Page 87 of Perfect Playbook

I feel his shoulders drop like the thought of a steak is orgasmic. “I couldn’t say no to a barbecue.”

“Exactly. So stop being polite and be hungry instead. All you have to do is bring an appetite and eat.”

He chuckles a dry, soft laugh from his belly. “That I can do.” He turns to glance at Nino in the backseat. “Hijo,Dìa de los Muertosstarts Thursday.”

His raspy voice answers. “Mom said we would doabuela’s ofrendawhen she gets back on Sunday.”

“Ah, good.” Luis turns again, satisfied. He says to me, “I don’t suppose you have off on Thursday, Logan? It’s been a long time since you joined us at San Fernando for Day of the Dead. It would be nice to have you. And honor your dad.”

I’ve only ever celebrated Day of the Dead once with theMendez family. Though the occasion was full of heartache and resurrected pain, the celebration was a beautiful one. The two-day holiday honors the deceased withofrendaor offerings. In Luis’ home he built several altars, and on them were favorite things from this world for loved ones passed to welcome them back.

I remember the altars having some odd things on them. Yes, there were Virgin Guadalupe candles and incense and lace-like paper decorations that all felt appropriate for an altar. But there were also specific items like a pack of cigarettes and a Snickers bar on the one for her grandfather. On her mother’s, there was a shot glass of peach schnapps, a decidedly non-Mexican drink but apparently one her mom would have every Friday when the kids got home from school to mark the weekend. Shay explained her mom’s tooth was too sweet for tequila.

There were the in-home altars surrounded by golden clouds of marigolds but also the small boxes we made, miniofrenda. I remember her helping me make one for my dad to take to San Fernando cemetery where the nearest big Mexican celebrations took place and where her mom was buried. Thinking about that time, that night, it was at this time I decided for certain Shay and I would be together until death do us part.

“I should be able to make it. I’d love to anyway.”

Luis claps his hands together. “Ah, it would be wonderful. My boys will be back home for it.” He taps my arm. “All four of them.”

I barely have a moment to absorb his affection. I have yet to look those beasts in the eye. There were three of us boys in the Hunter house, and it was like a gladiator ring at our ranch most of the time. The Mendez house was even more masculine than ours. And it showed. Though theMendez boys, now very much men, didn’t become ranchers, they made their way out to California with some business venture. But back in the day, they rarely lost a roping competition and were known for not needing the rope to win. Bare-handed wrestling of a calf is harder than it sounds. When I saw them do it once, I tried and got kicked in the nuts.

Living in a house among men explains why my sister, Jolie, can be volatile. Why she’s tough. Shit, Ashton and I put her through the paces when we were younger, bombarding her with hockey pucks, covered in pads and pillows. Women with lots of brothers are a different breed. It explains why Shay, while still feminine and gentle in so many ways, isn’t fragile like a flower. She’s fragile like a bomb.

I can only imagine what ruthless, intimidating businessman the Mendez brothers are now. They take no prisoners and will definitely scrutinize me. But it’s a test I’m prepared to pass. No man on this earth will ever be able to love that woman more than I do. I’ll show them until they see it.

“Thursday works,” I say. “I get back late, but it’s an evening celebration anyway.”

“Fantastic.” Luis slaps his hands on his thighs.

I’m so glad I brought him here. It must be lonely in his home now. Five children and a grandchild, all gone. No wife. Just him, the cows, and a few ranch hands. I know what shitty conversationalists a lot of them can be.

We get out of the car and walk up the few stairs to the front door. Luis and Nino belong here with us. One enormous family. United.

It’s my sister-in-law, Sam, who opens the door, but everysingle Hunter face crowds behind her, excited for a peep at the newest family members.

“Luis!” Sam exclaims and leans in for a hug. “So glad you could make it!” She squeezes him then bends down to Nino’s level. “And you must be Antonio. I’m Sam. Can I hug you, too?”

“I love hugs.” Nino shrugs almost as though it’s a silly question.

They embrace, and we enter the house for the rest of the pleasantries. Everyone is here—my younger brother, Dash, and his fiancée, Molly; big brother, Colt, and of course, Sam. Mom is here, and a glowing, round Jolie with Ashton holding her from behind. Eve is here, and her boyfriend, Kieran.

It’s sweet but also a bit intense, like being animals in a zoo. Luis beams from ear to ear, though, as if the familiar feeling of being surrounded by a zillion bodies is exactly what he always wanted. Nino, however, isn’t quite used to all the buzz.

But my niece, Eve, can relax anybody. It’s a misconception that all people with Down syndrome are happy all the time. I’ve seen her annoyed before. It happens more now that she’s in her teens, but I swear people with DS have some sort of sixth sense when it comes to knowing someone needs support. When they need a hug, a smile. Or even to be peeled away from a forest of strange adult legs.

She and her boyfriend, Kieran, who also has DS, come straight for Antonio.

“We’re cousins.” She waves at Nino with a smile.

“Hi,” Nino says, his shoulders releasing lower in her presence, but he reaches up for my hand.

Eve points to her boyfriend. “This is Kieran. But he’s not your cousin. He’s my boyfriend.”

“Okay,” Nino says. “Hi, Kieran.”

Kieran waves. “Do you want to go in the backyard and see the obstacle course we set up for the guinea pigs?”

Antonio’s eyes go wide. “Yeah.”

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