“Why are you already setting yourself up for failure?”
“I-I’m not. I just?—”
“Unless you can predict the future, there is no reason why you can’t talk to her and communicate what you feel. You aren’t the same person you were a month ago.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. I believe in you, Danny. It’s time you start believing in yourself.”
“Cómo te fue?” Mom asks when I step into the kitchen after my session.
I stretch my arms over my head until I hear the muscles pop on my shoulders. I never knew talking about my feelings could be this exhausting.
“It was good. I told Jarvis I was ready to go back.”
Mom and Dad already knew about my plans to return. I talked to them about it yesterday after we had another lengthy chat about Adrian, baseball, and life. I never knew how badly I needed this—them—until I came home. But they’re not the only things I need.
She stops stirring what I think iscaldo de polloin a pot. “I’m going to miss you. You know we’re here for you. Anything you need, you call us and we’ll be over there.”
Dad steps into the kitchen, smiling at me. I’m still getting used to that, but I don’t feel as weird about it anymore. “You know, you can stay as long as you want and need. This will always be your home.”
“I know but I’m ready to go back. I miss the guys and playing. And since I’ve filled out the MLB link, I have meetings and many other things to do.” I submitted it a while ago, but after everything that happened, I never looked at my email until a few days ago. “I also have a lot of homework to make up.”
“Estamos bien orgullosos de ti.” Dad’s lips widen.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue doing. I wouldn’t be here without you.” I keep it short because Mom’s eyes are shining, and I just know she’s going to cry and then Dad might cry, and then I’ll stall and never leave.
“We’re your parents. You don’t need to thank us. Just keep doing your best.” Mom is standing in front of me. “Oh, and whenever you can, bring Josie to see the bakery.”
“We’re not…together.”
“Yet Daniel,yet. I didn’t raise you to be so negative.” She slaps my shoulder but then pulls me into a hug. “You want to eat before you leave?”
I glance at Dad who shakes his head, telling me it’s best if I shut up. He lives with her, so he has to put up with it, but I don’t.
“It’s seventy degrees, Mom. It’s too hot to eat that.”
She rolls her eyes. “One day you’re going to want my food, but you’ll be hours away.”
I laugh, hugging her tighter. “Yeah, just notcaldo.”
The house goes dead silent when I step in. Shocked eyes land on me but in a flash, they’re radiating pure joy. Kai and Gray jump up from the couch, barreling toward me, but Angel stands in front of me, keeps his back to me, lifting his hand up to stop them.
“He just got back. Give him some space,” he orders but then turns and hugs me. “Did you drive by yourself? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? We could’ve driven to?—”
“I thought you said to give him space? You’re literally suffocating him. Move.” Gray jerks him off me and hugs me next, but a moment later, Kai is doing the same thing.
“Give him some fucking space.” Noah jerks them all back. He doesn’t hug or touch me but gives me a head nod. “Everyone’s been miserable without you.”
“You included?” I grin.
He grimaces. “No.”
“Oh, he missed you. He’s just, you know, being Noah.” Kai snorts.
Noah rolls his eyes. “Are you back for good, or are you still taking a break?”
“Yeah, I’m back for good. Uh…” I comb my fingers through my hair, hating the nervous tumble in my stomach. “I’m sorry you guys had to witness that. I’m sorry for putting you all through that. I didn’t mean?—”
