Once it’s closed behind them, I plop on the couch. What have I gotten myself into? This all could have been avoided if I insisted on helping with the last of the flower arrangements. But no, I let them talk me into taking the time to myself.
There are so many scenarios running through my mind. Going to a different place. Leaving and not giving Nathan the time of day. But no…I’m a glutton for punishment. I let myself be sucked in by the fact he was with someone younger and prettier. Having the time of his life while I’m the one responsible for the upbringing of the child we brought into this world together. I’m not upset about that part. Not in the slightest. David is the bright spot in all my days, even the difficult ones. But he was able to move on so easily while I’m stuck stagnant.
It’s fine. I don’t need a man in my life. All I need is my son and to focus on building an amazing life for the both of us. We’ve done okay so far. At least, I think so. He knows he’s loved, and even though this isn’t the newest house in the world, I’ve been able to rent Johnny’s old house on my own. I even fixed the hole in the kitchen floor. Well, re-fixed it. He was so focused on his wedding; he didn’t nail down an entire side. Like I said, perfectly capable of being on our own.
Sitting on the couch isn’t going to solve anything, though. I trudge to my room, doing my best to push tonight’s problems aside. I can’t solve them from home. I’ll have to muster up some false bravado tomorrow.
One last look at my phone before I lie down and this whole situation just got more complicated.
There’s a single text from Kate’s phone.
Kate: Way to go. It’s about damn time
I slide my finger across the screen to open the message and respond, but I stop in my tracks. There’s a picture of the three of them smiling and giving me a thumbs up. They are going to be so pissed when they realize it’s a sham.
6
Carlos
"Ven a comer."I know from years of experience not to argue with my mom. If she tells me to go eat, that’s what I’ll do. Any other decision is futile and she’ll take it as a slight. My grandma was the same way and so are my tias.
"I’ll be there in a minute." I need to finish pulling these weeds for her. I’ll have to head to work soon and I still have to shower. There’s no way in hell I’m going to work looking messy. Especially not when there’s a good chance Caroline will be coming in to get her book. She doesn’t seem the type to just leave it, even if it is ruined.
"Now, Carlos."
Shit. I pull the last of the weeds and toss them into the garbage can. I’ve left my mom waiting long enough. If I don’t go in now, she’ll come out and get me. I yank my gloves off as I walk toward the back door, and toss them on the patio table. My shoes come off next. If I track dirt through the kitchen, she’ll make me sweep.
The door swings open and I narrowly miss it hitting me in the face. "I’m here, calm down."
"The food is going to be cold if you go any slower." Mom opens the door wider and I’m kicking myself for not coming in sooner. It smells delicious.
"I know. I just wanted to finish pulling the weeds before I have to leave for work. You still want the best-looking yard in the neighborhood, right?"
"I’m capable of doing it myself."
"I know you are." And she is. She doesn’t do well with feeling like she’s less than. She’s done an amazing job since Dad passed away.
"Then why do you keep coming over here and trying to do everything for me?" Her hands are on her hips and I know she's offended. She only does that when she's about to lay into me.
"Because you're my mom. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. It's why I'm here. Even with my sisters. I would do whatever you ask of me." I sit down at the table. I'm not giving her a chance to slap my shoulder. She wouldn't do it hard, but still, it's not exactly something I want to fend off.
"You're a good boy." She walks to where I'm sitting and pinches my cheek like I'm five years old. This is the downside of coming to help her. She treats me like a child. Though, I'll never argue about getting food. I rarely cook since I spend so much time at the bar, and the smell of her food is possibly the best thing ever. Now if only I could talk her into making menudo. She usually only does it for special occasions. I don't know why. It's one of my favorites, and if she truly loved me, she'd make it.
"I'm grown, mom. There's no need to pinch my cheeks."
"Well, I have to do it to someone. Your sisters barely talk to me anymore."
"Because they are teenagers. What teenager wants to hang out with their parents?"
"You did." She's not wrong, for the most part. I was that weird teen that loved hanging out with his parents. Anytime they are around, it’s a good time. But it’s harder now that Dad is gone. I miss our talks about sports and work. It doesn’t help that I can still feel him here in the house, even though it’s been years.
"I need to leave soon. The bar needs to be opened up, and Angie won't be in today."
"But you haven't eaten yet."
"I know." All thanks to the path my mind went down in regards to my father. "Is there any way I can get it to go? I promise I'll eat it."
"I guess, mi amor." She sighs and grabs the foil from the cabinet. "I know you love your job, but it'd be nice to see more of you. You don't have to spend every waking moment there."