Mom appeared pleased by Rosalita's suggestion but she shook her head and said, "Oh no – you lovers should be alone and do what lovers do. You don't need a third wheel interfering with your love life."

"No! Please, stay with us," Rosalita said in an insistent voice. She turned to me and said, "Convince her, mi hijo." Rosalita reached out and touched my shoulder, drawing my gaze into her eyes. Her beautiful eyes told me that she wasn't being just polite.

"Please, Mom," said. "We both want you to stay with us. It's a beautiful night – we could go home and maybe just hang out in the back...