Page 21 of Hot for the Lifeguard
"Thank you. But I'll just have whatever you think I should try," she says to my mom, which is the best thing she could've ever said.
I'm proven right when my mom's eyes light up with Diana's response. My mom looks over at me with tears in her eyes mouthing, "She’s perfect." Returning her focus back to Diana, my mom tells her, "I'll bring you guys Luca's favorite dish from when he was a boy."
Diana turns toward my mother, grinning. "Will you tell me more about when he was a little boy?"
My mom's grin gets even wider. "Let me tell the cook what you want, and I'll come back."
"Great," Diana says smiling, her gaze returning to me with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
Once my mom leaves, I lean over the table. "Sorry about my family. I didn't know that she would invite everyone."
"It's okay. This is kind of great," she says, shrugging her shoulders as she looks around the room taking everyone in. Right at that moment, my mom and cousin sit down in the booth, pushing me closer to the wall. They don't even give me any thought as they begin talking with Diana.
"So, tell me what Luca was like as a little boy," Diana says.
"When he was a little boy, Luca was always so kind taking care of his mama and sisters," my mom says, pinching my cheek and I roll my eyes.
"One time, his older brother and his friends were throwing mud at his baby sister. Luca came out and tackled them to the ground, yelling, ‘My sister doesn't like that.’”
They giggle as my cousin opens her mouth to tell her own story but, thankfully, my dad brings our food. As he places it down, he points to my mom and cousin. "Let them have some peace. At least while they are eating."
Both of them nod and get up to leave. I look over at my dad. "Thanks."
He looks over at Diana and asks, "Can I get an autograph before you leave?"
"Dad," I groan.
"What? I just want an autograph."
"You couldn't ask after we were done eating?"
"I didn't want to forget."
Diana places her hand on my forearm. "It's okay." She looks up at my dad smiling. "Of course. I would love to give you an autograph. Do you want to go get whatever you want me to sign?"
"Sure. I'll bring it over," he tells her, leaving us behind.
She looks down at her plate which is filled with a tamale and a taco. Picking up her fork, she takes a big bite. "Mmm...this is good. I can see why you wanted to bring me here."
After seeing her take a bite and seeming to enjoy it, I'm finally able to relax. I try not to look too hard at why I want her to like this place so badly. Picking up my own fork, I take a big bite of the food. "Dad did do a great job."
She nods but continues to eat her food, and I can't help but smile. There’s a sense of pride knowing that I was able to provide her with a plate of food that she enjoys.
Chapter 16
Diana
It's my last night here in Los Cabos and I can't help but feel a wave of sadness settle over me. This past week has been one of the best weeks of my life and I know that it's all because of Luca. I'm not sure that I'm ready to leave him behind, making me feel like I should consider retirement more.
Luca even took me to dinner at his parents’ restaurant tonight, where his family tells funny stories and the food has been amazing. The night is passing by quickly.
I'm sitting at a booth with one of his sisters and a cousin when Luca comes up and asks, "Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah," I say, getting up from the table. Luca places his hand out and I take it as we walk outside to his car.
While we're driving back to the resort, Luca seems tense. My mind races wondering what could have happened that is making him seem standoffish. I try to replay the night, seeing if I can think of anything that could've gone wrong when he asks, "Is it okay if I take you to one more spot before we go back?"
"Sure," I say.
