Finally, she smiles. “I’m done eating. Let’s go get me a ring.”
I grab her plate before she can protest.
“As you wish.”
Chapter 11
Latin Lover Boy
Mateo
I’m getting married tomorrow. As in, tonight is Thursday night, and by this time tomorrow, we’ll be married.
How is this my life?
The creek of the wooden chair beneath me keeps me grounded to the present as I shift in my seat. I’m struggling to keep up with everything happening around me, my mind freezing as I see my past and my future collide thanks to my spur-of-the-moment decision.
I can’t take my eyes off of Holly. She’s sitting between Cruz and Reina across the table and a few seats down from me. I’m grateful Cruz’s summer semester was light enough that she could get away for the weekend. I’m doubly grateful her soccer coaches were forgiving about missing two practices. Soccer means everything to Cruz, but I’m happy her fame hasn’t pulled her away from her family-first attitude.
I should have known getting Cruz, Reina, and Holly together would be like creating the three musketeers. They are thick as thieves and their giggles bring a smile to my face. I shove another forkful of chicken Alfredo in my mouth as I watch them laugh together. Holly’s face is bright and happy—a far cry from the look she had after Jorge ruined our lunch earlierthis afternoon.
After ring shopping, we went back to her house so she could document Jorge’s surprise arrival at lunch. It took everything within me to not break something when I flipped through all the papers she had printed of threats and stalker-type encounters with him. He has been such a stalker and boy oh boy does that frustrate me to no end. This is modern times and a round of fisticuffs isn’t the way to solve problems like this, but I wish I could challenge him to a duel. I even have a great cowboy hat to wear to the shoot-off.
Not to mention, I would win.
The bright part of the afternoon was when we went ring shopping together. It brought out Holly's smile again, and I could tell she was feeling better. We joked and laughed, breaking even more of the awkward ice between us before things get real tomorrow. Holly’s giggles as I picked out the most obnoxious rings soothed my soul after our unsettling lunch.
My lips twitch as I remember Holly settling on a simple gold band with three large cubic zirconium diamonds in the middle. It’s a classic look and very much Holly.
I chose a thin gold band and a silicone ring to wear when I’m working on the farm or in the wood shop. I made sure the gold was real for both of our rings because one day I’ll replace her fake diamonds with real ones.
The trio of women break into laughter and I catch Holly’s eye. Her cheeks turn pink before she breaks eye contact with me to look up at Cruz, who is sitting a head taller than Holly. Cruz is almost as tall as I am, having hit a late growth spurt her senior year. It’s cute seeing the height difference between these women.
Actually, it’s just Holly. Holly is the cute one. I couldn’t care less about my sister and best friend and how they look right now.
My mami’s hand grips my forearm, bringing me back to the present. My dad is busy chatting with Alex, so all of Mami’s attention is on me. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for the questions I’ve beenavoiding all evening.
She softly whispers, “Hijo, are you okay?”
Mami’s voice is gentle, with a slight salvadoreño accent. She’s lived in the United States since she was a small child, but she works to keep her accent and the connection it gives her to her family and her roots.
Her accent is more prominent tonight, and I know that usually happens when she is feeling deeply about something. There’s a twinge in my heart. It’s going to be weird not hearing her voice daily.
Who am I kidding? I’ll still hear it. She’ll probably call me every day, and I will answer every time I’m able.
“Sí, Mami. I’ve been thinking about the future.”
She frowns. “I’m worried, hijo. Marriage should be with your amor, and this is happening so fast.”
I pat her hand. “I know, Mami.” I shrug. “But how many women could I marry in Bolt? I know this isn’t what you dreamed of for me, but I feel peace about my wedding.”
Her eyebrow raises and her chocolate brown eyes stare into me. Mami can read me like a book, and I’m a hundred percent expecting her to unearth the secret of how I feel about Holly and the fact that this marriage is a sham. I have no doubts she will. It’s her special Canela Rivera de Watson skill.
Or maybe it’s the fact that she’s my mother.
Either way, I’m prepared for a heart-to-heart moment right now.
She squeezes my arm. “Marriage is sacred, mijo. It’s supposed to be about love and commitment. It’s supposed to happen in a church, not the courthouse. I want you to find and marry tu amor. How do you know that you love her?” Her eyes mist over, and the next thing I know, I’ve wrapped her in my arms and am stroking her thick hair.
