Page 60 of Brews & Bartenders

“I don’t think so.” I lean against his chest. Even on unexpected, rushed mornings like this, his mere presence gives me comfort. Makes me feel like I'm on steady ground.

“Have you heard from his dad?”

“Nope.”

“As much as I don’t like the guy, it’ll be pretty shitty if he doesn’t show up for his first game.”

I shrug my shoulders, even though it’s difficult in his grasp. “We’ll see if he shows. But I’m not holding my breath.”

“At least David will have an entire section of the bleachers shouting for him.”

“That he will.” I wiggle out of his hold. Not because I want to, but I have things that need to get done. “I need to go help Emily. I feel horrible that she has to do the delivery on her own.”

“I can take David to the game if you need a little extra time.”

“It’s okay. I mentioned helping her deliver them, and she refused. At least it’s not an order for a full wedding. It’s only a quinceñera.”

Carlos chuckles, “You’ve obviously never been to one. They are usually about the size of a wedding. But the main place to put decorations is on the tables.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know that. Maybe I should let her know. “Well, that’s all the person ordered, so I’m guessing what we have is enough. Luckily, they chose flowers we have in stock.”

“Good deal.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll let you get back to work. If you need anything, let me know.”

I will. “Be careful picking up your sisters.” Those three words are on the tip of my tongue, but I don’t say them. It’s too soon. No matter how much I’m falling for this man.

“I will. See you in a few hours.” He walks out the door, and it takes everything in me to turn around and get to work. I’d much rather be going with him.

26

Carlos

My sisters are drivingme insane. When they said they’d be ready in an hour…they meant three. I don’t know why they had to do their makeup and hair to sit in the warm sun on some uncomfortable bleachers. It makes no sense to me. And now, we’re running late.

I fire off a text to Caroline because I don’t want her to think I’m standing them up. That’s not the type of guy I am.

Carlos: Running late. Apparently, my sisters need five thousand hours to get ready.

Caroline: It’s okay. We’ve saved you a spot.

Thank goodness she’s understanding. I glance at the clock; we might make it before kickoff if we push the speed limit.

“Are you sure y’all are good with hanging out at my house tonight?” It’s been a long time since they’ve done that. Since Dad was alive.

“Do you have Netflix?” Marisol asks.

“Yes.”

“What about Disney?” Gabriela adds.

“Yes.”

They both giggle, but it’s Marisol who answers, “Then as long as we have food, we’ll be fine. We’re teenagers not toddlers.”

I long for the days when they were. They didn’t talk back. Well, not much. And they were easier to be around. This whole teen girl thing is something I’ve never had to endure in my own house. It’s hard to know when they are being sincere, or assholes.

“After the game, we’ll run by the store and get the two of you some snacks and food.” My fridge isn’t stocked because them staying overnight was a last minute decision. They practically bombarded me when they finished getting ready. I mean, who wants to hang out with their grown ass brother over their teenage friends? I should be grateful they think I’m cool enough to hang out with.

“Awesome,” They say in unison. If you didn’t know better, you’d think they are twins, but they are about a year and a half apart. I was already out of the house when both of them were born. Considering I wasn’t around much, it’s a wonder we’re somewhat close.

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