Page 36 of Strong Side

Rocky was right, cooking is definitely Cassandra’s love language. At this rate, I’m going to leave spring break ten pounds heavier.

Cassandra and Joseph are at the other end of the store, grabbing some meat from the deli counter for the barbecue, I can hear Rocky and Lil two aisles over arguing over which kinds of chips to buy, and I’m mindlessly wandering the baked goods aisle contemplating what kind of chocolate I want to buy for the cookies I’m going to bake.

Finally spotting one of my favorite brands, I reach down to grab a couple bars of semi-sweet chocolate when I see the hellions round the corner, their arms filled with bags of chips. They dump at least eight different kinds into the cart, and I cover my mouth as I snort out a laugh.

“Ummm, what is all of this?” I ask the two siblings in front of me. Rocky looks beyond perturbed, and Liliana looks like she’s two seconds away from punching him in the dick. It’s actually pretty fucking funny. I hadn’t realized how much the two of them look alike until now. While she’s shorter than Rocky, Liliana stands pretty tall for a woman; I’m guessing around five ten. She has jet black hair that cascades down her back in soft waves, framing her face which is covered in the same deep walnut skin, and her eyes shine green just like her brothers. However, hers look to be a couple of shades lighter. More like a sage green rather than Rocky’s deep emeralds. My eyes also find the small beauty mark she has just above her lip. She really is quite beautiful.

So is her brother.

“Dickhole over here wouldn’t let me pick the chips even though it’s my turn.”

“And I told her that I haven’t been home since school started, so I should get to pick regardless. You can choosedessert.”

Fucking siblings. I’ve heard plenty of these ridiculous arguments between Jax and his brothers, but watching Lil get Rocky so flustered is a sight to behold. I haven’t seen anybody be able to get under his skin this easily. Well, besides me, of course. “Oh my god. Just get all of the chips. I got stuff to make chocolate chip cookies anyway.”

Both of their heads snap toward me, and they have different expressions. Lil’s is one of surprise, while Rocky’s is now full of concern.

“You bake?” Liliana raises a brow in suspicion.

“Sure do. Pretty good at it to if I do say so myself. I didn’t bring my ‘Kiss the Cook’ apron, but the rules still apply.” I shoot her a mischievous wink and she doesn’t so much as blush. Instead, she just scoffs and rolls her eyes.

“You good?” Rocky asks, worry lacing his voice.

“Yeah…” I drawl. “I’m fine. Why?”

Lil’s stare bounces between us. Clearly, completely confused.

“You’re baking.”

“Yes. I wanted to make something for dessert.”

“So I ask again… you good?”

Suddenly it dawns on me, and I soften. “I’m okay, Rocky. I just wanted to do something nice for your family.”

His lips curl up at the sides. “If you’re sure?”

“I am.”

The two of us stare at one another until Liliana’s voice cuts through the silence. “Okaaaaay. I don’t know what that was all about, but let’s go find Mom and Dad, shall we?”

She walks past me without waiting for our response, clearly uncomfortable and confused. As Rocky moves to follow her, he quickly grabs the side of my face and gently grazes his thumb along my cheekbone. “Really, I’m okay. I promise.”

Taking my word for what it is, he nods and removes his hand. “Come on. We better follow her before she finds a small child she can make cry.”

I bark out a laugh and follow him until we find his parents. They drop what they have in their hands into the cart, and we head to the checkout counter. Once the cashier is done scanning our ridiculous amount of groceries, I quickly hand him my Amex before Cassandra and Joe have a chance to grab their wallets. Her mouth drops open in protest, but before she can speak a word, I bend over and pop a quick kiss on her cheek, and whisper, “Please. It’s the least I can do.”

Reaching up she gently cups my face, much like her son did only minutes ago. “Garoto doce.”

Smiling, I stand up straight and nod at Joe, who doesn’t argue with his wife’s approval.

Once we all get back to the house Rocky and his dad get started on the grill while I busy myself getting out everything I need for the cookies.

I’m just about to start sifting flour into the bowl when Cassandra stands next to me, tying her apron around her waist. “Want some help?”

“Love some.”

Following the recipe I have memorized, she starts creaming butter and brown sugar in the stand mixer. “I’m glad myFilhofound you this year.”

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