Page 87 of Not in My Book

“That’s Ronny Jr.,” I explained.

“That’s stupid, Rosie Posie. You’ve got to get rid of it and tell whoever’s doing that to stop.”

“That’s what I said,” Aiden piped up.

My father nodded approvingly. “Good man.”

I rolled my eyes and helped them set the bags onto the coffee table, digging through the array of chips and cookies. I brightened at all the bodega snacks they had bought.

“Mom’s cooking something in the kitchen,” I told my dad. “I think it’s pasta.”

“I’ll go help. Can you make this look nice and fancy? It’d make your mom happy. We’ll watch the movie until midnight hits then do presents.”

I turned to Maria, panicked. “I didn’t buy anyone anything! I didn’t think I was going to see you guys.”

She smirked, glancing at Aiden. “I think the best gift you could’ve given them would be getting over Simon. Dad wouldn’t shut up about you on our grocery run,” she said to Aiden.

He shot me a panicked glance. “In a good way or bad way?”

“Really good.”

He looked pleased but confused. “I didn’t do anything, though.”

“Exactly.He thinks it’s really good for Rosie that you’re so quiet because Rosie talks alot.”

“Hey!” I said defensively.

Maria only shrugged and said, “It’s true. Do you have plates and bowls?”

“I’ll grab them,” Aiden volunteered, leaving Maria and me alone.

“He’s handsome,” she whispered. “Clark Kent vibes.”

I tried to hide my smile. “I guess so.”

She huffed. “Oh please. You don’t have to pretend around me.” She glanced back at the kitchen. “I know you two aren’t together, but Iamcurious as to what you were doing watching a movie together so late at night.”

“We’re kinda friends now. Maybe more. I don’t know.” I ignored the burst of butterflies in my chest at the thought of this all being real. “Peter didn’t join y’all?”

“No, he’s spending the holiday with his family this year. He really wanted to come, though.” She hesitated. “Look, there’s something I need—”

She clamped her mouth shut the minute Aiden returned with my parents. My mom was holding a small pot of spaghetti with cheap pasta sauce smeared all over it.

“This was all Rosie had.” She set it on my coffee table, Aiden trailing behind. “Aiden was kind enough to help us bring out the bowls and forks,” Mom said eagerly.

Aiden smiled sheepishly and set them all on the table. “Rosie’s been teaching me about southern hospitality.”

My sister let out a surprised laugh, snatching a bowl. “Rosie didn’t tell us you were funny.”

“Rosie Posie didn’t tell usanything.” My mom pouted. “I can’t believe you’re seeing someone and never told us, hijita. Is this why you didn’t want to come home for Christmas?”

“No,” I rushed. “I wanted to come home, but I couldn’t swing it. You know that.”

My mom sighed dramatically, sitting at the edge of my small couch. “I don’t knowanythingabout my daughter’s life. You’re all the way up here in New York, and I’m out of the loop. Tell me how you two met.”

Aiden and I shared a look.

“Well, we’re in class together.”

---