Page 82 of Off Season

His father came home shortly before dinner. I would say Cheetah resembles him more than anyone. Cheetah has his height, build, and charismatic warmth. He too embraced me like a daughter.

I didn’t get to talk to him for long because he ran upstairs to take a quick shower before dinner. He looked like he had a lot of car grease on him when he arrived.

The amount of chatter at this table is like a crowded restaurant. It’s full of smiles, laughter, and warmth. Such a stark contrast to the quiet, uncomfortable family meals of my youth.

No one asks me questions about my family. I’m guessing that Cheetah has something to do with that. He definitely warned them that it’s a sore topic for me.

I look at Cheetah’s mother. “Mrs. Gonzales, this food isincredible. It’s the best Christmas Eve meal I’ve ever had in my life. The pozole and tamales are to die for.”

She gives me a bit of a forced smile. “Thank you, Kamryn. Esta gringa probablemente nunca haya probado la auténtica comida mexicana en toda su vida. Se imagina que Cruz encontraría a una mujer que no sabe cómo moverse en la cocina.” She mumbles. “Mariana sabe cocinar.”This foreigner has probably never had authentic Mexican food in her entire life. It figures Cruz would find a woman who doesn't know her way around the kitchen. Mariana can cook.

I see both Ruben and Santos smirk in amusement while Cheetah’s lips tighten in anger. “Mamá, necesitas mostrarle algo de respeto a mi prometida.”Mom, you need to show my fiancée some respect.

I grab his arm to stop him, ready for my big moment. The one I’ve been hoping would come. Calmly and confidently looking at her, I say, “Está bien. El respeto se gana. Solo dame un poco de tiempo y no tengo dudas de que lo ganaré. Después de todo, pronto seré parte de la familia.”It's okay. Respect is earned. Just give me a little time, and I have no doubt that I'll earn it. After all, I'll be family soon.

You could hear a pin drop at the adult table for a solid fifteen seconds until every single person bursts out into laughter. His mother smiles at me and winks. “I think you and I will get along after all, mi hija.”

She happily goes around and announces which grandkids helped make which dishes. While they’re all fairly young, and I’m sure she did all the heavy lifting, her pride and love for her family practically ooze out of her. This is what a mother is supposed to look like. How did I get such a shit hand dealt to me in this regard?

My mind begins to drift. I know my parents are alone in their rundown house tonight. She’s either staring out the window with a bottle of booze or already passed out cold. He’s in front of the television, eating a microwave meal. My heart breaks for him. He’sa good man and doesn’t deserve his shitty life. Maybe it’s merciful for her to have less than a year to live. It’s not a nice thing to think, but I hate this life for my father.

I suddenly have a feeling of emptiness. I excuse myself to the bathroom and pull out my phone to text my sister.

Me: Miss you.

Bailey: Missing you too. How’s it going?

Me: It’s a big, happy family. How about you?

Bailey: Really nice. Fallon’s Christmas décor looks like it should be featured in a magazine.

She sends me a few pictures. It looks like a movie set.

Me: Wow. Amazing. Glad you’re having a nice Christmas Eve.

Bailey: It’s different.

Me: Sure is.

Bailey: Tanner, Fallon, and Harper got me Coldplay tickets with backstage passes as a gift. Two tickets. Know anyone who might want to join me?

Me: Holy shit! That’s amazing. Chris Martin is on my to-do list.

Bailey: LOL. Of course he is. I think he’s dating the actress from Fifty Shades. I forget her name.

Me: She’s on my to-do list too.

I hear a knock at the bathroom door, followed by Cheetah’s voice. “Are you okay?”

I reply, “Be right out.”

Me: Gotta run. I hope Daddy Tanner fills you with a white Christmas. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Love you, big sis.

Bailey: Love you too, crazy little sis.

I open the door and smile. “Sorry. I was just checking in with my sister.”

His face softens. “You miss her?”

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