Page 76 of Captured Love

“It was,” I say. “Hockey gave me a constant, something to hold onto no matter where we ended up. And we had to rely on each other more because of the constant moving.”

We continue the tour, and I show her the office where my dad keeps his military memorabilia, then the sunroom that my mom has turned into her craft space.

Finally, I open the door to the guest room. “This is where you'll be crashing.”

Selene walks in and I can see that she’s taking in the cozy space with its soft blue walls and floral bedspread. “It's perfect. Thanks, Knox.”

I set her bag down near the bed. “I'm just across the hall if you need anything.”

“Good to know.”

I'm about to say something else when Willow appears in the doorway. “There you two are! Come on, everyone's waiting to meet Selene.”

I glance at Selene, trying to figure out what she’s thinking, but she has a grin plastered on her face. “Lead the way.”

We head back downstairs where the party is in full swing. Music blares from the speakers as my younger cousins are having a dance-off in the middle of the floor. The dining room table is filled with a spread of food that would make any restaurant jealous—tamales, enchiladas, and tostadas—all of it homemade. Various family members are hanging out, balancing plates and glasses, shouting to be heard over the music. I spot my dad in the corner, deep in conversation with one of his old military buddies, and Willow is already making a beeline for the kitchen, probably to snag a soda or some dessert.

Selene slows as we reach the bottom of the stairs, her eyes wide as she takes in the scene. I can tell she's a little overwhelmed, but I’ll be there with her every step of the way.

As soon as we enter the main hallway, all eyes turn to Selene. I can feel her body grow tense beside me, so I place a reassuring hand on the small of her back. The music volume drops, giving me the opportunity to speak without having to yell.

“Everyone, this is Selene,” I announce. That’s all it takes for my family to rush over and introduce themselves. Selene is instantly surrounded by a sea of smiling faces. My aunts are the first to reach her, pulling her into tight hugs and peppering her with rapid-fire questions.

Once the introductions wind down, I guide Selene through the crowd toward the dining room. “You're doing great,” I whisper.

She returns the smile, but I can still see the nerves in her eyes. “Thanks. It's just a lot all at once. It also reminds me that I should probably call my parents.”

That makes me chuckle. “I know it’s a lot. But they already like you, I can tell.”

We reach the dining room table, and I hand Selene a plate. “Here, dig in. Mamita's tamales are legendary.”

“This all looks amazing,” she says as she starts filling her plate, and I do the same.

When we’re done, we find a spot in the living room to eat. Selene takes a bite of a tamale, and her eyes widen. “Oh my god, Knox. This is incredible.”

I grin. “Told you. Mamita's tamales are the best.”

“I'm never eating anything else ever again,” she declares, taking another huge bite.

I chuckle to myself. Seeing her enjoy my family's food, fit in with my relatives, and having this all go better than I thought is amazing. It feels right in a way I wasn't expecting.

And that’s more than I can ask for.

28

KNOX

It’s a few days after Abue’s party and I find myself somewhat spiraling. I usually rely on logic instead of emotions when it comes to most aspects of my life, but unfortunately, this isn’t working. As a result, I pace restlessly in my living room because I can’t turn my brain off.

I’m so fucked.

My mind races as I walk back and forth. My hands alternate between hanging at my sides and nervously running through my hair. I can't remember the last time I felt this on edge.

I try to distract myself by grabbing my phone and scrolling through sports highlights. My eyes glaze over as I swipe aimlessly. I can’t focus on any single post before my mind wanders back to Selene and the question I'm terrified to ask her. My attempt to distract myself fails after thirty seconds and soon my anxiety comes crashing back in.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Blaise looking at me from where he's messing with the Wi-Fi router. I assume he’s improving it in some way, but don’t ask me exactly what he’s doing. He tilts his head at me.

“Dude, what's up with you? You're making me dizzy with all that pacing.”

---