“I wouldn’t miss today for anything, dear.”Abuela smiles at her granddaughter like she’s the greatest gift on earth.
I’m a little jealous of their relationship.I never knew my grandparents.All four of them had passed before I was born.
I back away from the doorway, motioning toward my place.“Come in.Come in.”
Bianca lets go of her grandmother but is quickly swept up in the arms of her father.Mrs.Hernandez steps inside and looks around, taking in the mostly empty space.
“Gallo,” Luis says as he steps through the doorway and gives me a chin lift.
“Luis, it’s great to see you, man.”I shake his hand, fully expecting him to squeeze my hand roughly to show his dominance, but he doesn’t.
“I won’t hurt you.At least not yet.”
“That’s nice of you.”I laugh.
“Sup?”Javi says as he comes to stand next to his brother and me.
“Javi.”I smile, but Luis’s still got my hand in his.
“Listen, Gallo.”Javi cracks his knuckles.“We like you as our quarterback, but dating our sister is another thing.And if you step over the line and make her cry, we’re going to make you hurt.”
I nod, knowing how it is between brothers and sisters.“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
I’m not worried anyway.I’m pretty sure I can not only outrun them, but I could take any punch they’d throw my way, returning it harder and faster.
“Let’s get you two a drink,” I say when Luis finally releases his death grip on my fingers.
“Your place is nice,” Mrs.Hernandez says as she plays with the pearls around her neck.
“I love what you did with Bianca’s place.I was wondering…” I rub the back of my neck, hoping she’ll take the bait.I think this is the perfect way to win over Mrs.H.“I was wondering if you’d help me decorate.”
She looks shocked at my words.“You want me to decorate your loft?”
I nod.“I went to your website after Bianca told me you decorated her condo.I love your designs.I need some help getting this place in shape.Would you be willing to help me?”
“Of course.”She smiles.“These lofts are a dream to design.All the light and open spaces.”
“Smooth,” Bianca whispers as she passes by me.
Right on cue, my father and mother come inside to greet Bianca’s family.My mother’s been excited for this day.My brothers’ and sister’s significant others didn’t have much family, so this is a new experience for all of us.
“I’m Betty,” my mother says before grabbing Bianca’s mother and giving her a bear hug.
I laugh as Bianca watches in horror, waiting for her mother to lose her shit.
“God, you’re so damn beautiful,” Ma says.
Mrs.Hernandez eats up the compliment.“I love your hair, Betty.I’m Luciana, but my friends call me Ana.”
“Ana, I’m so happy to finally meet you.I absolutely love your daughter.She’s the best thing to ever happen to my son.”
I’d have to agree.Even being picked in the first round of the draft doesn’t seem to compare to the high I get when Bianca’s around.
“Who’s this handsome devil?”Ma asks, turning her attention to Bianca’s father.
“I’m Jesús.”He grabs her hand, kissing it in much the same way my father does when he’s laying on the charm.
“Jesús.”My mother repeats and gives the man a hug.“Your family is beautiful.”
