“So, how’s college, little bro? Catch me up,” Diablo says.
I take a seat at the far end of the breakfast bar while Donovan sits next to him.
“It’s been great so far, my classes are really interesting, and the lecturers are incredible. One of them has been working in the field for the last five years, so he’s got these amazing stories. He’s reported from the craziest places and written groundbreaking articles on some fascinating countries and governments. Exactly the kind of journalism I want to do.”
“That’s great,” Diablo says, “sounds like it’s all working out.” He turns his attention to me. “And what about you, Elizabeth? How are you coping without Donovan?”
Before I have a chance to reply, Donovan chuckles and says, “I doubt she’s even noticed I’ve gone, probably loving all the free time she’s had to read.”
“Not really,” I say, looking at Donovan, “I’ve actually had too many distractions to get anything productive done, and I’ve missed you.”
He moves to my side and pulls me into a hug, kissing the top of my head.
“So cute together,” Sofía says, “aren’t they cute together, Ángel?”
Diablo watches us both, but I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze.
“I dunno,” he says, “I don’t see it.”
“Mamá,” Donovan says, “I’ve already told you a million times, Beth and I are just friends.”
“You can’t blame your mother for hoping,” Miguel says, “can’t you tell she’s fallen in love with Beth already.”
“Doesn’t everyone,” Diablo mutters.
Diablo
“So cute together,” Mom says, while Donovan hugs Elizabeth and kisses the top of her head. “Aren’t they cute together, Ángel?”
The image of them on the sofa together is burned into my mind, they were covered by the blanket, but his arm was clearly around her, and she was curled up into his side. I love my brother more than anyone in the world, but I wanted to rip his arms off for touching her and being able to have that with her when I can’t.
“I dunno,” I say, looking over at Elizabeth, “I don’t see it.”
“Mamá,” Donovan says, “I’ve already told you a million times, Beth and I are just friends.”
“You can’t blame your mother for hoping,” Miguel says, “can’t you tell she’s fallen in love with Beth already.”
“Doesn’t everyone,” I mutter, before I even have a chance to stop myself.
Shit. They glance at each other, confused about what I said; I need to change the subject.
“Have you worked out sleeping arrangements yet?” I ask my mom, “I can go and stay in a motel if that’s easier, I rode by a couple on the way into town.”
“No, mijo,” she says, “Beth and Donovan each have one of the guest rooms, but our sofa turns into a bed, you’ll be more comfortable here. Please stay.”
“Of course I’ll stay, Mamá.”
She claps her hands together and continues to fuss over me, offering more food and muttering about how she needs to cook my favorite for tomorrow.
“Speaking of sleeping arrangements,” Donovan says, “I’m wiped after the travel today so I’m heading up to bed. I’ll catch up with you properly tomorrow, D?”
“Sure thing, little bro.”
“It’s past our bedtime too,” Mom says, “there are sheets and pillows in the storage unit under the sofa, Ángel. Do you need me to help you with the bed?”
“No, gracias Mamá, I’ve got it.”
“Before I head up,” Miguel says to Beth, “let me show you how the lock works on the back door.”
