Cody’s bottom lip quivered, and I had the sudden wish that I could pout at Miguel to make him stay. Miguel wagged his finger at Cody. “None of that. I promise we’ll be able to play together another day.”
Cody sniffled and said, “Okay.”
Miguel said goodbye to Allie and then to me. He looked almost sad when he left, which was even more confusing. After he was gone, I shook myself and took a breath. “All right, how about we go get some ice cream.” Cody cheered and Allie glared at me. “Come on,” I wheedled, “It’s a nice day. We can walk over to Day’s Ice Cream Parlor.”
Allie put me in charge of Cody, and we were on our way. After we got our ice cream and were sitting at a table near the window inside the ice cream parlor, my sister looked at me and asked, “Okay, what is up with you and Miguel?”
My stomach twisted and I swallowed hard. “Nothing,” I answered. “Nothing is up with us.”
She glanced at Cody and then leaned in close to me and whispered, “That right there is total bullshit.” She leaned back and continued. “Don’t lie to me, Zach. When Miguel left for his date, you looked like someone kicked your puppy.”
I opened my mouth to deny her claim, but I couldn’t. “Allie…I…”
Allie helped Cody with his ice cream and then reached across the table and put her hand over mine. “Zach, I love you. You’re my big brother, and you’ve always been there for me. Nothing you tell me will change that.”
I took in a shuddering breath. “Nothing is happening between Miguel and I, but…” I hesitated as if speaking it into existence would somehow jinx it.
“But…” Allie prompted.
“But I want something to happen.” I let out an explosive breath and slumped in my seat.
“How long have you felt this way?” she asked.
I ran my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know. A while, I think. From the first time I saw him at Moonlight, I was drawn to him. I’ve always liked talking to him. Lately, it’s been more. I want to spend more time with him. But last week, after he told me he was going out on a date, I realized I wanted him. That I was attracted to him.” I clenched my fist. “I want to beat down anyone who touches him.”
“I’m guessing you haven’t said anything to him about it,” Allie said.
I shook my head. “I don’t know what to say. I barely know how to talk to women. I have no idea what to say to a man. Especially a man like Miguel.”
“What do you mean, a man like Miguel?”
“Miguel is pretty,” Cody said.
Out of the mouths of babes,I thought. I gestured toward Cody. “What he said. Miguel is gorgeous, successful, put together, and confident. What does a guy like me have to offer someone like him?”
Allie reached across the small table and smacked the side of my head. Cody got a very serious expression on his little face. “No hitting, Mommy. That’s bad.”
“You tell her, little man,” I said. “What was that for?”
Allie picked up Cody and put him on her lap. “I’m sorry, baby, but Uncle Zach was being mean to himself.”
Cody looked sad. “Don’t be mean, Uncle Zach. You’re nice.”
I was going to melt. My nephew was such a sweetheart. “Thank you, Cody.”
“Cody’s right,” Allie said. “You are nice. You’re kind and caring. And youaresuccessful.” When I shook my head, she pointed at me. “Are you or are you not a staff sergeant in charge of the motor pool in the Army National Guard?”
“I am,” I muttered.
She put her hand behind her ear. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”
I huffed out a long sigh. “I am,” I replied in a louder voice. “I guess it just doesn’t feel like the kind of success people care about.”
Her expression softened. “Zach, I know it’s been hard for you all these years, being in charge when you shouldn’t have been. Never getting any kind of thanks from either of our parents. Taking care of me and taking care of Cody. And I know you’ve had some really crappy girlfriends in the past who made you feel bad about what you do for a living. But you’re more than what you do for a living. So much more. I love you, and I am proud of you.”
My eyes misted over, and I blinked away tears. “Thanks, Allie. I love you too.”
She reached over and squeezed my hand. “If you like Miguel and you want to try dating him, you have to tell him.”
