Page 23 of Ruthless Secrets
“Her basketball practice ran late,” Andre says, as if reading my thoughts. “She should be here any minute.”
“I can’t keep track of all of Rosa’s extracurriculars.”
I slide Holly off of my shoulders and take a seat at the table, settling her into her highchair beside me.
She bangs her chubby fists against the table and cries as she notices Lila preparing a plate of food for her.
“We definitely know whose child you are,” I tease as I glance at my brother.
“Tuck in before it gets cold.”
We’ve almost finished our dinner by the time Rosa gets home.
“Sorry I’m late!” Rosa bursts into the dining room. “Coach wanted to go over every little mistake we made before we could leave.”
She’s still wearing her basketball uniform, and her cheeks are flushed. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight braid and for a moment, she looks so much like our mother that it takes my breath away.
The older Rosa gets, the more of our mother I see in her, from her big, green eyes to her high cheekbones and dimpled smile.
She comes right over to Holly and gives her a kiss on the forehead.
“What about me?” I ask. “Can’t your favorite brother have a hug?”
“Holly is my favorite, sorry.” She grins.
Lila smiles at her. “I’ve kept a plate of food warm for you in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Lils. I’m starving.”
Andre takes a sip of water. “Are you eating with us?”
“I’m going to eat in my room. I just wanted to say hi to Holly.”
I frown. “No, you’re not. it’s family dinner.”
“I need to call Alex.”
“Who the hell is Alex?”
Rosa hurries out of the room without giving me an answer.
I look at Andre, and the look that he’s sharing with Lila has me grinding my teeth.
“What am I missing?”
“Rosa has a boyfriend.”
“She has awhat?”
Lila laughs. “You’re reacting better than Andre.”
“You’re okay with this?” I ask my brother, but Lila chimes in before he can answer.
“She’s going to be eighteen in a few months, so he doesn’t have a choice but to be okay.”
“I beg to fucking differ.”
“We compromised,” Andre grunts as he stabs a piece of his steak with his fork.
