“As you shouldn’t,” I say, “it looks wonderful, I love to swim.”
“Feel free to use it any time,” Sofía says.
“I might have a swim before I go to bed tonight, if that’s okay?”
“Of course,” Miguel says, before lifting his glass. “Now, a toast. To friends, family, and loved ones, Salud!”
“Salud!”
Being in their company is easy, the afternoon was spent relaxing on the deck before eating a meal together in the early evening. Donovan shared stories about Winbrook and how different it is from Tynerston University; at least he shared the carefully edited versions, I’m hoping to hear the real stories later.
It’s been nice seeing Sofía happy and settled too. Donovan’s told me a little bit about how awful her life was with his father, and even though things were better for her whenhe went to prison, she was left on her own, not wanting any further involvement with the club at all.
Donovan being awarded the scholarship for college was a huge relief for both of them, finances were tough without Frank’s income. But a couple of years ago, she met Miguel and remarried, and now here they are.
The night darkens and we move to the living room to watch a film; Miguel and Sofía each taking their comfy reclining chairs while Donovan and I take the sofa. We’re the type of friends who snuggle, so I nestle into him under the blankets and get comfy.
Partway through the film, the doorbell rings. By the surprised looks on their faces, I can tell Miguel and Sofía aren’t expecting anyone.
“Wait here, I’ll see what’s going on,” Miguel says.
With the film paused we can hear everything, the swipe of the chain, the latch unlocking, and the door opening. It’s quiet for a moment, until we hear Miguel say, “Welcome, please come in.”
The front door closes, and Miguel returns to the room. My heart practically stops when Diablo appears behind him, his eyes going straight to Donovan and I curled up on the sofa together.
“Mijo, Ángel!” Sofía cries, jumping up and throwing her arms around him.
“Beth,” Donovan says, a huge grin across his face, “why didn’t you tell me he was coming?”
“I had no idea that he was,” I say, not sure I’m doing a good job of hiding my shock, as I make eye contact with Diablo.
“Elizabeth,” he says, “imagine seeing you here.”
I try to ignore the way the syllables of my name roll off his tongue, I’ve never heard him say it before and it’s definitely making me feel things.
Sofía smiles at me. “You’re friends with Ángel as well as Donovan? How wonderful.” She takes Diablo’s arm and leads him out to the kitchen. “Ven mijo, necesitas comer.”
As soon as they’re out of earshot, I grab Donovan.
“I didn’t think Diablo spoke to your mom?”
Donovan shrugs. “He doesn’t, at least not since she divorced my dad. You really didn’t know he was coming?”
“No, how would I know that? Oh, and Angel?”
“Yeah, didn’t I tell you his real name’s Angel?”
“No, you definitely failed to mention that; I’m guessing no one but your mom uses it.”
“He doesn’t want anyone to use it, but can you imagine Mom calling him Diablo? I think he only puts up with it because she uses the Spanish pronunciation.”
“Hmm… I guess it also explains the story of his neck tattoo,” I say, thinking about the angel and devil that meet at his throat.
“Subtle, huh?” he says, before taking my hand and dragging me to the kitchen.
We find Diablo sitting at the breakfast bar eating leftovers from dinner, while Sofía fusses around him, clearly thrilled to have him here.
Miguel steps out from a room that I assume is his office, carrying a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. Pouring out a shot in each, he hands a glass to Diablo and keeps the other for himself, leaving the bottle on the bar for Diablo to refill his glass. They don’t say a word, instead raising their glasses and taking the shot.
