Page 97 of Resisting Isaac
And yet, it’s growing on me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
elena
Las Cruces, New Mexico
The thing about flying in a small plane with a cowboy you may or may not be falling in love with is that you feeleverything.
Every bump in the sky.
Every glance that lingers too long.
Every truth you’re too scared to say out loud.
Other than giving me another flight lesson, Isaac doesn’t talk much on the way here, but he touches me every chance he gets.
We land just before lunch, the sun high and unforgiving.
Home sweet home.
I’m able to borrow a truck from a family friend working at the air strip.
By the time we get to my parents’ modest adobe house tucked off a dirt road, my nerves are frayed, and my heart is lodged somewhere between myribs and throat.
I warn Isaac quickly. “I didn’t give them much notice and I didn’t tell them I was bringing anyone. If I had, it would’ve been a whole community production, and we’d never escape unscathed.”
“We leave whenever you say, spitfire. I’m just here for moral support.”
Before I can thank him, my mother opens the door wearing one of her fancier house dresses, rosary beads dangling from one hand like a weapon, and a pinched look that only deepens when she sees Isaac behind me.
“Estás flaca,” she says instead of hello.You’re too thin.
I brace for the rest.
She doesn't disappoint.
“Who is this?” she asks, narrowing her eyes like Isaac’s a stray dog I dragged home.
“This is Isaac. He?—”
“Never mind who he is,” she snaps. “I told Diego you were coming. He’s on his way over.”
Well, fuck.
“Mamá,” I warn.
She turns and walks inside without another word.
Isaac lets out a slow breath behind me and mutters, “Friendly woman.”
My dad is in his recliner. Thin but swollen, breathing through his nose like every inhale costs him. But when I lean in for a hug, he squeezes me back.
“My girl,” he rasps. “You bring life into this house again.”
In more ways than you know.
“Hi, Papa.” I turn to face them both. “This is Isaac Logan. His family owns the ranch we’re filming theWelcome to Paradiseshow on. I told you about it.”
