Page 124 of Outspoken

A little scared, I walk back, my voice submissive. “Sí, lo siento. What is it, Mamá?”

She reaches up to touch my cheek, so I bend forward to make it easier for her.

“Listen to me, okay?” she starts, her loving voice filling me with light the way it always does. “I woke up like a new me this morning. I’m so happy I could cook for you when you take so much care of me. You take care of Angel, too, even if he’s not seeing you right now. He will. So will your love. You will see each other. I know that in my heart, Miguel. Don’t feel sad or frustrated at Lupe or any other saints.” She gives my shoulders a reassuring pat, smiling with eyes that are so hopeful it makes me wish I could feel some of her hope too.

“There were many times in the past I felt like giving up,” she continues. “I didn’t know if I would be okay. But I am. Look at me. I have my friends and my beautiful family. Preciosa and Patty. So many blessings in my life. Now, listen to my wisdom because you will also be okay. You and your love. Together.”

I hug her, carefully cradling her thin, bony body. Even though I don’t have the same confidence about the future that she does, I’m still touched and soothed by her words. My chest is a bit lighter. “I hear you. Thank you. It’s hard for me to believe that, but I’ll do my best, okay? You keep the faith for both of us and light candles. I always appreciate your wisdom, Mamá.”

“I hope you do because it’s my best advice.” She pulls out of the hug to touch my cheek again. “Also, family can be found in places you don’t expect.”

“Like under rocks?”

She frowns. “Ay, no. Not under rocks.”

I smile at her. “Thank you for the breakfast and wisdom. I really have to go so I’m not late.”

She won’t let go of my arm, focusing intensely on me. “I’m proud of you, Miguel. You and your brothers and sister are my heart and soul. But don’t tell them this…You’re special to me because I see so much of myself in you. It has taken time, but you’ll find your path. Believe me and be open to your blessings. What you’re given will always be what you need. I’m so proud of you. But don’t tell your brothers and sister.”

I hug her again and inhale her sweet eucalyptus scent, feeling misty-eyed. “It’s our secret. I love you, Mamá.”

“Te amo,” she says, squeezing me as much as she can.

After kissing her one more time on the head, I hurry from the kitchen. Her motivational speech must’ve helped, because I feel a bit more like myself again.

BRODY SLAPS THE BACK OF my shoulder while I’m sitting on a weight bench after finishing with a client.

“Ready for lunch?” he asks.

I put my phone away. “Sure. What you thinking?”

“Subs?”

I nod and follow him out of the gym. There's a sub shop across the street, so we turn in that direction. We’re both a bit sweaty, but lunch is only forty-five minutes, so changing clothes before lunch would take too much time. Better to change after lunch to feel fresh for the rest of the day. Idefinitelyneed to feel refreshed for when I get home. Eating in the dusty dining room this morning has encouraged me to dive into cleaning after I fix dinner for everyone this evening.

“So what’s new, man?” I ask Brody as we wait for the crosswalk light to change.

It’s a bright summer day and the sidewalks are packed with people strolling around downtown. Since it’s early summer, temps are manageable, but it’ll get hot in a few short weeks. Everyone we pass is already prepared for the change—lots of shorts and sleeveless tops, except for the business people who work in office buildings. They get to sweat most of the year in business suits.

Brody combs fingers through his dark hair and stares into space. “Not sure. Guess nothing besides Paige acting strange.”

“Strange how?”

“Doesn’t seem like herself. I’ve barely seen her dancing, and she’s not as energetic. Instead, she fidgets quietly. She bought a box of fidget toys and uses those instead of that shuffle dance she loves. She hasn’t blasted any EDM in over a month. I’m growing concerned. She said anything to you?”

“Nope. We mostly talk about pop culture and random shit. When I ask about her day, she says, ‘Swamped.’ Swamped with work. Swamped with planning things with you.”

We reach the sub shop and Brody holds the glass door open for me. I’m hit with the smell of warm, toasty bread and fresh-sliced meat. My stomach growls.

Brody follows me in with a sigh. “That’s why I’m concerned. Amber said the same thing. Said Paige mentioned making plans with me. I don’t know of any plans. Why is Paige telling everyone that?”

Though the mention of Amber makes my heart dance like it always does, I’m growing more worried about Paige. “Did you ask her?”

Since it’s lunchtime, the place is packed, but we came at a moment when the line isn’t too bad. We stand behind the six people already waiting and Brody stares at the menu on the wall.

“Of course,” he says. “She said she’s been thinking about another romantic trip with me. Guess I’m lost. I don’t know why she’s planning a trip, telling others we’re making plans, but never mentioned any of it to me. Also, the way she said it was off.”

“Off how?”

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