1
Miguel
Most people avoid usingtheir phone in the bathtub for the logical reason that they could drop it into the water and break it. And of the people whodotoy with destiny by scrolling in the tub, I would hazard a guess that they were a lot more dexterous and confident in their agility than me.
I was not one of those people.
Graceful was the opposite word I'd use to describe myself. I was a clumsy oaf and took my chances dropping an expensive machine into the water every night.
I was a simple man. I liked to eat, sleep, and relax. My routine after finishing work was to grab a bite to eat, then fill up the bathtub with steamy water and a good helping of bubble bath. Sometimes it was the gentle, floral scent of baby bubble bath. Sometimes it was the explosive, sizzling fragrance of a bath bomb. Once in a while I went a little crazy and switched it up with soaking salts instead.
Relaxing can get a little boring, though, so I always bring my phone. Why just relax when I could relax and mindlessly scroll my feed at the same time?
"Ooh," I mumbled as a clickbait article caught my eye. "HowcanI declutter my space in five easy steps...?"
My ringtone suddenly blared, blasting me in the face and ricocheting off the tiled walls. I yelped. Water splashed everywhere and I narrowly avoided dropping my phone in the water. It was a miracle my fingers didn't slip.
My sister Maria was calling.
"Geez," I mumbled, my heart racing as I fumbled with the unlock button. It was difficult to press since my skin was damp. When I finally got it, I said, "Hey, sis."
"Hi, Miguel!" My sister's voice was bright and cheery. "Is this a good time?"
I blew out a breath to calm my racing heart. I noticed some water had sloshed onto the floor, soaking my floor mat.
"Good a time as any," I said, reaching over to nudge the mat further away from further carnage. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing much," she said in the tone of someone who’s withholding a surprise. "You first."
"Hey, you calledme.You gotta lead the conversation here."
"Sorry that I want to know how my big brother is faring in life," she teased. "Are you taking one of your baths again?"
I eyed the moat of pink bubbles surrounding me. "And what if I am?"
"Nothing. I think it's cute that you do that every night. You're like a tired mom taking a staycation. Except you don't have kids running around and screaming, with piles of dirty laundry languishing in the background."
Kids no, laundry yes. Though I didn't think the idea of a kid or two running around with an above average volume was so bad. Eventually. Not that kids were going to happen when I was single. Which was something my entire family—except Maria, thank god—constantly harped on me about.
"Moms have the right idea. Can't a guy soak in the tub in peace?" I asked.
"Yes, Miguel, you can. Anyway, there's something I wanted to tell you."
"Finally. Spill it, sis."
She paused, building up the juicy suspense. "Do you remember my fiancée, Sally?"
"Duh. How could I not remember?"
"Well... we're getting married."
Pink bubbles sloshed all over the floor as I exploded upwards. My feet slipped on the tub floor as I scrabbled for purchase and I narrowly avoided dunking my phone. When I safely grabbed the edge of the tub, I blurted out, "You're getting WHAT?"
Maria laughed. Her laugh was always beautiful but right now she sounded happier than usual. "Married! Sally finally said we should set the date. I wanted you to be the first to know."
My chest clenched with affection. Out of everybody, Maria chose to tell me first.
"Maria, that's amazing, I'm so happy for you," I said. "When's the date?"
