Chapter 34 #3
Cara gave a soft smile. “We aren’t as close as I’d like us to be.
They live in Maine, but I try to visit a few times a year when I can.
And I talk to them almost every night. I’ve been very blessed in that aspect and I hope to add to my loving family some day.
I know that sounds so cheesy, but it’s true. ” She shrugged.
“Good. family is very important to us, right, V?” I nodded my agreement.
Cara took my hand again and smiled. “I know. That’s one of the things I really like about Vera.”
Well, damn. How fucking sweet was she? I didn’t know what to say so I just sat and smiled like a love-struck weirdo.
I blinked when I started hearing clapping and cheering and looked up to realize Lia had scored the winning goal.
She ran up immediately after the game was over and hugged Miguel before wrapping her little arms around my waist.
“Did you see me, Tía? I scored the last goal!”
“I did, mija. You did so good! I’m so proud of you.”
“Cara, did you see me?”
Cara nodded, smiling brightly. “I did! You were amazing out there! You could really be a pro!”
“Did you know I used to play as a kid, Lia? You’re a lot better than I was, though.”
“Yeah, papa told me! He said you could’ve been a professional someday. I want to be just like you, tía!”
“That’s a good goal to have, Lia. She’s pretty amazing,” Cara said with a smile. “Why didn’t you become a professional?”
I shrugged. Surprisingly not as upset about it as I used to be. “Family comes first. I quit to take care of my abuela when she had her stroke.”
“That’s really amazing. Do you miss it?”
She caressed my shoulder and looked at me with sad eyes. “Not really. Now I get to watch my little niece kick ass on the field.”
“Vera! Language,” Cara admonished.
“Oh, it’s okay, daddy says ass all the time. Tía, Cara, will you kick the ball with us?”
I looked at Lia in surprise. She called Cara, tía. I was nervous at how Cara would take that. I didn’t know if she even knew what it meant, but I didn’t want it to scare her away.
I looked over to Cara, to gauge her thoughts on what Lia had said, but all I could see was Cara looking at me.
“You don’t have to—”
“That sounds fun. I’d love to, Lia. I’m not very good though.”
“That’s okay. We can teach you.”
“Are you going to be okay without me?” She asked, placing a hand on my shoulder with a smile.
I smiled and nodded, leaning in to kiss her cheek. She turned her head at the last second and landed on my lips instead. I had to force myself not to deepen the kiss since I knew my entire family was watching us.
When we parted, I looked towards everyone who was most definitely staring at us and cleared my throat.
“Gross. Let’s go tía, Cara. Did you know tía means auntie?” Lia asked.
Cara laughed and nodded. “I did, actually. Yes.”
I looked at her. She knew what it meant? And she wasn’t phased by it? Did she just think Lia was being a silly kid, or was she genuinely okay with my little niece’s assumption?
I wasn’t dumb enough to ask, so I watched as Lia took Cara’s hand and led her to the field without another word.
My brother was right, I had it so bad for her.
How could I not? She was fucking perfect, inside and out.
Watching her kick the soccer ball around with my niece and hearing her laugh and look like she was genuinely enjoying herself, I was falling more in love with her the longer I watched her.
It may have been crazy to think, but I could imagine our own son or daughter out there with Cara, practicing their kicks and blocks.
“Lia loves her, V. I’m sure Cara’s going to be the topic of conversation the entire ride home.
” Esteban’s words caused me to shake away those terrifying thoughts and look at him.
I was afraid to envision my life with Cara in general, but with kids?
Work was her life. Would she make time for a wife and children someday?
I didn’t want to ask. I was afraid of the answer.
I laughed. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. We love her too. I can’t speak for Miguel, because he has a stick up his ass, apparently, but she seems good for you.” He shrugged.
Miguel rolled his eyes and turned to me. “I’m sorry, baby sister.”
“For what?” I asked.
“For judging her too quickly. Seeing you two together and seeing her out there with my baby girl, I can see she’s good for you. She seems like she’s got a good head on her shoulders. I just hope she doesn’t break your heart.
“Yeah. Me too.”
On the way back to Cara’s house, she spent the entire time raving about my family and how much fun she had. She did admit that she wondered if Miguel liked her.
“Who wouldn’t love you? He’s just a protective brother. He’s latino. It’s sort of in his DNA.”
She laughed but didn’t say anything more. That was the closest I could get to telling her how I felt. I wanted to tell her, but I was scared. I didn’t want to scare her off.
“I’m sorry about the whole marriage and tía thing. You know how kids can be.” I laughed nervously.
She grabbed my hand and smiled. “It’s okay, really. It was nice to feel included… Like part of the family.” She shrugged.
I didn’t dare let my thoughts think about what she meant by that. I kissed her hand and focused on getting her home safely.