CHAPTER FIFTY NINE – HONING THEIR TECHNIQUE

Later that evening, as they rode home in Miguel's car, Karina broached the subject. "We need to talk about our supposed wedding plans," she said, breaking the silence. Miguel sighed, loosening his tie. "You're right. We can't keep deflecting forever." "So, what's our story?" Karina pressed. "Long engagement? Waiting for the right venue?" Miguel was quiet for a moment, thinking. "How about we say we're waiting for your grandmother to recover from her surgery? That gives us a plausible reason to delay without setting a specific date." Karina blinked, surprised. "That's... actually a good idea. But I don't have a grandmother who's ill." Miguel shrugged. "They don't know that. It's believable and buys us time." Karina nodded slowly. "Okay. We'll go with that. But Miguel..." "Yes?" "We need to be better at this," Karina said softly. "More coordinated. I felt like we were floundering tonight." Miguel was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice was uncharacteristically gen