“Buenos dias, mijo.”
I nod my head to Miguel, “Morning.”
“Morning,” he says, “was the sofa bed okay?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
Elizabeth smirks, knowing I spent very little time on it.
“Waffles, mijo?” Mom asks.
“I’ll get it, you enjoy your breakfast.”
I head to the counter and serve up a plate for myself before sitting next to Miguel, not because I want to sit near him, but because it puts me directly opposite Elizabeth so it’s easy to get looks in without being too obvious.
“Please can you pass me the syrup, Elizabeth?” I ask, desperately trying to keep my usual aloof expression instead of smiling at her like I really want to.
I catch it as she slides it over and dig in. The waffles are amazing; I really do miss my mom’s cooking.
“So what’s the plan for today?” I ask.
“We’re relaxing by the pool, because tonight we’re going to a gallery event,” Mom says, “Guadalupe Mendoza is showcasing her new art collection.”
“I’m so excited, Sofía,” Elizabeth says, “I looked up her work and it’s incredible.”
Her expression tells me that she’s not just being polite, she genuinely loves the artwork. The thought of being able to see her smile like that all evening is too much to resist.
“Can I come along?” I ask.
Miguel lowers his paper slightly, Donovan freezes with his fork halfway to his mouth, Elizabeth keeps her gaze down towards the table but her eyes widen, and my mom looks at me with a shocked expression.
“What?” I ask.
“You want to come with us?” Mom asks.
“Yeah, I’m here to spend time with you all, what am I gonna do, stay here?”
That answer seems to satisfy Donovan and Miguel who go back to eating and reading, but tears fill Mom’s eyes as she says, “Sí, sí, please come with us.”
Elizabeth glances up at me and smiles but I have to look away before I break out into a grin.
The rest of the day is spent lounging by the pool; I didn’t bring anything to swim in, but I’m more than happy to sit back and watch Elizabeth swim, sunbathe, read, chat to Donovan… Shit, I’d watch her do anything. I have to keep averting my gaze whenever my mom looks over and catches me staring, she keeps giving me these smiles and nods, as though she knows about us, but she can’t… right?
When the sun goes down, the others head inside to get ready for the event. I’m the only one without a change of clothes, so my usual black jeans and button up shirt will have to do, at least they were freshly laundered this morning. I meet Donovan and Miguel in the living room, both also wearing shirts and smart trousers.
I smile as Miguel’s face lights up when Mom walks in.
“Muy bonita, mi amor,” he says.
I nod. “You look great, Mamá.”
Donovan wolf whistles and Elizabeth laughs behind me, when I turn around my breath catches in my throat.
She’s wearing a sleeveless bottle green dress which hugs her figure perfectly, showing all of her curves, and the low neckline highlights her smooth porcelain skin. The dress goes to just below her knee and her legs look incredible in the heels she’s wearing. She’s added a touch of makeup, but not much, and her hair is flowing down her back in gorgeous waves.
“You look beautiful, mija,” Mom says, her hands clasped together under her chin as though she can’t believe her eyes. She gives me a pointed look. “Doesn’t she look beautiful, Ángel?”
Everyone’s eyes are on me. I want to tell her that she’s the most stunning creature I’ve ever seen, I want to take her in my arms and never let her go, tell everyone to leave so I can spend the night worshiping every inch of her.
