"I have a girlfriend, Mrs. Cruz," Bruno laughed.

"I know, honey, just in case..." she said with a sly smile. "It never hurts to keep an open opinion, no?"

"Bruno and my friend Beauty belong together, Mrs. Cruz," Jessie cut in with a little more force than she intended.

Mrs. Cruz giggled at Jessie's protectiveness.

"Ay, Jessie, just being a nice tía (aunt), trying to find her sobrina (niece) a good match, that's all. Es mi deber como familia (It's my duty as ...