Page 72 of A Lot Like Adiós
“I always have energy for you,” he said, because what he really wanted to say wasI’m under a lot of emotional stress and I need you.When he kissed her again, she wrapped her arms around his neck, rising up on tiptoe. Gabe grabbed her butt and lifted her further. When she locked her legs around his waist, he carried her to the stairs and up to his room. And then, for just a little while, he let himself get lost in her. Completely.
Chapter 16
Gabe:Hey, I tried calling you.
Fabian:Sorry. Shit’s crazy right now. I’m at the hospital.
Gabe:What happened? Is it Iris?
Fabian:My mom broke her leg.
Gabe:Oh shit. I’m sorry to hear that.
Fabian:Yeah. It’s not a bad break, but with the twins on the way and Dad’s surgery, it’s not ideal. Anyway, what’s up? How’s it going over there?
Gabe:I have to extend my time in New York.
Fabian:Because of the gym? Or because of her?
Gabe:What?
Gabe:No.
Gabe:I mean, kind of. I saw my dad.
Fabian:Oh damn. How?
Gabe:I’ll explain later. But I have to stay a few extra days. I’m going to miss the Monday meeting.
Fabian:Honestly dude, there’s so much going on right now, I can’t even think about next week. Just do what you went there to do. See you when you get back.
Gabe:Take care of your fam.
Fabian:I’m trying!
Chapter 17
Michelle pulled into the parking lot and searched for an empty spot. The quinceañera was being held at an event space in the Hudson Valley, which was lush and green in late summer. It was hot, but less humid than it had been in the city. Above them, the skies stretched out bright blue, with only a few wisps of clouds. The drive up had been pretty, but once the glow of morning sex had faded, Gabe had started freaking out again.
“We’re late,” he said for at least the tenth time.
Michelle shrugged and navigated to the overflow lot behind the venue. “Well, someone bought two whole boxes of condoms...”
“Please, Mich, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t talk about the condoms while we’re around your family.”
“You’re kidding yourself if you thinkyourmom hasn’t already toldmymom about it.”
He groaned and leaned back in the seat.
Michelle gave him an appreciative once-over, then found an empty spot right near the side entrance.
The two of them looked like they’d just pulled off a heist and needed to ditch their disguises. Michelle was clad in black full-body shapewear and gold sandals. Gabe was wearingboxers and a black sleeveless undershirt, plus his socks and chanclas.
In reality, they’d left late enough that they wouldn’t be able to check in at their hotel first. Rather than make the whole drive sitting in their fancy attire—after running around yesterday to find a pair of pants and a shirt that would fit Gabe’s muscles—they left their freshly steamed clothes hanging from hooks in the back seat and made the drive in their underthings.
“Is anyone around?” Michelle asked, looking out the windows.
“We’re late. Everyone is probably inside already.”
