“Smells good, huh?” I ask my beautiful date, but when I look her way, she looks a little green. I stop and turn her face toward mine. “Are you okay?”
Her brow dips but she forces a smile. “Yeah, just tired.”
“Are you getting sick or something?”
Mamá chuckles as she sweeps past us. “Or something.”
I wait until my mother is out of sight before asking, “Are you sure you’re okay? Do we need to go?”
She laughs, but it sounds like a lie. “No, I’m good—promise.”
I’m on the verge of calling her out when Silvi sticks her head out into the hall. “C’mon, everyone is waiting for you two!”
Seraphine tugs on my wrist, nodding toward my sister. “You heard her; let’s go.”
I relent and follow her into the kitchen.
The island is once again full of food. In addition to the rajas, there’s also pollo con mole, chicharron en salsa verde, and papas con chorizo. In short, it’s a feast fit for a king.
Unfortunately, Seraphine stills looks a little off. “How about you sit and I’ll make you a small plate?” I ask, rubbing the small of her back in comforting strokes.
“Yes, please.”
I lean in and kiss her lips, uncaring that we have an audience. “Anything for you.”
A rosy blush blooms across her cheeks and she refuses to meet anyone’s eyes as she slinks away to the table.
“Is she okay?” Silvi asks.
“Just tired.”
Mamá snorts. “Not yet she isn’t.”
“What’s that mean?”
“In time, Mate; in time.”
With those cryptic words ringing in my ears, I make myself a plate with heaping portions of everything and Seraphine a plate of fruit along with some rice and tortillas.
I place hers in front of her on the table and claim the seat next to her.
She murmurs a softly spoken thanks between sips of water.
Mamá leads us in prayer and we all descend on our plates like starved vultures—with the exception of Seraphine, of course. She merely moves her food around with her fork.
She skips dessert as well, which is unfathomable since it’s her famous pay de límon. Consisting of frozen layers of vanilla cookies and a sweet lemon sauce, it’s as refreshing as it is tasty.
Once every plate has been all but licked clean, Desi announces it’s time to play ball. Seraphine stays inside with Mamá. Which, if I’m being honest makes me a little nervous. I know she’s in good hands—they just happen to be very nosy, meddling hands as well.
We play two-on-two—Desi and Silvi against Arrón and me—and while Silvi isn’t too athletic, Desi more than makes up for it.
“So, it’s serious?” my sister asks, half-ass guarding me while I dribble the ball.
“What is?”
She shoulder checks me.
“Foul!” I cry, but no one cares.
“You and Seraphine,” Arrón answers for her.
Desi steals the ball and shoots. “Duh, they’re like, in love.” The ball swishes through, nothing but net.
“Oh, it’s like that?” Silvi asks, as Arrón takes the ball and checks it to me.
I shoot the ball, but it bounces off the rim, right into Desi’s hands. “Yeah, it’s like that.”
My siblings exchange a look before breaking out into matching grins.
“Good,” my brother says, “I really like her.”
Silvi nods. “I think Imani would like her, too.”
We all fall quiet at the mention of my late wife. A peace thrums deep within and I know they’re right.
Choked with emotion, all I can do is nod.
Desi manages to score again while I’m lost in my feelings, making her and Silvi the winners, leading us twenty to fourteen.
“Play again?” my daughter asks, not even sounding out of breath.
“I’m gonna go check on Seraphine, y’all have at it.”
“Horse?” she asks her aunt and uncle as I head back into the house.
I find Seraphine in the living room. She’s out cold on the couch, sleeping deeply. I guess she really was tired.
Mamá is in the kitchen, washing dishes.
“Let me help you,” I say, nudging her aside so I can take over. “You cooked, the least I can do is clean up.”
She dries her hands and pats my cheek. “You’re a good boy, Mate.”
“I’m a man, Mamá.”
She clucks her tongue at me. “You will always be my boy.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“I packed some leftovers for you; make sure Seraphine gets some.”
“Of course.”
“You need to make sure she is eating well.”
My eyes slide from the sudsy, dish-filled water to my mother. “She is a grown woman who can feed herself.”
“Ouch!” I rub the back of my head. “Why did you just smack me with the dish towel?”
“Open your eyes, Mate, and see! Take care of her.”
I feel like she’s saying one thing and meaning another. Unfortunately for both of us, her hidden message is lost on me.Chapter ThirtySeraphine“Are you sure you’re okay to go to the party today?” Mateo asks for what feels like the hundredth time.
“I’m not missing my niece’s birthday party.” I mulishly cross my arms over my chest.