Once Bitten, Twice Shy

She flipped back to the other page. "And he has your elbow in his hand, here."

Carmen glanced at the picture and shrugged. "Looks like it."

Katie stared up at Carmen, her expression revealing surprise - and something else.

"You two are having an affair."

Carmen flipped the page. "A relationship."

Katie stared at her reflectively. "But I didn't think . . ." She seemed to be at loss for words.

Carmen laughed. "Oh, come on Katie. You set us up. Now you're surprised we fell in love?"

Katie shook her head and gazed at Carmen soberly. "I didn't set you two up. The last time I noticed, you were fighting with each other. I never would have thought . . . I mean, you two, of all people. I know you're looking for a husband and . . ."

Carmen waved a hand. "I know, and Alex is terrified of making a commitment. We've talked about it. I'm willing to wait. Isn't it strange how our dreams can change overnight?"

Why was Katie so shaken? Alex would come around eventually. It was simply going to take time. They loved each other. That was the important thing.

Nothing more was said about the matter until a week later when Katie and Bill moved into their new home. Carmen helped them move the last of their things into the house, and as she was leaving Katie took her aside.

"Carmen. Don't let Alex move in with you just because you're lonely. I know you think you're in love with him, but he can't make you happy. Talk to him about the things you want the most. You'll see. He'd be angry with me if I told you . . . things. Just talk to him, okay?"

Carmen stared at her. What could be so terrible about Alex that his own sister would fear to discuss with her best friend?

Carmen shook her head. "I'm not letting him move in with me - lonely or not. Not until we're married, anyway."

Katie sighed. "Talk to him."

"I will," Carmen finally promised, "but why won't you tell me?"

Did he have AIDS? The thought sent a chill up her spine. Surely Katie would have told her if he did. Was that why she seemed so concerned that they might be having an affair? Was that why Alex was suddenly interested in making up with Katie?

"I can't. He's my brother and it would embarrass him. But I feel obliged to warn you anyway. Just don't get more involved than you already are. I know how you feel about a family and all, and I don't think . . . well, just tell him how much you want children. Then he'll have to tell you."