I didn’t argue. Couldn’t.
“She loves you too, you know?”
“You think?” I opened the truck door but didn’t climb in yet.
“Anyone with eyes can see it. You two have been circling each other for years. Only difference now is you got your heads out of your asses long enough to do something about it.”
I smiled despite myself. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I’m serious.” He straightened, his expression shifting to something more genuine. “You and Saffron? You’re meant to be. You always have been. So, quit overthinking it, and go get your girl.”
“What about Ma? Think she’ll be mad I’m missing dinner with the family?”
“She will be if you don’t tell her you’re gonna miss it.”
I rolled my eyes. “I planned to stop by on my way out of town.”
Kick waved a hand. “Then, you’re good. She won’t care. I mean, I’ve always been her favorite anyway.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
“It’s true, and you know it.” He grinned again. “Now, get out of here before you hit traffic.”
I climbed into the truck and started the engine. Kick stepped back, raising his mug in salute. “Drive safe. Tell Saffron I said hi.”
“Will do.”
“And, Snap?” He waited until I looked at him. “Stop being scared. She’s not going anywhere.”
I backed out of the driveway and headed for my mother’s house.
“I already know,” she said as soon as I walked inside and found her in the kitchen.
“Fuckin’ Kick,” I muttered under my breath, just not quietly enough apparently since she smacked me with the spatula she had in her hand.
“Your brother didn’t tell me. Diana did.”
“Seriously?”
“She wanted to make sure I was okay with her ‘stealing my son’ away for the holiday. I told her you weren’t my only son.”
“Thanks, Ma. That’s real nice.”
She set the spatula on the counter and hugged me. “I will miss you,mijo, but I’m happier that you’ll be with Saffron.”
“Me too. I just hope she’s happy about it.”
My mother patted my cheek. “You should propose to her.”
My eyes opened wide. “You don’t think it’s a little soon for that?”
When she picked up the spatula again, I backed away, which made her laugh. “You better get on the road, Salazar.”
I kissed her cheek and left.
The drive gaveme too much time to think.
Four hours alone with nothing but the road and my own head wasn’t doing me any favors. I thought about what Kick had said.You’re meant to be. You always have been.
