You really don’t want to see me. I’m a hot mess.
You’re always hot. I’m coming early.
FIVE THIRTY!!! I reply, shouty caps and exclamation points intentional.
So grumpy for a party day.
Can’t talk, setting up.
It’s the last text we exchange before my cousin twirls in an hour later just ahead of her family. She looks like a lady in her ball gown, which fits her perfectly. I’m so proud of her. My eyes heat, and I dab a tear from the corner of my eye. I arrived when Lo was only seven, and now she’s a young woman in a beautiful dress I made for her.
“It’s a dream come true!” Lo clasps her gloved hands beneath her chin. “I imagined how my party would be, but it’s so much more. Thank you, Uncle Beto!”
Her eyes are shining, and even if she’s being a little extra, I go to her, pulling her into a hug. Every girl deserves to feel special at least once in her life.
Her friends file in behind her, giggling like the teenage girls they are and eating the party mix and nuts, doing their best to keep their white gloves clean. They’re all wearing matching champagne-colored silk dresses with their hair styled in matching updos.
“Are there any special boys in your chambelanes?” I give Lo an elbow to the ribs.
One part of her special day is an entourage of fifteen-year-old boys dressed in suits who will lead her and her court through traditional dances.
“No!” Her eyes widen, and she answers a little too fast.
My eyebrow arches in suspicion, and Sofia taps me on the waist, holding up her arms. I lean down to hop my youngest cousin onto my hip.
“Steve.” She whispers in my ear like a good little informant. “She’s got a crush on Steve Peterson.”
My eyebrows rise, and I look over to where Lo is promenading with her friends. “Is he a nice boy?” I ask my cousin, who’s also wearing a champagne silk dress, but hers is short with a flouncy skirt—more appropriate for a four-year-old.
She thinks a minute, then pokes out her bottom lip and nods. “I think so.”
Her pretend-adult behavior is too cute, and I give her a squeeze. “You know, Lo’s giving you her last doll tonight.”
It’s a tradition where the Quince gets a beautiful doll symbolizing the end of her childhood, which she passes on to a younger family member.
“I know!” Sofia’s eyes light up, and she bounces on my hip. “It’s Elena of Avalor. She’s even got the ruby dress!”
The doll is actually styled to match Lo, but Sofia can think it’s Elena. I’m trying to quiet my own nerves about how my brother will react to Deacon, not to mention Valeria.
“I’ve got to get ready. I’ll be back.” I kiss Sofia’s cheek and put her on her feet.
I’m about to dash up the stone staircase to my bedroom when a strong hand grasps my upper arm.
“Carmelita, I have someone I want you to meet.” Beto’s authoritative voice fans my nerves.
I try to pull away. “I’m not really dressed to meet anyone…”
“It’ll only take a moment.”
My argument trails off as a man about my brother’s age steps into my path. He has hazel eyes and wavy dark hair that hangs in one length to his collar. His face is clean-shaven, and he’s wearing a slim-cut tan suit with a black shirt underneath.
“This is Mateo. Mateo, my sister Angelica.” I can tell by the way Beto introduces us it’s important to him. My insides squirm at the thought.
“How do you do.” I reach out to shake his hand.
“Angelica.” He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles lightly. “Beto never told me how beautiful his sister was.”
Our eyes meet, and he smiles. One eyebrow arches, and he has a devilish look. He’s handsome, but I’m not interested.
I’m standing here in cutoffs and a smudged tee with my wild hair piled on top of my head in a messy bun. I’m not wearing any makeup, and I’m pretty sure I have burgundy frosting on my face from when I moved Lo’s cake earlier.
“You’re too kind, Mister…” I look from him to Beto, and they both grin.
“You can call me Mateo.” My brother’s friend smooths his thumb across my fingers, and my stomach tightens unpleasantly.
“Mr. Mateo, it’s nice to meet you.” My tone is cool, not engaging.
“Just Mateo.”
“Well, just Mateo, I need to get changed before the party. If you’ll excuse me.”
“I’ll be here when you’re ready.” Mateo makes a face like he tastes something sweet as I walk away.
I immediately think of Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back. I’m waiting for him to say, Well, well…
Rushing up the stairs, I’ve got zero time to worry about my brother’s intentions. I’ve got to fly if I’m going to be ready in time. I quickly brush my wild curls back into a sleek, tight bun and step into a dress I bought at the vintage store. It’s floor-length, olive-green silk with a low V-neck, and it has a slit that stops at the top of my thigh. The color makes my tanned skin glow, and the neckline shows off the soft curves at the tops of my breasts. Deacon is going to love it, and my heart beats a little faster at the thought. I imagine his blue eyes darkening, his full lips pulling into a smile…
I dust brown shadow in the creases of my eyes and paint a slick cat-eye with black liquid eyeliner. Lashes on, I fill my lips with red lipstick. The result is a stunning, yet classic look. Holding up my phone, I take a selfie and send it to him with the text, So you can find me in the crowd.
Taking a deep breath, I slide my hands down my sides and straighten my shoulders before going to the door. My phone buzzes just as I’m reaching for the handle, and I look down at the face. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It’s Deacon. I’m at the front door.
My breath catches, and I quickly text back. WAIT. I’ll meet you.
Grabbing the side of my skirt, I hold my shoes in my hand as I run down the stairs, through the kitchen, and out the door to the garage. Stopping at the exit to the driveway, I catch my breath, placing my hand on my stomach. Thankfully, my brother’s house is so new, my feet aren’t really dirty. I dust them off quickly and step into my heels.
When I pull the door open, I’m glad I have something to hold onto. Deacon standing on the walk, tall in a navy suit with the moonlight glancing off his full lips, his thick dark hair, streamer lights twinkling in his blue eyes… He takes my breath away. His eyes sweep up and down my body, and his grin is pure sex.
My thoughts trip back to the first time I saw him, floppy dark hair over blue eyes, doing his best to make me smile. Our first, reckless kiss…
I didn’t fall in love with him when I was fifteen, but he activated feelings in me I never knew existed. I didn’t know much, but I sure as shit knew this boy would change my life.
“Angel…” It’s a hot whisper as he closes the space between us, slipping his arm around my lower back.
I lift my chin, smiling up at him. “Hey, handsome.”
He leans down as if he’s about to kiss me, but I put up my hand. “Wait. My lipstick…” Blue eyes flicker to my mouth, and my stomach tingles. “I want you to meet my family before you ruin my makeup.”