Page 53 of Outspoken

He beams with pride. “Barbacoa. I finally finished my backyard fire pit, so I cooked this shit the right way. This is my second batch, and it’s the best yet.”

Maribel slaps that wooden spoon against the counter again. “What, Rico? I thought you were bringing brisket. Why’d you have me buy ten different BBQ and hot sauces? That’s your birthday gift, by the way—it was fifty bucks.”

“Chill, jefa, chill. I cooked brisket too. Becca’s got it, but she took her car because she has to pick up my surprise.” He leans closer to me, his brows dancing. “Don’t tell her, but I know it’s a seventy-five-inch flat screen to replace the one Angel busted.” Before I can comment, he tips his chin at Maribel. “How you handling him?”

Maribel scoffs and shakes her head, more frizzy hair getting in her face. “He hasn’t broken anything yet, but he’s in and out of the house all night. I don't know where he goes, but I can’t get him to stop.” She glances out the kitchen window. “He surprised me by saying he was staying for the party. He’s out back, so be nice.”

Rico frowns. “I’ll be nice, but I’m still pissed. He should stay away from me.”

“I’m sure he will.”

“Oh—” Rico lifts a paper grocery bag off the floor and sets it on the counter. “I also broughtthisto slip into our cups when the kids aren't looking.” He pulls a bottle of tequila from the bag, its textured glass glinting under kitchen lights. “Top quality, damn expensive, and made for sippin'.”

I start to respond, but Maribel is quick to cut in and snatch the bottle. “Sorry, we’re dry today. I'll put this in a cabinet for after the party.”

Rico pouts, throwing his hands up. “What? Why? It’s my big four-two.”

“Miguel’s amiga is coming over, and she can't be around alcohol. She’s recovering.”

“Sorry,” I say, grabbing another corn cob. I feel a little guilty since it’s Rico’s party, but after seeing how tormented Amber was holding that mixed drink at the taco fest, I won’t put her in that situation. Her comfort matters most to me. “I know it’s your birthday,” I tell Rico, “but I’ll sip tequila with you later if you can wait.”

He shrugs. “Eh, that’s okay. I’m cool with it. Just means more tequila for me. You can make it up to me by going to the shooting range, even though you hate it. I got myself a shiny new gun as a birthday present.” He rests his elbows on the counter. “Clue me in. What friend is this? And why are we calling her a friend and not your next two-month fiancé?”

Maribel lets out a high-pitched squeal as I shake my head, trying to focus on shaving corn and ignoring him.

“Oh,” Rico continues. “Shit. Are you proposingtoday? I’m cool if you steal the spotlight, but I need some warning. You wanna slip the ring in her slice of cake? Do we need to go buy the ring first? Maybe you just decided this morning.”

I give him a dismissive side eye and a frown. I know I’ve rushed things in the past, but I’m notthatbad. I hope.

Maribel is laughing her head off and can't continue stirring, so she drops the wooden spoon to grab her side. Just then, my skinny cousin Johnny walks in and smiles, wanting to be in on the joke. He nods at Rico without saying a word, and Rico points at me.

“Miguel’s friend is coming over,” Rico says, “and we’re trying to decide on the color scheme for the wedding. We’re thinking he confesses his love when she arrives, proposes during cake-cutting, and then we’ll get shit together for a quick wedding before the day is finished. I just hope he asks her name first.”

Maribel doubles over, clutching the counter for support. Johnny cracks up and Rico smiles to himself, satisfied he got such a big reaction. I give in and join in their laughter. I see the humor in how I’ve acted in the past, and I know Rico is just playing around. Also, I deserve this teasing—these are flaws I need to face. Because of everything with Amber, I've been reflecting a lot lately, and I'm embarrassed about how I handled relationships in the past. I want to change.

Patting my back, Rico asks, “Who is this friend?”

Maribel wipes her damp eyes. “Amber.”

The room falls silent like she did a mic drop.

Rico covers his mouth with a fist and steps back. “TheAmber?”

Most of my family has heard her name at least once, though Mom is the only one I’ve really confided in. It's not like I've constantly mentioned Amber, especially if I was in a relationship, but over the years, I've brought up little things here and there. Things like her favorite color—pink—or a movie she and Brody went to. Just simple, endearing fun facts when she was on my mind.

That’s part of the reason I’m so nervous today. I’ve been going around asking everyone to be cool andnotreveal too much—to pretend they’ve never heard of her and know nothing about how long I’ve liked her.

Unfortunately, my familylovesto talk. I'm terrified someone will get chatty and let something slip when I’m trying to keep my feelings hidden—let Amber chase me, as Paige put it.

Am I going to survive this? I almost blew my cover multiple times at the taco fest, especially when she kept caressing my arm and melting my heart with her beautiful smile. And that shirt telling me to touch her butt? I almost passed out from ignoring the invitation.

I’d give anything to feed her chocolate and touch her sexy ass.

But Paige’s advice worked. Who knew acting disinterested would get Amber to askmeout? No woman has ever asked me out.

After the taco fest, I realized my feelings for Amber have deepened, so I have no clue how to handle today. Paige and I didn’t discuss next steps.

How long do I keep looking away instead of gazing into Amber’s gorgeous, azure-blue eyes? All I want is to have her in my arms already. She could be my future one and only, so this is torture. And we need to talk about how we first met so I can relieve this knot of guilt in my gut. I just need to figure out the right time.

---