Marcello turned back to Rex. “You gonna be able to get the chair into the convertible? Cachi can’t lift it.”
“Marcello!” I said, a little louder than necessary. When all eyes turned to look at me, I felt embarrassed for Rex, for my stupid friend, and for practically shouting at him.
“Tell you what,” Rex said. “If Mars can help get my chair into the back of Cachi’s car, you can leave now. Cachi can take me home and then I’ll have Alain help with the chair or a neighbor if he ain’t home yet. See? The cripple’s got the situation all figured out.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“Yeah, you did,” Rex said. “But that’s fine.”
“What’s happened with you two?” I asked as Mamá, my auntie, and uncle slipped quietly out of the room.
Marcello didn’t answer, just glared at Rex.
“I’m sorry, Cachi,” Rex said. “I didn’t mean to start somethin’ in your house. I just wanted to come and talk to you a bit. I have some things to say.”
I nodded. “Si, and I have things to tell you, Rex.”
“I need to apologize too, Cachi,” Marcello said, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. “I was shitty trying to start something with him in front of you. If you think it’s okay, I’ll just grab that ride back to the office with Mars.”
I walked over to him, throwing my arms around him and squeezing him hard. “It’s okay. You no apologize. It’s no necesario, Marcello. We are friends. I know that.” I patted his back as he hugged me harder than usual. When he stepped back, he looked embarrassed. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
Rex cleared his throat. “Can I—can I talk to you, Biagi?” His expression was open and honest as he stared at my friend.
Marcello looked between Rex and me. “Okay, I guess.”
Rex nodded sharply. “Cachi,” he said, looking at me. “I’m gonna go thank your family before we leave. I’ll come right back.”
“Oh, okay.”
He looked at Marcello. “Wait for me.”
“Sure,” Marcello said.
Rex wheeled out of the room, and Mars stood.
“I’ll come with you, Rex.”
I watched them leave the room before saying, “What the hell happen? Marcello? You fight with Rex?”
He looked slightly embarrassed. “I wouldn’t call it a fight exactly, Cachi. I just told him what I thought about the way he pushed you out of his life. He treated you very badly. I just think he’s a really shitty person.”
I blinked at him and then blinked again, shaking my head. “No, Marcello. Is not true. Rex, he is wonderful.”
Marcello shrugged. “I know you love him, so of course, you’d say that, no matter what I say.” He was going to say more but closed his mouth when Rex and Mars came back into the room. Mars was carrying a Tupperware container, no doubt filled with more food.
Rex stopped as he came up, glancing between us, probably realizing he’d intruded due to the silence that hung heavily in the room. “Did I interrupt?”
Marcello sighed as he looked at Rex. “No, it’s fine. We were done.” He waved at Rex. “You said you wanted to talk with me?”
Rex nodded. “Yeah, in private.” He glanced at me. “Stay here, Cachi? It’ll only take a minute or so.”
I nodded. “Okay, Rex.” I watched him wheel toward the door as Marcello threw his arm around my shoulder.
“Don’t let him treat you badly, Cachi. You’re a wonderful man. I hope you know it.” He punctuated the whispered words with a tight hug before letting go. I couldn’t say anything because my throat felt tight with emotions. I just nodded at him.
He smiled and whirled on a heel before striding after Rex.
REX
