Mom turned my bedroom into a storage room after I graduated high school, but she still kept my sewing machine and desk. After I told her about my plans to launch an online store, she was more than happy to let me use the space and told me I can come over whenever I wanted.
I could probably squeeze the desk and sewing machine in my own room, but there’s no way I’d be able to fit all my materials in there—unless I plan on getting rid of my bed.
It had been months since I’d created anything. I hadn’tstepped foot inside a craft store or touched my sewing machine since I found out about Abuelo’s diagnosis.
As I sit behind my desk, feeding the fabric through the machine and keeping my foot on the pedal, I finally start to feel like myself again.
Working at Dauntless is still a drag, but I don’t let it affect me as much as it used to. Because now I have something to look forward to when I get off.
“It makes me so happy to see you smile. I’m so glad your passion is coming back.” Mom hugs me and places a kiss on my cheek.
“Me too.” Ollie nods. “I’m glad making clothes again has put you in a good mood. You’ve been so grouchy lately.”
Picking up a pillow, I whack him in the face.
“Ow!” He picks it up and whacks me back.
“That’s not the only reason she’s been in such a good mood,” Abuelo says, his mouth lifting into a smile.
“Abuelooo.” I narrow my eyes at him while Mom and Ollie exchange confused glances.
“I’m sure seeing Maddox again is contributing to her mood.” Abuelo’s smile widens.
“You two are back together?” Ollie sits up straight, his eyes widening with curiosity.
“When did this happen?” Mom crosses her arms, her lips curling downward. “How are you gonna tell Abuelo before you tell me?”
Staring at my lap, I twist my hands and avoid her burning gaze. “We’re not officially back together. We’re taking it slow and seeing where things go.”
Maddox and I have definitelynotbeen taking it slow, but my family doesn’t need to know that. I had planned on waiting longer until I gave myself to him again, but making love to him again has brought us closer. I wasn’t filled with regret the next day like I was with other guys.
Because Maddox isn’t some guy that I’m just using for sexual pleasure—even though he excels at it. He is the love of my life, and my soulmate.
I fill Mom and Ollie in about seeing Maddox at Dauntless and how I fell for him all over again.
“I’m glad you two are working things out,” Ollie says. “I've missed him.”
“I know you did,” I say, smiling softly.
Ollie was only seven when he met Maddox, and he really looked up to him. He would hog Maddox’s attention when he came over. They would watch anime and play basketball together. Maddox was the one who taught Ollie how to play.
“You should call him over for dinner,” Mom says.
“He just got back from traveling for games a few hours ago. He’s probably tired.”
“He won’t be tired once you tell him I’m cooking dinner. I know he loves my food.”
“Please invite him,” Ollie begs.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes and pull out my phone.
Hey, if you’re not too tired, my mom wants you over for dinner. She’s making lechón asado and yuca frites.
Maddox
Hell yeah, I’ll be there. I haven’t had Cuban food in so long. Well, besides you .
Lol I can’t stand you.
