Jugador: The Mendoza Family, page 24
“Liiilllyyy! I’m so happy for you.” Dani threw her arms around me, bouncing around in excitement.
I jumped around too, allowing myself to experience this newfound joy. As we settled and paused, I fingered my drink and said, “Vince and Emilio are not fond of him.”
Dani scoffed. “Then, they’ll just have to get over it.”
I laughed, knowing the immediate future forecast with my brothers would be stormy with a chance of tornadoes. “Easier said than done.”
On Saturday, I drove to Marco’s new home, which was not far from my boutique in Highland Park. The way he made it sound, he’d rented a modest house, and I should’ve been skeptical because there really weren’t modest homes in this area, or maybe to him it was. Funny how different levels of pay scales skewed your perspective. Was it the largest home in the area? No. Maybe that’s what he meant. It was still grand. I knew on the low-end of the spectrum in this area, homes were still pushing one million.
Delivery trucks were already parked in his driveway as workers unloaded furniture. A faint smile curved my lips as I shook my head, knowing Brian probably had some part in organizing this. I passed through the spacious garage that could hold four cars and saw a black Range Rover Discovery. I heard his deep voice through the open door telling people where to put things.
I walked in, passing through an extravagant mudroom that could serve as a backup kitchen in a pinch. I kept walking and saw Marco standing in the actual, expansive kitchen, a gourmet chef’s wet dream with what looked like it was complete with all commercial appliances. Marco was tossing a football to himself, catching it precisely as the laces landed on his long, tapered fingers. Up and down it went as he absently flipped the ball in the air, making a perfect spiral each time. He continued without pause, glancing over at some of the movers maneuvering a large dresser down the spacious hallway.
I slipped my purse silently on the counter, and on impulse, I lunged in and caught the ball mid-air.
“Hey!”
I held the ball out behind me. Teasingly I said, “You lost focus. Turnover.”
He smiled wolfishly, “I won’t lose focus again, and I always get the ball back.”
He reached over my head, and I danced away from him, feeling like a kid again. Spinning around as I stepped backward, putting more space between us. “You sure. I’ve got moves you’ve never seen.”
“That may be true,” he agreed as I saw true happiness etched in his face. “But wherever you run. I will catch you.”
I almost lost myself in his words. Almost. His arm shot out again, grasping at the ball, and I ducked, taking off to the back door several feet away, giggling. With the football clutched to my chest, I quickly twisted the handle and flung open the door, knowing he was about to grab me. I took a few steps out to the back patio before I was apprehended by two strong hands. I squealed as he lifted me high in the air like I was a sack of potatoes. I still held the ball high above my head.
“If you were my running back, I’d ream your ass out for not protecting the ball,” he warned, but the smile never left his face. He reached up with one arm, trying to get the ball while easily grasping me with the other. “You never hold the ball out like that.” Suddenly, he jumped, punching the football out of my hand, and I watched him in awe as he surprised me. The ball sailed high above us in the blue sky as though in slow motion. As it descended toward us, Marco caught it easily with one hand over my two flailing ones.
“My ball.”
“No fair. You’re bigger than me.”
“And you’re a distraction to me.” Still keeping the ball high over his head, he slid me slowly down his body. “But you don’t hear me complaining.” His teeth glimmered in the sunlight as he leaned down and captured my lips. “I think I like this game,” he murmured against my mouth. I clasped my arms around his neck and got lost in the kiss. It wasn’t difficult to do. Marco pulled back. “You like the place?”
“It’s nice.” It was more of a traditional home than his pad in LA. Marco led me back in the house to give me a tour. When we’d inspected every room and made it back to the kitchen, I leaned against the ginormous marble kitchen island. “Looks like you’re getting settled in.”
“Yeah, Brian helped with the arrangements.”
I smiled and nodded. Then I chewed on my cheek, thinking. “So, every Sunday, my family gets together for dinner. I don’t want to put you on the spot and I don’t—”
“I’ll go with you,” he interjected.
“You will?” My brows hit my hairline. “You don’t have to. In fact, it might get uncomfortable for you and me. I don’t even know if I want to go, but it’s a family tradition, and you better be on your deathbed if you miss it. And since I’d missed the last one being out of town…”
He reached out and tugged me against him. One thing I relished was his support and strong security. “The sooner we confront this, the better. I told you how I want to make things right and move forward. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re sure? Even knowing Emilio and Vince are probably going to go straight tag-team assholes and give you grief?”
He kissed the top of my head with his strong arms enclosing me tight. “I can handle them. We’ll get through this, Lily.”
“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”
Lily
I wished I could say that I was confident this Sunday dinner would go well, but I’d be lying. Marco squeezed my hand, filling me with support and hope, and I twisted the handle of the front door of my aunt and uncle’s house. Tía Esmeralda always hosted the family dinners and it always brought back great memories that somehow also kept us connected to our mother in a strange way as well.
Marco had a five-hundred-dollar bottle of cabernet sauvignon in one hand as a gift, and I wanted to say Tío and Tía had no palette for expensive things. They probably would’ve been absolutely satisfied with a cheap box wine, because you could drink more glasses for your money. Still, my heart squeezed with tenderness at his gesture. He wanted to make an impression.
My aunt was the first to see us as everyone was probably milling around outside on the back patio because it was a warm day for fall in Texas. “Lily, mi hijita!” she called out with excitement and perhaps a little shock since I’d never brought a date home for her to see. She embraced me with all the love I knew she had and said into my ear in what she thought was a whisper (but she was hard of hearing, so everything came out loud), “Who is this handsome man? You’ve never brought a boy home. This must be serious.”
“Tía, this is Marco.”
He flashed his million-dollar smile that melted anyone with eyes—my aunt was no exception—and held out his hand. She waved off his hand saying, “Give me a hug.”
He did, which was probably one of the few he’d ever received from someone he wasn’t trying to take to bed. When they stood back, he showed her the wine, giving a whole spiel about the year and origin; my aunt grinned politely and set it aside as though it were a five-dollar bottle of cheap wine. I shrugged while he took it in stride to see my Tío Hector approach. He enveloped me in his arms, and then he eyed Marco with excitement. They shook hands; my uncle knew who he was because he was a sports fanatic. Marco gained bonus points because of that and extra, extra points because he spoke Spanish, and he conversed easily with him as if they’d known each other for years. So far, everything was going well.
“Do you need any help, Tía?”
“No. Everyone’s outside.” She motioned for us to go out back. My aunt was very territorial about her kitchen and had a particular way she wanted everything done. “Go introduce him to everyone.” I bit my lip, knowing this was the part where it could get awkward. Who was I kidding? It was gonna get awkward.
My uncle was talking off Marco’s ear about football and then told him to come outside to watch the football game on the outdoor TV and grab a beer. Marco turned to me and held out his hand. I slipped my fingers into his, relishing this feeling that we were a team. When we stepped outside, my whole family was gathered around the grand patio table and loungers.
“Lily.” Dani was the first to jump up and approach with her easy smile. We hugged, and I peered over her shoulder in the distance at Vince on the lawn with Emilio and the kids. Both of my brothers now stood next to each other with stone faces and clenched hands—a two-man gang of warriors prepared to do battle. Oh, good lord. “Marco, it’s so good to see you again,” Dani added, keeping the conversation flowing.
“You too.”
“That’s my sister-in-law Sofí.” I pointed as she waved with baby EJ in her arms. “Emilio’s wife who I’m sure you saw the other day.”
“Hey,” he answered, while I kept glancing nervously over at my brothers, their lips moved talking amongst themselves while they glared.
“Does he know?” I whispered in Dani’s ear, nudging my chin toward Vince.
“Yeah, and I threatened to withhold sex for a week if he caused any trouble.”
Well, okay. That was some information I really didn’t need to know about.
Yovani and Oscar were chasing Eric around the yard—who was dribbling the ball like a pro—until they slowed and both looked up our way too. Oscar crossed his arms over his chest with a wide stance prepared to battle as well, and Yovani’s eyes widened with confusion. “What the fuck is he doing here?” His voice carried across the yard.
My hand went to my temple, worried about a potential disaster in the making. Luckily, Tía was inside. She didn’t tolerate cursing, especially on Sunday.
“Looks like you’re making a winning impression.” I turned and saw my cousin Adrian walking toward me in a black designer suit. The words “casual dress” were not in his vocabulary. He wore his usual lazy smile and leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Good to see you, Lily.” He glanced up and held his hand out to Marco. “I’m Lily’s cousin Adrian.”
“I remember you.” He shook my cousin’s hand. “I think you graduated when I was a sophomore.”
“Yeah.” Adrian nodded. “How’s that ankle doing?”
“It’s better. Starting to get back to where I need to be. I’m not there yet, but I will be.”
“That’s great, man.” Adrian stepped around and leaned over a cooler and came back with three beers. Marco took his while Adrian twisted the top off a bottle before handing it to me. “You think you’re gonna get that one hundred forty million?”
My cheeks flared in embarrassment, and I tilted my head and gave my cousin an “Are you fucking nuts?” look. Oh my gosh, why did my family not have a filter? Of all people, Adrian had to say it.
Marco shrugged and took a pull off his beer. He wasn’t one to talk about his financial situation in mixed company, like normal people.
My cousin seemed unfazed and said, “If you need help negotiating the deal, I’m your guy.” Was Adrian drunk? That must be it.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Adrian nodded with the confident smirk all over his face. “Oh, by the way, Lil’ I just secured the deal on the new property. Your new store.”
My heart jumped in excitement. “You did? I thought you said what they were asking per square foot was too much, and they wouldn’t budge?”
“Well, I got them to budge.” Adrian grinned wide and flexed his bicep. “And you’re welcome.”
“Babe, that’s awesome,” Marco crowed with pride and without thinking, lifted me high above him and pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you.” His lips fell on mine as we kissed long and hard. He knew how anxious I’d been about my wish to get this deal done with the store.
“You want to remove your hands from my sister before I break both of them?” I heard Vince growl behind me.
“Vince,” Dani warned softly.
Marco released me but kept his palm at the small of my back.
“What?” Vince rubbed his knuckles under his chin giving that signature dead-eye stare. “This is a family dinner, and that’s my sister. Show some respect, if you have any that is?” Emilio was right there too, shaking his head and grinding his teeth.
“Vince. Long time no see.”
“Not long enough.”
Marco chuckled softly. “Okay. I guess I deserved that.”
“I’m sorry. Are we having a conversation?” My brother turned to Emilio. “I keep hearing this pussy motherfucker try to say something.”
“Vicente!” Dani admonished in her country twang and jumped up looking like an enraged southern belle.
I stalked toward both brothers, ignoring the laugh Yovani was hiding under his fist. “A word with both of you.” I shoved them both back and heard Adrian’s voice behind me, clearly amused. “Get that popcorn ready in three, two, one…”
Both brothers grumbled behind me as I led them to a quiet spot over by the fence. “This ends now. I’m sick and tired of the double standard I’ve lived with for most of my life. You both lied to me, and Vince, what you did to Dani…I don’t know how she ever forgave you.” I scowled at him as he stood silently defiant.
“The fuck are you talking about?” Vince scowled.
“I know about your past.” He could put up a front, but deep down, he knew my words rang true. “You have no right to judge me unless you want me to judge you, and your sins are definitely worse than mine.”
The words hung in the air, and Vince pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know,” he admitted. “We didn’t have a choice. Rafael threatened to have us arrested and deported if we didn’t do what he said. We should have told you, but I never wanted you to have any part in this. The less you knew, the better.”
My heart was breaking for them and the burden that Vince and Emilio must have carried. “Are you still involved?”
“No. As soon as we could get out from under Rafael’s hold, we did. We never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know.” I paused and blew out a shaky breath. “I know. I know that now. You know why?” Both brothers peered at me warily. “Because Marco made me see it from your side.”
“You fucking told him?” Emilio ground out as his forehead scrunched together.
I nodded. “Yes. I was destroyed, and he was there to help pick up the pieces. He knew you both. Knew deep down, you were good guys who would do anything for their family.” I stepped up to Emilio and smoothed his cheek. “Do you remember how skeptical I was of Sofía because I didn’t want to see you get hurt again?”
He ticked his jaw.
“I gave her another chance, and I’ve never seen you so content in your life.” I turned to Vince. “All I’m asking is you give Marco a chance because he makes me happy.” I eyed both brothers in plea. Whether they agreed or not, I wasn’t giving up the love of my life, and I hoped we could all move forward and stop the deception and animosity. “Please.”
“Yeah. I’ll try,” Emilio mumbled, finally, like a five-year-old who was asked to share his favorite toy.
“Thank you.” I threw my arms around him.
When I pulled apart, Vince yanked me in his arms. “Don’t expect me to fawn all over his ass like some whacked-out fan.”
I smiled against him, as we made our way back to the group. “Just know,” Vince added, “if he hurts you again, I will kill him.”
Baby steps, Lily. We’ll get there.
Adrian spotted us and his eyes rose in mild surprise as he lounged casually in his chair. “You work everything out, or do you need my guidance?”
Vince and Emilio both ignored his comment, knowing he was teasing them. My brothers had a few disagreements in the past, and Adrian always thought it was his duty to play mediator. “We did,” I answered.
“Well, cuz, I must say I’m impressed.” He raised his beer bottle in a salute at me and winked. “Maybe you should be negotiating Marco’s contract.”
Marco
“Good footwork today, man.” Steve Lawton, my trainer, patted me on the back. He ran a well-known athlete performance center in Dallas. Football wasn’t only about being gifted, strong, and knowing exes and ohs. That’s not to say I didn’t work out. I did strength training and cardio every day. In addition, I worked on my form, how wide my stance was in the pocket, the correct way to line up my hips and shoulders, and a bunch of other detailed shit that would probably bore the fuck out of the casual fan.
“Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I was walking off the turf in the state-of-the-art indoor stadium and saw my girl standing over at the sideline. I felt like I was in high school seeing Lily wait for me in her skinny jeans with a T-shirt and jacket. Her new store wasn’t far from here, and I told her to meet me after she had her walk-through. I tossed the ball in my hand at her, and surprisingly, she caught it easily. “You’re getting better at catching the ball.”
“I can handle the ball, rest assured.”
“You think?”
“I know.” She threw me a cheeky grin and flipped the ball back and forth between her palms.
Suddenly, an idea formed in my head. “Let’s see if you can snap the ball.”
“What’s that?”
“Come here. I’ll show you.” I glanced around, making sure no one was around.
She walked slowly up to me with the pigskin in one hand. I took the ball and laid it on the ground my brain worked furiously, as I thought about the lesson I would deliver. “One of the most important units of the football team is the offensive line. They protect the quarterback. Protect me. One of the essential players on the offensive line is the center.” I circled behind her and slid my hands over her shoulders, leaning close. “You’re going to be the center, okay?”
“Okay,” she breathed, feeling the heat of our nearness, just like I did.
“It’s a very critical position, Lily. Do you think you can handle it? Because the center and the quarterback have to trust each other, have to be on the same page, and timing is everything.” I bent over her shoulder and nudged her neck with my nose. “Any miscommunication could be costly. One bad snap, and the game could be…lost.” My lips trailed over her delicate skin, and she trembled beneath me. I relished the taste of her skin. “And I hate to lose.”
