Page 32 of Always Been Yours

Her laugh is light and airy. “Oh,mi amor, I don’t spoil you that much anymore.”

“Why did you even make menudo? It isn’t Christmas.” Menudo, mole, and tamales are just one reason I’m excited to spend the holidays back home again.

“I know that. It’s for Knox. His birthday is on Sunday so I told him I would bring him enough to take home this weekend.”

I huff out a laugh. “Wow, I didn’t know I could make demands for my birthday.”

“You can’t.” She gives me a sharp look. “He would never make any sort of demand. That’s why I offered,tonto.”

I’m about to make a retort that would probably get me hit over the head regardless of the fact that we’re at work, when Vivi walks in with a teacher I’ve never met before. She’s looking up at him, with a large smile across her face. I don’t pay attention to what he’s saying but I feel the sharp sting of jealousy whenshe barks out a beautiful laugh in response.

Not the breathy cackle I love.

But her deeper belly laugh, that means whatever she’s hearing brings her pure joy.

When I take a good look at the two of them together, the envious feeling only grows.

She really is gorgeous. Her copper hair is in two buns on top of her head, with a few strands framing her face, allowing a clear view of her round face and soft features. She’s in a light pink shirtdress. It doesn’t cling to her body, but it doesn’t need to. She fills it out perfectly.

The tall man next to her is dressed nicely but without a lot of flair. He’s in slim-fit dark blue pants and a white button-up shirt. His dark brown shoes perfectly match his belt. It’s a simple outfit but much crisper than what you’d typically see a teacher in. His dark blonde hair is a little long but perfectly tousled to look like he didn’t put any effort into it. His olive-green eyes cut to my mom and me.

Vivi is breathtaking and the man next to her is handsome, there is no denying that fact. They look good together.

And I hate it.

Her head falls forward once her laugh comes to an end, and she sees my mom and I sitting at the only table in the breakroom. “Oh, hello.” She’s still smiling as she walks further into the room.

“Hi,Roja. How is your week?“ Before Vivi can answer, my mom is already turning her attention to the man that walked in as well. “Knox, I made you menudo. Plenty for you and Lucas. It’s in the fridge with your name on it.”

The jealous feeling in my stomach crawls back to its cave, only leaving the wanting and confusion behind.

I feel slightly embarrassed, even though I haven’t said a wordsince I felt my heart fall out of my chest.

I pull my eyes away from Vivi just in time to see my mom giving me a knowing look. One I don’t necessarily appreciate.

My head snaps back toward Knox when he says, “Thank you so much, Selena. Looks like the boys are getting chicken nuggets tonight.”

My mom and Vivi both laughs.

“Were you two able to meet the other day?” Vivi asks Knox, pointedly ignoring me.

“No, we didn’t.” I stand up and put my hand out.

Knox gives it a firm shake. “Good to meet you. Selena has told me a lot about you. Vivi, too.”

He nudges her with his elbow, and she gives him a look that says otherwise.

I choke down a laugh. “I’ve heard a lot about you too. Do you guys want to join us?” I ask as I take my seat again.

Knox takes a seat, but Vivi goes toward the fridge instead. “I’m on recess duty on Fridays. So, I should get out there.” She grabs a small lunch bag before turning back toward us. She stops to give my mom a small hug from her chair. “Knox, stop by my classroom later. I have some stuff from one of those teacher subscription boxes. I think the boys will like it.” She pats my mom’s shoulder and looks me in the eye for the first time since she walked in. “Bye.”

“Bye, Vivi,” I give her a pathetic wave.

She stops at the door to look back at us. Some of the hair framing her face gets stuck on her smiling lips.

I imagine what it would feel like to push them behind her ear, letting my hand settle on the nape of her neck.

My mom puts her hand on my shoulder, getting my attention. “Honey, are you breathing?” There is a mischievous glint in her eye.

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