When men comment on my looks, it usually feels hollow. With Chaz, however, it carries weight because I know he likes the whole me, not just what’s on the surface. “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.”
His quick grin further eases my tension.
Bitsy follows us into the kitchen. This is the family hub. Lively energy and the savory aroma from a large pan cooking on the stove fill the room. Fresh herbs line the windowsill, and the granite counters are cluttered with knickknacks and a bowl of glossy red apples. At the center of it all, Sophia, Dice, and the Vargases sit around the table, a game of dominos in full swing. Dice slaps a tile down on the wood top with a loud smack. “Boom!” He leans back with a triumphant grin. “Ya’ll can’t keep up.”
“Dice takes his dominos very seriously,” Chaz says with amusement, his hand still holding mine.
And in the next second, all eyes at the table are on me.
Eva is the first out of her chair. She’s petite and rounded, with a short, dark bob feathered around her ageless face. “Lexie,” she says, pulling me into a hug. “We’re so glad you could make it.”
“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Vargas. These are for you.” I hand her one of the bouquets—a white arrangement of calla lilies and chrysanthemums, accented with sprigs and silver and blue pinecones.
“How thoughtful.” She hugs me again. “These are stunning; you have excellent taste. And please, call me Eva. Any friend of C’s is family.”
“I can see that. Your home is very warm and inviting.”
“What a lovely thing to say. Come in, come in.” She ushers me further into the kitchen.
I know how to do this. Smile, offer genuine compliments, and don’t let the nerves show. Poise is what I’m trained in. Still, I latch onto Sophia’s familiar smile. In baggy cargo pants and a cropped sweater, her long sandy twists sway as she bounds over to greet me.
“Hi, Lexie!”
“Hi.” I hand her the other bouquet. “Happy Birthday.”
“Pink roses!” Her eyes light up, telling me I’d made the right choice. She presses her nose to the petals before thanking me with an exuberant embrace.
Although I didn’t grow up with much affection, Dee and Jordyn are big huggers, and it comes more naturally to me now.
“What about me?” Dice swaggers over. He’s about my height, slim, muscular build with a wavy fade and tidy beard to match. There’s a mischievous glint in his eyes that screamsplayer. “No flowers for the domino king?” He clutches his chest in mock offense.
“Had I known I’d be in the presence of royalty, I would have,” I laugh. “Next time.”
I extend my hand, but he kisses it with a theatrical flourish instead of a handshake. “Beautiful and quick. Will you marry me?”
Chaz playfully shoves him away, his arm sliding around my waist, his thumb brushing beneath my ribs. “Find your own woman.”
I realize it’s all in good fun, but my stomach still flutters, and my skin tingles from his words and touch.
Dice raises his palms in surrender, giving me a wink. “I’ll concede to the better man.”
Val Vargas approaches, laughing at their banter. He’s short and stocky, with a salt-and-pepper pompadour and kind eyes. “Bienvenda, Lexie! Welcome to our home,” he says in a thick Spanish accent. “I hope you came hungry.”
“I did. It smells wonderful.”
When the introductions are over, and we settle in with wine, Eva mentions my photography. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for the pictures of C and Bitsy.” At the sound of her name, Bitsy pops her head up from the floor, and Eva gives her a loving stroke. “You captured something very special.”
“Thank you.” I glow under her praise. “I’m glad you liked them.”
“We love them, don’t we, Val?” She glances toward her husband, who’s checking a pot on the stove.
“Yes.” He nods in agreement. “We framed some of the shots and hung them up in the family room.”
“I’m honored.”
Chaz nudges me, his voice full of conviction. “I keep telling Lex she needs a site to showcase her work.”
“You totally do!” Sophia agrees. “Those lake shots—like, sooo good.”
