushed and her amber eyes are bright, but it's not from alcohol because she's only been drinking soda.

Ingrid looks at her with half-closed eyes, trying unsuccessfully to forget what she has just learned.

-Tell me.

-I was wondering-she continues with a hint of embarrassment-if you'd like to come with me tonight.

-Sleep over?

-Yes, but it's not an indecent proposal, I swear.

-I don't know what you mean by “indecent proposal”-Ingrid says, using quotation marks for emphasis.

-You know... don't make me talk-Mapi chokes-to have sex or something like that.

-Oh-the black-haired woman murmurs-it doesn't sound that indecent to me.

-Well, having sex isn't... it's just that Patri and Aita will be there, that's why I'm telling you it's just for sleeping, otherwise... you know, it wouldn't be sleeping-Mapi chokes again on her own words and closes her mouth once and for all.

-Are you sure you didn't drink a drop of alcohol? You're talking too much for being sober.

-Ingrid, don't be like that-Mapi asks, blushing too much.

-You're adorable, Maria-she says. Despite everything, she thinks she is.

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees the movements of Mapi's two friends and gives her a quick kiss that leaves her feeling disappointed.

-Okay, I'm going with you tonight.

-Thank you-Mapi answers.

Ignoring all of Patri's malicious glances, Aitana's occasional bad jokes, and avoiding lingering her eyes on Ingrid any longer than necessary, Mapi leads them back to the cabin.

-Oh, Mapi's princess must be in the front seat! I should have known! -Patri mocks dramatically.

-Relegated to the background, aren't you ashamed, Mapi? We traveled thousands of miles, and this is how you repay us.

While Ingrid laughs, Mapi just shakes her head and turns a deaf ear.

-Your princess, huh-Ingrid whispers, too quietly for the two in the back to hear.

-You are-the Spanish woman replies with a big, sweet smile.

It's relatively early so they make a fire, make coffee, make tea and play a game of cards.

Everything feels very easy and homey. Too simple and domestic.

Maybe she could have told Ingrid, warned her that she'd been a bit absent the previous few days for a reason she'd probably never forget, told her why Patri insisted so much on being there. Now it seems more like an afterthought, an unnecessary action.

Ingrid is so…she can't even put it into words, and just looking at her makes her heartbeat grow more erratic and wild, every part of her body prickle with something sensitive and primal. Something she won't be able to ignore forever.

-I definitely didn't think I'd ever finally get to know your room.

-Are you never going to forget that?

-No, there's a lot to remember from that day-laughs Ingrid, scanning the room with sharp eyes, nothing atypical, everything a bit austere but very Mapi-are you going to light the fire here?

-Only if you're cold-Mapi hands her some sleepwear and points to the private bathroom door.

If she doesn't light the fire, they might both feel cold enough to cuddle and snuggle all night. After all, it's not like they don't want to. And she's just a girl with a lot of messy feelings and very clear desires.

-I don't want you to be uncomfortable.

-I'm not, Maria.

-When we shared a bed for two nights at the hotel, it wasn't so tense.

-I was.

-Well, yes, but now…-Mapi studies her from her side in the bed covered up to her chin because she's cold-I don't know.

Ingrid bites her lower lip somewhat nervously.

-Does this mean anything to you? -she asks.

-What do you say?

-I mean us.

-I don't understand what you're asking. Of course it does. It means a lot. You mean a lot, Ingrid.

That answer doesn't entirely satisfy the Norwegian, but at least it alleviates a small part of her worries.

-You know, sometimes I feel like we're not looking for the same thing.

Mapi thinks for a few seconds and finally sighs.

-I know I've been a little distant the last few days. There's been a lot on my mind and... -It's time, she can say it. And she cringes. Maybe Ingrid doesn't need to know everything now.

-Did something happen?

-Nothing. It's just stuff in my head, that's all.

-Okay-Ingrid concedes, not allowing disappointment to set in again-You weren't distant, just a little... well, yes, absent, and I don't blame you. You're probably overwhelmed by all this; these are changes you didn't expect, Maria.

Mapi snorts and smiles.

-I don't even understand how you understand me so well.

-I don't.

-You do, you understand me very well.

-I try to do it.

Mapi looks at her again, frowning, and nods repeatedly; she takes advantage of the opportunity to get closer to her.

-A little heat, please?

-Come here-the black-haired opens her arms and Mapi gently leans on top of her, making it clear that she doesn't intend to leave.

-I promise I want this, okay? I'm not playing or anything-Mapi sighs.

-I hope so because I'm already very involved, Maria.

-A lot?

The Spanish woman gives her light kisses all over her face and Ingrid forgets—only in those moments—what Mapi doesn't say and has no intention of saying.

-I'll plan a date for us soon.

-Are you going to take care of the next appointment? I think it's my turn.

-I want to do it, please? -Mapi says-I already have an idea.

Ingrid gives a guttural response as she feels Mapi's hands slowly move up her ribs and pause at the middle of her back. They're warm and awaken sensations in Ingrid, who manages to hiss a kind of moan she couldn't hide.

-Maria-she reprimands.

-I didn't know you were so sensitive.

Mapi's voice is playful but Ingrid doesn't feel like playing at all.

-You know I've wanted you for months...and you tease me when your friends are sleeping in the other room?

-I wasn't trying to provoke you- Mapi defends herself- it's just that I like to caress you.

-I see that.

Mapi sits up a little and runs her tongue over her dry lips.

-I think we'll have to do something about it soon, huh.

-Definitely.

Ingrid murmurs the last thing gravely and catches Mapi's lower lip in an unexpected movement, sucking and nibbling gently.

-But in the meantime-she gasps-I can torture you a little.