Chapter 23
Ari and Javier are in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes. I didn’t ask her to. I don’t want them to do it together, but Javier insists on helping.
The recessed lights flash purple, letting me know someone is at the gate. My phone vibrates in my front pocket. I pause the footage of Javier’s opponent’s last fight and get up from the couch to check the camera. It’s my mother.
I look over my shoulder. Ari is smiling at something Javier said. There are times I imagine that I can hear her talking to my brother about a trip we took for a vacation, how much she loved it, how we plan to go to a cabin in the mountains next month, and where we will have Thanksgiving.
I watch Javier’s head lift as he hears my mother coming through the front door. His face breaks out into a big smile. Ari’s gaze lands on mine, and her eyes widen slightly. I see her hands fidget with the dish towel placed on the counter.
My mother places a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to meet her soft brown eyes, which are full of warmth. I give her a warm smile. My eyes tell her that I’ve missed her.
My mother is one of the most important people in my life. She has sacrificed so much for me and always chose us. She never remarried. She never took another chance at love, and I understand why. She gave a man two sons, and when it got hard because one of them wasn’t born perfect, he abandoned her. He abandoned us. She is one of the bravest women I have ever met. The second is walking over and kissing my mother’s cheek as a greeting. My mother steps back, holding Ari’s hands. She takes a good look and smiles with approval. She glances at me and my brother, and I can see the matchmaking wheel turning in her eyes.
She sits across from me and waits until Ari returns to the kitchen.
“She is gorgeous,” she signs.
“She works for us in the office at the gym. And yes, I know. She’s staying with us for a while until she finds an apartment.”
My eyes follow Ari while she dries the last of the dishes, and Javier puts the others away.
When I turn around to pick up the remote and hit play, my mother signs, “You like her. I can see it when you look at her.”
When I don’t respond, my mother raises her eyebrows.
I sigh. “She’s the serious relationship type. She wants a man like Noah from The Notebook .”
“You are no Noah. You’re better looking with a good heart. I have faith in you, Rey. I can tell she would be perfect for you. Javier seems to get along with her very well. She is polite. She obviously helps you boys around the house. I don’t see the problem.”
“Trust me, Mom. I know, but I’m the problem. There is nothing wrong with Ari.”
I pick up my phone. She pulls hers out of her handbag for privacy. I tell her everything that happened last night without the details of what I did to her on the couch.
Mom: You are saying that because you hurt her and feel guilty. I hate to say this, but I’m disappointed in you, Rey. I didn’t raise you boys like that. You’re right. You should leave her alone. Let someone else be her Noah.
Isn’t this what I wanted? For Ari to see that I’m no good for her. Then why do I feel like I’ve lost the biggest fight of my life? Even my mother knows I’ve ruined my chances with Ari.
Javier and Ari return from the kitchen. Javier takes a seat next to my mother. Ari glances at me on the couch, and my heart sinks. She sits on a single chair as far away from me as possible.
Ari says something to my mom, but my gaze is fixed on her. I know it’s only a matter of time before she leaves.