Page 243 of Love Unwritten

Ellie shrugs. “Don’t worry just yet. They may not last long.”

Nico runs over to her and throws his arms around her waist. “Don’t leave me for someone better.” I snort, earning a dark look from my son. “This isn’t funny.”

“I’m the other student, mijo.”

His eyes go wide as they swing between Ellie and me. “You’re teaching my dad?”

“He needs all the help he can get.”

I scratch my stubbled cheek with my middle finger, which gets a laugh from Burt and Ellie.

“What?” Nico asks.

Ellie’s answer is cut off by her mother.

“I found it!” She rushes back into the living room.

Ellie looks horrified while Nico throws his fist in the air. “Yes!”

Burt helps her mother set up the TV. A shaky video of the school band starts to play on the screen, and it is easy to spot Ellie out on the football field with her blond hair and taller frame.

She stares out at the crowd with a look of pure concentration on her face while she plays the drums, and the standard band uniform and hat she’s wearing are adorable.

I can’t believe I never noticed her back then, but then again, I’m glad I didn’t because I wasn’t in the place to appreciate someone as special as her.

Life brought us together when we needed each other most, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

“I’m hating every second of this.” Ellie’s head hangs as she covers her eyes with the palms of her hands.

“Look at your uniform!” Nico giggles.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Ellie. You were the best drummer that school has ever seen.” Burt points at the TV with pride.

“Yet.” Nico puffs his chest out. “When I go to high school, I’m going to be on the drumline too!”

I pull Nico to my side. “I’m sure you will be.”

“Ellie loved being part of the band. She even petitioned for them to play during soccer season, but it never panned out.” Her mom winks.

Ellie sinks deeper into the couch with a groan.

“Is that right?” I pull her hands away from her reddening face.

“Mom, if you love me at all, you’ll stop talking. Now.”

“What’s wrong? Does Rafael not know about the crush you had on him back in the day?” Burt winks at me.

I knew it.

“I had my suspicions.” I shoot Ellie a cutting look. “But Ellie wouldn’t confirm them.”

“Oh.” Her mom covers her mouth.

“I’m assuming you don’t know about ‘Prom King’ either then?” Burt’s cheeks stretch with his smile.

Ellie shoots off the couch. “That’s it. I’m officially disowning myself and changing my last name.”

“Good thing you’ve been practicing ‘Ellie Lopez’ since high school then,” Burt replies.

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