Page 113 of Outspoken

She quickly moves away, returning to a crossed-legged position on the floor.

“Bésala,” Mom says, delighted.

Kiss her.

I tell her to stop because it’s complicated. “Para mamá. Es complicado.”

Angel stands with a huff and stomps toward the hallway.

“Hey,” Amber calls after him firmly. “Don’t be rude. Get back here. I need my yellow. We’re not done with our game.”

Just like my mom, Amber seems to have the magic touch with him. Without a word, he stomps back to the coffee table and sits, pulling the hoodie over his head to hide himself.

I’m speechless. Angel has only ever listened to and respected my mom. How did Amber win him over so quickly?

“Then roll the dice,” he bites out.

She frowns, crossing her arms and giving him a hard look. “Not with that attitude. I’m having fun playing this game with you. Don’t be a grump.”

I watch in amazement as he relaxes his posture and looks down.

“Sorry,” he says. “Can we finish?”

“Yes. Thank you.” She grins. “I’ll be happy to kick your butt.”

Angel laughs. “You’ve lost it. No way you’re winning.”

They both focus on their game while Mom and I exchange a look. She tips her head at Amber, grinning, and waves me closer, touching her cheek with a finger.

When I lean down to kiss her cheek, Mom whispers, “Ella es perfecta.”

She’s perfect.

I don’t respond, a blankness filling me. I settle into the couch to watch the Monopoly action. I don’t know what to think or feel or how to handle this situation, and I’m stuck between my head and my heart. My heart desperately wants to hold Amber and forget any tension between us while my head is telling me to keep my distance.

There’s too much to sort,my head says.Too much that doesn’t work.

But love always wins,my heart responds.Soulmates are destined to be together despite any obstacles.

I don’t know which to listen to, but Amber and I really need to talk since she’s here. We’ll sit down and have a deep talk about everything.

It takes Angel three more turns to win the game. Amber lands on the wrong property and has no way to pay his rent.

He laughs. “Told you.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she grumbles, starting to put pieces away.

My stomach rumbles loudly and they all glance at me. The day was so busy that the last time I ate was around noon. Somehow, I forgot my hunger and tiredness as soon as the shock of seeing Amber hit me.

I give them all a half-smile. “Ignore that.”

Angel happily ignores me, shoving game pieces quickly in the box so he can flee.

“You didn’t eat, mijo?” Mom asks. “You were home so late, I thought you did. We ate leftovers.”

“I figured. It’s okay. I’ll eat soon.”

Amber excuses herself and heads to the hallway, probably to the bathroom.

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