“Well, that’s not a deal breaker. I’m Catholic.”
“Right. So am I. And Julieta is having me go to all of these classes so we can get married in the Catholic Church. It’s a complete nightmare.” He gave a wry smile. “I want to elope, but she won’t even discuss it. But, happy wife, happy life.” He pointed to Julieta, who was kneeling in a pew, praying.
“The classes can’t be too bad. We did CCD.”
“Yeah, and I don’t remember shit. I doubt you do, either. Name a saint, Rico Suave.”
A saint? The first thing that came to him was that old movie his father used to love calledThe Saint, starring Val Kilmer.
His mind searched. He had to know at least one holy figure.
Finally, a name popped in his head. “St. Francis of Assisi.”
Ramón laughed. “You only know that one because he’s the patron saint of animals and the priest at our high school blessed our dog.”
Buddy, the designer Bernedoodle that their father bought them, was such a great dog. But Ramón was right—Enrique wasn’t religious at all.
“You win. But I’m not trying to date her. She’s attractive. I’m intrigued by her. Impressed. But I’m just doing Las Posadas as a favor, and I think it’s cool to learn about how other Mexicans celebrate Christmas. Julieta wanted to celebrate anyway. You should thank me.” Enrique had to be honest with himself—it wasn’t just a favor. He wanted to get the farm contract. “And I hope to at least have one good conversation with her about her farm. Then we can enjoy our holiday.”
“Famous last words. Be careful, man. You don’t want to hurt her—she looks pretty innocent.”
Enrique studied her, the way her lips moved softly as she murmured in prayer, the womanly shape of her hips as she knelt. “You just think that because she’s dressed like the Virgin Mary.”
Ramón shook his head. “Nope. From what I know about Señor Flores, she’s probably super sheltered. Though Blanca seems ready to break free.”
A lump grew in Enrique’s throat. He knew Ramón was likely right.
Jaime approached them. “When is this shit going to start, anyway?”
Ramón’s face contorted. “I don’t know. Relax, man. Do you have somewhere to be? It’s not late yet.”
“So what if I do?” Jaime pointed at Ramón’s face.
Enrique stepped in between his brothers. “Come on, let’s not fight in a church. What’s wrong, Jaime?”
Jaime sneered. “I’m just sick of both of you always telling me what to do. I’m afraid to look at Blanca the wrong way after you went off on me about not hitting on one of the Flores girls, but Tiburón can be all over her and you don’t say a word. You can rope us into this nightmare during my holiday break just so you can convince someotherstupid farm to grow our food? Bullshit.”
Ramón smirked. “Break from what exactly? Making TikToks?”
Jaime stepped into Ramón’s space; his chest puffed up for a fight. Great. Two of the three Wise Men were about to rumble. In a church. On the night they were celebrating Las Posadas.
Enrique moved between them again, then glared at Ramón. “Let’s drop it, okay?” He turned his attention to Jaime. “You’re right about us giving you a hard time. I’ll stop doing that. You aren’t interested in Blanca, though, are you? Tiburón is crushing on her.”
They all turned and stared at Tiburón, who was sitting next to Blanca in a pew with a Bible in his hand. She was looking up at him and smiling.
“Nah, man. I’m taking a break from women.”
Enrique stifled a laugh. “I’m sorry I roped you into this. I’ll make it up to you.”
Tiburón got up and joined them.
Enrique punched his shoulder. “How’s it going with Blanca? She seems super into you.”
Tiburón shook his head. “Well, she likes me, but that’s not the problem. She’s not allowed to date.”
Enrique’s face contorted. “What? Why?”
“Because her dad has this dumbass rule that she can’t date until Carolina dates.”
