Page 81 of Hold Still

Ozzy

AFTER MY MORNINGswim and shower, I pull on my usual outfit of T-shirt and shorts and lay back on my bed. Feeling restless, I turn to my side and pick up my phone. Not wanting to seem like a pussy and text McKenna again, I choose a different contact.

“Hola, Mamí.”

“Ozzy! So good to hear from you. How are things going out in Las Vegas?”

“They’re … interesting. I’ve been writing new songs for my album.”

“That’s great. Write any songs about your dear old Mamí in Puerto Rico?”

I chuckle at her question. “Well, the whole vibe is much more Puertoriqueño than my last album. Tío Miguel would love it.”

“I bet I will, too.”

I turn my head on my pillow. “So, Mom. I wanted to run something by you. Teresa sent me a letter.” Via Luis, but I don’t share this piece of news.

Her voice takes on a hard edge. She spits, “She did?”

Gotta love a momma bear looking out for her cub. Even if this cub is now thirty-eight-years-old. “Yeah. Among other things, she said I didn’t listen to her when she wanted to share news about her college life.”

“Well, sounds like sour grapes to me. You’re a huge star now. I think she’s trying to make you feel guilty.”

“And do what? Take her back?”

“Oh, she was a master-manipulator. I saw that right from the start. I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t want to get her hooks back into you. You’re well rid of her.”

“She’s ten million bucks richer now, ‘cause of me. I’d never look twice at her again.”

“Money well spent.”

The note of finality to her tone shifts my focus from my past to my future. “Besides, I’ve met someone out here.”

“You have? Tell me about her.”

I play with the pillowcase. Sucking in a breath, I admit, “Her name’s McKenna and she’s a graphic designer. She’s working on the Artist Adventure Avenue Project that some of my songs will be featured in.”

“I remember your telling me about the Project. She sounds smart.”

I push back against the headboard. “She is. And she’s funny. Plus, she doesn’t let me get away with anything.”

“I like her already. When can you bring her here to meet the familia?”

My eyes go wide. “Slow down there, mamacita. We’ve only started dating.”

“You’re still planning on coming here in January, right? Maybe then?”

I roll my eyes. Why did I think calling Mamí was a good idea? Oh yeah, because McKenna’s not here. Deciding to ignore her last comment, I ask about my brothers and sister, which takes her down a different path. Once I’m all caught up, I promise to call her again soon, and hang up with an “I love you.”

Bans barking at the front door brings me down the stairs.

“Down!” McKenna points to the floor, juggling her laptop. “Ozzy!” she yells in frustration.

The golden retriever only wants to lick McKenna’s face, but I can’t convince her of that. “Bans, come.”

Immediately, Bans turns and sits at my heel. A smile works its way across my face as I drink in the frazzled beauty in front of me. Giving the dog a hand command to stay, I approach McKenna, take her laptop case and put it on the floor. And proceed to join my lips to hers. “A day was too long away from you.”

She runs her fingers through my hair, then down to brush against my stubble, her finger ending up on my bottom lip. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

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