It’s hard to believe that I’m actually thinking that, but I am. Granted, there’s this gnawing feeling. I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but I can’t help but feel like I’m overlooking something. I just don’t know what it is.
“It’s about time you came,” Pen says as we make our way down the steps to take our seats in the stadium.
“I kind of gave Daniel an ultimatum. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” That’s a lie. I would have definitely been here. Before, I didn’t have a reason, but now I do. He’s mine.
“What was that?” she asks, elated.
“That if I didn’t see any improvements during our lessons, I wouldn’t come.” I follow behind her as she steers us into the row we’ll be sitting in. The row right next to the home dugout.
We take our seats and then she turns to look at me. Her eyes soften in admiration and her smile equally matches it. “Thanks for not giving up on him.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m just?—”
“I do. He trusts you and has made more progress with you than he ever has with anyone.”
“Did he tell you about it?”
“Not willingly. I had to pry it out of him. He doesn’t sound anxious talking about it like he used to. And he raves about you, so you must be doing something right.” She grins.
“He does?” I twist my ring, hating how easily my cheeks warm. I’ve no doubt she’s clocked it because she’s giddy now.
“Yeah, it’s ‘Josie said I’m doing a good job’ or ‘Josie said she believes in me’ and ‘Josie this, Josie that.’” She leans in like she’s going to tell me a secret. “I know this is going to sound biased because he’s my brother, but please give him a chance. He’s—and don’t tell him I said this—a pretty great guy. He cooks, he’s sweet, his love language is acts of service, he’s loyal. That’s not even one fourth of all his great qualities. Put him out of his misery and give him a chance. I promise he’ll be good to you.”
My face is on fire and my lips are stretched so wide, my cheeks are starting to ache. I’m telling myself to cool it, but I can’t. Daniel told me he wouldn’t say anything about us until I gave him the green light.
I’ve been holding off because I’m afraid to make it real and then for everything to fall apart. I don’t want to be scared, but Daniel isn’t someone I’m messing around with for the hell of it. This is real and he’s special to me. I don’t want to mess things up.
“I can’t…” I nervously tinker with the button on my jersey.
“Oh wait. You don’t like him?” She backs away, face full of regret. “Don’t listen to me, and don’t feel bad about it. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be pushy, but Danny likes you and I thought maybe you liked him because of the kiss at the bar. I completely misread the signs.” She gives me a tight-lipped smile. “So…are you guys in a…friends-with-benefits kind of situation?” She scowls at her question, like she’s disgusted to know that about her brother.
I can’t relate but I guess I get it. If I had a sibling, I wouldn’t want to know either.
“No, in arelationshiptype of situation.”
She stares at me, perplexed. “Wait, what?”
I shouldn’t say anything. This is something I should probably talk to Daniel about, but this is his sister. Maybe he won’t mind.
“We’re together. We’re just taking it slow.”
Her jaw falls slack, but slowly her lips curl into a radiant smile. She sits up, crossing a leg over the other, hand gripping the armrest. “So technically you guys are dating?”
I guess it’s time to call it what it is. “Yeah, we’re dating. Daniel’s my boyfriend.”
That sounds crazy to say but so nice. I really like the sound of that.
“I knew it!” an eager voice says behind me.
My body goes rigid, my neck too stiff to turn, but I don’t have to because I recognize that voice.
“Hola.” Pen stands and greets her parents. When she sits, they stay standing, staring down at me. His mom, Esmeralda, is wearing the same smile Pen is, but her dad, Julio, he’s just staring at me.
This isn’t how I wanted to introduce myself to them again. I’ve spoken to his mom before but never his dad, except that one time we said hello at the bonfire.
When I don’t stand, Esmeralda bends down to hug me, catching me by surprise. I know I should probably return it, but I don’t. She doesn’t look offended when she draws back.
“I’m so happy you came. I brought you the bread you told me you like so much.Conchas,mantecadas, andorejasbut we left it in the hotel room. I would’ve brought it if I knew you’d be here. I’m sorry.”
