MB3 Sweet Sofie

Brandon

Age 10

“You’re not the boss of me!” Sofia glared at her brother.
“Sofie, you’re gonna get hurt,” Alex warned.
“Nah, she’s got it.” Eric was always on Sofia’s side, as much as her brothers would let him
be, anyway.

All morning they’d been taking turns jumping off a ramp with their bikes in the middle of the

street. As usual, Sofia was the only girl. She watched as Eric knelt down and adjusted the height on the
ramp, lowering it a bit.

“I can jump as high as you guys,” Sofia protested.

“No.” Angel shook his head. “Lower it, Eric.”
Sofia sat on the bike, frowning. “No fair.”
Sal watched from where he was standing on his bike. “That’s high enough, Sof.”

She’d jumped off the ramp before, but only a few times when her brother’s hadn’t been around.

Eric had seen her once and said she was pretty good. Her brothers never let her do anything. If it
weren’t for Eric, she knew she wouldn’t even be jumping right now.

“Alright go for it.” Eric smiled.
Sofia rode down the street, turned around and stopped. The apprehension in her brothers faces

irritated her. Sal was the oldest at fourteen, Alex, twelve, and Angel was eleven. She was the only girl
in her family, and the youngest at ten. They all stood there on the side of the street. Eric and Romero
also watched her closely.

“Be careful,” Sal yelled.
Eric smiled at her, and she smiled back. Eric Diego lived up the street and was Angel’s age. He’d

been one of her brother’s best friends for as long as she could remember. Sofia had always been drawn
to him, but recently she’d developed a secret crush on him. He always helped her get around her
brothers, and had become such a sweetheart lately. Not to mention, he was slowly becoming what her
and her friends liked to refer to as a ‘hottie.’

“Yeah, and hurry up ‘cause I’m next.” Romero rode his bike in slow circles, waiting his turn.
Ramon Romero was her brother’s other best friend. He, Angel and Eric were the same age. For as

long as they’d known him he’d gone by his last name. He lived further down the street that crossed
their cul-de-sac, but on the same block.

Sofia began to peddle and stood up to get more speed, determined to show her brothers she could

do it. The bike flew up and over the ramp, and she turned the front tire to the side as she landed for a
dramatic, skidding stop. More impressive than she had expected, she smiled triumphantly. “You see?”
She looked at Alex.

Alex still had that same look of disapproval on his face. Sofia frowned at that.
“That was cool, Sof,” Eric said. “Maybe next time we can lift the ramp a little.”
“No,” Alex said quickly, “that’s high enough for her.”

“Not for me, though.” Romero adjusted the height to make it higher.
“That’s way too high,” Angel said, looking at the amount of bricks Romero put under the
plywood ramp.
“You don’t know about this.” Romero continued stacking them higher.
“Are you nuts?” Eric asked. “That’s not gonna take the weight of your bike. It’s too high.”

Romero winked. “I am the master.”
“Oh, I gotta see this.” Sal leaned his elbows on his handlebars.
Romero finished and smiled, pleased with his work. He got on his bike and rode up the street.

Alex and Angel stood on their bikes next to each other, smirking.

“He’s gonna eat it,” Eric chuckled.
Sofia rode over to stand next to Eric and Angel. Eric looked at the ridiculously high ramp
and shook his head.
“You think he can do it?” Sofia asked.
“Hell no,” Eric said.

Romero started toward the ramp, picking up speed fast. He pumped his fist in the air, making the

guys laugh. Sofia held her breath. The front wheel started up the wooden ramp, but before it hit the
top, the ramp cracked and the front tire hit the brick, sending Romero off his seat, and onto the bar
between the seat and the handlebars, hard. He crashed onto the concrete, bouncing once before coming
to a complete stop.

They all burst into laughter, but at the same time the guys winced at the sight of Romero rolling

around on the ground.

“Awe, my nuts!” He clutched his crotch.
Nobody rushed to his aide—instead they stood there laughing out of control. Alex finally walked

over to examine the cracked ramp. “You broke my ramp, ass.”

Romero could only groan. Sofia got off her bike and walked over to him. “Are you okay?”
Romero, who had both eyes squeezed shut, opened one to look at her. “You’re kidding me,
right?”
Still laughing, Sal rode toward Romero. “You want some ice?”
Eric bent over and helped Romero up. “Thanks for that, man,” he laughed.

Romero stood there, blatantly holding his crotch, with an expression of sheer agony. Sofia looked

away. She’d seen her own brothers do that plenty of times, when they went overboard with the
horseplay. Someone would inevitably get a knee or elbow to the crotch, but watching Romero do it felt
weird.

They all looked up when a car raced by on the street that crossed the cul-de-sac. Not a second

later, they saw a police car race by and the siren turn on. Tires squealed and sk thealed aidded and
another police car raced by. A thunderous crash followed around the corner. They all looked at each
other, wide-eyed.

“Holy shit!” Angel began peddling.
Romero limped quickly to his bike, and Sal took off behind Angel. They all started toward
the corner.
“Sofia, you stay here,” Sal yelled over his shoulder.
“No,” Sofia whined.
“Yeah, Sof. It might be dangerous.” Alex was even sterner than Sal.
“I wanna see what happened, too!”
“No, Sof,” Alex repeated, “stay here.”

Eric looked at her sympathetically, but followed Angel anyway. She slowed down, pouting.

Angry tears filled her eyes, but she knew better than to disobey her brothers. Though her mom came to
her aid at times, their father had laid it on heavily from the time they were just kids. If anything
happened to Sofia, they’d all be in major trouble. Her brothers, but most notably Alex, who had the
shortest fuse, took it very seriously. The older they got, the fiercer their protective natures became.

She waited until they were around the corner, and started up slowly again toward the corner. She

stopped when she turned the corner, but couldn’t see anything. The car had crashed around the block.
People began to come out of their homes because of the commotion.

She inched along, walking her bike. The door of the house she stood in front of opened up.

Brandon Billings walked out and onto his porch. He was Alex’s age, but been held back a year, so he
was still in grade school with Sofia and Angel. He almost never came out, and Sofia had always
thought of him as kind of creepy. Part of the reason why he never came out was he didn’t have many
friends. Her brothers and their friends all referred to him as Bad News Billings. Sofia glanced at him.

“What are you looking at?” he sneered.
Sofia stuck her tongue out at him, but didn’t respond. She continued to look up the street.

Brandon turned his attention also and saw the people on their porches and front lawns. “What’s going
on? What’s everyone looking at?”

Sofia stared straight ahead. “The police chased a car around the corner, and I heard it crash.”
Brandon’s eyes opened wide. “Really? So how come you’re not over there?”
He jumped off his porch and walked toward her. “Don’t you wanna see what happened?”
Sofia shrugged.
“Well, then let me use your bike so I can go see.”
Sofia turned and frowned. “No. Use your own bike.”
“C’mon.” He grabbed one of her handlebars. “It’ll take too long to get mine. I’ll be right
back.”

”/blockq

“No.” She tried to pull her bike back, but he held on. “Let go, Brandon! Why don’t you just
walk?”
“Around the block?”

“Yeah, lazy.” She attempted to pull her bike again, but he held on firmly, now standing in front of

her with both hands gripping the handlebars.

Sofia pulled hard, glaring at him before she saw Alex ride up behind him and jump off his
bike.
“Get away from my sister.” He pushed Brandon hard, nearly knocking him off his feet.
“She was gonna lend me her bike.”
“No, I wasn’t!” Sofia squealed. “He was trying to take it.”
Alex glared at him and pushed him again even harder. “You gonna take my sisters bike?”

“No!” Brandon stumbled back, but managed to stay on his feet. The other guys rode up on their

bikes. Angel and Sal jumped off their bikes immediately.

“What’s going on?” Sal asked, walking up behind Alex.
“He was trying to take my bike,” Sofia answered.
At Sal’s glare, Brandon turned around and ran up the steps of his porch. “Yeah, you better
run, Billings!” Angel yelled.
Brandon hurried in his house and closed the screen door behind him. “I wasn’t trying to take
no girl bike.”

“You gotta come out sometime,” Sal smirked.
“And when you do,” Alex cracked his knuckles, “I’m gonna kick your ass.”
Brandon closed the wooden door. Sal turned to Sofia. “Are you okay?”
“Did he touch you?” Angel asked.
“I’m okay,” Sofia said, and then glanced at Angel. “No, he didn’t touch me.”
Romero picked up a rock and threw it at the screen door. “Asshole!”

They all got back on their bikes and started toward the house. “You shouldn’t have been over

here, Sof.” Alex said, and started peddling. “We told you to stay.”

Sofia rolled her eyes. “I wanted to see. So what happened?”
“The guy that was trying to get away crashed into a parked car and they arrested him,” Eric
said, riding next to Sofia.
Sofia opened her eyes wide. “Was he hurt?”
“Nah. The crash sounded a lot worse than it aworse tt looked.”

Alex rode over to the broken ramp. “You had to get stupid about it.” He looked at Romero. The

guys started laughing again, remembering Romero’s spill.

Romero frowned and rubbed his crotch. “I think I bruised my nuts.”
“Easy.” Sal frowned at him and then glanced back at Sofia.
Sofia didn’t say anything, but felt a little awkward. She got off her bike, leaving it on the

driveway and walked in the house. They could talk about bruised nuts or whatever they wanted to now.
She was thirsty.

Pouring the juice in her cup, she thought of her brothers. Brandon had it coming. It had been

building for some time now. She could hardly believe how stupid he was to continue to be a jerk. She
cringed at the thought of what would happen if her brothers ever got hold of him.

***

A few days later at school, Mrs. Sanders tapped the pointer she had in her hand against her desk

loudly. “Mr. Diego, can you come back to earth?”

Eric turned to his sixth grade teacher, feeling his face redden as some of the other kids giggled.

He’d been busy staring out the window. Sofia and a couple of girls were on the playground. He’d seen
Brandon hanging around, not too far from them. Brandon looked like he was up to no good.

“I asked you to read the next paragraph,” Mrs. Sanders snapped.
Eric glanced down at his book. He hadn’t the slightest idea what page they were on, much less

which paragraph. He glanced up at Romero, who sat across from him, for help.

“Page eight,” Romero whispered.
Eric turned the page quickly. He’d been way off, in the twenties, and then looked at Romero
again. “Third paragraph.”
“Mr. Romero, are you talking again?” Mrs. Sanders raised her voice.
“No, Ma’am.”
He turned back and shot Eric a look. Eric struggled not to smile.
“Am I hearing things, then?” Mrs. Sanders pressed.
Romero shook his head and glared at Eric, who was shaking his head disapprovingly.

Eric started reading and quickly realized he’d been had. He was on the wrong page. Romero

chuckled when the teacher told Eric he wasn’t even on the right chapter.

“Is something funny, Mr. Romero?”

Romero had a bad case of the giggles by now, and couldn’t even answer her. He looked down at

his book, biting his lip, and shook his head. When Eric saw Romero was unable to control his laughter,
he started chuckling also.

“Alright, I’ve had enough of you two,” she snapped. “You can both go see Mrs. Powell, right

now!”

Even then, Romero was still laugh bi still ing. Eric didn’t even want to look at him. He’d

managed to stop laughing. Making the mistake of glancing up at Romero’s stupid face, he cracked up
again.

“Take your things with you, because I’m asking her to keep you for the rest of the day.”
When they walked out the door, Eric frowned at Romero and pushed him. “You’re stupid.”
Romero laughed. “You’re the one.”
“Man, I’m gonna be so busted when I get home.” Eric shook his head.
“Not as busted as Angel.”

Eric looked at him, confused, and then turned in the direction Romero was staring. There were

two teachers trying to pull Angel off of Brandon on the playground. Angel was furious and continued
to try to kick Brandon. Brandon lay there on the ground with his hands over his face.

Sofia stood off to the side, close to tears. Eric and Romero ran toward the crowd. “I told you not

to mess with my sister,” Angel yelled.

“That’s enough!” Mr. Manning, the playground proctor, warned. He was finally able to pull
Angel away.
Brandon had a bloody nose and a fat lip.
Eric turned to Sofia. “What happened?
“He pulled my skirt up.”
Eric frowned, suddenly glad Angel had kicked Brandon’s ass. He glared at Brandon, wishing
he could have a shot at him, too.

They walked Angel away. Eric and Romero followed; they’d been sent to the principal’s office

and knew that’s where Angel was headed. Eric looked back at Brandon who was now on his feet,
crying, as the other teacher checked his face. He glanced over at Sofia, who stood there and watched as
they took Angel away. Something tugged at his heart when he noticed her quivering lip.

The walk home could not have been any more somber. Angel didn’t walk with them like he

usually did. He’d been suspended and sent home. Eric and Romero were both looking at an entire
week of detention. Sofia was the only one not in trouble, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at her.
The look on her face said it all. She felt terrible about Angel getting in trouble because of her.

They reached Romero’s house first, and he went in. Sofia and Eric continued down the sidewalk.

Eric looked at her. Her eyes red rimmed and welled up with tears. Suddenly he felt panicked. He
wasn’t used to dealing with girls crying. And something about seeing Sofia cry made it worse.

“Don’t cry, Sofie,” he almost begged. “Angel’s gonna be okay.”
“My dad’s gonna be so mad, this is the second fight he’s gotten into.”
“Yeah, but the first one wasn’t his fault, remember? Even the principal said so.” Though with

their school’s zero-tolerance policy, he’d been he’d suspended anyway.

They reached Eric’s house, but he kept walking with Sofia. “You coming over?” she asked.

“’Cause I’m pretty sure Angel’s not gonna be able to come out today.”

“I know. I just wanna walk you all the way home.”

Age 13

Ever since the boys had moved on to high school, things had been different. Sofia finally had

some freedom. A good thing too, because now that she’d lost a few pounds, boys were beginning to
notice her. She could actually have a conversation with them during lunch without worrying about one
of her brothers breathing down their necks. Even Romero, but mostly Eric, had gotten in on the big
brother act. As if three brothers weren’t enough.

Everything at home remained the same. Her brothers’ overbearing natures hadn’t changed at all.

With them feeding off her dad’s old school mentality about the importance of the older brother role,
their interferences began to reach new heights.

Sofia waited for Angel to leave the kitchen before asking her mom about the after-school dance

that Friday. Her mom chopped onions while Sofia helped with the guacamole. She glanced back to
make sure Angel had walked out.

“They’re having a Valentine’s dance this Friday after school. It’s just a two hour thing. I was

thinking of going. Is that okay?”

Her mom turned to her and smiled. “Did someone ask you to the dance?”
Sofia shook her head. They weren’t noticing her that much yet, but someone had asked if she

would be there. “No. It’s just going to be me and Tricia and some of the other girls from the running
team.”

“I don’t see why not.” Her mom rinsed her hands in the sink.
Alex walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Sofia pressed her lips together, willing

her mom not to say anything about the dance in front of him. But all her mental efforts were in vain.

“Are you going to wear anything special to the dance, or is it just casual?”
Sofia kept her eyes on the avocado she mashed in the bowl, but from the corner of her eye, she

saw they n ahad Alex’s attention. “What dance?”

“The Valentine’s dance at Sofia’s school,” her mother said matter-of-factly.
Alex made a face. “You going to the dance, Sof? With who?”
Trying her hardest to hide the attitude, Sofia didn’t bother looking at him. “With my
friends.”
“What friends?” Alex pressed.

She turned around, no longer able to conceal her agitation. “Tricia and some of the other girls,

Alex.”

Alex frowned. “School dances are lame, Sof.”
Sofia rolled her eyes, adding salt to the guacamole. “Well, I’ve never been to one. I just
want to try it. Do you mind?”
“Maybe I do.”

“Alex, go throw the trash out and tell your brothers it’s time for dinner,” her mother said,

dumping the onion she’d been chopping into the guacamole.

Alex grabbed the trashcan and headed out the kitchen door.

“Sofia, never mind your brother, let me know if we need to get you anything to wear. You go and

have a good time.” She kissed Sofia on the head. “Just be sure you come straight home after.”

Sofia smiled. Finally, her chance to mingle with boys, and her brothers wouldn’t be anywhere

around.

Eric waited with Alex, Angel, and Romero outside Kennedy middle school. He wasn’t sure what

to expect when Sofia walked out, but he was glad Alex and Angel were there. Any guy she might be
with wouldn’t stick around for long after seeing them. Everyone knew about her older brothers, part of
the reason he’d never had to worry about seeing Sofie with a boy.

Over the years, Eric’s affection for Sofia had taken a bit of a scary turn. It had gone from being

brotherly, to thinking of her in ways he knew he shouldn’t. It didn’t help that she was blossoming at an
alarming rate. Most of her baby fat was gone, but she had more curves now than most of the girls
Eric’s age. The nerves he’d begun to feel around her now were partly due his attraction, and partly for
the fear of one of her brothers, especially Alex, noticing the way his eyes would involuntarily wander.

Kids began spilling out of the front gate. Angel circled around in the street on his bike.
Something caught Alex’s attention. “Is that Asia?”
Eric followed Alex’s stare. “Yeah, that’s her.”
“Damn,” Alex smiled, “hard to believe she’s only in the eighth grade.”

Asia, one of the girls who had grown up with them on the same street, had moved several blocks

away last year. She wore a mini skirt with boots es with bthat went to her knees. Her tight blouse and
low neckline showed just how much she’d grown up in just one year.

Angel stopped his bike and watched as she crossed the street. “That’s Asia?”
“Yep.” Eric nodded.
Romero circled around Eric. “What’s the big deal?” Just as he was going to pass by Alex, he

added, “Yeah, she’s filled out pretty well for an eighth grader, but she ain’t got nothing on Sofie.”

Alex kicked Romero’s tire, causing him to lose his balance for a second. “Don’t be stupid, ass.

Sofie doesn’t dress like that.”

Eric laughed and watched as Romero nearly lost it, but recovered last second.
“I didn’t say she did. I just meant… ”
Alex glared at him.
Romero frowned. “Never mind.”
“Yeah, never mind,” Alex muttered something else and Eric couldn’t help chuckling.
Romero would never learn.

Sofia walked in a group of four, but the fact that her two girlfriends were in front, and she was

behind them with a boy, wiped the smile right off his face. She also wore boots to her knees, but with
jeans, not a skirt. Her long, straightened hair made her look older.

“There she is.” Angel started toward her. “I’ll go get her.”
Eric waited with Alex and Romero. There was no hiding her annoyance as she realized they were

all there waiting for her. Angel rode right up to her. She said something to him, then something to the
boy, before climbing on Angel’s handlebars. Eric smiled. This was precisely what he was counting on.

When they were close enough, Eric saw how annoyed Sofia really was.
She looked right at Alex. “Mom did not say I had to walk home with you guys. All she said was

to come straight home.”

“We’ll take you straight home, Sof.” Alex grinned.
They were all on the move now. She rolled her eyes.
“Zat your boyfriend, Sof?” Romero asked.
Before she could answer, Alex drove his bike into the back wheel of Romero’s bike. Again,
Romero almost lost it.
“C’mon!” Romero yelled, barely able to recover before hitting a tree.

Sofia and Eric exchanged glances, then she huffed, “Of course not—like I’ll ever have a

boyfriend with you guys always around.”

“Good,” Alex said.
Eric smiled. His thoughts exactly.

Age 14

The swing set in their backyard held so many memories. Sofia sat at their backyard picnic table,

watching her brothers and her dad take it down. It was bittersweet to see it go, but it had been years
since they’d used it for anything else but to sit on. The old rusted thing had become an eyesore.

She remembered the time she jumped off the top of the slide, pretending to be Wonder Woman.

Her forehead hit a sprinkler Angel had forgotten to put away, and she ended up with six stitches. Alex
had been livid. At first with Romero, for being the one who suggested they jump off in the first place,
then with Angel for having left the sprinkler there.

Romero and Eric strolled through the back gate of her yard.
“No way!” Romero stared at the piled up pieces of swing set on the grass. “Old Nellie’s
finally seen her last days?”
“Yep,” Alex said, throwing a pole on the ground with the rest of the set, “this thing was
falling apart already.”
Eric sat down next to Sofia and nudged her. “You sad?”
Sofia smiled. “Nah, I was just thinking about all the memories we had on that thing.”
“Oh, yeah,” he chuckled, “remember when Romero almost hung himself?”

Sofia laughed. Poor Romero, he always learned the hard way. Angel and Romero joined in with

more stories about the swing set. In just about every story, Romero didn’t fare well. He’d always been
the reckless one of the bunch, and he’d paid the price.

Once her dad’s truck was loaded with all the remains of the swing set, Alex, Sal and her dad got

in, with Alex at the wheel. He’d only had his permit for a few weeks, and was eager to drive any
chance he got.

Angel and Romero played catch and Eric sat with Sofia. He’d been doing that a lot lately.
“I’m gonna see my mom again.”
Sofia turned to him. Usually, his amazing light brown eyes gleamed when he spoke to her. Right

now, they seemed troubled. Eric had only met his mom in the past year. She left him and his father
when he was just a baby. None of them really knew the story about his mom. All she knew was he
lived with his dad, and his mom just wasn’t around. That is, until he told her about it a few months
earlier when his mom suddenly showed up. He hadn’t even told her brothers, just Sofia. It made her
feel special that he’d confide something so personal to her—it meant something.

“You are? When?”

“Tonight. She’s taking me to dinner. She wants to go to the movies, but I don’t know.” Eric

turned his attention to Angel and Romero, who tossed the ball around.

Sofia knew Eric was still hurt about his mother leaving them. “Why not?”
He shrugged, “Still feels weird. I’ll do dinner, but I’m not sure about the movies. We’ll see
how it goes.”
“You nervous?”
Eric’s eyes were back on her. “A little, but only about being alone with her. It’s
uncomfortable.”
The ball hit the bench next to Eric and bounced off, rolling near his feet. Eric bent over to
pick it up.
“You’ll be fine,” Sofia said as he stood up to throw it.

He threw it, then turned back to her and smiled. “Yeah, I will.” He started to walk off toward

Angel and Romero, then turned around. “Maybe I’ll come by after, if it’s not too late, and tell you
about it.”

Sofia smiled. “Okay.”

The drive home from dinner was quiet and uncomfortable, as was the usual case when Eric spent

time with his mom. He asked her to drop him off at Angel’s house, said he needed to pick something
up he left there earlier.

“Eric, I don’t want to push. So you give me a call whenever you want and we’ll plan another

dinner or lunch.” His mother paused as Eric opened the door to her car. “Or maybe breakfast. That
way I won’t take up too much of your time. Okay?”

Eric nodded and turned to face her. He smiled, not wanting to make her feel bad, but he wasn’t

about to hug her, much less kiss her. “Okay, I’ll see you.”

With that, he stepped out of the car and headed toward the front door. He could see the light was

on in the garage. The guys most likely were in there working out, but they weren’t who he was here to
see.

Sofia opened the door before he even got to it. She must’ve just taken a shower because her hair

was still wet. She wore shorts and a faded La Jolla High T-shirt. It was too big, but she still looked
cute in it.

“Hey,” she smiled, “how’d it go?”
He made a face. “Same as the last time—weird.”
Sofia opened the door all the way for him to come in.
“Hi, Eric,” her mom said from the sofa in the front room.
“Hi, Mrs. Moreno.”
“The boys are in the garage.”
Sofia gave him a knowing look. “But first you have to try some of my mom’s flan. It’s
delicious.”
Mrs. Moreno smiled, proud. “There’s plenty. Take some to your father.”
“Thank you.”

Once in the kitchen, Sofia was all business after serving him a heaping helping of the desert. She

leaned against the counter in front of him. “So what happened?”

The smell of the shampoo from her still-damp hair distracted him. Her big eyes waited in

anticipation. He tried to concentrate. He told her about the small talk his mom had made at dinner and

how he tried to make a joke and it toowike and tally bombed. Sofia laughed.

He loved hearing Sofia laugh, even if it was at his expense. “I don’t know if it’s ever gonna not

feel weird. My dad says it’ll get better with time.”

“It will,” she said, sounding completely convinced.
“You think?”
“Of course. It’s only weird because she’s your mom. Think of all the times you meet someone for

the first time at school. After a few times of talking to them, it’s like nothing.” She laughed. “The fact
that you tried to make a joke says a lot. Remember the first time you said you didn’t feel like saying
anything else but yes or no?”

Eric smiled. He’d forgotten about that. He’d been mad at his dad for making him go. Sofia was

right. Compared to then, things had gotten a lot better. They talked for a while until he finally got up
and headed for the back door toward the garage. Before he walked out, he turned to Sofia. “Thanks.”

Sofia smiled, holding the dish out. “You’re welcome. Remember, my mom said to take
some to your dad.”
Eric looked at the plate, then back at her. “Well, that too, but I meant thanks for the talk.”
She smiled even bigger. “Anytime.”

Eric took that to heart. From then on, Sofia was the only one he talked to in-depth about his

relationship with his mother.

Age 15

Sofia fixed her mascara in the restroom of her family’s Mexican restaurant. Eric would be there

any minute. She stepped back and examined the polo she wore. She was now a full C cup and she knew
Eric had noticed. She’d caught him looking several times.

Many of her friends already had boyfriends, but her brothers were still not having it. She thought

as she got older, they’d ease up. Instead, it was just the opposite. They were worse than ever. It was
infuriating. No one in her school dared ask her out. Worst thing now, her brothers had grown into
these big guys, especially Alex, who spent more time in the gym than he did at the restaurant. He’d
quickly become the biggest guy in school. Top that, with his legendary temper—no way would anyone
come near her. She could literally feel the shaky nerves in the voices of any guy that spoke to her.

Things were different with Eric. She got to be around him all the time. Lately, there’d been a

change. Many times when they spoke, he gazed deep in her eyes no matter what the subject, almost as
if he was trying to tell her something without saying it. Her insides would always turn to mush around
him now. She liked it. It was exciting.

As she walked out into the main dining room, her mother came toward her. “Oh, there you are.

There’s a young man here to see you.”

Sofia pinched her brows. A young man? “Who?”
“I don’t know, but he’s out front by the entrance.” Her mom rushed into the kitchen.
Sofia walked through the restaurant wondering where Alex could be. Sal was away in college and

Angel was hoe tAngel wme, but Alex was here somewhere. She didn’t want him embarrassing her. She
turned the corner to the front of the entrance. Ah, hell.

Ronald, a senior on her track team, stood at the front entrance. He was new to the school and

apparently one of the few that hadn’t heard about the cavemen in her life. Alex spoke to him.

“You’re kidding right?” Alex sounded almost amused.

“No, why? Is that a problem?”
Alex was as intimidating as ever. “Of course it is.”
They were both about the same height, but Alex probably outweighed him by at least forty
pounds.
Sofia cleared her voice. “Hey, Ron.”
Ronald turned at the sound of her voice and smiled. “Hey, Sof.”

He walked away from Alex, coming over to where Sofia stood. He pulled something out of his

pocket. “I went to Old Town this weekend. I saw this and thought of you.”

He handed her one of the little tiny turtle bobble heads she’d mentioned collecting. She smiled,

taking it from him. Alex came over and stood behind her.

“Let me see that?” He took it from Sofia, examining it, as if he hadn’t seen all the ones she had

just like it in her room. Then he asked, “How old are you, Ron?”

Ron gave him a strange look. “Eighteen.”
With that, Alex snapped the head off the tiny turtle and handed it back to Ron.
“Alex!” Sofia said, horrified.
“What’s your problem, man?” Ron asked.
Romero and Eric walked through the front door, oblivious to what was going on.

Alex got in his face. “My problem, asshole, is my sister is fifteen. I could call the cops on you,

for trying to mess with a minor, but I’d rather kick your ass myself.”

A few customers walked in, forcing Alex to refrain from doing anything. The only thing that

would hold him back from hitting the guy was his dad’s outrage if he made a scene in the restaurant.
Still, Sofia stepped in front of him to separate them. Alex didn’t make it easy. “Stop, Alex. We have
customers.”

Ron held his hands up and looked at Sofia. “I didn’t know you were fifteen.” His eyes roamed her

up and down and with a smirk he added, “You sure don’t look fifteen.”

“Get out.” Alex spoke through his teeth.
Ronald smirked. “I’ll see you at school.”
He walked out, but of course, Alex went after him. Eric and Romero followed. Sofia forced a
smile and greeted the customers.

The guy hadn’t stopped when Alex asked him to, instead picked up the pace and got in his car.

Alex warned him as loud and as obscenely, as only Alex could, about staying away from Sofia.

Eric and Romero walked back in the restaurant behind a fuming Alex. This complicated things.

Sofia turned heads now more than ever. The guy was eighteen, for crying out loud. Alex could only do
so much to keep the guys away. Next year, like Sal, he’d be gone to college, too. It would be up to
Angel.

Eric had to make some kind of move, but how could he, with Alex and Angel so dead set against

their baby sister dating?

Alex stalked through the restaurant to the back. Sofia saw him coming and walked to the empty

bar area, carrying a basket of chips. Normally, Eric would’ve stayed back and let them speak
privately, but this conversation he needed to hear. Was Sofia involved with this guy somehow?

“You wanna explain why there’s an eighteen-year-old guy bringing you gifts?”
“Oh, my God, Alex.” Her exasperation was usually warranted. Alex did tend to overreact, but

Eric was with him on this one. “I mentioned to him the other day at school about my turtle collection.
He’s just a friend.”

“That’s not what he said to me.”
Eric took his eyes off Sofia to look at Alex for a second, then his eyes were back on her.
She blinked as she and Eric exchanged glances, then she turned back to Alex. “What did he
say?”
“He said he was here to ask you out, Sof.”

Sofia glanced back at Eric. Her big brown eyes seemed to almost speak to him. “I don’t know

where he would get the idea I’d be interested. I only talk to him during track practice.”

“Well, you’re not anymore.”
Sofia winced. “I can’t even talk to him? Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds? He’s
just a friend.”
“Don’t be naïve, Sof. There’s only one reason he’d be talking to you. Did you not see the
way he looked at you?”
“I saw.” Romero finally spoke. Eric thought Romero had been quiet too long.

Alex turned around to look at him. “I should’ve kicked his ass,” he muttered, walking away back

into the back office and then turned back. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Sofia. I see you around him at
school, he’s dead.” To Eric and Romero he added, “I’ll be right out. Just let me grab my keys.”

Sofia held out the chips to Eric and Romero. “You guys want some?”
Romero went right to them. “Yeah, I’m starving.”
Eric took advantage of Romero’s distraction and stared at Sofia. She didn’t look away. Instead,

she said, “I really never gave him the impression that I might be interested. I promise.”

Romero didn’t look up from the chips. “Oh, I believe you, Sof. You got any salsa?”
Sofia was still looking at Eric. “It’s in the kitchen. You can grab a bowl.”
Romero walked away into the kitchen. Eric smiled. “You promise?”
Her face flushed. She smiled and nodded. “Promise.”

Subtle as it had been, Sofia officially made the first move. This was all Eric needed. He’d get

around her brothers somehow. Alex walked out of the office.

“All right, let’s go. Where’d Romero go?”
Just then, Romero walked out of the kitchen with a small bowl of salsa. Alex made a face. “Can

you wait ‘til we’re done unloading my truck? You guys can order whatever you want.”

Eric had to stop staring at her before Alex saw him. She was almost sixteen. He’d think of

something.

Sweet 16

Alex and Sal were hardly ever around, and Angel was utterly distracted with a girl he’d met a

couple of months earlier. Eric and Sofia were able to hang out together more than ever. Since his
brothers were away in college most the time, it had become Angel’s responsibility to chauffer his
little sister anytime his parents couldn’t. With this new girl keeping him busy, he’d come to rely on
Eric to help him out with the rides. Angel trusted him completely, and of course, Eric was more than
willing to oblige.

Though they’d been alone many times, Eric still wouldn’t allow himself to try anything. Sofia

had made the first move by caressing his hand in the car when she spoke to him. They’d graduated to
holding hands during their rides alone. His insides scorched too many times when he’d been near
Sofia. The guilt of what Angel would say if he betrayed him by doing anything more than hold his
little sister’s hand now outweighed the fear of what her brothers would do. To be able to touch her and
kiss her like he fantasized for too long would be more than worth a beating. Even from Alex. But the
guilt he couldn’t handle.

Angel texted Eric asking if he could pick Sofia up at the restaurant and take her home. As usual,

he was out with his girl and he needed the favor. Eric sat in the car behind their family’s restaurant.
His heart thumped when he saw her come out the back door. She smiled big when she saw him.

He took her scent in—soft and sweet—as she slid into the passenger seat. For years he’d come to

love the smell, but lately, it had taken on a more womanly hint. Lately, too, he couldn’t help thinking
of her as his little Sofie.

Sofia was hardly your typical sixteen-year-old, just one of the reasons she drove him so insane.

She was tall, and had filled out beautifully in all the right places. Her dark hair was longer than ever,
and though she probably didn’t even realize it, she exuded sensuality. The way she gazed at him
sometimes with those beautiful bedroom eyes of hers nearly did him in.

Eric took her hand as soon as she was all the way in. She smiled and took it a step further,

caressing her fingers ever so lightly over his. It was all he could do to hold back putting his hand
behind her neck and kissing those beautiful lips.

“Do you have to take me straight home?” She gave him those big, pleading eyes.
Eric groaned. This wasn’t the first time she’d asked him that. Just like the last time she’d asked,

the temptation to take her back to his house overwhelmed him. His dad wasn’t home, and they’d have
the whole place to themselves, but he may as well have a death wish. Finally initiating a first move of
his own, he kissed her hand. Her eyes widened. “You know I do, Sof.”

She let out a disappointing sigh. “Then will you come over and have some pie? I made it myself

this morning, and my mom’s home so my brothers can’t say anything about it.”

Over the years, Eric had been over the Moreno’s residence plenty of times, even when none of the

brothers were home. Living with his single dad, who was working constantly, Mrs. Moreno knew he
rarely got a home-cooked meal. The woman, and now Sofia, was always cooking. He’d always get
invited to come in and eat, or like today, have a slice of pie. So Angel and his brothers didn’t think

anything of it. They made jokes about him spending more time in their kitchen than they did, but
they’d always treated him like family. That only intensified the incredible feelings of guilt about the
things he’d been thinking lately when he was around Sofia.

He sat at the center aisle of their kitchen, forced to watch Sofia as she moved around the room.

Her breasts full and firm, Eric had been having dreams about them for years now. She bent over,
looking for something in the refrigerator and he nearly fell off the barstool.

Sofia pulled out the whip cream bottle and walked over to the pie in front of him. She squirted

some on it, then some in her mouth, licked her lips and smiled, wickedly. Those big eyes of hers
seemed to taunt him so much lately.

At seventeen, Eric had no control over his raging hormones. He panicked, feeling the

development in his pants. If Mrs. Moreno or anyone walked in, there’d be no way he could stand up
without it being noticeable.

Sofia giggled, and squirted a little more in her mouth again.
“Sofie.” Eric glanced around. “Stop.”
“Stop what?” Those big innocent eyes appeared genuinely confused.

“That.” He pointed at the can of whip cream in her hand, then tried, unsuccessfully, to adjust

himself in his pants. “I’m not gonna to be able to walk for a while thanks to you.irmanks to You better
hope no one comes in here.”

He’d never said anything of that nature to her, but things felt different lately. It took a second to

register, but when it did, instead of blushing like Eric thought she might, she smiled again. She
squirted some on the tip of her finger, then slowly, licked it clean. Eric squeezed his eyes shut, sitting
up straight. “You evil little girl.”

Sofia laughed and walked back toward the refrigerator. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a

little girl anymore, Eric.”

“Oh, I’ve noticed.” Had he ever.
She turned and smiled. “Good, now can you please tell my brothers that?”
Good luck. They all still spoke of her, and treated her, as if she was this fragile little flower. The

only good thing about that was it kept the guys away. Guys he knew had to be watching and waiting.

Lately, even Eric was having a hard time not losing it when he saw guys around her. He knew

Angel thought he just felt the same protectiveness they all did. He did, but not for the reasons Angel
thought. He had to break down soon and talk to Angel. He couldn’t hold back much longer.

Angel had a girlfriend now. Her name was Sarah, and she was on the track team with Sofia. Sofia

liked her a lot, but most importantly, she owed Sarah for all the time she was getting with Eric now.

They walked back to the gym after practice. The football team was just coming off the field, as

well, done with their practice. The guys usually met Sarah and Sofia halfway to the gym, but they
were interrupted by a couple of giggling girls this time. Both Sofia and Sarah tensed when they saw
the exchange. Only Angel kept walking toward them, without giving the girls the time of day.

Eric and Romero, however, stopped to chat. Romero obviously enjoyed the attention. He laughed

about something. One of the girls leaned into Eric playfully and touched the curls on his head. The
very curls Sofia had only begun running her fingers through in the past week during their time alone.

Eric smiled, glanced in Sofia’s direction, and she looked away. She felt her skin crawl. Too many

times, she’d had to endure seeing him with girls. It was so unfair. With just about every guy in school
well aware of her brothers, and recently even Romero and Eric stepping up the big brother act, Eric
would never have to deal with seeing her with other guys.

She gulped hard, staring straight ahead. She hated this feeling, and lately it was getting worse.

Every time she saw or overheard the guys talking about the things they’d done with girls, she wanted
to scream. At the moment, she felt on the verge of tears.

Angel reached for Sarah’s hand as soon as he was close enough. He turned in her direction. “You

tired, Sof?”

She nodded, unable to even speak. After changing, she and Sarah walked out to meet the guys. It

had become routine for Angel and Sarah to drive to the beach and hang out for a few hours every day
before he went home. But he always left it up to Sofia if she wanted him to take her home first, or if
she wanted to jump in with Eric. This time, she climbed in Angel’s car before he even asked.
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Sofia knew Eric would wonder why, but she didn’t care. She was tired of their charade. Eric got

to enjoy their moments and still play the single ready-to-mingle part, while Sofia lived on constant
lock down. It was maddening.

The next day, Sofia managed to avoid Eric for most of the day, until the after-school pep rally.

Forced to wait with Sarah during the rally, while the principal riled everyone up about the big game
that night, she had no choice but to watch the guys around girls again. All the guys on the team wore
their jerseys every Friday.

Eric was now as tall as her brother Angel, but the biggest difference was he had light brown curly

hair versus Angel’s dark straight hair. He’d really filled out in the last couple of years. The jersey he
wore made him look even bigger around the shoulders and he looked so damn cute it killed her.

She watched him from across the rally, where he stood with the rest of the team. When it was

over, everyone spread out. The cheerleaders made spectacles of themselves around the players. Angel
headed toward her and Sarah, while Romero and Eric, as usual, hung around with all the ogling
cheerleaders. Romero lowered himself a bit, letting one of them jump on his back for a ride. He said
something to Eric, who then did the same with another cheerleader. The girls laughed so loudly, Angel
turned as he reached Sarah and laughed.

Sofia was incensed. It was all she could do to keep from crying. The jerk had seen her—knew

she’d be watching, and still went ahead and let that girl on his back. She was done with their alone
time. In fact, she was going to look into getting her license. She hadn’t wanted to before, because
needing rides from Eric was the perfect excuse to be alone with him, but she was done. Maybe, if she
had a car, she would finally get some real freedom.

That night at the game, she sat with Sarah, Sarah’s cousin Valerie, and one of Valerie’s friends. A

group of boys she didn’t recognize sat near them. One of the boys smiled at her as he sat down. She
smiled back. He was cute. Tall, not nearly as muscular as Eric, but then Eric worked out every day
with the football team. This guy was obviously not a player since here he was watching.

The boy glanced over at her a few times before finally scooting his way closer.
“Hi, I’m James. What’s your name?”
“Sofia.” She smiled.
“You have real pretty eyes.” His sheepish smile made it easier to accept the compliment.
“Thanks.” She pulled a strand of hair away from her face.
She didn’t realize Valerie had been listening in until she asked. “You guys go here? I’ve
never seen you.”

James shook his head. “Nah, I go to Lincoln. But this rivalry is so big—everyone wants to
see this game.”
Valerie nodded. “Well, you sat on the right side.”

James laughed. He introduced the rest of his friends to the girls. He was by far the best looking of

the bunch. Two of them were still in middle school.
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Sofia talked with James the whole game. After the game, James and his friends walked them back

to the parking lot, where Angel’s car was parked. They always waited there until Angel and the guys
were done showering and dressing.

She leaned against one of the cars parked near Angel’s. Sarah was standing on the driver side of

Angel’s car, with the door open. She turned the radio on. When Sofia glanced at her, Sarah motioned
for her to come over.

“I’ll be back,” Sofia said to James, and walked over to Sarah.
“What?”
“You’re making me nervous,” Sarah whispered.
“Why?”
Sarah chewed her lip and glanced at James. “You don’t think Angel’s gonna be mad if he
sees you hanging out with these guys?”

Sofia smiled. She’d thought of that, but lately Angel hadn’t been so bad. He wasn’t likely to

make a scene like Alex would. “That’s Alex.”

She explained Angel wouldn’t be thrilled, but unlike Alex, he wouldn’t do anything unless the

guys were disrespectful, and she assured her James wasn’t.

James had made his way over to where Sarah and Sofia stood. Everyone else followed. Sarah still

seemed apprehensive. Sofia went back to talking to James. Valerie stuck her head in Angel’s car and
turned the radio up a little more.

Sofia walked away from the group with James so she could hear him better. They were standing

on the other side of the car very much alone when she glanced over and saw Angel, Romero and Eric
approach the group by the car. Romero was the first to speak up. “What is this? A fucking party?”

Her heart thudded when she heard Eric ask what Sofia was doing over there. Both she and James

turned to see him stalking toward them. He didn’t look happy.

“Is that your boyfriend or something?” James asked, sounding a little panicked.
“No,” she whispered.
James stood up a little taller, ready to face off with Eric. Sofia felt for him, but she had no way of

warning him. Eric was just a few feet away. Unlike her brothers, Eric was usually the calm and more
reasonable of the bunch, but his expression now was reminiscent of Alex.

The promise

The guy standing with Sofia did the stupidest thing he could do at that moment. He reached over

and touched her arm. Eric had never had a problem controlling his temper, but right then he felt like
exploding on the guy.

“What are you doing, Sof? What’s this?” Eric gestured to the guy’s arm still touching her.
“Who are you?” The guy asked before Sofia could respond.
It wasn’t even asked with that much conviction, but that’s all Eric needed to let out what he’d

been feeling the whole time since he spotted them. He jumped in the guy’s face. “Who the fuck are
you?”

Sofia jumped in front of him, her breasts pushed against him. “Stop, Eric!”
Angel and Romero were there in a second.
“Easy, Eric.” Angel glanced back at the guy. When his friend came from behind him, as if to back

him up, just like that, Angel was on fire. “What are you gonna do?” He growled, jumping in his face.

Sarah struggled to hold Angel back. Romero got in on it when more of the guys closed in. The

girls all did their best to keep the guys apart, though the other guys didn’t put up too much of a fight.
The younger ones didn’t even try to get involved. When it was all over, the other guys walked away.
Eric glanced at Valerie and her friend, who still struggled, holding Romero from going after them.
Sofia pulled her hands away from his chest and took off toward Angel’s car.

Still reeling and breathing hard, Eric wondered if Angel would question just why he reacted that

way. The door to Angel’s car slammed, getting all their attention. Sofia was already in the back seat of
Angel’s car. Obviously, she wasn’t jumping in with Eric.

Angel and Sarah got in the car. He stood outside the passenger side trying to hear what Angel was

telling Sofia until he heard him ask her if she was crying. Instinctively, he stuck his head into the side
of the window. “You crying, Sof?”

After Romero stuck his head into the driver’s side window to see what was going on, Sarah sat

up. “All right, out!” She pushed Eric’s head out. “You too, Angel.”

Eric H walked around the car and met Angel and Romero, “Good looking out, man.” Angel
held up a fist.
Eric tapped it with his own fist, trying to smile, but he was still too wound up. “Always.”
“Was he being a wise ass?” Angel asked, as they walked away from his car toward Valerie
and her friends.
“Yeah,” Eric embellished. “I didn’t like the way he was looking at her, either.”
“One of those, uh?” Angel shook his head. “Fucking asshole.”

They talked to Valerie and her friend for a few minutes, before heading back to their cars and off

to the beach for a bonfire. Eric thought about Sofia with that guy the whole way there. He knew she
couldn’t be happy about seeing him with those girls yesterday and today. But if she thought she was
going to be hanging with guys she had another think coming.

With Angel so distracted with Sarah at the beach, Eric took full advantage. He’d already planned

on coming to some kind of understanding with Sofia. He knew he had to after she’d jumped in Angel’s
car yesterday, instead of coming home with him. After tonight’s incident, he definitely had to get
things straight with her.

It helped that Romero was busy trying to cozy up with Sarah’s cousin, Valerie. Eric wouldn’t

have to deal with him interrupting. Almost as soon as they got the fire going, Angel and Sarah laid a
blanket down and sat down on it. Within seconds, Angel was all over her. That guy was so obsessed.
Eric had never seen him like this. He walked over to Sofia, who was putting down her own blanket on
the sand. “You wanna go for a walk?”

When she began shaking her head, Eric glanced back at Angel. He was whispering in Sarah’s ear.

Eric reached his hand out and touched Sofia’s. “Please, Sofie?”

She stared at him for a moment, then slipped her hand in his. Another glance at Angel confirmed

he was still completely distracted. He’d pulled Sarah down and was now lying next to her. “Eric’s
walking me to the restroom, Angel.”

Angel barely managed to pull his lips away from Sarah long enough to respond with an, “Okay.”
They headed toward the water, completely out of everyone’s sight. First things first. Eric

squeezed her hand. “Who was that guy, Sof?”

She didn’t look at him. “Just someone who started talking to me at the game.”
“Why were you alone with him?”
Sofia stopped and faced him. “Why was that girl touching your hair yesterday?” Those beautiful

eyes glared at him. “Why was that stupid girl on your back today?”

Eric took a deep breath. He knew it. “I was gonna talk to you about that today, but I didn’t see

you all day at school.”

She shifted her weight. “And after school you were too busy?”
“Listen, Sof. I can’t help it when things like that happen.”
She pulled her hand out of his. “Then I won’t be able to help it, either, when guys talk to me,

Eric. So I’d appreciate it if you not attack every guy that talks to me.”

“That’s not gonna happen.”
“Why not? I don’t attack the girls that flirt with you.”
“That’s different.”
Her mouth opened then closed. Before she said anything, he added, “I’ll try, Sof. For you,
okay? But it’s going to be hard.”
Her eyes were ablaze. “Really? It’s hard for you to not flirt?”

“No.” He took her hand again. “It’s hard because no one knows. That girl getting on my back

today was Romero’s idea, not mine. If it had been Angel, no way would he have suggested it.” He
kissed her hand. “If I could tell everyone how I feel about you, things would be different. But I can’t.”

She licked her lips, and he nearly went for it. He’d been dying to kiss her for so long.
“I’m saving myself for you.”
He stared at her. The thought of Sofia as his nearly choked him. She was waiting for a response,

but he had no idea how to respond to that in words. So he did the only thing he could. He cupped her
face in his hands and kissed her.

His thoughts at first were to just give her a peck, nothing more. But she opened her mouth,

inviting his tongue in. He couldn’t resist. He took her mouth, her tongue, she tasted so good he
brought his hand down around her waist and pulled her to him. She might not have known what she
was doing, but she caught on real quick.

Sofia’s breasts pressed against his chest. Eric had such a hard on, it hurt. He’d dreamt of this day

forever. His legs nearly gave out on him when she pressed herself against him. “Sofie, baby,” he
whispered, “don’t!”

“Why?” She smiled against his mouth.

“Because, we can’t do anything. It’ll only torture me.” He pulled away from her, gulping
hard.
She fisted her hand in his chest. “I promise you, Eric. I’m all yours, unless—”
“Unless nothing.” Eric wouldn’t even think of it.

“Unless.” She raised her voice. “I keep seeing and hearing about you with girls.” She tapped her

fist against his chest. “It’s not fair.”

“I promise you I won’t do anything with anyone else ever.” He kissed her forehead. “But you

gotta cut me some slack around Romero. Just because I go along with what he says or does to shut him
up, doesn’t mean I’m doing anything. I’ll never do anything to hurt you.”

Her eyes brightened and he kissed her again. It was settled. Maybe seeing her with another guy

had been worth it after all. The urgency levels had raised just enough to force him to move this thing
along a little further. But he was playing with fire and he knew it. He’d have to be particularly careful
now. If her brothers ever got wind of this, especially Alex, he was a dead man.

Thank goodness for Sarah. If it wasn’t for her, Sofia would be just bursting. Sarah was the only

one she’d told about her and Eric. She promised not to say anything to Angel, but begged her to be
careful.

Sofia sat in her Geometry class, daydreaming. She and Eric were making out every time they

were alone now. He was so gentle with her it drove her crazy. She could hardly stand it. She roamed
her hands all over his body freely, though most of the time he pleaded with her not to. But he had yet
to do much to her. She knew it was a torment for him to hold back and she told him he didn’t have to,
but he insisted they were already taking an enormous risk just making out.

Brandon sat down next to her. He was late again. He still lived at the end of their cul-de-sac and

he was still a recluse. Sofia stopped hating him a long time ago. Instead, she felt sorry for him. There
was something sad about the look in his eyes. He’d stopped being a jerk long ago, as well, and he
seemed nice enough now.

The first day of the semester, he’d walked in late and there were only two empty seats left. She’d

been saving the one next to her for her friend, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him no when he
timidly ask her if he could sit there. He’d sat there every day since. After getting to know him better,
she found out she’d been right. He was actually a real nice guy. But he clammed up whenever she
asked anything about his family, so she stopped asking.

He talked a lot about joining the Marines as soon as he graduated from high school. It kind of

made her sad how happy he was about getting away from his family. She couldn’t even imagine
leaving her family. At least he hadn’t turned into the loser her brothers always said he would.

“You still don’t know what you wanna do once you’re done with high school?” he whispered.
Sofia shook her head. Her parents had always told her she was more than welcome to follow the

family business as long as she went to school first. It was important to them that she had an education
to fall back on.

For as long as she could remember, she kept a journal. She loved writing and unlike some of the

kids who groaned when her English teacher assigned a paper or short story to write, she was always
excited about it. Her English teacher told her she hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of her
talent.

“Maybe a writer. I dunno.”
“You like writing?”
She glanced at him. “Yeah.”
“What do you write?”
“Short stories mainly, but I know I have it in me to write a novel someday.”
Brandon smiled. “I love reading. It’s all I do at home. I could read an entire novel in a day.”

Sofia stared at him, completely surprised. She would’ve never pegged Brandon as a reader. He

was totally failing Geometry, but maybe math wasn’t his thing.

“What kind of stories do you write?” Brandon appeared almost captivated.
Sofia suddenly felt nervous. She hadn’t expected Brandon to be interested in her writing. Much

less, ask her more about it. “Lots of stuff.”

“Like what?” He actually put his elbow on the desk and rested his head in his hand, watching her.

Only then did she notice how blue his eyes were.

She never would’ve dreamed she’d be having this conversation with Brandon. She told him about

several of the stories she had backed up on her computer. The teacher cleared her voice loudly, and
looked straight at them. Brandon shielded his paper and pointed at Sofia—as if she who was acing the
class—would copy off his work. Even the teacher couldn’t help but smirk.

They walked out together after class. “I’d love to read some of your writing, Sofia.”
She cringed. No one had ever read any of her stuff. She’d never even told anyone about it.

“Umm… I dunno.”

“Here.” He pulled a paper out of his backpack and scribbled something on it. “Email me one of

your stories. I promise I won’t be mean. If anything maybe I can give you some constructive
criticism.”

Sofia took the paper from him and smiled. “Okay. I’ll check and see what I don’t mind
sharing.”
She got caught for a moment in his eyes, then she looked away.
“Okay, see you,” he said and walked away.
She turned to walk down the stairs and saw Eric staring straight at her. Her heart fluttered as
usual, and she smiled.
“Did he give you his number?” Eric asked, without smiling back.

“No.” Unwilling to share the truth. “It’s about the homework.” She smashed the piece of paper

into her hand. “He gave me a website he uses to help him.”

“Since when do you need help from Brandon?” Eric still wasn’t smiling.
Knowing she’d startle Eric, she kissed him. “It was just a suggestion.”
Eric looked around, obviously concerned. “Sofia, stop.”
She giggled. He was too easy. “Never.”

Risking it all

Sofia was in a forbidden heaven. Things had progressed, and even Eric couldn’t stop it. Every

time they made out things got heavier and heavier and every time, things were more exciting than the
last.

She was doing her usual morning run when she got an idea. Eric’s dad was away for a few days.

Instead of doing her normal run, she took a short cut and headed to his house.

Sofia knocked when she got there, but he didn’t answer. She wondered if he was asleep still. To

her surprise, the front door wasn’t locked. She walked in, but stopped mid-stride. What was she doing?
There was a humming noise in another room. Then complete silence. Sofia stood in place, debating
about leaving or waiting.

She called out Eric’s name. Within moments, he walked out into the front room wearing nothing

but a towel around his waist. “Sofie? How’d you get in here?”

Unable to take her eyes off his bare chest, she gestured toward the front door. “It was open.”
She rushed to him and kissed him. Just as eager, he spun her around and she was against the wall

with his big body pressed against her. He kissed her more ravenously than he ever had. She loved it.
Every part of her body was awake with anticipation.

She smothered herself against him, hearing him moan when her stomach pressed against his

erection. Then his towel dropped. Sofia froze. One look down and she saw what she’d only felt
through his clothes for weeks. Sofia had never seen one. Not even on the Internet like some of her
friends. She didn’t dare risk getting caught. With her eyes still glued to it, Eric bent down to pick up
the towel and there was a knock at the door.

With her heart at her throat already, she could barely breathe. Eric worked quickly to wrap the

towel around him, when Romero flung the door open. They all stood there speechless. Romero stared
at the two of them for once, without a thing to say. Sofia grabbed a DVD off the wall and ran past
Romero. “Thanks, Eric. I’ll get this back as soon as I’m done with it.”

Romero stared at the door Sofia just ran through and then turned back to Eric. “Are you out of

your mind?”

In a weak attempt to pretend not to understand what Romero meant, Eric responded, “What do

you mean?” The throbbing boner was all but gone now, but his towel still showed signs of life. His
heart raced like he’d never felt before.

“Dude.” Romero glanced back at the door. “Do you know how bad that looked? If Angev> l or

Alex had been with me…”

Eric shrugged, but the fear that suddenly inundated him just hearing Alex’s name, was a living

thing. “She showed up when I just got outta the shower. All she wanted was to borrow a DVD.”

Romero stared at him, unconvinced. “Just ‘cause Angel hasn’t noticed, Eric. Don’t think I

haven’t. You really need to think about this. Don’t be stupid. This is Sofie we’re talking about, man.”

Eric frowned. “She’ll be seventeen soon.”
“Seriously? You’re actually considering this?” Romero stared at him, then shook his head,

walking past him toward the fridge. “Stop. Just stop, dude. I don’t even wanna hear any more.”

Eric stared at the floor, his breathing finally back to normal. He looked up in time to watch

Romero pull a bottle of soda out of the fridge. He took a swig of it then made a face. “What’s with the
diet soda?”

Ignoring his comment, Eric rushed into the bedroom. “I gotta get out of here.”
Romero was on his sofa watching television with his feet on the coffee table when Eric walked

back in the living room. He had a bag of chips now. “Where you going?”

Eric frowned. “I gotta meet my mom for breakfast. She drove in from Los Angeles.”
He had long forgiven his mom for walking away from him and his dad when he was just a baby.

She explained it to him when he was about fifteen. She said she’d just been too young and immature to
handle settling down with a family. She was nineteen when she walked away. His dad worried when he
was younger that he might be dealing with issues of abandonment. But Eric had always argued, how
could he feel abandoned by someone he didn’t even remember?

Their relationship ever since she’d reached out to be a part of his life consisted of one or two

monthly visits like today. But Eric kept them short. Even when she’d invited him to come stay with
her for a few weeks in the summer or to take a trip with her, he’d always politely declined.

Romero stood up, downing the last of his soda. He tossed the bag of chips on the coffee table. For

some reason, Eric felt the need to avoid eye contact with Romero. His knotted up stomach churned. It
was out there. Someone knew now, and it was just a matter of time before he had to deal with her
brothers.

“Listen, Romero. About Sofie—”
“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna say anything,” he scoffed. “Are you fucking kidding me? You really

think I wanna be the one to tell those guys?” He shook his head. “Nope. No thanks, but I’m telling
you, Eric, you better watch yourself. This shit has bad news written all over it.”

Eric eyeballed him as he finished putting on his watch. He didn’t need Romero to point that

thunderous fact out.

He called Sofia before leaving to assure her Romero wasn’t going to say anything. He only

prayed Romero wouldn’t say something when he was drunk.

Things were going fine. Sofia and Eric had slipped into a comfortable enough routine. Angel had

become so distracted with Sarah, he appreciated the fact th Kd trip witat Eric was so willing to help
him out driving Sofia around. Then suddenly, and very dramatically, Angel broke things off with
Sarah. She was supposed to have gone back to Arizona after the New Year anyway, but just before
Christmas, Angel found out about the guy waiting for her back home and it was over.

He’d been in a completely black mood ever since. Sofia felt bad for him. Even though Sarah was

no longer around, his distraction continued. Never once did he question why Eric was over so much.

Their parents were gone the week after Christmas. Every year they took off to Mexico after

Christmas and didn’t come back until after the New Year. At the last minute, Alex put together a party
for New Year’s Eve. Sofia didn’t even know about it until she got home that night after closing up the
restaurant with Sal, who’d come home for the holidays.

Excited about a party, Sofia ran to her room to change. She’d borrowed the cutest blouse from

Sarah months earlier and hadn’t had a chance to wear it. All done up, she went downstairs, excited
about Eric seeing her in it. He wasn’t there yet, but Alex took one look at her and made her go change.
As usual, Sofia was so mad she was close to tears. Just because it was a backless top, and he was

having some of his college friends over. He was ridiculous.

After changing into one of her boring tops, because she owned nothing sexy, she went back

downstairs. As it turned out, even her boring top was enough to drive Eric crazy. No sooner than she
leaned against him behind the bar in the garage where the guys were playing pool, did he pull away.

“Stop,” he whispered.
She giggled. All three of her brothers were engrossed in the game. The girls Alex talked to were

so silly, Sofia could barely believe they were in college. Their obvious attempts of turning her
brothers on were almost funny. Angel, of course, was oblivious to them. She was surprised he hadn’t
just called it a night and went upstairs, in the mood he was in.

Alex clicked the channel on the television that hung in the corner of the garage. They were

getting ready for the countdown to the New Year. Romero said he wanted to watch it on the big screen
inside. Sofia pulled Eric’s arm. “C’mon, lets go with him. I have to see this in there. It’s way bigger.”

None of her brothers even flinched when they heard her tell Romero to wait up for her and Eric.

Once inside, they’d barely closed the kitchen door behind them and Sofia was all over Eric.

Eric didn’t disappoint, with a hunger that matched her own. But he was always being cautious.

They didn’t even follow Romero into the front room. They heard the countdown, then cheering and the
music started. Eric took a few steps backward, finally stopping when he had no choice and leaned
against the sink.

She could feel him now through his pants, but he kept stopping to check if anyone was watching.

Finally, he gave in and took her mouth in his, devouring her tongue completely. Her insides went wild.

The back door opened. “What the fuck!”
Sofia spun around, shielding Eric from a very enraged Alex. He charged at Eric, “You’re
kissing my little sister?”
Sofia put her hand up in an attempt to hold him back. “It was just a New Year’s kiss.”

“I don’t give a shit.” Alex’s voice got louder with every word. “You don’t kiss my sister like that.

What the fuck’s wrong with you?”

Angel had walked in right after Alex, but hadn’t seen them kissing. He tried jumping in front of

Alex. “Hold on, Alex. Like how?

“It was just for New Year’s, Alex. Relax,” Eric insisted.
Even more enraged by that, Alex reached over Sofia and grabbed Eric by the shirt. “I know what I

saw, fucker. Sofia move!”

Sofia didn’t budge. Instead she pushed Alex back with both hands. Sal had rushed in from outside

and between him, Angel and Sofia they managed to hold Alex back. Eric slipped away from behind
Sofia and headed to the door.

“What the hell, Alex?” Angel asked. “Wait, Eric.”
Eric didn’t even slow down.
“No. I want him out!” Alex roared.
After Alex swore to beat Eric’s ass if he ever saw him around Sofia again, Angel turned to
Sofia. “How was he kissing you?”

Sofia was so choked up she couldn’t even answer, but it didn’t matter. Alex didn’t give her a

chance before shouting, “Your friend had his tongue down her throat!”

Angel looked dumbfounded.
“Maybe I had my tongue down his throat!” Sofia cried. “Ever think of that?” All three brothers

stood their staring at her. Alex blinked and opened his mouth, but nothing came out. “I’m not a baby

anymore, Alex. I’m tired of you treating me like one!”

She saw him gulp. “You’re sixteen, Sof.”
Even though his tone was much softer now, it enraged her. He’d just threatened to hurt Eric if he

was ever around her. Cut him off from her life just like that. “I’ll see him if I want to. You can’t stop
me!”

She pushed past Romero who’d been standing at the kitchen door, watching and listening to the

whole show. Then Alex was yelling again. “You hear me, Sofia? Like hell you will!”

Oh, she heard him all right. Sofia ran up the stairs but she was done with her brothers running her

life. She slammed her room door shut before falling onto her bed sobbing.

As bad as things had gone, it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been. When Alex walked in the

kitchen, Eric had been but seconds from squeezing Sofia’s ass with both hands. She did things to him
that made him lose his mind completely. He knew it was a bad idea to be doing anything to her with
her brother just yards away. For as much as he tried to fight it, fight her, it was impossible. Being with
Sofia was like an addictive drug. He knew the consequences could be deadly, and yet he craved her
more than anything. The more he had, the more he wanted.

After Eric called Angel on the phone the next day, he was relieved to hear he wasn’t mad.

Apparently, Sofia had explained to Angel that she’d been the aggressor. She told him Eric had only
hugged her a K huasnnd she initiated the kiss. Since Angel hadn’t actually seen the kiss, she made it
sound as if they’d just hugged, she kissed him and Alex had walked in. With Alex’s legendary temper,
it wasn’t hard to believe he overreacted.

Still, Angel had made it a point to make Eric promise he’d make sure nothing like that would

happen again. Now that her brothers were on to them, things would be that much harder. Alex’s
warning was enough to keep Eric away for now, but there was no way he’d stay away for good. There
had to be a way to convince them they could trust him. But how was the million dollar question.

A few days later, Eric would’ve never thought he’d be annoyed about the amount of time they got

off school for the holidays. He hadn’t seen Sofia in days. It was killing him. His only hope of getting a
chance to hang out with her now was at school. At least until things cooled down with Alex. There was
no way he was stepping foot in their house or their restaurant—not for a while.

Still in his pajama pants and t-shirt, he finished unloading the dishwasher. With his dad gone for

the day, he thought about calling Romero and asking him if he wanted to go shoot some hoops at the
park. He needed to get out, stop thinking about the need to see Sofia.

There was a knock at his back door. Eric peeked out his kitchen window. Incredibly, it was Sofia.

She was in her running gear. He gulped, feeling the adrenaline of both excitement and dread flood
through him, as he rushed to open the door. The second he opened the door, she jumped in his arms.
Eric hugged her, looking around his yard to make sure no one else was out there. The runway behind
his property ran the entire length of the block and around the cul-de-sac where she lived. He often took
it to get to the Moreno’s instead of going through the front.

He took a step back and closed the door behind her. Before he could even ask, she kissed him and

unable to hold back, he took her in his arms. Her hands ran down his back then around to the front of
his pajamas. She cupped him, making him groan. “No, Sof. Please.”

“They can’t stop us, Eric.”
“I know, but…” his breathing hitched when he felt her hand wrap around him over his pajamas.

Her gaze nearly blinded him. She could be so beautiful, but at the moment she looked so damn sexy it
hurt. Her long lashes blinked in slow motion.

“I love you,” she whispered.
The words overwhelmed him. He’d always loved Sofia. At first like a sister, but it occurred to

him just then he was in love with her now. And here she was telling him she loved him too. “I love
you, too, Sofie.”

He kissed her—a softer, gentler kiss than earlier. The tenderness he felt made his heart pound in a

way that was different from when she was simply driving him crazy.

Her chest rose and fell a little harder as her breathing accelerated. She took his hand and guided it

up under her blouse. Eric gulped at the feel of her soft breast in his hand. He’d only dreamed of doing
this, but dreamed about it for far too long. He closed his eyes as he allowed himself to caress it gently.

She began pulling her blouse up. Eric could only stare, but he couldn’t bring himself to move his

hand away. He wanted more. He wanted to kiss her there, take her in his mouth.

The doorbell rang and they froze. Eric pulled his hand away from her. “Where are your br Ke

a/diothers?”

“Alex and Sal are both in school.” She pulled down her top and headed for the back door. “Angel

had just got out of the shower when I left.”

The doorbell rang again and Sofia ran out the back door. Eric waited until she was completely out

of sight before heading for the front door. He patted the tent in his pants down.

Even though he knew Sofia was probably halfway home by now, his heart still nearly gave out

when he opened the door and saw Angel standing there. He didn’t look too happy, either. Eric held his
breath.

“What’s wrong with you?” Angel asked.
Eric shook his head, still waiting for Angel’s fist to come at him.
“Get dressed. Romero’s piece of crap broke down again. We’re gonna have to push it off the

road,” Angel laughed, lightening up the mood. “He’s stuck in the left lane holding up traffic.”

Eric laughed more out of relief than humor. “Give me a minute, and I’ll be ready to go.” He

hurried to his room to change. His heart had been hammering away from the moment he saw Sofia,
but now it hammered for an entirely different reason. After today, there was no going back. If he knew
Sofia, things would progress to places he knew could only be deadly for him. As much as he told
himself he wouldn’t let it go there—he’d convince her they couldn’t—he didn’t think he had it in him
to stop it.

What he felt when he was with Sofia was something he’d never experienced. As levelheaded as

he’d always been, no amount of willpower would keep him from going along with whatever she
wanted. And he’d seen it in her eyes today, felt it in her kisses. She wanted a lot more.

Just one time

It was only two weeks before Eric was a regular at the Moreno’s residence and restaurant again.

Although Alex was cold with him at first, he eventually came around, but things had changed. Sofia
knew things would never go back to the way they once had been.

Angel knew Sofia had feelings for Eric. She’d told him the morning after the New Year’s Eve

outburst. She wouldn’t hide it anymore. If her brothers wanted to believe she was still a child, they
could. But they couldn’t force her to hide the enormous affection she had for Eric. He was back to
eating at their place regularly. Sofia fawned over him, making him special meals and deserts.

Alex and Angel watched, pretending it wasn’t any different than how she behaved before New

Year’s. But she saw the look of irritation when Alex would walk in the kitchen to find her laughing
with Eric. The jabs about him being in their kitchen more than they were began to take a different
tone, especially from Alex.

Sofia didn’t care. After months of sneaking around, she’d mastered a few things that drove Eric

insane. He’d returned the favor, and they’d been so close to going all the way several times. She loved
stripping down to nothing for him at his house, but the fear of pregnancy kept them from doing what
she wanted to so badly.

It was only a few months before she turned seventeen. Years Nfavoago, her father made a

comment she never forgot. “You can’t have a boyfriend until you’re seventeen.”

At the time, she thought it was completely absurd. Now that it was only months away, it didn’t

sound so bad. She could hardly wait. Her dad had probably forgotten, but she would be reminding him.

Though she and Eric were making the most of their stolen moments, and she was tired of lying

about where she was going all the time. The sneaking was exciting, but they’d had too many close
calls. She wanted to be able to just say, “I’m going to be with Eric all day.”

More than anything, she wanted the damn girls at school to know Eric was off limits. They’d

already had another argument about a girl who was all over him all the time, and even asked him to
the prom. Eric promised that if he couldn’t go with Sofia, he wouldn’t go at all. Sofia felt bad. She
didn’t want him to miss his prom, but him taking someone else was out of the question.

Sarah and Angel were back together, and as inseparable as ever. It was a Friday night and all the

guys and Sarah were over. They were out back playing pool. Angel and Sarah were cuddling in the
corner, while Alex and Romero played. Sofia stood next to Eric as usual, laughing it up. Alex glanced
up from where he’d bent over, ready to take a shot. Sofia caught the glare and smirked. “Who’s
winning?”

“Who do you think?” Alex said, easing up his expression.
“This just isn’t my game,” Romero said, “Try me at bowling. Then you’ll lose your ass.”
Alex rolled his eyes and took a shot.
“You guys wanna go bowling tomorrow afternoon?” Romero looked around.
“I’m down,” Angel said.
“No.” Sarah raised her eyebrow. “You have a fitting tomorrow.”
Angel groaned. “That’s tomorrow already?”
“A fitting for what?” Romero asked.
“His tux, for the prom,” Sarah answered for him.
“No shit.” Romero laughed. “You’re actually wearing a monkey suit?”

“Aren’t you?” Angel stood up off his bar stool and walked over to the small fridge next to
the bar.
“You have to.” Sarah added.
“I dunno. I’m not sure if I’m even going.” Romero turned to Eric. “You going?”
Sofia tensed up. Eric shrugged. “Depends.”
Romero glanced up from where he was ready to take a shot. “On what?”
Eric took a deep breath, glancing at Sofia. “If these guys will let me take Sof.”

<" wid="0">

Sofia almost choked on her gum. Both Alex and Angel stopped what they were doing and stared

at him. She had no idea he was going to just put it out there like that. Before they could answer, he
added, “Otherwise, I’m not going.”

Everybody seemed to hold their breath.
“We could go together.” Sarah finally broke through the tension. “It’ll be fun.”
To Sofia’s complete disbelief, Alex lifted a shoulder. “If Angel’s gonna be with you guys all
night. I’m okay with that.”

Sofia could hardly contain herself. All Angel had to say was okay and they were home free. He

finally looked away from Eric and glanced back at Sarah. Sarah gave him a pleading look, and Sofia
knew it was done deal.

Angel shook his head, but smiled at Sarah. “Yeah, we can do that.”
Sofia jumped off her bar stool, hugged Angel then Sarah. Next, she rushed over to Alex and
squeezed him.
“All right, all right,” he said, sounding as annoyed as she expected him to.

Just so she’d be able to get away with hugging Eric, and she wanted to so badly, she hugged

Romero. Sarah laughed. Finally, she came back around to Eric, who gave her a warning look, but she
hugged him anyway. “Yay, I get to go to prom!”

She knew her parents wouldn’t have a problem with it, either. They loved Eric.

***

The Prom was Eric’s first chance to make a statement about his and Sofia’s relationship. If there

was ever any doubt that Sofia was off-limits, Eric made things crystal-clear now. He’d seen enough
eyebrows lift as they walked around, holding hands, to know people would be talking even after prom.

Angel and Sarah being elected prom queen and king should’ve been a good thing. Except an ex-

flame of Angel’s, Dana, had had a few too many, and she and the rest of her cheerleader girlfriends
decided to protest and demand a recount. It started to get ugly when all of Sarah and Sofia’s friends
from the track team came to Sarah’s defense.

Dana and a few of her friends were actually escorted out during Sarah and Angels dance. Sofia

was livid. More than once, Eric had to hold her back. The Moreno in her was alive and well and ready
to kick some ass.

The only mistake Angel made was giving Dana a moment when she begged for it just outside the

banquet hall. Eric suspected the tears streaming down her face had a lot to do with Angel giving in—
big mistake. Sarah walked away, with Sofia going after her.

Angel only spoke to Dana for a moment before going after Sarah, but he had his hands full. Sarah

insisted he take her straight home. Of course, Angel wasn’t having it. He asked Eric if he could just

hang out with Sofia for an hour or so, then meet up with them later at the beach. Eric wished Angel
good luck, and was off and running.

As usual, Sofia en [ualof her joyed tormenting Eric. There was a small hidden cove they’d

discovered just weeks ago at the beach. The massive boulders and lush bushes that surrounded it
rendered them virtually invisible to the rest of the world.

With a blanket and a few beers in hand, they entered their secret cove. Eric’s heart beat more

erratically than it normally did when he knew he’d have Sofia in his arms soon. Each time with her
had become harder to resist doing what they both yearned for, but knew they shouldn’t—couldn’t.

No sooner was the blanket down than they were on it, kissing frantically. He loved the way Sofia

was always just as crazed as he felt when they were together. She drove him insane, yet she did
nothing to hide her need for him.

Her hands were at his zipper. “Sof, baby, no, not here.”
“Why? No one can see us.”
“What if your brother shows up?”

Sofia frowned. “Are you kidding? Sarah is so pissed, and I don’t blame her. That bitch, Dana,

nearly started a riot. Angel should’ve told her to go to hell. They’ll be here, but it’s going to be a while
before he convinces Sarah.”

Eric gulped as Sofia continued to unzip him. With that crazed teasing look in her eye, she

smirked and began to straddle him. Eric sat up with one hand on the blanket to support himself, and
the other on her leg. “Babe, we can’t.”

“Just once,” she whispered, “don’t you wanna feel it, just one time?”
Was she crazy? He wanted to feel it over and over with her, but this was insanity. “I don’t
have any protection.”
“We’ll stop before anything happens.”
Eric laughed nervously. “That’s something I’m supposed to be saying, not you.”

Biting her beautiful lip, she gave him her signature smoldering stare. The stare she knew he

couldn’t resist. He was a goner, and he let his head fall back, every ounce of rationality smothered by
something much more powerful.

Her dress covered him from seeing what was going on underneath, but he gasped when he felt her

warm and soft on him. She went very slowly, her awestruck eyes on him the whole time. She closed
her eyes, pinching her brows, in obvious discomfort. “You okay?”

She nodded, but didn’t answer and kept going. This wasn’t how he wanted their first time to be,

but no amount of resistance could stop this from happening now. He was so far gone, his heart nearly
punched out of his chest.

“You sure?” He managed to get the words out, but even breathing became a struggle.
She nodded, her eyes blinking very slowly. And then—her eyes widened and she smiled. “We did

it,” she whispered.

Eric’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he breathed in deeply. He should tell her to get off—

that was it—he was ready to explode already. But the ecstasy of it all dazed him. Then she did the
worst thing she could at that second—move. Desperately trying to hold back, he begged, “Sofie, get
off.”

She did in a hurry and though she’d been just in time, he knew they’d slipped. It wasn’t a

complete miss. The blanket covered him as his entire body still pulsated. Sofia leaned into him. “That
was close.”

He wouldn’t even mention just how close. From then on, they’d have to carry protection, always.

No matter how much he wanted to believe what Sofia had said, just one time. There was no turning
back now. As aware of how hazardous to his life this was, there would be no way in the world he could
ever say no to that feeling again. Not with Sofie.

***

Sarah’s laughter carried all the way to Sofia’s room. The sound of it usually made Sofia smile,

but now all she could think of was one thing. She stared at her phone. The calendar was open and she
counted again. It was exactly twenty-eight days since her last period. She’d been late once or twice
since she started her period, but not in over a year. It came every twenty-eight days like clockwork.
Sofia could almost time it. It should’ve been that morning. She’d even worn a pad to bed like she
always did the night before she knew she was starting to avoid any messes.

Here it was, three in the afternoon and nothing. She and Eric had done it a few more times since

prom night. Eric made sure they had protection every time, but the fact remained, prom night they
hadn’t. She wouldn’t panic Eric yet. In the past, she’d been one or even two days late, but that only
happened twice in the past three years. What were the odds that it would happen again the month after
she’d had unprotected sex?

As much as she’d pushed it to the back of her head ever since, not a day had gone by that she

didn’t think about that moment of passion, when she’d completely ignored her better judgment.

She wasn’t even a day late yet, and her anxiety had already reached the frantic stages. The only

person she’d confided with all this time about the things her and Eric had done was Sarah, but she
hadn’t told her they’d become sexually active.

After reading a few more articles online about the early signs of pregnancy, she couldn’t sit still

anymore. It was wishful thinking, more than anything on her part, that made her check one last time
before going downstairs—nothing—not even a trace. Her body didn’t even feel the same as it usually
did. She was usually achy and bloated. Now she was neither.

Sofia walked in on Angel and Sarah kissing in the kitchen. Angel didn’t even flinch, but Sarah

pulled her lips from him. This wasn’t the first time she’d walked in on them. Her brother was
incapable of keeping his hands off Sarah. He had Sarah pinned against the sink, but she squirmed her
way out of his embrace in a blush.

Sofia forced a smile. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Sarah walked around the center island and sat down where they were supposed to be studying.

“I’m just glad it was you and not one of your parents.” She shot Angel a look.

Angel smirked as usual, shamelessly unfazed by the interruption. He walked around the center

island and took the seat next to Sarah, again his hand immediately on her leg. Sofia had never asked,
but [er th all there was no doubt these two were active.

Alex and Romero walked in the kitchen from the back door and nodded when he saw Angel.

“Good, you’re not busy. Give us a hand.” Alex kissed Sofia’s forehead as he walked by her.

“What do you mean, I’m not busy?” Angel attempted to sound annoyed. “I’m studying.”
Alex rolled his eyes. “You can get back to that when we’re done.”
“Done with what?” Angel stood up, but not before kissing Sarah.
“I bought a new bench and some more weights.” Alex pulled a couple of bottles of water out of

the fridge. “Romero’s scrawny ass ain’t gonna be much help.”

“Dude, I’m right here. I can hear you,” Romero said as he grabbed a bag of pretzels from the

counter.
Alex ignored him, instead turned to Sofia. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the restaurant
today?” He started to the door.
“Yeah, I’m closing. I go in at four.”
He nodded. Angel put his hands up and Alex tossed him a water. “You taking her?”
“Nah, Eric said he could, right?” Angel turned to Sofia.

Sofia nodded, but before she could say anything else, Alex stopped mid-stride. He glanced at

Sofia then back at Angel. “Why Eric?”

Angel shrugged. “I asked him to, so I could study.”
Alex’s face soured.
“All right,” Angel said, before Alex could start up. “I’ll take her.”
Alex didn’t even look back at Sofia before starting out the door again. “If you can’t, I will.”

Normally, Sofia would’ve argued, but today she wasn’t up for it. Alex would never look at Eric

the same way again. Not after what he’d seen on New Year’s. Sure, he’d agreed to let Eric take her to
prom, but that was only because Angel would be there. Angel hadn’t mentioned leaving her alone with
Eric that night. Alex would have had a conniption.

Her brothers were in denial, not stupid. None of them, but especially Alex, were comfortable

about her being alone with Eric so much anymore. She was only glad Angel hadn’t actually witnessed
the New Year’s kiss himself, or he definitely wouldn’t be as okay about her being alone with Eric. Sal
was much more laid back than Alex and Angel, but she knew the fact that he was gone so much had a
lot to do with it.

Once they were all out, Sofia turned to Sarah and frowned. Sarah gave her a sideways

sympathetic smile. “Only a few more months.”

Sofia had told Sarah about what her father had said years ago. She turned to make sure her

brothers were out of hearing range, then back to Sarah. She leaned on the center island across from
Sarah. “Do you ever worry about getting pregnant?”

Her question wiped the smile right off Sarah’s face. Her eyes widened. “Iinit [ed.pregnm on the

pill.” Sofia stared at her without saying anything. “You’re not thinking of…”

Warm tears filled Sofia’s eyes. Sarah stood. “You have?”
Sofia nodded, wiping her eyes. The last thing she needed was her brothers walking in asking

questions. It took a moment for it to sink in, but Sofia saw the moment it did in Sarah’s head.

“Oh my God, you think you are?” She looked as panicked as Sofia felt.
“I don’t know.”
Sarah didn’t say anything else, just stood there staring at her.

“I haven’t actually missed my period yet. I’m supposed to get it today.” She explained about

never being late and always getting it in the morning. Saying it out loud had the opposite effect she
thought it would. Sofia expected to feel better sharing with someone else. Instead, it made the reality
of it jump at her. “I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Sarah stopped staring to glance out the window. “Alex,” she whispered.
Sofia turned so see him walking toward the door. She turned her back quickly and opened the

refrigerator. The tears had begun to fill her eyes again. Alex would definitely have questions.

The door opened, and he came in. She pretended to dig through the cold-cut drawer when the

freezer door was opened. “Can I get in here, Sof?’

She moved over to give him room. The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Sarah’s voice was a near yelp.

Sofia had moved over to the sink by the time Sarah walked back in the kitchen with Eric in tow.

Alex was still busy filling a baggie with ice.

Still feeling very emotional, the sight of Eric nearly choked her.
“You ready?”
Alex turned to Eric. “Angel can take her, but you can stay and help me get my weights in the
garage.”
Eric glanced at Sofia. “You sure? I can take her, come back, and help you. Angel said he had
to study.”

Alex finished with the ice and walked over to add some water to the baggy. “Nah.” He didn’t look

up from the faucet. “Angel’s got it. Come out here and help me. He walked toward the back door.
“Romero’s more trouble than he is help. I told him it was too heavy, but you know him,” he chuckled,
“dropped it right on his toe.”

Eric laughed, then turned to Sofia, a bit thwarted. For once, Alex’s unbending character had come

in handy. Sofia knew she’d be tempted to mention her worry to Eric. There was no way she’d be
getting any sleep tonight if she didn’t get her period today. No sense in both of them losing sleep…
yet.

<="48" filepos-id="filepos160113">

Crisis

Nothing. Absolutely nothing, could prepare Eric for the horror those four little words could

spawn. I missed my period.

Her big, anxious eyes stared at him, her lip already quivering. Eric had never felt faint in his life,

but he was sure this was what it felt like. He had to remind himself to breathe. For a moment there, he
thought his own lip would start to quiver. “How late are you?”

“A day, but I’m never late.”
Eric brought his fist to his mouth. Damn! He couldn’t let her see what he was feeling. He’d

always thought if he ever got someone pregnant, the worst thing would be to have to tell his dad.
Telling his dad didn’t even compare to the terror of having to tell her brothers. Alex would kill him,
and that was no exaggeration. All three of her brothers would take turns on him, but that wasn’t even
the worst of it. Angel had trusted him completely, gave him the benefit of the doubt even after the
New Year’s incident, and this is how Eric repaid him?

“I should’ve got it yesterday.” Sofia began to cry. “I wanted to wait longer to tell you, but I’m so

sick with worry. I couldn’t stand it.”

Eric leaned over and hugged her. They sat in his car just outside the restaurant. Now he knew why

she didn’t want to tell him there. He’d noticed something was wrong the moment she walked out of
the restaurant, and he insisted she tell him right then and there. He pulled back and started up the car.
If anyone walked out now and saw her sitting in his car crying, it might get back to her brothers.

He drove a few blocks before pulling into a residential street and parking.
“Sarah says it’s too early to take a pregnancy test.”
“You told Sarah?” The words came out much louder than he’d intended.
“Yes, don’t be mad please. I had to tell someone. I was going crazy. She won’t say anything.
I promise.”

The thought of Angels’ girlfriend knowing about them scared the living crap out of him, but he

doubted Sarah would be willing to be the one to break the news to Angel even if they asked her to.
“What did she say about the test?”

“If I take it too soon, it might be a false negative so I should wait.”
“How long?”
“Few more days.”

Eric wiped the tear that slid down her cheek. He’d always hated seeing her cry. He slipped his

hand in hers and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. “Let’s not worry yet. You might not be.”

After drop ^ght/di soping her off at home, he drove to his house. He’d barely taken a few steps

inside when he rushed to the restroom and puked violently. His head had been in such a fog when he
drove up to his driveway that either he hadn’t noticed his dads’ car parked there, or he’d just walked
in, but he startled Eric. “You’ve been drinking, Eric?”

Eric glanced up at his dad, standing at the bathroom door. His insides still turned. “No.”
“Then what’s the matter?”
My sixteen-year-old girlfriend is pregnant. I betrayed my best friend in the worst way

imaginable. He’ll probably end up in jail for murdering me. Nothing really.

“I dunno. I just felt sick all of a sudden.”

Less suspicious and more concerned, his dad asked, “You need me to take you to the emergency

room?”

Eric shook his head. After being questioned some more, he convinced his dad it must’ve been

something he ate. He went to his room and lay there for hours, staring at the ceiling. Though he wasn’t
the most religious person on the planet, and God was probably not thinking too favorably of what he
and Sofia had done, he began to pray.

Several torturous days passed since Sofia should have got her period and still nothing. She

couldn’t wait any longer. Convinced she was pregnant, she’d begun to think about her options. There
was no other choice. She’d have to go to her mom, but she wanted to be sure first. Eric was on his way
over with a pregnancy test.

The front door rang and she took a deep breath. She heard Alex and Eric’s voices downstairs. Eric

wanted to wait until Alex wasn’t home. He didn’t even want to chance the possibility of Alex sensing
anything was wrong, but Sofia couldn’t wait anymore.

She told him to lose the box and just bring the test in his pocket. The voices downstairs seemed to

fade, and Sofia knew they were in the kitchen. She made her way down and walked into the kitchen
where Eric sat at the center island. Alex had made himself a protein drink and was pouring into a
glass. She exchanged glances with Eric, who looked as nervous as she felt.

Even though the last thing she could think of was eating, she cut up an orange and made small

talk. Finally, Alex got a phone call he said he would take outside. As soon as he was out the door,
Sofia hurried over to Eric’s side. He pulled out the small stick from his pocket and handed it to her
under the island table. She grabbed it, stuck it in her own pocket and practically ran out the kitchen,
nearly colliding with Angel as he walked to the kitchen. He looked at her funny, but didn’t say
anything. She hurried upstairs to the restroom that separated her room from and Angel’s.

Eric had already texted her the instructions on the box earlier and all she needed to know: One

line = no, two lines = yes.

Waiting for the results was the longest five minutes of her life. She stood in front of the sink,

eyes closed, taking deep breaths, checking her phone several times for the time. Thoughts of what
would happen if she had to tell her family plagued her mind. She wasn’t afraid of telling her mom.
She dreaded disappointing her, but she’d always been able to go to her mom about anything. But even
her mother wouldn’t be able to hold back her brothers k heshe, especially Alex. Sofia shook her head.
This couldn’t be happening.

Finally, she confirmed it had been five minutes. Sofia was almost too scared to look down. She

glanced down, read the results and immediately, became overwhelmed with emotion.

Alex being home was bad enough, but of all weekends for him to come home, Sal was there, too.

All three brothers and Eric were now in the garage. Alex and Angel were both under the hood of their
moms’ car, while Sal, as usual, supervised, making sure everything was done properly.

It couldn’t get any worse. If anything went down today, they’d all be there to tear him apart. The

nausea was back. It started at the drug store when he stood there reading the labels on the home
pregnancy tests. It only intensified when Sal got home.

Eric stood there taking deep breaths, concentrating on not being sick, while the brothers
argued back and forth.
“Will you just hand me the damn thing?” Alex held out his hand.
“Hold on.” Sal bent over to check Alex’s work. “You gotta make sure it’s tight enough.”
“Hey, Mr. Dreamy.”
Eric had been so lost in thought he didn’t even notice Alex was talking to him. “Yo, Eric.”
Eric snapped out of it and looked at him.
“What’s you’re problem?” Alex didn’t wait for an answer. “Make yourself useful and go
grab me a water from the fridge.”
“Yeah, me too,” Angel said.
“Make that three,” Sal added.

Eric managed a nod as he walked toward the kitchen. His phone beeped just as he reached the

kitchen door—a text from Sofia. He gulped before opening it.

Negative…but what if it’s false? I still haven’t got my…
Relief came and went in the same breath. For now, they were in the clear but she was right. What

if?

He walked in the kitchen. Sofia stood there looking worried. When their eyes met, she fell apart.

Eric panicked. “Sofie, don’t cry.” He turned to look out the window. “All your brothers are out there,
babe.”

To his dismay, Mrs. Moreno walked in from the front room. “Honey, what’s wrong?”
Sofia wiped the tears away and attempted to compose herself. “I have really bad cramps.”
Her mother rubbed Sofia’s back. “That bad?”
Sofia nodded. “Yeah, I’m gonna take an aspirin and lie down.”
Mrs. Moreno turned to Eric. “Did you need something, Eric?”
He’d been frozen in the same spot the whole time. “Uh, yeah,” he motioned to the back door,
“they want water.”

She looked at him kind of weird. “They’re in the fridge. Go ahead and grab some.” She turned

back to Sofia. “I’ll get you the heating pad. That should help ease the pain.”

Her mom walked out of the kitchen and Eric started to the fridge. As he neared Sofia, he saw
her eyes welling up again.
“I should tell her,” she whispered.
“No!”
“But what if I am?” Sofia was falling apart.
“What if you’re not? Give it a few more days.”
This was the worse nightmare of his life and it only got worse. The back door opened and
one by one, her brothers filed in.
Sal spoke first, “What’s taking you so—” he stopped when he saw Sofia, “What’s wrong,
Sof?”

All eyes were on Sofia, including Eric’s. He gulped, feeling his stomach turn violently and he

almost winced from the pain. She wouldn’t throw him to the lions, would she?

“I’m not feeling well.”
“You sick?”
“Cramps.”
Mrs. Moreno walked back in the kitchen, holding the heating pad. “Did you take the
aspirin?”

Sofia nodded. Eric nearly jumped out of his skin when Alex poked him. “What’s with you?” He

smirked as he moved past him to get to the refrigerator.

Sofia walked out of the kitchen with her mom. Eric could only pray she wouldn’t tell her.
“Yeah, thanks for bringing out the water,” Angel said as Alex tossed him one.
After tossing Sal one too, he asked Eric if he wanted one. “No, I’m good. I gotta go.”
“I thought you were gonna hang out and work out?” Angel said, taking a swig of water.
“I gotta do this thing for my dad, but maybe later I’ll come back.”
Eric couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The second he got the chance, he texted Sofia.

PLEASE don’t tell her yet.
Her only response was, k.
After being sick again at home and walking around the house aimlessly for hours. Eric got the

text from Sofia that took the weight of the world off his shou k ofpray lders.

I got it!
Never in life had he experienced such an overwhelming relief. That moment changed everything.

He and Sofia would never take a chance like that again. He’d nearly seen his life flash before him
when her brothers walked into that kitchen.

He’d been so damn worried about what her brothers would say when they found out, he never

even had time to worry about being a teen dad. Now that it was over and he could think clearer, he
couldn’t believe how stupid they’d been.

He dropped down on his bed, his heart still feeling the effects of the past few days. He text back

the two words that had come to him as the relief manifested.

Thank God!

Alex was in the front room watching television when Sofia walked in. “Where’s Angel?”
Sofia had a feeling that would be the first thing he’d ask. “With Sarah.”
There was no hiding the annoyance. “So how’d you get home?”

He already knew the answer to this. She didn’t know why he bothered. “Eric was already at the

restaurant so he offered to bring me home.”

“I’m sure he did,” Alex muttered.
Sofia smiled as she reached the stairs. Even though her brother’s clout had begun to weaken, she

and Eric were more cautious now than ever. After the scare they had, Sofia couldn’t believe Eric had
actually been worried that she would want to continue taking chances. She might’ve taken risks
before, but getting hit with such a huge reality check was enough to scare her straight. They were still
sneaking around, and they still did things that came awfully close, but the memory of the agonizing
worry they’d gone through made it easy to hold off.

Of course, Sofia still planned to do it again eventually. But for now, even using condoms was too

risky. Sofia wanted to wait until she was on the pill, but she wouldn’t even think about asking her
mom until she had the go-ahead on having a boyfriend. That was still weeks away. Even then, she
wanted her mom to let the idea of her having a boyfriend simmer. It could be months before they tried
it again.

She got no argument from Eric there. He said the image of her brothers walking into the kitchen

that day and what he felt when he thought she might tell them would be with him forever. He’d even
had nightmares.

It wouldn’t be too long, and in the mean time, they found plenty of other ways to keep themselves

satisfied without the risks. As much as Alex thought he was keeping them apart, he had no idea.

Eric got the text just as he walked into the flower shop.

Guess who’s allowed to have a boyfriend as long as she keeps up her grades? =)
He smiled. Sofia had told him when she turned seventeen she was going to talk to her parents

about it. She certainly hadn’t wasted any time. Here it was the morning of her birthday and she’d
already done it.

Another text came through before he could respond.
I’ll have to start looking for one.
He called her back, instead of responding to the text, and walked out of the flower shop to talk.

She answered on the first ring.

“You’re not funny, Sof,” he said, smiling.
She giggled. “My mom was kind of surprised. I guess we haven’t been as discreet as we thought.

She said she thought you were already my boyfriend.”

“Are you telling your brothers?” Eric closed his eyes and waited for her response.
“Only if they ask. I’m not gonna announce it or anything.”
The nerves began to stir inside him. He wanted nothing more than to be Sofie’s boyfriend—have

the whole world know it, too, but Sofie was so brazen. Even if they were a couple, he still had every
intention of being respectful in front of her brothers. He wasn’t sure Sofia would be with him on that.
Especially because Angel could never quite keep his hands off Sarah, no matter who was around.

Even with the okay from her parents, it would still be interesting to see what her brothers had to

say about it. He knew they wouldn’t be thrilled, but Angel had been cool about them holding hands
prom night. After what happened at the beach that night, when Angel and Sarah finally arrived, Sofia
never once let go of Eric’s hand. Angel and Eric had exchanged a glance, but he hadn’t objected. He
knew Sarah had a hand in that. She’d softened Angel. Alex would be a whole other story.

Once off the phone, he walked back into the flower shop. He’d planned on getting Sofia a light

flower arrangement and a regular happy birthday balloon. Instead, he picked out a heart shaped
balloon with the words I love you, and a dozen roses. He had them delivered.

He felt a little flutter in his stomach as he sat in his car. He’d done it now. They’d know in just a

few hours.

Later that afternoon, someone honked outside his house. He walked out and saw Sofia sitting in a

white Ford Fiesta. She smiled from ear to ear. He’d been expecting her. Sofia had gotten her license
finally and Angel had told him on the down low what his parents were up to for her birthday.

“I got a car!” she yelled out of the window. “C’mon, I’ll take you for a ride.”
She told him Alex had been the one to get the door when the flowers arrived. As expected, he

wasn’t happy about it, but after realizing he had no choice in the matter, he told her he’d be warning
Eric of a few things in person. She gave Eric a heads up.

“Basically, him and Angel are gonna make sure you know the rules,” she laughed, “as if we

haven’t broken them all already.”

She reached over and squeezed his thigh. Eric squeezed her hand and looked into the side mirror.

If he didn’t know her brothers so well, the thought of those two following them wouldn’t have even
crossed his mind.

Sofia drove to the beach and parked. It was a cloudy day and there were hardly any people there.

Only k thnow in ja few other cars were in the parking lot. The second the car was off, they were all
over each other. Eric stopped a few times, breathlessly, to look around. He just couldn’t put it past her
brothers to be watching them, but the coast seemed clear. Sofia reached down and unzipped his pants.

“Sofie, not here.”
She smiled. “Why not? No one can see what I’m doing.”
He should’ve known when she parked in the most isolated corner what she had in mind. A second

later, he dropped his head back in sheer delight, forgetting about everything.

***

Months after becoming an official couple, Sofia was still trying to conjure up the nerve to talk to

her mom about getting on the pill. So the night her mom knocked on her bedroom door had come as a
huge surprise.

“Are you busy?”
Sofia pulled both earphones out of her ears. It was how she always did her homework. She sat on

her bed, legs crossed, with her binder over her legs. She moved the book next to her and patted it for
her mom to sit.

Her mom sat down and took a deep breath. She glanced around the room. She didn’t come in her

room often. Sofia had a collage on her wall of her and Eric. Pictures of them even from when they
were kids. She didn’t like how chubby she looked in some, but the memories were so heartwarming,
she couldn’t bear not putting them up. Her mom smiled. “You two were so young, but I think that boy
was in love with you even back then.”

Sofia smiled and nodded. “That’s what he says.”
Her mom touched her hand. “And you were with him, as well?”
For some reason that made her blush. Was it that obvious? “Yeah, I think so.”

Her mom stared at the collage for a while longer before speaking. Without looking at Sofia, she

said, “I know things are getting serious between you two… and I know as much as your brothers think
they can keep you two from…”

Sofia cringed. Her mom had the talk with her years ago, but not in direct correlation with anyone

specific. “Mom—”

“Let me finish, Sofia.” She squeezed Sofia’s hand. She seemed as nervous about this as Sofia.

Though that still didn’t help. “You’re father and I—”

“Daddy?” Sofia sat up. This was so much worse now.
“Your father and I,” her mother continued, disregarding Sofia’s mortification, “we really didn’t

think we’d have to deal with this so soon. You see, with your brothers being the way they are, we
honestly thought it’d be years before anyone dare come around,” she chuckled. “Little did they know,
he’d been around all along.”

Her mother held Sofia’s hand in both of hers now. “We may be old school, Sofie, but we’re not

naïve. We know your brothers have been active for years. As much as we would like you to wait… we
don’t want you taking any chances. You have your entire life ahead of you.”

Excitement began to replace the mortification. Was her mom really saying what she thought
she was?
“We want you to get on the birth control—”
“Okay!” She placed her hand over her mouth, realizing her mom hadn’t expected her to

agree so quickly.

Her mom cleared her throat. “You do understand becoming sexually active changes everything,

don’t you?” Sofia nodded. “Everything is turned up a notch—a major notch. And once you go there
you can never go back. I mean,” she paused, “you decide how much or how often, but if there is ever
anyone else—”

“There won’t be.” Her mom was less obvious than her brothers with the ‘you’re being naïve’ look

but Sofia could spot it a mile away. She sat up straighter and reiterated, “There won’t be.”

Her mom finally conceded with a smile. “Okay.” She leaned over and kissed Sofia on the

forehead, then stood up. “I’ll make an appointment for you this week.”

Sofia jumped up from the bed and hugged her mother. “Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mija.” She raised an eyebrow. “Now, we both know this is your business and no

one else’s, but I’m sure your brothers will see it otherwise. Be discreet, Sofia. I don’t have to tell you
what might happen if they ever walk in on—”

“Oh God, I know. Don’t worry.”
As soon as her mother left her room, Sofia grabbed her phone and texted Eric.
Guess what?
His response was immediate.
?
She was so excited she couldn’t text fast enough.
I’m getting on the pill this week. My mom’s taking me.
A second later, her phone rang.
“What happened?”
Sofia gushed as she told him about the entire conversation. When she was done, he was silent for

a moment. His only response, “So your dad knows?”

Sofia couldn’t help laughing.

h="CENTER" height="0" width="48">

CHAPTER 7

Change is good

Adapting to Eric no longer being in school with her wasn’t easy. He was also going to college and

working now, so that made it harder for them to be together as often as Sofia would have liked.

Sofia was a senior now. School was far more demanding and she was still on the track team. She

was not about to give her parents a reason to take back her permission to have a boyfriend, not that at
this point anything could keep her and Eric apart, but she liked not having to sneak around. So she
spent a lot of time studying.

One of the biggest changes now that Angel and Eric were no longer in school with her was boys

were really opening up to Sofia. It was new and exciting, but Eric’s senior ring hung on the chain
around her neck, faithfully. Still, that didn’t mean she never flirted. With her brothers gone, she
discovered just how big a flirt she could be, and she relished it.

As the year went by, she and Eric fell into a routine. During the week, they saw so much less of

each other than they had the year before and that past summer, but it worked out. She was just glad
Eric hadn’t gone away to school. She would’ve never lived through that. Even now, she saw less of
him during the week, but she saw him at least twice and they spoke every day, not to mention texted
all the time, and of course, they made love frantically, every chance they got.

Late her senior year, while Eric was busy cramming for finals, she finally decided to show up and

surprise him at his job. He worked in a big home electronics store at the mall. She’d stopped by at his
job before, but he was always so busy he hardly had time to visit with her. So she hadn’t dropped in on
him in a while. This was the longest they’d gone in a while without seeing each other. He’d been busy
cramming for finals all week. She could tell he was a little worried about his grades, so she stayed
away and let him study.

It was a Friday night and the place was busy. It only took her a moment to spot him. He was

helping a customer, and she decided to go around the aisle and come up from behind him, to surprise
him. She strolled up and waited for him to finish with the customer.

The girl he helped looked older than Sofia. Sofia hadn’t paid attention to the conversation until

the girl laughed a little too loud. Then Eric laughed with her.

“Eric, you know I’m a tech idiot,” the girl teased, “that software you installed for me on Tuesday

is still sitting there on my computer, untouched. You’re gonna hav kresede to come over and install
this one for me.”

“How hard is it to put the disc in and follow the prompts?”
The girl laughed again, making the hair on Sofia’s arm stand up.
“I could probably drop by on my way home if you want. It’ll only take a few minutes.”
“And then you’ll show me how to use it?”

Eric’s laugh was like none Sofia had ever heard. It made her stomach turn. “It’s not that hard,

Nicky. But yeah, I can walk you through it.”

“Yay, you’re a doll. I’ll make you fish tacos, and I already have Coronas chilling in the fridge.”
Sofia held her breath. Say you can’t—you won’t.
“Fish tacos and a cold beer, sounds good.”
Sofia walked away and out of the store, choking in anger. He’d been to this bitch’s house this

week to install software, but he hadn’t had time for her all week? He hadn’t called her all day to
mention anything about getting together tonight, so she’d assumed he was busy studying again.

She hit the speed dial on her phone and called him. When he didn’t answer, she called right back.

Never once this entire time had she questioned Eric’s faithfulness. Sure, she’d worried a little when he
started college about all the college girls he’d be meeting, but once he started, and nothing changed
between them, she felt certain she could trust him. He’d loved her since they were kids. He told her
this all the time. The jealousy burned her up. She called until he answered, pacing outside the store.

“What is it, Sof? I’m working. I’m not supposed to answer my phone.”
“Am I gonna see you tonight?”
He paused. “That’s what you’re calling about?” He paused again for a moment. “I don’t
know, babe. I still gotta cram.”

Her stomach bottomed out. Without thinking, the words flew out, “Fuck you, Eric! I hope you

enjoy Nicky’s tacos, because I’m never cooking for you again!”

She hung up and wiped her tears. The heartache she felt was suffocating. It took her a while

before she realized she was walking in the wrong direction. She spun around and stalked to her car.

***

Sofie’s words were like a bat to Eric’s groin. It took him a moment to recover. When he did, he

realized she must’ve been in the store, close enough to hear his conversation.

He tried calling her back several times, but each time it went to voicemail. After working for

another half hour, his phone rang again. It was Angel.

“Shit.”
The number one rule when Alex and Angel had laid down the law about him and Sofia was, do

not break her heart. Alex had harped on that more than anything ktha0"> . He’d never even brought up
sex. He hurried to the break room to answer it.

“Hey, what’s up?”
“You better hope my sister stops crying before Alex gets home. What the fuck did you do, Eric?”
She was crying? This was worse than he thought. It was only fish tacos!
“Nothing!”
He explained about his friend Nicky, told Angel Sofia must’ve been there and overheard. “But I

swear to God, I was just being polite. I would never do anything to hurt Sofia.”

He told him about Sofie’s call, leaving out exactly what’d she’d said, just said she was harsh. “I

really do need to cram, Angel. I just think she’s completely misunderstanding all this.”

Angel’s tone didn’t ease up, even after his explanation. “Well, you better fix this, because I’ve

never seen her this upset. I don’t like it.”

“I’m on my way.”
Eric told his manager he had an emergency and had to take off early. His dad would kill him if he

knew what he was doing. He’d already warned him he had too much going on. School was his first
priority, then work, and last was his social life. The reason why he’d cut down on his time with Sofia.
But he had to fix this, and he had to do it now.

The more he thought about on his way to her house, the more he realized why she’d been so

upset. He turned it around in his head. If it had been him, he’d be incensed. Truthfully, he had been a
little flattered with Nicky’s continual flirting, and now he was feeling rotten about it. He took a deep
breath before getting out of his car at Sofia’s house.

Angel met him at the door. “I already told her you’re here, but she refuses to come down.
Sarah’s in there with her now.”
Eric had no idea what to do. “Can I go up there?”
Angels face soured. “Hell, no. I’ll go tell her you’re here again and remind her Alex will be
home soon.”

Eric stood at the bottom of the staircase, waiting. He looked up when he heard her door open.

Angel came out first, followed by Sofia. Even Angel flinched when Sofia yelled, “You’re a liar! You
were at her house this week, and you were going there again tonight! But you told me you had to
cram!”

Her parents rushed in from the kitchen.
“Sofia, what’s the matter? You’re crying?” Her mom looked up the staircase.
Sofia ignored her mom. “Is that who you were cramming all week, Eric?”
Angel had started down the stairs, but stopped at her outburst. “Sofie, calm down. Let him

explain.”

“No! Go get your fish tacos, Eric. Tell Nicky you like lots of cabbage!”
“Sof, I can explain. It’s not what you’re thinking. I swear to you.”
Her parents stared at him. As if his heart could take anymore, Alex walked in.
“What’s with all the yelling?” He took one look at Sofia’s face and his expression immediately

we kmme"0">

Mr. Moreno put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Calmado.”
“Nothing,” Sofia said before Eric could respond. She rushed past Angel down the stairs. “It
was just a misunderstanding.”
Alex still glared at Eric, but Sofia grabbed Eric’s hand and pulled him toward the front door.
“We’ll be outside.”
As soon as they were outside, Sofia let go of his hand. “You’re lucky I didn’t want my
brother to blow up.”

“Sof, I swear to you. It’s not what you’re thinking.” His heart was still pummeling against his

chest. He knew Sofia could be feisty, but to make such a scene in front of her family? “The software I
installed for her on Tuesday was in the store. She brought in her computer. I was only going to stop
and install the new one tonight then go straight home. I wasn’t going to hang out with her. You have to
believe that, Sof.” He reached his hand out to her, but she backed away. “I love you. I would never do
something like that.”

She paced back and forth hugging herself. Alex stuck his head out the front door. “You okay,
Sofie?”
She nodded and wiped her tears away. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Alex glared at Eric, then looked back at Sofia. “You sure?”
“Yeah.”
Alex shot Eric another look before closing the door.
“Don’t ever…” She whispered.
“What?” Eric took a step closer to her.
“Don’t you ever dare cheat on me, Eric Diego.”

He’d never even considered it and ga-damn if he’d ever would now. He reached his hand out
and she took it.
“I would never, Sof. You should know that.” He pulled her to him, feeling her arms wrap
around him and squeeze him.
“I don’t want you to talk to that girl anymore, and you better never eat any of her food.”

Eric had to smile. He hadn’t even thought of what a big deal that might be, but Sofia had always

loved cooking for him. It was their thing. He buried his face in her neck. “I’m sorry I made you so
upset. I hate to see you cry.”

Sofia pulled away from him and looked him straight in the eyes. “No more house calls for any of

your tech idiot girlfriends either. Okay?”

Eric kissed her. “I wish you could somehow feel what I feel for you, Sof. You’d never have
to worry about me with anyone else.”
“I do feel it. It’s what I feel for you, but you made me question it today.”
“I’m sorry, Sof. I didn’t even do anything, but I’ll say that forever. I’m sorry.”
She rested her head against his chest and sighed. “I feel drained.”
Eric took a deep breath. “Yeah, that makes two of us.”

***

Sofia’s graduation present was a trip to Cancun. Eric seemed thrilled when she said she wanted

him to come with her. All her friends were going. It would be a blast.

Sofia had been a little surprised her brothers were actually happy Eric was going, but at almost

nineteen, she knew her brothers had to assume they were sexually active. At this point, all they were
more worried about was her safety partying in a foreign country.

The trip was everything she’d hoped for, except for the fact that she was the only one of her

girlfriends that brought her boyfriend along. There were a couple of nights her friends were a little
miffed that she didn’t hang out with them because they were supposed to be girls’ nights. Still, Sofia
and Eric made the most of the trip, and they had the best time ever.

Eric took a break that summer and only took a few classes instead of his usual full load. They

were able to spend more time together and as always, every moment alone was electrifying.

When summer ended, Sofia concentrated on school. She attended UCSD, the same as Alex and

Angel. She dare not go anywhere further. It was bad enough, school and his job kept them apart for
days at a time now. She couldn’t imagine being away from him for weeks, much less months.

She met Naomi in college. They were both majoring in English Lit. They met in a creative

writing class. Naomi was a few years older than Sofia, and already had a baby. She was also a little
bitter about the hand she’d been dealt. Only twenty-two, she was a single mom with no family support.
But she loved reading, writing, and she was working her way through college. Sofia had to respect
that.

Sofia worked at the restaurant when she had the time. Her parents had told her she could put in as

many or as little hours as she wanted. She couldn’t even imagine working a regular job, going to
school and raising a baby all by herself.

They went to lunch as they often did. Sofia sat across from Naomi. She’d asked Sofia if she could

interview her. Naomi was working on a paper on relationships for Psych class.

Naomi bit into her sandwich before picking up her pen and note pad. “So how did you meet
Eric?”

Sofia smiled. “I’ve known him forever.”
“Really? You’re whole life?”

Sofia nodded. “Yeah, pretty much. We grew up in the same neighborhood. He lived up the block

from me. Still does.” She bit into her own sandwich. Naomi waited for her to continue. When she was
done chewing, she swallowed and added, “He’s my brother’s best friend, so he was always around.”
“Wow. That’s so sweet. So was he your first boyfriend?”

Sofia smiled and nodded. “My first everything, actually. I’d never even kissed a boy before
him.”
Naomi stared. “You’ve never had any other experiences than with him?”
Sofia thought about it. That was it in a nutshell—she’d never been interested in experiencing
anything with anyone else.

“That’s interesting. I’ve been reading a lot about long-term relationships. The ones that I find the

most fascinating are the couples that met and marry after only a very short time, say a week or a
month, but are together forever. Then there are the ones like you, who’ve known each other your
whole lives and stay together forever. But I know you’re still young, so who knows. Personally, I don’t
know anyone else, even high school sweethearts, that have stayed together. It seems like too much. ”

“What do you mean?”
“Well.” Naomi sat up. “I’m not saying you won’t; I’m just saying most couples that start that

young eventually start getting bored with the same relationship and start wondering what they missed
out on. You know—dating—meeting new people in the real world outside high school.”

The memory of Eric laughing with the girl at the store came to mind. There hadn’t been anymore

instances since then, but the image was seared in her mind forever.

“In most cases, usually the guy starts to resent all he missed out on.” She tilted her head. “Neither

of you has had other relationships outside of each other?”

Sofia smiled big. “Yep. It’s just been me and him all this time.”
Naomi took another bite of her sandwich and wrote something, thinking aloud. “Never even
been kissed by anyone else.”
Sofia shook her head. “Nope, and I never wanna be.”
Naomi smiled. “That’s beautiful. But don’t you get curious?”
“About what?”
“I don’t know.” Naomi stared. “I’m just saying don’t you ever get curious about what
kissing another guy would be like?”
Sofia shook her head. “Never.”
“That is so amazing.” She held out her hand and gave Sofia a high five. “You go! You and
your boyfriend are one in so few.”

Sofia thought about that, then remembered Angel and Sarah. “My brother and his girlfriend have

been together since high school, and they’re sophomores in college now.”

Naomi’s eyebrows lifted. She lifted her notepad again, but waited until she finished chewing,

then asked. “Were they each others first, too?”

Sofia laughed. “I’m pretty sure she was his first real girlfriend, but she was far from his first

experience.”
< k="0else.p height="0" width="48"> “What about her?

After thinking about it for a moment, she responded, “I think she said she had gone out with a

couple of guys before she met my brother.”

Naomi kept jotting things down on her notepad, but asked, “Well, that’s a little different.”

Doubt

After almost two full years of college under his belt, Eric was ready for a break. Now that Sofia

was in college also, their time together was even more constricted. Even when he was finally free of
schoolwork, sometimes she wasn’t. She was also running on the college track team, so that took up a
lot of her time.

Both he and Sofia had been looking forward to the summer. They’d been saving for a vacation.

Nothing fancy, maybe just a drive up the coast. Stop at a few bed and breakfasts. It didn’t matter
where they went. Just being with her for an entire week, day and night, would be paradise.

Then a few weeks ago, his dad threw a wrench in his plans. The company he worked for was

highly influential. Students lined up for the chance to do an internship there. A position in their IT
dept was well sought-out. Eric was majoring in Software Engineering. He’d always been a natural
tech, even when he was a kid.

An internship at this place would do wonders for his resume, might even open a few doors. His

father always said success was due in large to hard work, but it also involved some luck, and it helped
to know people. In this case, he was lucky his father knew people that could get him in. The internship
would be for the entire summer. Unfortunately, it was at their head quarters in Los Angeles. He’d have
to stay with his mom all week and be home only on the weekends.

Eric’s first thoughts were hell no! But after his dad stressed the importance of this and what it

would mean for him in the future, he started rethinking. Sofia wouldn’t be happy about it, and the
thought of being away from her all summer except for the weekends was the hardest thing to accept.
Still, this was a huge opportunity for him. His father even said he was certain if he didn’t, do it he’d
regret it later on.

Eric finally agreed, but he still hadn’t told Sofia. He’d be leaving in less than three weeks and

there hadn’t been the perfect moment to bring it up.

After watching a movie and munching on pizza, they ended up naked on the living room floor.

Eric worked on catching his breath when Sofia sat up. “God I miss this. I’m so glad summer is almost
here. I’m s n="0els Erick of going days without you.” She kissed his neck. “I want this every day.”

Eric took a deep breath. “We need to talk, babe.”
Sofia stopped kissing his neck and looked at him. “About what?”
“This summer.”
She pulled away from him. “What about it?”
“I’m gonna be gone. But I’ll be home on the weekends.”
Sofia stared at him. “Why?”

“My dad got me an internship with his company in L.A. It’s for the whole summer, Monday

through Friday.” He caressed her face. “It’s a dream internship, Sof. My dad pulled a lot of strings to
get it for me.”

“You asked him to?”
“No.”
“I thought we we’re taking a vacation?”

“I know.” He kissed her. “I was looking forward to it, too. But my dad says this is something I

really need to do, and I have to agree, Sof. I’d be stupid to pass this up.”

Sofia looked so sad it killed him. “The whole summer?”

He pulled her against him. “I promise, we’ll make the most outta every weekend. Okay?” He

kissed her nose. “You mad?”

She took a deep breath, her expression completely heartrending. “Are you going to miss me?”
Eric sat up and cupped her face in his hands. “Of course I am—every minute of every day. You’re

all I think of, Sofie. It’s almost embarrassing.”

Her face crumbled. “I miss you already.”
For a moment, he hated his dad, and he choked up, hugging her tight. “No, Sofie.” He took a deep

breath, trying to hold it together. “We’ll talk every day. I promise.”

They held each other for a while, then Sofia asked, “Are you sure you didn’t ask your dad to take

you away this summer—from me?”

Eric pulled himself up and leaned on his elbow. “Why would you even ask me that?”
She lay there, looking at the ceiling. “You’re not bored with me are you?”
Eric turned her chin gently to look at him. He gulped, trying to hold in the anger that question

filled him with. “Don’t ever ask me that again. I can’t believe you would even think it.”

She stared at him, then in an instant, she wrapped her arms around him. “Maybe I could go out

and stay with you a few times.”

Eric squeezed his eyes shut. He had a feeling she’d suggest that. But his dad had told him he’d be

putting in some long hours. There’s no way he’d have time for her.

“We’ll see,” was all he’d commit to.
She pulled away, eyes pinched. “Or not.”
Eric pulled her to him. “Sof, I’ve only stayed with my mom a few times my whole life. I’m not

even sure if this is gonna work out. I’m just saying, let’s wait and see what happens.”

Even though he knew how disappointed Sofia was, he was glad he’d finally told her. They’d been

through so much already. They could get through this.

***

Eric had only been gone a few days, and Sofia was feeling it. She tried so hard to put up a front

when he left, but she couldn’t help feeling like somehow he wanted to be away from her. It felt wrong.
She should be happy for him. Even her brothers had agreed this was an awesome opportunity for him,
but she couldn’t help it.

Weeks later, even after Eric had come home and two weekends in a row they’d spent most of

their time together in a hotel room, she tried pushing it to the back of her mind. Sofia had only signed
up for two classes over the summer. She regretted it now, because it gave her too much time to think.

She used her writing as therapy, spending hours with her laptop. For the most part, it worked.

She’d been writing for hours when her phone rang. It was Eric. She answered eagerly.

“Hi, baby.”
“How’s my girl?” He sounded tired.
“Okay, but God, I miss you.” She had to stop telling him that. He was going to get tired of
hearing it.
“I miss you, too. Just two more days and we’ll be together again.”
They talked about their days. His was always more exciting than hers.

“Oh, hey, guess what?” Eric’s tired tone seemed to wake a little. “My dad’s always going on

about what a small world this is. He’s forever running into people from way back even when he’s out

of the country. Now I know what he means. So far, I’ve run into two people from La Jolla. Remember
Jacob Taylor?”

Sofia thought about it for a moment. “No.”
“From the football team in high school.”
Sofia wracked her memory. “Ah-uh.”

“Anyway, he’s going to school out here. I ran into him the other day at the market. Then just

today I ran into Asia, remember her?”

Sofia was trying still to remember Jacob when she heard the name Asia, and her mind halted.

How could she not remember the neighborhood slut?

“The one that lived up the street?” Sofia’s cheeks were suddenly warm. If she wasn’t mistaken,

she’d heard a few things about Eric and Asia, way back in the beginning of high school.

“Yeah, I stopped at the place where I get my coffee on my way to work. She works there. She said

it was her first day. I almost didn’t recognize her. She’s changed a lot.”

“Does she still dress like a whore?” Petty, but for some reason the fact that Asia worked at the

coffee shop Eric would be at every morning didn’t sit well with her at all.

“No, Sofie.” He paused, the regret in his voice about telling her apparent. “She was in uniform.”
“What else did she say, Eric?” She hated the mood the conversation had taken. She’d taken it

there, but couldn’t help herself.

“Not much. I was in and out of there as soon as I got my coffee. But she did say she’s out here

trying to become an actress.” He laughed.

Sofia didn’t laugh. It didn’t surprise her. Asia had always been about the drama.
“You still there, Sof?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“What’s wrong?”
Deciding not to make a big thing of it, she took the high road. “I just miss you. That’s all. I
can’t wait ‘til this weekend.”
“Me either.”

Eric told her about buying tickets to Sea World for the weekend. As much as she liked Sea

World, she would rather spend the weekend the way they’d spent the last two, but she pretended to be
excited, anyway.

A few weeks later, Sofia went to the movies with Naomi. They’d become pretty close in school.

The only reason why she never did anything with her outside of school was because any free time she
had, she preferred to spend with Eric. Now that he was away, she had more than enough free time to
spare.

After the show, they grabbed a burger. They sat down in a booth with their trays of food.
“So how’s it feel to be free?” Naomi asked, sticking a fry in her mouth.
Sofia looked at her. “I’ve never felt trapped.”

Naomi glanced up at her. “That’s not what I meant. I mean, you finally get to do whatever you

want without your brothers or Eric having anything to say about it.”

Sofia felt unease set in. The same unease she’d been feeling the past few weeks. Naomi had an

annoying way of always hitting things on the nose. She’d never given it much thought, but she had
gone from her brothers watchful eyes to Eric’s.

Her brothers had passed on the responsibility of looking after her to Eric. It was never said, but

that’s exactly what had happened. Now she understood how after so many years of being so
overbearing, they’d grudgingly, but a bit too painlessly, been okay with her dating. They knew she was
in good hands with Eric. Even when she took the trip to Cancun, they’d been more than happy Eric
would be with her.

Not that she thought Eric took advantage of that. He never told her she couldn’t do things without

him. When her parents had given her the gift of Cancun, he assumed she was going without {oinher
she cohim.

Since Eric had been gone, she’d been doing things she hadn’t done in a while. She told herself it

was just because she was trying to keep herself busy. She used to run every day for pleasure. Ever
since she and Eric started sneaking off, she stopped. She only ran for the team, even back in high
school. There was no way she was going to let anything, even her running, cut into her time with Eric.
And she’d all but given up on any writing, for the sake of writing. The only writing she’d done was the
mandatory stuff for school. Now that Eric wasn’t around, she spent hours every day doing both.

What bothered her most is how much she’d missed it. She forgot how much she enjoyed both. It

made her wonder if Eric was discovering he liked time to himself, also. She worried that he’d begin to
enjoy time away from her, maybe even with other people.

He’d mentioned Asia once more since the first time. Again, she kept what she felt to herself. She

didn’t even make a smart remark like she had the first time. But she’d decided if he brought her up
again, she would definitely say something.

Sofia brushed off Naomi’s comment and changed the subject. Even after they’d moved on,

several topics later, she still couldn’t shake the unease.

The next morning, Sofia got ready for her daily run. She stretched out before starting on the

grassy area to the side of the walkway behind her house. Someone was coming up the walkway with
their dog. She focused on the puppy that mulishly refused to walk as the owner tugged on the leash. He
was adorable, big and chocolate brown. “Is this his first walk?” She knelt down to pet the pup.

“Actually, it’s his third.”
Sofia looked up, immediately recognizing the voice. She hadn’t even realized it was Brandon

Billings from up the street. The last time she’d seen him was just before he left for the Marines years
ago. He looked different—more mature. He smiled at her. “Brandon?” She stood up. “When did you
get back?”

She couldn’t get over how different he looked. He was in much better shape than when he’d left

and he looked so put together. The despondency in his eyes was gone too.

He was taller and much more secure, more distinguished somehow. “Ah, so you noticed I was

gone.” His playful smile revealed a perfect set of white teeth.

She remembered him hardly smiling in high school. He’d worn braces all four years.
“Of course I noticed,” she smiled. “You’ve been gone a while, haven’t you?”
“Obviously you didn’t notice the first time I was back in town, but since then I went back for

another fourteen months.” He glanced down at the pup who was chewing on his pants. “Just got back
last week.”

“And this is your puppy?” She said, bending back down. She smiled, touching his big paws and

wrapped her hands around his ears and face.

“Yeah, this is Troop.”
“Hey, Troop,” she said, “you’re beautiful.”
“So are you,” Brandon said.

Sofia stopped petting Troop and looked up at Brandon. The compliment was so unlike him. It

made her a {It igh little uncomfortable, but she was flattered anyway. “Thank you.”

“You look so different, Sof, so much older.” He looked her over. “What are you, eighteen
now?”
Sofia smiled. “Just turned nineteen, actually.”
“Really? Wow.”
She picked up her leg, bringing her foot up to her behind, stretching it.
“I see you’re still running.”

Sofia was a little surprised he remembered. “Yeah, I’m on the team in college, but I kind of

stopped running for fun for a while there, just started to again a few weeks ago.”

He eyed her as she stretched.
“Hey Sof, I’ll be in town for a few weeks, maybe we can get together and do something. You

know, catch a movie or something.”

She felt a little bad, but there was no way she could take him up on the offer. “I would, Brandon,

but I’m sure my boyfriend would object.”

“Ah,” he nodded. “Is the lucky guy anyone I know?”
“Yeah, you remember Eric, right?”
“No shit?” His blue eyes sparkled. “Well, I’ll be damned. Since when?”
She smiled, stretching her other leg. “Technically, since I was sixteen, but officially, since I
was seventeen.”

Brandon’s eyes widened. She knew what he was thinking. “How the hell did he pull that one off?

I remember your brothers were all over anyone that messed with you.” He laughed. “Hell, I got my ass
kicked a few times.”

Sofia laughed, remembering how Eric almost got a beating from Alex. “It wasn’t easy, that’s for

sure.”

“Well, that’s too bad. It would’ve been nice to catch up.” He tugged the dog’s leash to pull him

away from Sofia’s shoe laces. “You run everyday?”

She nodded. “Yep, Monday through Friday.”
“Maybe I’ll take run with you one of these days.”
She thought about it for moment. “Sure, I wouldn’t mind the company. I’ll see you around,

Brandon.” She started running toward the park.

Sofia decided she wouldn’t mention to anyone she’d run into Brandon. Even though things

between her brothers and Brandon had actually become amicable just before he left, she had a feeling
they still wouldn’t like the idea of her agreeing to go running with him. Eric probably wouldn’t be too
crazy about the idea, either. She made it clear to Brandon that she was in a relationship, and she didn’t
see the harm in running with him. It might not even happen. She’d keep the whole thing to herself.

Past acquaintances

The very next day, Brandon was out there in his running shorts and a tank top. Sofia could tell

he’d already been running because his shirt was dampened with perspiration.

He ran up to her as soon as he saw her. “Hey.”
“Hey.” The first thing she noticed was a tattoo on his upper arm, but she didn’t say anything.

Something about it being on his big, muscular, sweaty arm, made looking at it feel wrong.

Sofia still couldn’t get over how different he looked. He seemed so improved, and she was happy

for him. Everyone thought he’d end up in jail, and here he was, clean-cut and looking healthier than
ever. “How long you’ve been out here?”

“About an hour.”
“Really?” she said. “Wow, how much longer are you gonna be? I usually only do about an hour

total.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a Marine, honey.” He wiped the sweat from his face with his big shoulder. “An

hour ain’t shit. Pardon my French.”

Sofia smirked. “Yeah, but you’re practically walking.”
Brandon’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that a challenge?”
Sofia smiled and took off sprinting. She felt him closing in, and she turned it on. Sarah had been

the best on the team in high school. She taught Sofia how to turn up the speed fast. She felt herself
pull away. Then suddenly, Brandon started closing in on her again. She reached the park, ran into the
grass, and touched a tree, the one that she’d always made her target. “I win!”

“What?” He reached it and ran past it. He slowed down and turned around, walking back toward

her with his hands on his hips. “You cheated.”

“I did not!”
He bent over, putting his hands on his knees. “First of all, you didn’t even tell me we were

starting, and then you invent the finish line just as I’m catching up?”

Sofia laughed, bending over to hold her knees as well, and tried catching her breath. “You’re the

one that brought up the challenge.”

Brandon walked over closer to her and leaned against the tree. “Damn, you’re fast.”
~
honey.”
She straightened up and leaned against the tree. Brandon moved closer to her. “I remember.” He

smiled, a little too close to her face.

Her racing heart fluttered. As much as she wanted to rest, she didn’t think standing there with

him anymore was good idea. She took a deep breath. “You ready for more?”

He looked at her unbelievably. “You’re kidding me.”
“I won’t invent the finish line this time. Last one to my house is the loser.” She put her finger and

her thumb to her forehead in a shape of an L.

Before he could even respond, she took off. It was a few moments before he was right behind her.

This was good practice for her. She turned it on and broke away again. She was almost there, could see
the gate to her backyard, when Brandon snuck up behind her. She tried to step it up, the expression on
her face completely determined, but she was so exhausted and her muscles ached so badly, she
couldn’t, and he came up from behind her, beating her by a foot.

Sofia slowed down, coming to a stop just a couple houses past hers. She walked back to where he

was leaning against the fence. Neither could talk, they were breathing so hard. She circled around
holding her sides, trying to catch her breath. Even though it was just a friendly run, it irked her. She
hated losing. She glanced at him and then away. “Don’t be mad, honey.”

She had to laugh. “Whatever.”
“You almost had me.”
“Yeah, well almost isn’t good enough.” It was a struggle just getting the words out.

She couldn’t stand it anymore. She had to sit down, so she leaned against the vinyl fence and slid

down until she was sitting. Brandon came over and sat next to her. His leg touched her thigh. It was
wet with perspiration, and his pinky caressed her own glistening thigh as he massaged his leg.

“You still writing?”
Sofia turned to him. “You remember?”
“Of course. I still have that piece you sent me.”
“You do?” Brandon was the first person aside from a teacher or a professor she’d ever let
read anything she wrote.

She’d since let Eric read some of her stuff. But since she stopped writing for so long, she hadn’t

had much to show him in years, other than her school work.

“I was really impressed.” He wiped the sweat away from his brow. “I’ll be honest. I was a little

nervous it wasn’t going to be too good. But I really got into it.”

She smiled, remembering the email he sent her back. She’d been surprised herself about how

eloquent he’d been when speaking of her writing. Then he admitted to writing a little poetry himself.
She asked to read some and he sent her one. She didn’t really get it. She printed it out and tacked it to
the small tack board in her room, determined to try to figure out the message. It was still there even
after all these years, under a buns, anch of other stuff, but she hadn’t read it in a long time.

“I’ve taken a bunch of creative writing classes, so I’ve written a lot there. But only recently did I

start writing again for pleasure.”

“Really?” His eyes were always so piercing, and so lash heavy, it was almost sensual the way he

stared at her. “Why’d you stop?”

She shrugged, unwilling to admit the truth. “I got busy, I guess.”
Sofia’s chest heaved up and down still, and Brandon glanced at it. As much as her legs ached, she

pushed herself up. “I’ll get you next time.”

“What? You’re done?” He looked up at her.
Sofia looked back at him. “I gotta go.”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
She tilted her head. “About what?”

“There are some things I’ve always wanted to tell you.” He must’ve read her expression because

he added, “Nothing your boyfriend would have an issue with. I know you’re with Eric now and I
respect that. I’m not the guy I was when we were kids. I’d just like a few minutes so we can talk.”

She stared at him. Brandon pulled himself up quickly. Sofia’s eyes inadvertently glanced at his

muscled shoulders. He was immediately face to face with her. She almost took a step back, suddenly
feeling a little overwhelmed by him. “So when can we talk?”

She had no idea what he could possibly want to talk go her about. Even though he said it was not

anything Eric would have an issue with, his eyes seemed to invade her when he spoke to her. If Eric or
even her brothers witnessed it, she was sure they’d all have issues. But she had to admit, she was
curious. “Another time. Not now, I really gotta go.”

Brandon touched her arm, and she almost jumped. “I look forward to it.”
She felt shivers shoot up her back. They weren’t exactly bad shivers, but they definitely made her

feel something she knew she shouldn’t be feeling.

“Bye.” She walked away and hurried into her yard.

***

Eric switched the channel on the television. He stopped on footage of a car accident. He turned to

Sofia, who was lying half-asleep on the bed. They’d rented a room again, and after an exhausting, but
incredible night of love making, he’d finally woken up.

“You remember when Asia’s dad got in the accident in high school where the passenger was
killed?”
Sofia was awake now. “Yeah.” She sat up slowly, propping herself against the pillow.
“Well, get this. The person that was killed was his mistress.”
“Really?”

“Yeah, that’s why she moved away seniored tress. year. Her parents divorced, and her and her

mom moved to Los Angeles. She said her mom didn’t even know at first. Her dad told her mom it was
just a co-worker he was giving a ride home. Then a few weeks later, the mistress’s husband showed up
at their house and told her about it. Isn’t that crazy?”

When she didn’t respond, he turned to her. He couldn’t make out her expression but it
wasn’t good. “What’s wrong?”
“How often do you talk to Asia?”
“When I see her in the coffee shop, but she doesn’t work every day.” He had a feeling where
this was going. “Why?”
“Did you go out with her in high school?”
Eric thought about it and suddenly he felt like kicking himself. “No, I didn’t go out with
her.”
“I heard something about you and her, I just don’t remember the details.”
“What difference does it make, Sof? That was a long time ago.”
“So you did?” She sat up even more.

Eric took a deep breath. “I hooked up with her once after a party in like the ninth or tenth grade. I

don’t even remember anymore. Is that what this is about?” He clicked the television off. “Is that why
you made the comment about her dressing like a whore?”

“Why? Did that bother you, Eric?”
“No, I just thought it was kind of random.” He almost didn’t say it, but he did anyway. “And a

little rude.”

“Oh, I’m sorry my opinion bothers you.” She stood up, pulling his t-shirt over herself. She

crossed her arms. “Obviously, your opinion of someone who wears short shorts and fishnet stockings
with her tits practically hanging out is different from mine, since you still hooked up with her.”

“I think everyone’s a little ashamed about some of the styles they wore in high school, Sof. She’s

not like that anymore.”

“Oh really, Eric?” If looks could kill, there’d be a gaping hole between Eric’s eyes. She raised her

voice. “Why don’t you tell me what she’s like? You two real tight now? Is that why she would tell you
something so personal about her dad?”

As much as Sofia hated to admit it, she was just like her brothers. Her temper could go from zero

to sixty in a split second. Eric had a feeling this was going to get ugly, because she was starting to piss
him off. He dropped the remote on the bed. “You know what really bothers me, is that you would
question my loyalty to you even after all these years. I’ve never given you any reason to.”

“You’ve never once brought up the possibility of me going out there to visit you and you know I

wanted to. And now you keep talking about this girl you see every day. Someone who shared
something so intimate with you? A girl you hooked up with once. Of course I’m going to have
doubts.”

Eric stood up, forgetting he was still naked. He bent over, pulled his boxer briefs from the

ground, and slipped into them. “I already told you, I don goiou,c stood upt see her every day. I’ve only
had coffee with her…” He nearly choked on his own words. Why the fuck did he just say that? “…a
couple of times.”

“You had coffee with her?” Sofia spun around and grabbed her sundress from the chair. She

pulled off the t-shirt, allowing Eric a beautifully naked view of her for a few moments until she pulled
the dress over her head.

“I meant—”
“You’ve been having coffee and catching up with the whore you once hooked up with.” She

slipped on her sandals.

“Sofie, don’t say it like that.” He walked around the bed towards her. “I got coffee and she hadn’t

started her shift yet, so I sat with her for a little bit. That’s all.”

Eric tried touching her arm, but she pulled it away. “Don’t touch me!”
“Sofie, baby.” He took her arm again, even though she tried pulling free. “Why are you getting all

worked up? If I’d have known how upset this would make you, I would’ve never—”

“Told me?”
“No, I would’ve never even talked to her.”
She tried to pull away from his hold, but he held her. She took a few steps backward in an effort

to get away from him. Eric kept up with her until they were against the wall.

“I’ll find another coffee shop, okay?”
She squirmed, but her struggle with trying to get away from him, had lost a little fuel. He took

advantage and pushed his body against hers, letting her feel the rise she’d given him from just seeing
her naked even after being with her all night.

“How many times?”
He licked her bottom lip. “How many times what?”
“You said you had coffee with her a few times.”
“Twice.” He kissed her.

He wouldn’t be stupid enough to tell her the truth now. He’d done nothing wrong, but the fact that

he knew Asia’s schedule and he was beginning to look forward to chatting with her, had already
started feeling wrong. He had no idea Sofia knew about him and Asia back in high school.

“Promise me you won’t talk to her again.”
He pulled her dress up, spreading her legs. She drew in a sudden breath.
“I promise.”

She wrapped one arm around his neck and pulled him out of his underwear. Within seconds, they

were making love against the wall. He listened to those soft pants of hers he’d grown to love. He may
have enjoyed catching up with Asia again, but where Sofia would get the idea that anyone else would
ever do was beyond him.

***

Monday morning, Sofia stretched as she walked through her backyard toward the back gate. Wh

banbsen she got out, she held on to the gate with one hand and stretched her leg behind her with the
other.

The conversation she’d had with Eric that weekend still lingered in her mind. Even though she

gave into him and didn’t storm out of there like she had intended after he admitted to having coffee
with Asia, the doubt still loomed. She’d hardly slept the night before just thinking about it. Eric could
continue to talk to Asia every day and she’d never know about it. He still hadn’t mentioned anything
about her going out to visit him.

After stretching a bit more, Sofia began running. She’d only been running for five minutes when

Brandon was by her side. Sofia smiled, looking down at Troop. He’d finally started walking on his
leash without Brandon having to drag him.

The sweat dripped down Brandon’s face. “You’re late today.”
“Yeah, I slept in,” she said. “It felt good, too.”
“Late night?”

She shook her head. “Actually, I was in bed early, but I had a hard time sleeping.” She considered

taking off in a sprint to beat him to the park, but she didn’t think Troop would be able to keep up.

When they finally did get to the tree, Sofia bent over to pet Troop.
“You gotta hurry back again, or do you have a few minutes to talk?”
His eyes gave Sofia that funny feeling she got from him on Friday. The dark stubble on his hard

chin made the blue of his eyes that much more piercing. She glanced away, petting Troop some more.
“I have a few minutes.”

Brandon sat down on the grass He pulled a few blades of grass out of the ground, then looked

back at her. “I wanted to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Sofia searched his eyes.
“Yeah, there’s no way you’d know this, but you’re the reason I enlisted in the Marines in the
first place.”
She shook her head. “Me?”

“Yeah, you,” he smiled. “Remember when we used to talk in Geometry class and you would talk

about doing whatever it takes to reach you’re goal, and never give up?”

Sofia remembered the conversations. But she was so into trying to keep her spot on the relay

team back then, most of her motivational speeches were geared by that. She sat down across from him,
but not too close. “Yeah, I remember.”

Brandon smiled and gazed at her for a moment, making her avert her attention back to Troop.

“Back then, my life at home was crap. Always had been, actually. My dad had always been abusive,
mostly to my mom, but on occasion, he turned it on me, too. I hated life—I hated everyone. I talked to
nobody, and I mean nobody. I had no friends and wanted no friends. I think you were the only one I
ever opened up to. I thought it was ironic too ‘cause I’d been such a jerk with you growing up.”

Troop jumped on Sofia’s lap. She hugged the puppy, petting him all over. “You weren’t so bad. I

thought maybe you just did it to get to my brothers.”

Brandon look> Blocked at her incredibly. “Why would I want to do that? Alex has always been a

monster, and he wasn’t even the biggest one back then.”

“So why did you?”
Brandon glanced away. “I don’t know. I think I just didn’t know how else to react to you.

Anyway,” he lifted a shoulder. “I thought a lot about what you said back then. You were always so
cheery and optimistic about everything and it sort of motivated me to do something with my life. I
hated school but I hated coming home even more. Then one day you talked about the career center at
school. Did you know I never even knew our school had a career center until you brought it up?”

“You’re kidding me? That’s all the teachers and counselors ever harped about.”
“Yeah, like I was listening,” he scoffed. “So I actually went down there and picked up the

information on the Marines and started reading up on it. That’s how I decided it was the best thing for
me. I knew college wasn’t for me, and it would get me away from my dad. I felt bad about leaving my
mom, but sometimes I got the feeling she felt worse about me having to see all the crap he did than
her having to live with it.”

He stared at Sofia for a moment. She’d always known there was more to Brandon, even back

then. Hearing him talk about his family now made her feel terrible. It wasn’t his fault. She couldn’t
even imagine being such a loner and no family support.

“Seeing me as a Marine changed something in my dad. It’s like suddenly he had something to be

proud of. Everything in my life changed, including my dad. Life at home is so much better now. I
always said I had to thank you some day formally.”

“No way, just ‘cause I mentioned the career center? Brandon, I’m sure you would’ve heard about

it eventually.” She laughed nervously.

“It’s not just that, Sof. You were so kind to me even after all I’d done to you as kids, and if it

hadn’t been for you I probably wouldn’t ever showed up to class. I think that class was the only one I
never ditched.”

“You just needed a little push, that’s all.”
“And you were it. I was close to spiraling out of control. If it hadn’t been for me listening to you,

who knows where I might’ve ended up?”

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment, then Sofia cleared her throat. “I don’t think I

did much to deserve that kind of credit, but I will say I’m really glad everything turned out the way it
did for you.”

“I have something I’d like for you to see. You think you can come over my house one of these

days?”

His sensual stare was now softer. Running with him was one thing. Going to his house would be

crossing so many lines. Not just with Eric, but she was sure her brothers would have a fit. Since he’d
steered clear and not been a pest his last year here, her brothers had actually begun to talk to him a
little, but she knew they still didn’t trust him completely.

“You wouldn’t even have to come in. I can bring it out to the porch.” His eyes implored. He

reached over and squeezed her shoe. Her eyes took in his muscular forearm and immediately felt
weird about it.

“Yeah, I could do that.”
“How ‘bout right now?” He squeezed her shoe again. “You have ti“ ditme?”
Last night, Naomi’s words kept ringing in her head. Don’t you ever get curious ? Only the words

kept her sleepless, because she was certain Eric had become curious. It felt wrong, but damn it, she
wasn’t even having coffee with Brandon. All she was doing was going to his to see what he wanted to
show her. “Actually, I do have a few minutes.”

Curiosity

In an instant, Brandon was on his feet. He held his hand out to help Sofia up. She felt his tight

grip as she stood and he didn’t immediately let go once she was up, either. She pulled her hand away
and dusted herself off. “This guy’s probably ready for lunch, anyway.” Brandon bent over messed with
Troop’s ears.

“What are you gonna do with him when you leave?” Sofia asked as they started walking.
“He’s actually my mom’s. I got him for her. She’s always loved dogs, but I’m beginning to

wonder if it was such a good idea. I thought she’d be a little more enthusiastic about walking him, but
she really hasn’t shown much interest in it. I hope he’s not just gonna sit in the yard until I get back.”

Without even thinking about it, she offered, “I can walk him sometimes if you want.”
Brandon turned to her and smiled. “Really? That’d be great.”
Sofia smiled, glancing back down at Troop, who was prancing along happily beside Brandon.

When they got to Brandon’s house, Sofia stood at the front door, not sure if she should go in or not.

“You can come in if you want,” Brandon called from inside.
She didn’t really want to, but she felt a little rude. She took a few steps inside and stood in the

front room. The smell of cigarettes was so overpowering, her hand was immediately over her nose. No
one appeared to be home. “Are your parents here?”

“No,” Brandon responded from one of the bedrooms. “My dad had an appointment.”
Great. She had to make this fast. She was really beginning to feel anxious about being there.

Brandon finally walked out of the hallway holding a photo album. Feeling rude, she casually moved
her hand away from her nose. “C’mere,” he said, walking toward the dining room table that was just
off the side of the front room.

She walked over slowly. Even though she felt anxious, there was something oddly exciting about

being there with him. He set the album down on the table and pulled a chair out. He motioned for her
to sit next to him and she did. He opened the album. The first picture was an eight by ten head shot of
him in his formal camouflage marine uniform, beret and everything. His expression was very hard. It
was impressive, almost sexy.

“Wow. You look so grown up.”
“That’s how I feel now. It’s weird I felt so lost for so many years. You have no idea what the

Marines have done for me. It’s the best thing I could’ve done. her dit sat’s ho

Sofia stared at the picture, glancing back at him, she smiled. “I’m glad for you. I always knew

you had it in you, Brandon. ”

He held her gaze and she had to look away. She brought her attention back down at the album,

and he turned the page. The next pages had certificates and awards. Then there were pictures of what
appeared to be him and his troop in combat. They were holding weapons and crawling in mud. In
others, they sat behind trees and rocks like they were hiding. “You weren’t in a war, were you?”

“No,” he laughed, making her feel dumb, “but it felt like it. That was just boot camp, but they did

their best to make us feel like we were in hell.”

Fascinated, Sofia continued looking at the pictures. She’d been looking at the pictures for a while

when she noticed Brandon staring at her. Startled, she brought her eyes back at the album. “Is this
you?” She pointed at a picture of a soldier climbing a wall. His face was turned away.

Brandon put his hand on hers. “Yeah, that’s me.”
Sofia flinched, pulling her hand back, immediately feeling ridiculous.
Brandon was quick to apologize. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She felt so stupid. “I just… I don’t know why—”
Brandon smiled. “Forget about it, you wanna see something else?” He stood up.

She didn’t. All she wanted was to get out of there. It was getting a little weird. She should’ve

never come inside his house. But she stood up, nodding, and followed him into the hallway.

When she realized it was his bedroom, she stopped at the door. He went into his closet and pulled

out a long briefcase, setting it on the bed. He undid the clasps then turned back to her. “Come over
here.”

Chewing on her pinky nail, Sofia looked around. She walked over to get a closer look. He worked

fast, unzipping the bag. It was a rifle, a big one like the ones in the pictures.

Her eyes grew wide. “They let you bring that home?”
“No. My old man got it for me.” There was no hiding how proud he was of that. “He surprised me

with it when I got home. It’s a replica, but the resemblance to the real thing is amazing. If I hadn’t
handled one of these as much as I have, I probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

Sofia was intrigued. Her family owned a gun they kept in the restaurant for protection. But her

brothers had barely let her see it, much less handle it. “Can I touch it?”

Brandon seemed pleased she wanted to. “Sure.” He took it out of the case.
“Is it loaded?”
Brandon laughed again, handing it to her. “No.”

She felt her cheeks warm as she chalked up the inane questions, but she appreciated his patience.

“Wow. It’s so light.” She weighed it up and down in her arms. “I thought it’d be heavy.”

“They make them light for a reason. When in combat, you could be out there walking for days

with one of these over your shoulder. Along with your backpack and other belongings, you wouldn’t
get very far if it was too heavy.”

Sofia ran her finger over the barrel, then held it up to her face, pointing it at the window like

she’d seen him holding it in the picture. “Who’d have thought I’d ever be holding one of these?”

Brandon came around her. “Actually, this is how you’re supposed to hold it.”
He put his arms around her and picked up her arms, his face inches from hers when he adjusted

her head so that she could focus on aiming. Sofia heart rate spiked. His breath against her temple
made her feel warm. It felt wrong. No one but Eric should be able to make her feel like this. With his
body up against her back, big and hard, suddenly her eyes were on the bed in front of them. Thoughts
of her and Brandon on it flooded her mind. She trembled, squeezing her eyes shut.

His hand came around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He whispered in her ear. “You

okay?’

She nodded without saying a word, but gulped hard. Brandon leaned in closer to her temple. “I’m

feeling it, too.”

He pushed up against her and she felt exactly what he meant. Sofia let go of the rifle. Brandon

had a hold on it. He put it down on the bed, and spun her around to him. They stood for what seemed
forever, lips inches away from each other.

Sofia brought her hand up and flattened against his chest. Though she didn’t push him away like

she should, at least she had something in between them. Brandon’s hot breath was on her mouth and
she could almost taste him.

“I think your brothers’ plan to make you so forbidden may’ve backfired on them.” His arm

slipped around her waist. “I saw the way all those boys looked at you in high school. Saw it, because I
was looking at you the same way. Every one of us had a hard on for you, Sof.”

He spoke right in her mouth, her heart pounding in her chest. “Tell me to stop and I will, Sofia.

Otherwise,” he licked his lips. “I’m gonna have to kiss you.”

A part of her screamed say stop, but an even bigger part wanted him to. When her eyes went from

his eyes to his lips, it was sealed. For the first time in her life another man’s tongue was in her mouth.
The incredible excitement was of a different kind. One she’d never felt.

Even back when she and Eric were sneaking around, being with him never felt wrong. This was

wrong on so many levels. Still, she kissed him back almost too eagerly. His hands were all over her
body in an instant. Her hands cradled his face. The stubble on his face excited her even more. Eric had
very little facial hair. She’d never thought something like that could excite her, but excite her it did.
When his hand dropped down and caressed her behind, something in her brain finally snapped and she
pulled away.

“No!” She breathed heavily and she pulled away from his arms. “I can’t.”
His dark carnal stare nearly brought her back into his arms. “Sofie, why fight it?”
She took a step back, feeling the blood drum in her ear. “Because it’s wrong.”
He pulled her back to him gently. “Do you have any idea how many times you’ve been the
star of my wet dreams?”

Sofia’s mouth opened, but she had no words. Eric had always been so gentle even about the way

he spoke to her. Brandon’s words were indecent, scandalous… but they made her feel things, things
that made her breath even harder. “I can’t, Brandon.”

“But you want to.”
She stared at him, unwilling to answer. He leaned in breathing on her neck but not touching. Then

his lips brushed against her neck, tormenting her. Her entire body shivered.

“Do you want to, Sofie?” he whispered, then kissed her neck.
Her legs almost gave out on her as she felt a bolt of excitement run through her. Somehow, she

found the strength to pull away. If what she was feeling at that very moment was any indication to the
answer to his question, she had to get out of there. Fast. She thought of avoiding his eyes. They’d give
her away, but who was she kidding? He already knew.

“I can’t.” She walked away.
She heard him chuckle behind her. “That’s not what I asked.”
Suddenly infuriated with herself, she hurried out of his room and toward the front door. Brandon

followed her, calling out for her but she ran out. The more she thought about it, the faster she ran. As
soon as she was home, she called Eric. He answered on the second ring.

“Hey, babe.”
Hearing his voice did her in. Her voice broke with the first word. “I miss you so much.”
There was a pause, then he said, “Why don’t you come down this week? I’ll get a room for us out

here. I can hardly stand being away from you either, Sof.”

Still tasting Brandon in her mouth, she almost fell apart. “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

***

Eric thought of the week he’d just had. Being away from Sofia was tough, but this week had been

especially draining. He had no idea how emotional this would get. Sofia’s call on Monday struck a

nerve. She sounded so upset. Eric knew right away something was wrong. Of course, she assured him
it was just getting to her that she couldn’t go over and see him when she was missing him.

Not sure what to expect when she arrived, he braced himself. When Sofia showed up on Tuesday,

her emotions had been all over the place. She’d always been eager to make love, but she’d been almost
crazed from the moment she arrived and they’d been together all weekend. Then she seemed down,
but no amount of persuading would get her to talk. All she said was she couldn’t wait for him to come
home for good. Then in a flash, she was back to being aroused.

Eric smiled. Well, he’d never complain about that. Sofia’s sensuality went hand in hand with

everything else about her personality. She was intense when it came to everything. She’d been a little
weird all week. Eric had a feeling he knew why.

Her brothers weren’t the only ones with thy o a e short fuse. He’d steered clear of the coffee shop

where Asia worked all week; he wasn’t adding any more fuel to that fire. He hoped she wasn’t still
worrying about it. He hated to bring it up, but if she was still acting weird over the weekend he’d have
to.

His phone rang just as he hopped on the freeway.
“Hey, baby!” Her chipper mood made him smile.
“Hey.”
“You on your way?”
“Yep, just hopped on the freeway.”

Usually, Eric waited until Saturday mornings to leave. Friday night traffic was horrendous, but

today he’d got off early. The guy he was assigned to work with had asked for half the day off, so they
told Eric he could leave early. He was headed home and not a moment too soon.

“Angel and Alex miss you.” He heard Sarah laugh in the background.
Eric smiled. “They do?”
“Yeah, they’ve been whining about you not spending any time with them on your weekends
home.”
He heard Sarah laugh again along with male grumbling in the background.
Eric couldn’t help laughing. “Is that right?”

“Yeah, so we’re ordering from Andolini’s and they want you to come over and play with them.”

She laughed. “Seriously, they really wanna play some football out front. Me, Sarah and Valerie will
cheer.”

“Andolini’s? I’m in.” He hadn’t had their pizza in ages. When they were younger, they used to

eat there all the time. They had the best pizza in town.

After hanging up with Sofia, Eric felt much better. Maybe he wouldn’t have to have that dreaded

conversation with her after all.

The guys did seem happy to see him when he got to Sofia’s house, but no one was happier than

Sofia. He squeezed her tight and kissed her like he really wanted to when they were finally out of her
brothers sight. Even after all this time, he still wasn’t comfortable getting too cozy with her in front of
them. And he knew damn well, they weren’t comfortable watching.

Once back outside, he grabbed a beer from the ice chest. “Don’t you bums work?”
“Go long,” Alex said to Angel then glanced at Eric. “Parents are at the restaurant.”
Angel ran out in the street and Alex threw the football at him. A car turned into the cul-de-sac

and slowed. Angel moved out of the way, smiling at the driver. When it was close enough, he saw it
was Valerie, Sarah’s cousin. Eric wasn’t surprised she was still coming around. She and Alex had been
on and off since high school. Alex put up an act that their relationship was just for fun, but as much as

It is what it is

“Get the fuck out!” Romero said, smiling, “Is that you, Billings?”
Brandon extended his arms out to the sides. “In the flesh.”
“What?” Angel added, “No way!”
Brandon laughed. As surprised as everyone else, Eric couldn’t believe how different
Brandon looked.

Angel reached out, shook his hand, and patted his shoulder. They all did the same except for

Romero, who feigned punching him in the stomach.

“Did you just get back?” Angel asked.
“Last week, actually.”
Alex went back to leaning on his truck. “You wanna beer, man?”
“Yeah, I’ll take one.”
Alex swatted Romero on the arm. “Go grab one from the ice chest.”
Romero made a face. “Why me?”
“Because I asked you to.” Alex turned back to Brandon. “So how was it?”

Brandon smiled. “I can’t complain. I mean, it was hard at first. Boot camp’s brutal, but you get

used to it and,” he said, looking away for a second, “anything was better than being home.”

“What’s this?” Romero pointed at Brandon’s upper arm, after handing him the beer. “You got a

tattoo?”

Brandon turned his arm to them when he saw the interest in everyone. It was the US Marine

embeltooloo?lem, the one with the eagle sitting on a globe with an anchor going through the globe.
The detail was impressive, and by the look on Brandon’s face, there was no doubt he was proud.

“That’s cool.” Romero studied it closely. “You know I’m thinking of getting a tattoo. Did it

hurt?”

The guys chuckled. “What are you gonna get, Romero? A picture of your cat, Flea?”
Romero looked at Alex, disgusted. “Its Fee Fee, and he’s not my cat, he’s my uncle’s.” He

brought his attention back to Brandon. “I was thinking of getting a gun right here.” He lifted his shirt,
exposing his abdomen. He stuck his hand in his pants. “So it looks like I’m packin’.”

They all busted up, including Brandon.
“That’d be the only thing you’d be packin’,” Alex said.
Romero looked at all of them, obviously failing to see the humor. Without commenting on their

laughing, he looked back at Brandon. “So does it hurt?”

The girls had come over to pet the dog. He was cute, just a pup. Instead of bending over and

petting the dog like Sarah and Valerie, Sofia came over and leaned against Eric, slipping her hand in
his. Brandon glanced at them, then brought his attention back to Romero. “Nah, it doesn’t hurt too
much. The vibrating needle kinda numbs it.”

“Damn, Brandon,” Romero said, looking at his arm, “looks like they worked you out pretty

good.”

Brandon chuckled. “Yeah, I thought I was used to getting worked out, but I got back home and,”

he looked at Sofia, “got worked out pretty hard here, right, Sof?”

Sof?
Sofia smiled. Eric held her hand a little tighter. He wasn’t sure what that meant, but he wasn’t

jumping to any conclusions like he knew her brothers would. They all stared at Sofia. Brandon saw the
looks on their faces. “I knew she was on the track team, but damn. I didn’t know how fast she was.”

Eric glanced at Sofia. In very unlike Sofia fashion, she blushed. She hadn’t mentioned Brandon

was even back in town, much less that she’d been running with him. Eric didn’t want to make too
much of it, but he had to wonder if had anything to do with her behavior this week.

“So you raced?” Romero asked. Before either could respond, he added, “Did you beat ‘im, Sof?”
Sofia and Brandon exchanged glances. It was just a glance, but it held the weight of an elephant.

It turned Eric’s stomach. The carefree afternoon he’d been having up until then took a nose dive.

“I almost beat him,” Sofia answered.
Brandon smiled. “Don’t worry, Sof, You’ll get me next time.”
Eric squeezed her hand. The hidden message in Brandon’s eyes wasn’t missed. Sofia didn’t

respond. Much to Eric’s annoyance, Romero went back to asking about the tattoo. As if one tattoo
made Brandon an expert on the subject. Eric wanted to hear more about Brandon and Sofia running. If
he didn’t now, he’d sure as hell make sure he did later. Unfortunately, later would have to wait. The
guys had planned a night out, bowling.

After chatting for a while longer, Brandon finally said he had to take off, but not before turning to

Sofia one last time. “You gtim heonna be out there tomorrow morning?”

Eric felt her tense up. “No. I only run during the week.”
“Alright, then I’ll see you out there Monday morning.”, he said, and Sofia shrugged in response.
To top it off, Angel insisted that since Eric had had such a long drive, there was no sense in

taking two cars—they should all go in his. The only moment he would’ve had alone with Sofia before
tonight was the drive to bowling alley. Now that was shot, too. He wouldn’t even be able to take
advantage of the ride home.

Alex and Valerie must’ve taken a detour along the way, because they’d all been at the bowling

alley over twenty minutes, and they still weren’t there. Those two did that a lot. With Angel and Sarah
off to buy drinks, and Romero showing off his bowling skills, Eric took advantage of the moment.

“So how come you hadn’t mentioned Brandon being back?”
Sofia lifted a shoulder. “I dunno. I forgot. I only ran with him a couple of times.”
“You forgot?” Eric didn’t want to be pissed. He didn’t want to ruin the weekend before it even

started. But he knew if he ever forgot to mention something like that to her, she’d go postal on him.
He knew he could trust Sofie. He just couldn’t shake the bad vibe he got when she exchanged glances
with Brandon.

“It was in the morning and only for a few minutes. By the end of the day it had totally slipped my

mind.”

That made sense to him. Still, he squeezed her hand. “Anything else you forget to tell me?”
She shook her head immediately. Eric leaned his forehead against hers. “Look Sof, if you forgot

to tell me because you thought I’d be mad, that’s not cool. Remember just like I’m always reminding
you that I’ve never given you any reason to doubt me, you’ve never given me reason, either.” He lifted
her chin. “I’m okay with you taking a jog with a friend, it’s when you start keeping it from me that
makes me wonder why, okay?”

“Okay,” She stared into his eyes.
He stared back. “Promise me you won’t keep things from me no matter how mad you think
I’ll be.”
“I promise,” she said, then squeezed him tight, “I love you so much.”

They kissed until someone cleared his voice loudly. Angel stood behind them with a frown. She

was still his little sister. “Will you two knock it off?”

Sofia laughed. “If you can keep your hands off Sarah for even five minutes, I will.”
Ignoring her, Angel turned to Romero. “So do we get to play or are we watching you all night?”
Eric turned back to Sofia, who leaned into him. He’d let the bad vibe go for now and hope that’s

all it was. But he’d be damned if he was letting his guard down. The thing about knowing Sofia so
long is he knew her better than most boyfriends knew their girlfriends. That’s what made him a little
nervous. In all the years he’d known her, she’d never ceased to amaze him or surprise him, and yet he
knew her like the back of his hand.

If her brothers so much as suspected even halfcteris of the things they’d done when they were

younger, stuff usually suggested by Sofia, Eric had no doubt they’d blow a fuse, even now. Eric
expected to be able to trust her. He knew she loved him as much as he loved her, and that she would
never do anything to intentionally hurt him. But if there was one thing he’d learned over the years,
with Sofia you just never knew what to expect. Very little, if anything, ever made Sofia blush, so her
blushing was a red flag.

***

It is what it is, but sometimes it’s not.

What you get is what you see.

You get only what you think it is.

Always been that way. And will always be.

Sofia read the damn poem she found buried under other stuff she’d pinned over it. After all these

years, she still didn’t get it. When Brandon emailed it to her back in high school, she read and reread
it. As much as she loved to write, she didn’t get poetry. All poetry seemed to go over her head, and
Brandon’s was no exeption. It made her feel stupid. If she wasn’t deep enough to get it, how could she
possibly write it?

She wanted so bad to tell him she understood, but she didn’t. Finally, she ‘fessed up and told him

she liked it, but didn’t get it. She remembered that conversation and Brandon laughing. “I thought for
sure you of all people would get it.”

Sofia stared at him, feeling even stupider. “Me? Why?”
Brandon looked down at his notebook on the desk. “I guess because you can relate to me… at

least I think you can.”

What did that mean? Good God, she felt dumber with each sentence he spoke. “I think I can

relate to you. I’ve just never been good about deciphering hidden messages in poems.”

He finally lifted his eyes away from the notebook and their eyes locked. “There’s no hidden

message, Sof.” The bell rang and Sofia realized she was holding her breath. She let her breath out
slowly and they both stood and grabbed their books. Brandon smiled at her. “It’s right there, Sof. The
words say it all.”

Sofia pinned the poem back on her tack board, frowning at all the useless junk she had tacked on

over the years. She’d clean it off eventually.

Even though the weekend was over, Sofia still couldn’t get over the disaster she’d dodged that

past Friday. As sneaky as she’d been through the years because her brothers had forced her to, one
thing she’d never been good at doing was lying to Eric. He knew her too well. If he had probed even

just a little more, she might have spilled her guts and begged him to forgive her.

She hadn’t gone running in the back walkway of her house since the day they kissed, hadn’t even

seen Brandon again until Friday. The only thing Eric had asked her since then was if her running at the
beach now instead of her usual place had anything to do with Brandon. Of course, she denied it. She
told him it was because the days were so beautiful, and he knew how much she loved the beach,
especially in the summer. He hadn’tr. 8"> < brought Brandon up since.

Brandon would be leaving first thing Saturday morning. At least that’s what she heard him tell

Alex. The fact it relieved her also gnawed at her. Not a day had gone by since the kiss that she hadn’t
thought of it. At first she kept wondering what would have happened if she had let it go on. She knew
the moment she left his place she wouldn’t be stepping foot in that walkway again, afraid of what
might happen—what he might say. Mostly, she was afraid he might ask her again if she wanted to.

After seeing Eric in Los Angeles, then again this past weekend, the answer to Brandon’s question

was clear. Absolutely not, and she wouldn’t hesitate to scream it in his face if he ever asked her again.
But the fact still remained—she let him kiss her—hold her, and it riddled her with guilt. Why hadn’t
she told him to stop when he gave her the chance?

She lay down on her bed, certain she was in for another night of tossing and turning. Eric had

been so sweet when she spoke to him earlier on the phone. The guilt weighed heavier and heavier with
every conversation.

Even though he was staying with his mom during the summer, they hadn’t really talked a whole

lot since he’d been there. His mom was an RN and worked different shifts every week. She worked at
two different hospitals and was gone a lot. When she wasn’t gone, she was sleeping since her shifts
were usually night shifts.

The few conversations they’d had were as generic as all the conversations he remembered having

with her. Work, school, his internship… she asked him about Sofia but he made it pretty clear that was
not a subject he would elaborate on, so she hadn’t asked since. Why should he share the most precious
thing in his life with her? He didn’t feel she deserved it.

Most of the meals he’d had so far consisted of him slapping a grilled cheese, or throwing cup of

noodles in the microwave and eating it alone in front of the television or in the spare bedroom—the
room his mother told him was his for the summer, and for as long as he ever needed it. So when he got
home Monday night, he was surprised to see the small kitchen table set up and her making dinner.

She smiled when he walked in. “Hey, I hope you like roast! I was in the mood to cook a real

dinner.”

Eric glanced around. She’d made mashed potatoes and even had a bowl of fresh baked rolls. He

wasn’t sure how he felt about having to sit through an entire meal with her.

“Can you grab that salad and put in on the table for me?” His mom was already putting two plates

of dinner together. “Is juice okay or you want milk?”

“Juice is fine.” He placed the salad on the table and walked over to pull out the glasses from the

cupboard. “You want juice also?”

“Yes, please.”
Eric poured two glasses and brought them over to the table. With everything set, they sat down to

eat. He made a few comments about the quality of the food, especially the dinner rolls which she’d
made from scratch. She must’ve had the day off to have time for all this. Eric felt bad now; he’d been
this close to passing and heading straight to his room.

After a few more minutes of their usual generic conversation, his mom put her fork down and

placed her nd his room.

Growing up, he never dwelled on the fact that he didn’t have a mother. He remembered asking his

dad when he was a kid where his mother was, but only out of curiosity. It wasn’t until he was ten that
his dad tried to explain to him about his mom having “issues” and her reasons for not sticking around,
but he always assured him that she loved him.

“I’m sorry,” she continued, “that I didn’t feel strong enough or mature enough to handle a child.

I’m just so glad that your father has been there for you and obviously has done an excellent job of
raising you. But I want you to know, I’ve always loved you.”

A tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away. Eric didn’t know what to say—didn’t even

understand why hearing her say she loved him moved him so strongly now. He’d never in all of his
twenty years, needed her love, never even thought about it, but hearing her say it did something to
him. Still, he was without words.

She dabbed her eyes and nose with a napkin and smiled weakly. “I only hope you’ll continue to

give me the opportunity to make up for some of the time we lost.”

Eric nodded. “I will.”
It was all he could think of to say. They ate the rest of their dinner in silence. When they finished,

he helped her clear the table. After placing the butter back in the fridge, he glanced at her at the sink,
getting ready to wash the dishes. Without even thinking about it, something made him walk over and
hug her. It took her by surprise, but she hugged him back.

“Thanks for dinner, Mom.”
He’d never called her that—never called her anything. He’d always just answered her questions

or spoke to her without any reference to her name or what she was to him. The only time he referred to
her as his mom was when he spoke to Sofia about her. It felt good.

She smiled, the tears welling in her eyes again. “You’re welcome, son.”

The truth shall set you free

Lost in thought, Sofia hadn’t even touched her sandwich.
“What’s with you lately?” Naomi crunched into her pretzel.
Sofia came back to earth and glanced at Naomi, who was staring at her. “You’ve been really

spaced out the last couple times I’ve seen you. Something wrong?”

Sofia picked up half of her sandwich, but then stopped and put it down again.
“Can I tell you something and you promise you won’t lose respect for me?”
Naomi’s eyes widened. “Wow, sounds juicy.” She put the rest of her pretzel in her mouth and

leaned her arms against the picnic table. “Sure, I would never lose respect for you.”

Sofia took a deep breath and wondered if she should. It was killing her, and she hadn’t told

anyone. Not even Sarah, who she normally confided in when it came to her relationship with Eric. She
was just too ashamed. Naomi, at least, was more detached from the whole situation. She hadn’t even
met Eric.

“I did something I regret so bad.” She bit her lip. Naomi watched her, but didn’t say anything. “I

kissed another guy.”

Naomi’s eyes widened again, but she still didn’t say anything. She seemed to be waiting for Sofia

to continue. Sofia briefed her on her history with Brandon. Then she told her about the kiss and about
the part she felt most guilty about—the fact that she had wanted it. That in that moment, she’d wanted
more.

“I don’t know why I didn’t just say no. All I kept saying was I can’t.” She shook her head, feeling

a weight in her chest. The same weight she’d felt since that day. She thought maybe telling someone
might lift it somehow, but it hadn’t.

“Sofia.” Naomi reached across the table and touched her hand. “It’s okay. It was a new

experience for you. He was trying to seduce you, honey.” She giggled. “Sounds like it almost worked,
too. A lesser woman might’ve given in, you know.”

“But I did give in,” Sofia argued, “I let him kiss me… touch me. And… I touched him back. It

was—exciting. ”

God, how could she live with herself? If she ever found out Eric did something like that, she’d

die. She put her hand over her face.

“But you stopped, Sof. A lot of women wouldn’t have.” Naomi pulled Sofia’s hand away from

her face. “Listen, we’ve talked about this. So you were curious. It sounds to me like you had a deep-
seeded crush on this guy from way back. The opportunity presented itself when you least expected it.
And I hate to say it, but I think he may have taken advantage of it.”

Sofia stared at her, confused. “Why do you think that?”

nd hisofia stare

“Well, you said you always thought he was smarter than most people gave him credit for,
right?”
Sofia nodded, thinking about it.

“I’m sure he picked up on the fact that he made you a little nervous even back in high school.

Then he comes back and you said he made you feel things you shouldn’t be feeling.” Naomi shrugged.
“He probably picked up on that, too. Sofia, you’re a very attractive girl, no guy would pass up the
opportunity to at least try to kiss you, if they thought they had a chance.”

Sofia wanted to be mad. She really did. If Brandon tried to seduce her even after saying he

respected that she was with Eric, that was pretty low down. But the truth was if Naomi was right, it
was her own fault. She gave him the initial green light and he just went for it. Hell, he even gave her
the opportunity to stop him and she hadn’t.

***

That Friday, Eric was not getting out early, so he wouldn’t be home until the next morning. Sofia

still hadn’t been out to run in the back walkway since the kiss. She hadn’t planned on going back out
there until Brandon was gone, but after her conversation with Naomi, she knew she wouldn’t feel
better until she did something.

She folded the paper with Brandon’s poem on it, and stuck it in her shorts pocket. Her morning

run had been extra early today. She hadn’t been able to sleep anymore so she got up and took off to the
beach. After thinking about it during her entire run, she made up her mind.

Alex was in the kitchen, making a protein drink like he usually did every morning. He turned to

her as she walked in. “Why are you up so early?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” was all she responded as she grabbed the knob to the back door.
“I thought you just came from running.”
“I did.” She turned it only to find it locked.
“So where you going now?”

Annoyed at his questioning, Sofia turned the lock. She hated that even as an adult, Alex still

questioned her constantly. “Brandon’s leaving tomorrow. I just wanted to tell him something before
he leaves.”

“You’re not going out there to race him, are you?” The annoyance on his face was so typical.

Neither he, nor Angel had said anything to her since Brandon brought it up, but the expressions on
their faces that night said it all. They didn’t like it.

“No,” she said as she walked out. “I’ll be right back.”
Brandon was on his way back from the park. He was shirtless, and from the sweat that glistened

over his body, she could tell he’d been running for a while. He had a headset on and wasn’t looking up.
No way was she touching him to get his attention. Instead, she made the noise he usually made to call
Troop, and the pup immediately tugged the leash to try to get to her. Brandon looked up.

In an instant, that sensual smile spread across his face. He pulled the ee pt tarphones out of his

ears. “Hey, I didn’t think I’d be seeing you out here anymore.”

“I’m not here to run.”
His eyes took her in from top to bottom. He had to be wondering about her running gear. “I
just came from running… at the beach.”
His smile seemed to wane a bit. “Listen Sofia, about what happened. I hope you’re not upset
with me, I’m really sorry—”

“I’m not,” she lied. She’d never regretted anything more in her life, but she didn’t want him

thinking it was that big a deal to her. He didn’t deserve that kind of significance in her life. No man
did, except Eric.

“It was a mistake. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did, and I’m glad I got it out of my system.”

She shrugged. “Eric’s the only guy that’s ever kissed me. I was bound to get curious sooner or later.
But that was it. That’s all it was.”

He stared at her for a moment and before he could say anything, she pulled the poem out of her

pocket. “I found this. I wanted to ask you.” She unfolded the paper and handed it to him. “Can you tell
me what it means? I’ve never been able to figure it out.”

His eyes seemed curious at first, then he read it and laughed. “Wow, this is such garbage. I can’t

believe I thought my poetry was any good back then.”

“But do you remember what you meant by it?”
“Those were my dark days, Sof.” His eyes didn’t have the same hold on her as they had when he

first got back. “I remember always trying to put into words that people didn’t know the real me, only
what they perceived me to be. I never had a chance to prove them otherwise, so I didn’t even bother.”

Of course. God she was so dense. Then she remembered. “You said if anyone would get it, it

would be me.”

He smiled. “You remember that?”
She frowned. The last thing she wanted was for him to know just how much she remembered that

and for how long. “I have a good memory.”

“Your brothers always acted like you were this fragile little naïve thing that needed to be

protected, and everyone bought into it. But after talking to you that whole semester, I saw how
independent and strong-willed you really were. You didn’t need them. But you never got the chance to
show them,” he shrugged. “I thought you might be able to relate.”

He folded the paper back into the square she had it in and handed it back to her. “I’m a little

flattered you held on to it this long.”

“I tacked on my tack board. Everything on there is ancient.”
He nodded. “I’m outta here tomorrow, you know—first thing in the morning.”
“I know. That’s why I came out here.”
“Really?” He seemed pleased. “To say goodbye?”

“Well that too, but…” She fidgeted with the paper in her hand, glancing down at it. “I wanted to

tell you… I want you…> < to know that I would never do anything to hurt Eric. I love him more than
anything,” A lump began to grow in her throat. The same lump she’d felt during her phone
conversations with Eric all week. “I already explained to you about the kiss. My only regret is that I
didn’t say what I should’ve. And it’s been bothering me ever since.”

He stared at her. “What’s that?”
“You asked me if I wanted to, and I said I couldn’t.”
His expression softened into a tiny, but undeniably smug smile.

“I don’t. I want that to be perfectly clear.”
The smile was a little bigger now. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure, damn it. I wouldn’t be out here if I wasn’t. Saying goodbye to you wasn’t nearly

as important as making sure you didn’t leave tomorrow thinking that I do.”

She wouldn’t say it only because she didn’t want to sound hateful. But if it hadn’t been for her

need to make sure he knew, she would’ve gladly let him leave without so much as a wave.

“You can’t tell me you didn’t feel anything, Sof.”
“What I felt was a guy trying to seduce me, Brandon. A guy who knew I was in a relationship and

who was leaving in a couple of weeks.” She could feel herself getting heated, but she wasn’t sure who
she was more annoyed with, Brandon or herself for even having to have this conversation. “Eric has
loved me since we were kids. It’s never been like that with him. Obviously, all you wanted was casual
sex, an entirely foreign concept to me. It took me by surprise.”

“That’s not all I wanted.” The smug smile was wiped away and he suddenly sounded defensive.
Sofia shook her head. “It doesn’t matter, Brandon. I just wanted to make sure you knew. I don’t

want to, and I’m sorry if that’s the impression I gave you.”

“Don’t apologize, Sof. I just hope this didn’t ruin things between us.” His expression softened.

“Next time I come back, can we start off fresh? Forget this ever happened?”

Sofia nodded, but didn’t dare take a step near him. Instead, she waved. “Bye, Brandon. Take

care.”

He smiled and waved back. Sofia walked away feeling a little better, but the guilt still

outweighed any relief she’d gained from that conversation.

***

Eric stared at his laptop. Not bad. After Sofia’s outburst about Asia, he hadn’t gone back to the

café where Asia worked—not until yesterday. He felt a little bad that he’d promised Asia he would put
together a professional-looking online portfolio for her acting career. She told him about the horrible
one she’d done on her own, contributing the lack of work she’d gotten lately to how sorry it looked.
Eric could put a portfolio together with his eyes closed. All he needed was all her info and pictures.

He hadn’t seen her since promising Sofia he wong width="48uldn’t. Deciding it wasn’t a big deal,

he’d gone in one last time yesterday. He told her he probably wouldn’t be back, making up something
about his schedule changing, but he could still do it for her and email it. She’d emailed him all her
info last night, and already he was almost done. He was impressed with the amount of theatre work
she had done so far.

Since Sofia told him she was going to run this morning, he didn’t call her when he got home. He

would finish up on Asia’s portfolio, then give Sofia a call. It was still early. This time he wasn’t
taking any chances. He wanted to talk to her first thing today and tell her about it. He really hoped she
wouldn’t make a big deal of it, especially since he had no intentions of ever seeing Asia again. He’d
email her when he was done and that would be the end of it.

He probably could’ve finished last night, but as usual, he was being a perfectionist and obsessing

over the site. There was a knock at the door. Eric left the laptop on the counter top and walked over to
open the door.

“You’re home?” Sofia smiled big.
Eric pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. “Yeah, I was gonna call you, but I figured

you were running.”

“I was, and I saw your car in the driveway.” She kissed him then leaned her head against his

chest. “God, I love having you home.”

They walked back into his house, closing the door behind.
“You hungry?”
“Yes, I’m starving.”

“Cool, let’s go get some breakfast. I have something I wanna talk to you about.” He leaned in and

kissed her, noticing the concern in her face. “Relax, it’s nothing bad. Just let me grab my shoes from
my room.”

He dug in his closet for his shoes. After a few minutes of digging, he remembered they were

under his bed. When he walked back out of his room, Sofia was standing in front of his laptop, staring
at the screen. She looked up. Her eyes were more questioning than angry. “She sent you all these
pictures of herself?”

“Yes, because I offered to help with her portfolio. It’s what I was going to talk to you about,

babe.”

She stared at him without saying anything.
He walked up to her and cupped her cheek with his hand, glad that she let him. “I hadn’t gone

back to the coffee shop since the day we discussed it.” Eric did his best to explain it and hoped with all
his might there wouldn’t be another blow up.

There was an abundance of him kissing her and caressing her face as he spilled it all. Every detail

—he wasn’t keeping a thing from her. She didn’t say anything the entire time he explained, and Eric
was sure that was a bad sign. He braced himself when he was done and waited.

“After this, you won’t have to see her or talk to her for any reason, right?”
Eric smiled, relieved. “Right.”
Her reaction to it all had been a pleasant surprise, but after breakfast, he was having second

thoughts. She’d been uncharacteristically quiet the entire time they ate. He hated to bring it up again,
but she was acting so weird, he had to. Once in the car, he glancedar,een at her before he turned it on.
“Are you sure you’re okay with me doing this for Asia? Because I promise you after this I won’t be in
contact with her at all.”

Sofia snapped out of the same daze she’d been in all through breakfast. “No.” A weak smile

spread over her face. “I’m fine with it.”

“Then what is it?”
She shook her head and stared out the window. “Nothing.”
Damn it. He should’ve gone with his gut and just stayed away from Asia all together. He hated

for Sofia to have any doubts. Being away from her all summer was hard enough.

They drove back to her house. She wanted to shower and change before they did anything else. He

went back to his house, finished up the portfolio and sent it off, feeling a relieved to be done with it.
That was the last time he’d ever bring Asia up again.

A few minutes after he was done, he got a text from Sofia.
Almost done. Come over. I made empanadas last night. You can have some while I finish getting

ready.

Eric smiled and grabbed his keys. He loved everything Sofia cooked for him, but her empanadas

were one of his favorites. He never even had any until she made some for him some years ago.

He knocked once before walking in her house. The only car in the driveway was hers. She was on

her way down the stairs when he walked in.

“Hey.” She hadn’t snapped out of that mood, barely smiling as she walked down the stairs.
She hugged him when he reached her. Eric wasn’t sure but she looked ready to cry. “Sofie,
what’s wrong?”
She pulled away from him. With one hand over her face, she barely got the words out.
“You’re going to hate me.”

Eric stood still. He had no idea what she could mean. He reached his hand out to her. “C’mere.

Don’t be silly. I could never hate you.”

She pulled away and crossed her arms in front of her. The tears in her eyes unnerved him.
“What’s wrong? Tell me.”
She walked around the sofa and sat down. “Eric, I did something so wrong. I wasn’t going to tell

you, but I just can’t take the guilt anymore. I have to.”

Like a drum, he felt his heart jump start. Guilt? So wrong? His stomach tensed. He almost didn’t

want to know. He took a cautious seat on the sofa across from her. He gulped, staring at her big,

anxious eyes. “All right, tell me.”

“When I ran with Brandon last week, he asked me to come over his place. He wanted to show me

some of his Marine things.” Eric’s eyes went from hers to her hands. She kept intertwining them
together, unnerving him that much more. “He showed me pictures and metals and stuff. Then we went
into his bedroom…”

Eric stood up. Something pierced into his chest. “What did you do?”
Tears rolled down her cheeks. “He just wanted to show me a gun his dad got for—”
“What did you do, Sofia?” He wasn’t sure if anyone was homanyto e and he didn’t care. He raised

his voice, feeling on the verge of losing it. “What the fuck did you do in his bedroom that has you
crying?”

She stood up. “Not that!”
“Then what?” Visions of her and Brandon assaulted him. He felt sick to his stomach.
“He kissed me,” she whispered, staring at her hands, “and I let him.”

Eric stared at her for a moment, unable to breathe. He gulped hard, unbelievably feeling his own

tears coming. “Was that the day you called me and said you missed me?”

She glanced up at him, her expression torn. Another tear made its way down her face, and she

nodded. He’d known something was wrong even then, but he never would’ve imagined this. She took a
step forward. “I’m sorry… it was a huge mistake.”

He stepped back, afraid of what he might do if she touched him. There was no way he could be in

the same room with her right now. The hurt he felt was so intense, the blood pounding through his
body was deafening. She willingly went into Brandon’s bedroom and let him kiss her. What else had
they done?

Eric spun around before his tears could betray him.
“Eric, I love you!” she cried.
He waved his hand back at her and rushed to the door. Never in his life had he felt what he was

feeling at that moment. He hadn’t cried openly since he was a child and he’d forgotten how hard it was
to hold it in.

Remembering how he and his friends had referred to guys on television as pussies for crying over

girls, he held it in, but only until he was in his car. The pain of Sofia’s betrayal nearly suffocated him
as he drove home. He’d never look at his beautiful Sofia the same way again.

Why?

After sobbing uncontrollably for hours, and trying unsuccessfully to get a hold of Eric, Sofia

knocked out on the sofa. She woke when she heard the front door close.

To her surprise, Sal stood at the door with a regretful expression on his face. “Sorry, Sof. I
was trying to be quiet.”
She sat up, a bit dazed. “What time is it?”
“Almost noon.” He dropped his gym bag on the floor. “What’s wrong with you? Are you
sick?”

She shook her head, feeling the air constrict in her lungs the moment the memory of that morning

came back to her. In an instant, she felt like falling apart again, and she buried her face in her hands.

“Hey.” Sal was by her side immediately. “What’s going on?” He looked around anxiously.
“Where’s everyone? Did something happen?”
“No.” She sniffed. “Everyone is okay. Mom and Dad are shopping in T.J. Alex and Angel are
at the restaurant.”
He put his hand on her knee. “So what’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“I think me and Eric broke up.” Saying it out loud made it feel real. Something she didn’t want to

accept earlier. She leaned against Sal and cried. “And it’s all my fault.”

Sal rubbed her back. Of all her brothers, Sal was the only one to whom she would even consider

telling the truth. Though he’d always been just as protective, he’d also been the level-headed one.
Often having to jump in to calm Alex down, like the time Alex caught her and Eric kissing that
horrible New Year’s Eve.

Sal hadn’t been home from school in weeks, so he didn’t even know Brandon had been back. She

told him about Brandon being back in town then she said the dreadful words once again. “He kissed
me, Sal, and I let him.”

Sal’s expression had gone stern the moment she mentioned Brandon asking her to come over to

his house. “And Eric found out?”

“I told him. I couldn’t stand it anymore. The guilt was eating me alive.” She grabbed the box of

tissues she’d almost gone through that morning, dabbing her eyes as she continued. “He’s always been
so honest with me about everything. It just didn’t feel right to keep something like that from him.”
She took a deep breath, holding back another wave of sobs. “He was so upsem, herthit. I don’t know
what’s gonna happen.”

Unable to hold it together anymore, she collapsed against Sal’s chest, sobbing. Sal ran his hands

up and down her back. “Sofie, if it was just a kiss, he’ll get over it. I’m sure he’s mad as hell now, but
trust me, I don’t think Eric can walk away from you just like that.”

Sofia pulled away and looked up at her brother. “You didn’t hear him, Sal.”
Sal’s brows furrowed. “What did he say?”
“He was just so angry—so hurt.”

“Well, that’s to be expected, Sof. You dropped a major bomb on him. Not only did you kiss

someone else, but Brandon, of all people.” He shook his head. “Is that asshole still in town?”

Sofia shook her head quickly. She knew better than to tell Eric while Brandon was still there, or

even Sal, for that matter. “He left this morning.”

“He’s lucky.” Sal frowned. “Listen, you’ll no doubt be hearing this from Eric, but I’m going to

say it anyway. I don’t give a shit how much Brandon’s changed on the outside, obviously he hasn’t on
the inside. Taking you back to his house alone, and kissing you, knowing you were with Eric, says it
all. The guy can’t be trusted and he’ll be back again eventually. I don’t want you anywhere near him.”

“I know,” Sofia sniffled, “but he really has changed, Sal.”
Sal shook his head adamantly. “Don’t you see, Sofie? He just pulled one over all of us.” He stood

up suddenly. “You have any idea what Alex and Angel will have to say about Brandon taking you into
his bedroom?”

The way Sal put it, it sounded so different than how it had happened. “It wasn’t like that.”
Sal gave her that look Sofia hated so much. That ‘you’re being naïve again’ look. She frowned.

“If I had said no, he wouldn’t have done it, but I didn’t.”

Sal’s expression went even more severe. “Is that what he told you?”
“He told me before he kissed me, to tell him to stop and he would.” Sofia was drowning in guilt

again.

“That’s bullshit, Sof. He shouldn’t have had you there in the first place. Should’ve never put you

in that predicament to begin with.”

Sofia thought of some of the other things Brandon had said to her, and knew even Sal would fly

off the handle if she told him. After making Sal promise he wouldn’t say anything to Alex and Angel,
she drove by Eric’s house. His car wasn’t in the driveway and she wondered if he’d gone back to Los
Angeles.

Tired of crying, and tired of thinking about it anymore, she went to the restaurant to put in some

hours and try to keep her mind off him.

***

With his emotions raging, Eric’s first thoughts were to head to Brandon’s house after leaving

Sofia’s. Then he remembered Brandon saying he was leaving first thing Saturday morning. Nothing
would’ve made him feel better at that moment than to beat the living shit out of Brandon. < ofdon/p>

There was no hiding his feelings when he walked in the door, and his dad wasted no time asking

him what the matter was. Eric simply said, “She cheated on me,” and headed to his room. Seeing him
that upset, there was no way his dad was going to back down.

He could hardly even speak when his dad came in the room to try to console him. He kept the

pillow over his face so his dad wouldn’t see what a pussy he was. It was sickening. Finally enraged
that he could turn into such a crying mess, he got up and grabbed his gym bag. He held it together long
enough to convince his dad he was going to be okay, and that he could in fact drive without doing
anything stupid.

After working out at the gym, he sat in his car thinking. He’d finally got it together and stopped

blubbering. He kept telling himself it was just a kiss, but it still hurt like hell. Sofia had made such a
big deal out of him having coffee with Asia. She had to know a kiss was so much worse, so why?
That’s what bothered him the most. Was she tired of Eric? Was he not enough for her anymore? Did
she actually have feelings for Brandon?

His throat began to tighten again, annoying him to no end. What was even more maddening was it

had only been hours since he last saw her, and already he missed her like crazy. He wasn’t even sure
how much longer he could fight the urge to answer her calls.

His cell phone went off, making him jump. Squeezing his eyes shut for a second, he picked it up

to look at the caller ID. To his surprise, it was Sal. Could she have told him about it? If Sofia was
going to tell any of her brothers, Sal would be the one. He almost didn’t answer, but the need to hear
anything that might make him feel a little better prevailed. “Hey, Sal.”

“Eric, you got a minute?”
He knew—that much was obvious. Eric tried to sound casual. “Yeah, what’s up?”
Sal jumped right in with both feet. “Sofia told me what happened.”

Eric took a deep breath, willing the emotions that washed over him away. “Hmm,” was all he

could muster without risking his voice breaking. For a moment, he considered hanging up. He
completely regretted answering now.

“I know you’re mad, Eric. Hell, I’m mad. It was wrong of her to do it, and I’m not making

excuses for her, but I seriously think Brandon planned this.”

The thought wasn’t one Eric hadn’t considered. He cleared his throat. “But she went for it, Sal. Is

that how much I mean to her? This is the first time me and her have had to be apart, and she goes and
does this?” He banged his steering wheel.

“I know. I know. You have every right to be pissed. I’m with you on that. I just think you should

really think about the big picture. You two have been together too long—been through too much, to let
something like this ruin it all. Sofia loves you.”

“Then why?” The damn tears were already rolling down his face and he squeezed his eyes with

his thumb and forefinger. “Did you ask her why?”

Sal was quiet for a moment. “No, but I can tell you why I think she did it.”
Eric didn’t say anything, just clutched the phone and gulped hard, concentrating on not letting Sal

hear how upset he hodth="was getting again.

“I think Brandon put her on the spot. He came on strong. With all of us around, when the hell has

Sofie ever had to deal with any guy coming on strong? I can guarantee you he didn’t give her much
time to react.” Sal paused, but when Eric didn’t say anything he continued, “That asshole took
advantage of the situation.”

Annoyed, Eric wiped a tear away. “When’s he coming back?”
Sal chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what I wanna know.”
Feeling a little better and much more confident he could speak without breaking down, Eric sat

up. “I can’t just let this go, Sal. I don’t know. Maybe with time I will, but right now I don’t think I
could stand to even look at her.”

He heard Sal take a deep breath. “She won’t be happy to hear that.”
Just like that, Eric was back to feeling emotional, only this time anger set in. “Ask her what
she would do.”
Sal didn’t respond to that. Instead, he asked, “Will you do me a favor, then?”
“What?” Eric stared out his window.

“As long as you two been together, don’t even consider ending things without giving her a chance

to explain. You wanna know why? Ask her.”

Eric agreed to that much, but he didn’t say when. Ending things. The thought hadn’t even entered

his mind. Getting through the weekend without her, then another full week away, was going to be a
challenge in itself. He couldn’t even imagine his life without Sofia.

***

It wasn’t until his drive home Sunday night that Eric finally decided to answer Sofia’s call. He’d

listened to every single one of her messages. She’d cried in just about all of them, which only made
him choke up, as well. They were all the same. She was sorry, she loved him, she’d never forgive
herself for hurting him, but not once had she mentioned the only thing he needed to know. So he
slipped in his earpiece and answered her call.

“Why?”
He heard her sniffle, but she said nothing at first. Then she spoke up. “I don’t know.”
“Bullshit, you don’t just do something like that for no reason.”

“I swear it just happened. I didn’t even have time to think about it. It was so fast. Eric gripped the

steering wheel tighter. “You have feelings for him, Sofia?”

“No! Not at all.”
Eric took in the sincerity in her voice, then remembered what Sal had said. The asshole took

advantage of the situation.

“Did he touch you?”
Her silence made his heart race. Why the hell was he asking this? He didn’t want to know.
But he had to.
“Well, yeah.”

“Where?” He gritted his teeth. He couldn’t believe the fucker had walked over and talked to all

them, knowing full well what he had done. “How, Sof?”

“He just put his arms around my waist.”
“You said it was fast. How did he have time to do that?”
“It was only for a moment and then when I pulled away, he touched my hand to pull me
back.”
Eric’s insides ignited. “He forced himself on you?”
“No! Eric, please, you’re making this worse. It was just a kiss and then I left. I swear.”

The image scorched his mind. He stepped on the gas. His heart threatened to pummel out of his

chest. All the emotions he’d felt this weekend had done a complete one-eighty. He was now mad as
hell. If he ever saw Brandon again, no matter how much time had passed, it wasn’t going to be pretty.

The car in front of him slowed suddenly. “Fuck!” Eric swerved to miss it. The car in the next lane

clipped him from behind and his car spun all the way around. When he came to a complete stop, he
heard the skidding, but didn’t see the truck until it plowed into his front passenger side. The last thing
he remembered was the airbag slamming into his face.

***

The terrifying moments after she lost Eric’s call were a blur. Sofia remembered trying to call him

back, but her hands trembled so much she could barely hit the right buttons. Angel and Alex had run in
her room when they heard her cries. They both knew she and Eric had had a fight this weekend, but
only Sal knew the details.

With her being so hysterical, it took a while for her to explain about the skidding and horrendous

crash she’d heard just before the line went dead. Angel had been immediately on the phone with Eric’s
dad. Nobody knew anything for what seemed like an eternity. An excruciating hour later, Angel got a
call from Eric’s dad. He was on his way to the emergency room, but he didn’t have any details yet.

Sofia felt faint when Angel told her. She literally felt the blood drain from her face. Sal was gone.

He’d left earlier, taking the very same drive Eric had to Los Angeles. Angel drove them to the

hospital, Alex sitting in the back seat holding and consoling Sofia and insisting it wasn’t her fault.

By the time they reached the hospital, Sofia had a massive headache and she thought she might

faint she was so scared. They walked in together, Alex supporting her, and met Eric’s dad in the
emergency waiting room. He spoke to Angel first, telling him Eric had suffered a shattered wrist and a
broken nose from the airbag. Sofia didn’t miss the cold way he completely ignored her.

They waited for over an hour before they were told they could go in and see Eric. But they could

only go in one at a time. Eric’s dad went first. He never once addressed her. He knew Eric had been on
the phone with her when the accident happened, but how much did he know about their fight? One
thing was for thi onsure, Eric’s dad had always thought Eric was too young to be in such a serious
relationship.

He’d always been polite to her, but she could never help feeling like he didn’t approve of the

amount of the time Eric spent with her, the commitments they’d made to each other so young.

His dad was only in there for ten minutes when he came out. Finally, he spoke to Sofia, but his

expression was blank. “He wants to see you.”

She stood, nervous, but anxious to see him. As soon as he saw her, his heart-wrenching

expression sucked the air out of her. She rushed over to the side with his unbandaged hand, brought it
to her lips and kissed it. He took his hand back, but only to pull her to him. She leaned over, carefully
and wiped the tears that streamed down his face.

“I was so scared,” she whispered, trying to remain as calm as possible. “Are you in a lot of pain?”
He shook his head. “Not as much as I was yesterday.”
It felt like a blow to her gut, but she had it coming. “Eric, I’ll never forgive myself for hurting

you like that. Please don’t hate me. Please forgive me.” Tears streamed down her face.

Eric took a deep breath, clearly trying to pull himself together. “I could never hate you, Sof.”

This time he wiped the tears on her face. “But I can only forgive you once. As much as I love you,
Sofie. I won’t forgive again—ever.”

“I would never put you through anything like this again. I swear to you.” The guilt she’d carry

after all this would be enough to last her a lifetime.

“You have no idea how much I love you,” he whispered.
Sofia took a long, trembling breath and kissed his bruised cheek softly. “Trust me, I know exactly

how you feel.”

Happy Holidays

The accident forced Eric to end his internship early. A shattered right wrist rendered him useless.

He used his right hand mostly on everything. There had only been a few weeks left of the summer
anyway, and he’d been glad to be able to spend them at home with Sofia. His dad was already talking
about getting him another internship. One he could finish.

It took a few weeks for things to feel like they’d gone back to normal. His biggest fear after the

whole ordeal was that he’d have trust issues and would drive Sofia crazy, questioning her every move.
But after much thought, he’d come to the conclusion that Sofia was genuinely regretful. She’d gone
out of her way to show him in every way she could how much she loved him. He was satisfied he
could trust her without having to be that insecure nagging boyfriend. That just wasn’t him.

By the time they’d gone back to school in the fall, everything seemed to be back to normal. Their

routine, however, changed a little, and his dad was none too happy about it. They were seeing more of
each other during the week than before the summer started. Last semester they’d go several days at a
time, more during finals, without seeing each other. So far, this semester they’d managed to see each
other almost every day. His grades weren’t suffering from it yet, but he found himself dozing off
during class a lot more than he had last semester.

Most of his classes ended before the winter break. During fall break, his dad dropped another

bomb on him. They were having their traditional Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant, just the two of
them. “I got you another internship. The best thing about it is you can go to school at the same time.
So you’d be doing the internship and getting credit.”

Eric stared at him. “What? You mean like for next summer?”
“No, this is a shorter one. During Christmas break. You’d leave after Christmas.” His dad took

another spoonful of his dinner and waved the waitress down. “Can I get another glass of wine,
please?”

“Same place?”
“Nope.” His dad drank down the rest of what was left of his wine. “Madrid.”
Eric stopped mid-chew. “Spain?”
His dad smiled. “Merry Christmas.”
“For how long?”
“Just four weeks. You’d be back before the end of January.”
Eric could feel his stomach turning. “Wait, whoa, dad. I got classes in the winter.”

“Yeah, in Spain. The credits are transferable. Don’t worry,” his dad winked at him, then at the

waitress who refilled his glass, “I made sure I cove>

Eric wasn’t ready for this. What happened over the summer was still too raw. He didn’t need

another roller coaster ride this soon.

New Year’s Eve this year was supposed to be huge. Sarah was a New Year’s baby. Angel’s

birthday was just a couple of weeks before hers. This year they were both turning twenty-one, and they
were planning a big party on New Year’s Eve. The worst part was, this would be the first New Year’s
Eve he wouldn’t be spending with Sofia in years. “I don’t know, Dad.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know? It’s done, son. Your passport is ready, the tickets are

booked and they’re non-refundable. It’s gonna be great. I thought you’d be excited.”

Eric frowned. “No, you didn’t.”
His dad smirked, taking a drink of his wine. “Look, I’ll add international texting for the month to

your cell phone plan. This way you can text her all you want.”

Eric almost groaned. He hadn’t even thought about that part. Unlike with his internship in Los

Angeles, they wouldn’t be able to talk much on the phone. The cell phone bill would be astronomical.
They wouldn’t even be in the same time zone. Telling Sofia was going to be brutal. She already
thought his dad didn’t like her. She’d insinuated his dad got him the internship in Los Angeles to get
Eric away from her. He was sure that’s what she’d be thinking about this. Only this time he had to
agree.

After the accident, his dad hadn’t made it a secret he thought Eric was way too emotionally

involved  with  Sofia.  He  said  he’d  never  seen  him  so  upset  than  he  had  the  day  he  found  out  about
Sofia and Brandon. His father attributed his careless driving to the whole distraction. He never really
asked  Eric  about  the  details  of  Sofia  “cheating,”  but  ever  since,  any  talk  of  her  changed  the  mood.
Partly,  because  his  dad  did  nothing  to  hide  his  disapproval  of  them  being  so  serious,  but  mostly
because Eric was ready to snap if his dad made even one negative remark about her.

Friday after Thanksgiving, Eric and Sofia took a weekend snowboarding trip to a resort in Big

Bear with Angel and Sarah, compliments of Angel’s parents who owned a timeshare up there. They
stayed there until Sunday. As romantic as the weekend had been, Sofia made a few comments about
the holidays officially starting and how much she loved this time of year. It dampened the mood for
Eric. He hadn’t planned on telling Sofia about Spain until they were back home alone, but on the ride
home, Angel brought up the New Year’s/birthday party.

“So you can get a long enough play list with just the good stuff together for me, right, Eric?”

Angel glanced back at him. Eric sat in the back seat. Sofia leaned against him, holding his hand. “This
way we don’t have to have anyone manning the music all night,” he chuckled, “or worse, have Romero
take over.”

Eric shifted in his seat. “Yeah, I can do that. I’ll just email it to you, so you can download it to

your laptop.”

“I’ll probably need to borrow your speakers, too. Mine blew out.”
“Yeah, I’ll bring them over when we get home if you want.” Sofia snuggled into him. Even with

the windows all closed and them bundled up it was still cold.

“Nah,” Angel said, “Just bring them over the day of. I don’t need them this soon.”
Sarah turned around tu A to face Sofia. “You think we should give the party some kind of theme?

You know, like eighties or a masquerade or something.”

Sofia straightened up and moved closer to the edge of her seat. “Oh, that would be fun!”
“Masks are kind of fruity,” Angel said.
Sofia rolled her eyes. “How about famous couples?” She turned to Eric. “Me and you can be
Bonnie and Clyde.”

Ah hell.

Sarah smiled big. “I like it.” She squeezed Angel’s arm. “I’ll be Miss Bennet and you can be
the dreamy Mr. Darcy.”
Eric saw Angels eyes pinch in the rearview mirror. “Who the hell’s Mr. Darcy?”
Both girls ignored Angel and went on, more excited by the minute.
“Alex and Valerie can be Danny and Sandy from Grease.” Sarah giggled. “That would be so
perfect.”

Angel spoke up again. “Not everyone coming are couples. Romero, for example.”
“I’m sure he’ll find a date.” Sarah waved her hand at Angel. “The guy has a new girl every
week.”
“Or maybe he can be Clyde with you for the night.” Eric squeezed her hand.
Sofia looked at him confused. “Why?”
“I’m not gonna be here for New Year’s, babe.” He rubbed his hand over the back of hers.
“You’re not?” Angel asked, looking into the rearview mirror.

He glanced back from the rearview mirror to Sofia, who was staring at him. Noticing Sofia’s

sudden change in mood, Sarah went back to facing forward.

“My dad got me an internship in Spain.” Sofia didn’t say a word, just sat back.
“No shit?” Angel looked in the rearview mirror. “For how long?”
“Just four weeks. I leave the day after Christmas. ”
Sofia attempted to pull her hand away, but Eric held it firmly.
“Well that sucks you’ll miss the party, but that’s pretty cool. Spain. Wow.”
Eric smiled at Angel’s comment, but he knew the conversation he and Sofia would be having
in private was going to be tense.

She didn’t say much the whole way home. A few blocks from his house, Eric whispered to Sofia,

“Get off with me at my house so we can talk. I’ll take you home later.”

Sofia nodded, but didn’t say anything else. Eric was happy his dad halk. wasn’t home when they

got there. Ironically, during the summer when he and Sofia’s relationship almost fell apart, his dad
had met someone and was seeing a lot of her lately.

As soon as they were in the house, Sofia turned to him. “Why haven’t you told me?”
“I just found out on Thanksgiving.” He pulled her in his arms. “I wanted to wait until after this

trip. I had a feeling you wouldn’t be happy and I didn’t want to ruin the weekend for you.”

“Spain? Really? He couldn’t find anywhere further?”
Eric smirked. “C’mon, babe, it’s only four weeks.”
Sofia exhaled. “Is he gonna do this every time you get any time off of school? Make sure
you don’t spend the time with me?”

“No.” He kissed her gently. “That’s not what he’s doing, Sof. He’s just always been like that.

Wants to make sure I get the opportunities he never had. That’s all.” He pulled her with him to the
sofa and sat down. She sat next to him still noticeably despondent. “Spring break next year, we’ll take
that vacation we were supposed to take this past summer.”

One side of her mouth lifted slightly. “A cruise?”
“Whatever you want,” he smiled, glad that she was warming up to the idea.
She sat up suddenly and climbed over of him, straddling him. With those lustful eyes that always

drove him crazy, she stared and started to unbutton her blouse. Her beautiful ample cleavage had him
hard in a second. “What I want is to start making up for those four weeks you’re gonna be gone.”

Eric buried his face in her cleavage. Damn, he was going to miss her.

***

The holidays had a different feel this year. Sofia wanted so much to enjoy them as much as she

always did, but knowing Eric would be gone the day after Christmas dampened her spirits.

Christmas was just a few days away. Eric was spending the day with his dad getting everything he

needed together for his trip. Sofia and Sarah had finally finished their last minute shopping. The mall
was a mess. As usual when she hung out with Sarah, they laughed non-stop. It was a nice release from
the gloom that grew with every day that got closer to Eric leaving.

As they turned the corner into her cul-de-sac, Sarah was trying to finish telling her about

something that was apparently hysterical. As usual, Sarah couldn’t even get halfway through her story
without cracking herself up. Sofia laughed just listening to her. Then she saw him; it wiped the smile
right off her face and she gripped the wheel.

Brandon and Angel were outside her house talking. She’d never told Angel or Alex about what

happened, but she knew Sal was home. She wondered if he’d mentioned it, or even seen Brandon yet.
She’d had no idea Brandon was home again.

She parked in the driveway. When Angel came over to help them with their bags, Brandon
followed.

“Damn, Sofie. You buy enough stuff?”

Sofia ignored the comment, grabbing the last of the bags in the trunk.

“Mine are in the backseat. I’ll move them later to my car when Angel is not watching.” Sarah’s

smile teased Angel, then she turned to Brandon. “Hey, Brandon, you home for the holidays?”

“Yep, I’ll be around for a few weeks.”
“Oh, good, were having a big party for New Year’s Eve.”
Sofia felt her stomach turn. Then to make things worse, Angel added, “Yeah, you should
drop by. Sarah’s turning twenty-one.”
“The party’s for both of us, Angel. Not just me.”
“Sounds good.” Brandon brought his attention to Sofia. “Hey, Sof. How are you?”

“I’m good.” She prayed Angel wouldn’t invite him in. Her only hope—Troop was with him.

Fortunately, his mother had taken to walking the dog so she didn’t have to feel bad about not keeping
her promise of walking him. There was no way she would. Not after everything that had happened.

To her major relief, Brandon said he had to go. Her heart was still racing when she walked in the

house. Angel put all her bags down in the front room. Sal walked in from the kitchen. “They actually
got you to go Christmas shopping?”

“Hell no!” Angel reached for the soda Sal was holding. “Nah, I was outside talking to Brandon

when they drove up. He’s home again for the holidays.”

Sal’s expression went hard. He glanced at her, then turned back to Angel.
Angel took a swig of Sal’s soda and handed it back. “You didn’t see him this summer, huh?
The dude’s changed.”
“No, he hasn’t.”
Before Angel could ask, Alex interrupted. “Any of you seen my wallet?”

He was on his way down the stairs. Great. Sofia glanced at Sal and hoped he wouldn’t say

anything else.

“It’s probably in your car.” Sofia desperately attempted to change the subject.
“I’m gonna grab a water outta the fridge,” Sarah said, walking into the kitchen.
“Get me one, too,” Angel said, then turned to Sal. “What do you mean, he hasn’t? Have you
seen him?”
“Seen who?” Alex asked.
Sofia began grabbing her bags in hopes of making a mad dash out of there. But Sal wasn’t
having it.
“Sofie, you never told them?”

Alex stopped lookingtopiv>
Sofia locked gazes with Sal. He made a face, then took a deep breath.
Angel glanced at Sofia. But before he could ask anything, Sal put his hand up. “Sorry Sof,
but if he’s back, they have to know.”
Sofia plopped on the sofa, rested her head on her fist and waited for the inevitable.
“Know what?” Angel asked. “Did that fucker do something to you, Sof?”
“Who?” Alex demanded.

“Relax,” Sal said. Sofia hoped he knew what he was doing, because Alex looked ready to kill

already. “Last time Brandon was here he took Sofie over to his house. Once he had her in there, he
took her to his bedroom—and kissed her.”

“What?” Angel peered at Sofia.
“He was showing me his Marine stuff—pictures and metals and what not, and it just happened.

He apologized after.” She spoke more to Sal than anyone.

“I think he planned the whole thing,” Sal addressed both brothers, “and made her feel bad by

saying if she’d have said no, he wouldn’t have.”

“That mother fuc—”
“Alex!” Sofia stood up, the tension in the room too thick for her to sit any longer, “He apologized

before he left. It’s not like he forced himself on me.”

“Why would you go to his place in the first place alone, Sof?”
“I didn’t know we’d be alone. He just said he wanted me to show me something. It seemed

perfectly innocent.” She turned to Sal. “I really don’t think he had it planned.”

“Bullshit.” Sal frowned.
“Does Eric know?” Angel asked.
Suddenly feeling a wave of pain, Sofia whispered, “Yes. We almost broke up because of it.”
“And he has the fucking nerve to show his face around here?” Alex asked.
Angel’s expression suddenly went from angry to exasperated. “I invited his ass to the New
Year’s party.”
“I’ll uninvite him.” Alex started walking to the door.
“Slow down.” Sal took a step in front of him. “I’ll take care of this.”
“What are you gonna do?” Sofia asked.

Sarah walked out of the kitchen holding two bottled waters and Alex’s wallet. She handed a bottle

to Angel and tossed Alex his wallet. All eyes were on Sal. Sarah didn’t say a word, but it was obvious
the mood in the room had changed significantly since she walked out.

“I’m gonna pay him a little visit.” Sal turned to Alexturhad ch. “By myself, and he won’t be

showing his face around here anymore.” He glanced at Sofia. “Does Eric know he’s back in town?”

“I don’t think so. I didn’t even know until I got home.”
“Don’t tell him.”
“But—”
“Trust me, Sofie. Unless you want his ass arrested, don’t tell him. He’s leaving soon
anyway, right?”

Sofia hated keeping anything from Eric. She’d promised him she wouldn’t ever again, especially

about Brandon. But Sal was right. If he found out Brandon was back, no telling what he might do.

“Yeah, day after Christmas.”
“Then don’t tell him until he’s gone.”
After some arguing from both Alex and Angel, who wanted to go with Sal, he finally convinced

No second chances

Christmas morning, Eric got dressed early. He and his dad had exchanged gifts the night before.

Earlier that week his dad gave him one of hiturhad"0">

His dad was spending the day with Tina and her family, the woman he started seeing over the

summer. Eric was fine with that since he wanted to spend his last day here with Sofia.

Just as he was getting ready to walk out his dad stopped him. “Eric, before you go, I wanted to

talk to you. Since Sofia will be with us tomorrow when I take you to the airport, this will probably be
my last chance to talk before you go.”

Eric stared at him curiously. They’d already gone over everything he needed to know about the

trip and his internship.

“I know we’ve talked about this before. You really believe that your relationship with Sofia is

forever.” His dad shrugged. “Who knows, maybe it is. But I want you to promise me that you’re going
to make the most of this trip to Spain. Don’t sit in your dorm room, texting Sofia the whole time.”

Eric nodded. His dad had always worried that he wasn’t living life like a young bachelor should

be. But that wasn’t the life he wanted. He’d known Sofia was the one since they were kids. He had no
interest in going out and partying it up, like his dad hoped he would.

“You never know what’s gonna happen in the future, son. I just don’t want you looking back at

this when you’re older and regretting that what could’ve been one of the most exciting experiences of
your life you spent sitting around thinking of a girl back home.”

“I know, Dad. I won’t.”
His dad frowned, obviously not buying into Eric’s feeble attempt to convince him. “I hadn’t told

you because I wasn’t sure I could get the time off until just the other day, but I’m turning my trip to
Madrid for New Year’s Eve into a mini vacation. Tina’s coming with me. We’ll be there for a week,
so plan on doing some touring with us. I also got us all tickets to one of the biggest New Year’s parties
out there. You’re gonna enjoy this trip whether you want to or not.”

After his conversation with his dad, Eric walked to Sofia’s house. He knew her house would be

full of relatives, and the cul-de-sac she lived in would be packed with cars. He thought about what his
dad said on his way over there. This definitely hadn’t been the first time his dad had suggested in not
so many words that Eric might want to sow his wild oats a little before settling on just one girl. If
Sofia knew, she’d be more than furious—she’d be hurt. But she had nothing to worry about. Eric was
sure of one thing. The one thing he’d been sure of since he was a kid. For him, no one but Sofie would
ever do.

***

Christmas was bittersweet. Eric kept reminding himself and Sofia that this wouldn’t be the end of

the world. It was only going to be four weeks. She tried putting up a brave front, but the tears had
come at the airport.

His dad gave them a moment alone, saying goodbye to Eric and telling Sofia he’d wait for her in

the car.

Eric held Sofia close, holding back his own tears. He had no idea this would be so hard. He leaned

his forehead against hers. “I’ll start texting you as soon as I take my seat taldiin the plane.”

Sofia strained to smile. “I miss you already.”

“You’re gonna be fine. We’re gonna be fine. No matter how far apart we are, Sofie, we’ll always

have each other right here.” He pointed at her heart then at his own. “Four weeks is nothing. I’ll be
back in no time.” He lifted her chin when she dropped her face a little. “We’ll figure out our
schedules, and book the cruise as soon as I get back. My dad said the winter rates will be real cheap he
can probably get us a good deal through one of his friends.”

He hated to let go, but he had to. Once on the plane, all he could think about was what happened

the last time they were apart for a while. He’d long ago stopped worrying about being able to trust
Sofia, and though he’d forgiven her, as much as he wanted to, he’d never forget.

With the distraction of arriving in a new country and getting settled in to his dorm, Eric’s anxiety

about being away from Sofia had begun to decline. He’d all but stopped thinking about it. He was
almost done unpacking when he got the text from Sofia.

I wanted to tell you before you heard from anyone else. Brandon is home for the holidays. But

don’t worry, my brothers are already on it. Sal went and had a talk with him and I haven’t seen him
since the day I found out he was here.

Eric felt the slow boil in his veins start up. He called her back. He didn’t give a shit about how

expensive the call would be. This wasn’t a conversation he was having via text. She answered on the
first ring. “So you saw him?”

“Only for a moment. He was here when Sarah and I got back from shopping the other day, talking

to Angel outside.”

“Did you talk to him?” Eric gripped the phone. The memories and the thought of Sofia kissing

Brandon were back like a slap.

“He said hi and he asked how I’d been then he left, and I came inside. Sal told both Angel and

Alex, and well, you can imagine how they reacted. Trust me, Brandon won’t be coming around here
anymore. Not if he values his life.”

“Why hadn’t you told me?”
Eric hated that Sofia had brought any doubt into their relationship. Before this happened, he

would’ve never questioned anything she did or said. He told himself once he decided he would forgive
her, that he’d let it go. He didn’t want to dwell on it forever, but he couldn’t help feeling resentful.

“Sal told me not to until you left. He was worried you might do something and get yourself in

trouble. Eric, please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not,” he lied.
There was a short silence, then she asked. “Isn’t this call gonna be really expensive?”
Glad she brought it up, not because he cared about the money, but because he suddenly didn’t

want to talk to her anymore. “Yeah, it is. I’ll text you later.”

“Eric…”
“What?” He didn’t even try to hide the incredible annoyance he was feeling at that moment.
“Don’t be mad at me… please?”

He pinched the rim of his nose and closed his eyes. “I’m not, Sof. It’s just… I gotta go.”

“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”

In all the time he’d been saying those words, this was the first time it felt forced. He knew it was

only because he was so mad, but he didn’t like the feeling at all.

***

Not wanting to even chance it, Sofia went back to running at the beach. She’d do it until she knew

Brandon was gone. Alex didn’t have to warn her, but he had, anyway, that if he saw Brandon so much
as talk to her he’d beat his ass.

All three of her brothers were convinced he’d planned the whole thing, coercing her back to his

place just to spite them all, including Eric. Of course, it made her feel like a complete idiot. If their
theory held any merit, that would make her the pawn in the middle of this lifelong clash between her
brothers and Brandon. The naive pawn that fell for Brandon’s plan hook, line, and sinker.

Sofia still didn’t believe Brandon had planned it, but she was done arguing with her brothers. It

wasn’t like it mattered, anyhow. No matter what they thought, any type of friendship with Brandon
was out of the question—a fact she was more than willing to accept. She only wished he didn’t live so
close. Any time he’d be home there would be that tension between her and Eric. That same undeniable
tension she’d felt over the phone when she told him about Brandon being home.

Eric had been gone less than a week, and Sofia was already missing him terribly. He hadn’t called

her since that first day, but they texted everyday. He sent her pictures of the different places he visited
and promised they’d go back together and visit some day.

She pulled into the parking space at the beach where she was getting ready to take her run and

admired the latest pictures Eric had sent her. They were of an old marketplace he said he’d visited the
day before. It looked a lot like the market places in Mexico. Even resembled Old Town San Diego,
with the exception of the cobblestone streets and the European feel of the buildings just behind the
marketplace.

Sofia noticed a car pull into the parking space next to hers at the same time she had and someone

got out. But it wasn’t until she got out of her car that she realized it was Brandon.

“Look.” He held up a hand before she could say anything. “I know I’m supposed to stay away

from you. But I just wanted to talk to you one last time. I’ll stay on this side of the car and you can
stay on that side.”

She didn’t want him to notice how nervous his presence made her. Her heart raced, but it wasn’t

like when her heart had raced from being near him before. It was out of fear. Fear of what her brothers
would do if they found out he was here. “Did you follow me?”

“Sofia, I had to. It’s been killing me to know if you really believe what your brothers are saying,

that I planned the whole thing. Because I swear to you, I didn’t.”

The fact that he followed her alone wou helanld be enough to make Alex go after him. He was

just itching for a reason to rip Brandon apart. Sofia stared at him, choosing her words very carefully,
because she knew she’d be repeating them to Eric later. “I believe you, Brandon. But what happened
was wrong. We both knew it, and we did it anyway. Eric knows. I told him.”

He kept a deadpan expression. Sofia almost expected him to smirk like he had in the past. “What

did he say?”

“He was mad, Brandon… and hurt.” God would she be regretting that slip for the rest of her life?

“And rightfully so, but he’s over it now. I just can’t be around you. When he finds out you followed
me here, he’s gonna be pissed.”

“So don’t tell him.” Brandon shook his head. “Why would you tell him about the kiss in the first

place?”

“I had to. Eric and I have always been honest with each other about everything. It didn’t feel right

to keep something like that from him.” She put her car key in her pocket and connected the earphones
to her phone. This conversation was over.

“I’ve always known you were special, Sof.”

Sofia glanced up at him. He was smiling. The moment with him in his room came to her, the

things he’s said to her and she hadn’t protested. The last thing she was feeling right now was special.

“You think if I talk to Eric—you know, apologize? Maybe your brothers would feel a little

differently? I’d hate for things to end between us like this.”

Sofia shook her head. “The damage is done, Brandon. We had a chance to be friends, and we blew

it. Eric was actually okay with me running with you until…” She didn’t even want to think about it
anymore. “You better go, Brandon. My brothers won’t be happy when they hear about this. Neither
will Eric.”

“I really wish you’d reconsider letting me talk to Eric. Maybe if I start with your brothers. Sal…

well, he was a little too pissed for me to talk to the day he came over, but he’s probably calmed down
by now.”

That surprised Sofia, but if Sal was too pissed, she could only imagine how Angel and Alex

would react to Brandon trying to convince them to let him come around her.

“No, Brandon. It’s really not a good idea. I promise you. It would probably only make things

worse.”

His wounded expression made her feel bad. She felt for him. Even if her brothers and Eric would

never believe it, she knew he was a good guy deep inside. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me too.”
With her run shot, she had to stop after only ten minutes. A knot had formed in her stomach and

she couldn’t help thinking about the conversation she was going to have with Eric. Even worse, she
wondered if she should tell Alex and Angel at all. There was no holding those two back when enraged,
and she knew they would be.

She called Sal as soon as she got in the car. He was the only one who’d be calm enough to give

her some sound advice.

“No, don’t tell them,” was his immediate answer to her question.
Sofia breathed a sigh of relief. “I’d hold off on telling Eric, too. Unless you think he’s not gonna

be mad. You’ll probably ruin his New Year’s Eve. When I get home tomorrow, I’ll talk to Alex and
Angel. But yd A toou did the right thing, Sofie. That guy is, and always has been, bad news. He has no
business trying to hang around you. I just hope he’s not stupid enough to try to talk to Alex or Angel
before I get home.”

Sofia hoped so to. She took Sal’s advice and decided she’d wait until after New Year’s Eve to tell

Eric.

***

Eric’s dad and Tina were arriving the morning of New Year’s Eve. Both school and the company

he was interning at were closed for the holiday. The next few days he’d be free to spend with his dad
and Tina. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to it. He’d only been around her a few times. It wasn’t
that she was so young. His dad had always stayed very physically fit. He looked damn good for his
age, so the age difference wasn’t that obvious. She was just the first woman his dad had ever brought
home for Eric to meet. It was still awkward.

He was meeting them for breakfast in the restaurant in the hotel they were staying. The place was

over the top, ritzy, but he expected nothing less from his dad. He walked around in the lobby where his
dad said he’d meet him. The artwork on the walls was incredible. He was taking one in when he heard
his name.

He turned to see his dad with Tina and a girl, approaching him. His dad hugged him when he was

close enough and smiled big. “So how you liking it so far?”

Eric nodded, feeling a little self-conscious. “It’s been amazing.”
His dad seemed pleased, smiling even bigger. “Good, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He turned to

Tina and the girl. “You’ve met Tina.”

Eric leaned over and shook her hand. “Yeah, hey, Tina. Nice to see you again.”
Tina greeted him back with that somewhat timid smile he remembered from the first time he met

her.

“And this is Tina’s youngest sister, Jennifer.” Eric was just reaching his hand over to shake

Jennifer’s when his dad added, “She’s your age.” He turned back to Jennifer, “Eric just turned twenty-
one this year also.”

Jennifer smiled at him, but not quite as timidly as her older sister. Both sisters shared the same

red hair, but unlike Tina’s straight shorter do, Jennifer’s hair hung in long, tight curls. It was the first
thing he’d noticed when he saw them walking to him. If he had to describe her in word, it would be
bright. From her hair, to her light blue eyes, right down to her whiter-than-white teeth, even her
freckles were bright.

“Eric maybe you could show Jennifer some of the places the younger crowds frequent while

we’re here.”

Eric shot his dad a look, but knowing both sisters eyes were watching, it wasn’t quite as severe as

he wanted it to be. “I have school and the internship—”

“I’m sure you can find some time.” His dad dismissed his excuses.
All through breakfast, his dad made subtle remarks about how much Eric and Jennifer had in

common. It was so obvious what he was doing. Ever since his dad saw him so upset that summer, he’d
been pushing more than ever, but Eric couldn’t believe he’d take it this far.

He had to admit Jennifer was something to look at. Though Sofia had thh Selie most amazingly

sexy eyes, he couldn’t help being distracted with Jennifer’s long auburn lashes. She’d even caught him
looking once and smiled. Just because she was attractive didn’t mean Eric had an iota of interest in
her, the way he knew his dad was hoping.

After yet another mention of how Eric and Jennifer were both computer whizzes, Eric finally

nudged his dads knee. His dad just smiled and started telling Jennifer about the time Eric fixed his
teacher’s computer in the sixth grade. Exasperated didn’t even begin to describe what he felt. This was
going to be a long week.

Below the belt.

The New Year’s Eve/birthday party was a combination of both family and friends. Some of the

family from Mexico had even come over for it. Normally, Sofia’s parents spent the entire week after
Christmas in Mexico, but this year, they’d come home early for the party. They brought aunts and
uncles home with them. The house was already bustling that morning when Sofia left for the
restaurant. They’d only be open a half day and since it was Angel’s party, so Sofia agreed to go in so
he could stay home and get everything together with Sarah.

Sal hadn’t arrived when she left that morning. Alex only went into the restaurant to pick up the

food for the party. She dreaded Sal telling Angel and Alex about Brandon following her. The only
good thing was she wouldn’t be there when he did.

On her way home, Sarah called her. She slowed down, wondering if maybe she was going to ask

her to bring something else home from the restaurant and she’d only driven a few blocks so far.

“Sofia, where are you?”
“I just left the restaurant.”
“Don’t come home yet.”
Sarah’s tone alarmed her. “Why?”

“Brandon’s outside. I thought Alex was gonnah Selirah kill him. He hit him pretty hard, but

Brandon still refuses to leave. He’s so drunk.” Sofia’s felt her stomach cave in. She pulled over when
she heard the women in the background. Her mom and aunts shrill voices talking a mile a minute,
telling Sarah to make sure Sofia didn’t come home yet. “I know, I know, she’s not,” Sarah assured
them.

Sarah must’ve walked into another room because the noise subsided. “The whole neighborhood is

out there, Sofie. It’s such a scene. He showed up asking to see you, and Alex unloaded on him. Thank
God you have so many uncles here. I don’t know how else they would’ve stopped Alex. I’ve never
seen him so mad.”

“Oh my God.” Sofia was suddenly overwhelmed with dread. “Why won’t he leave?”
“He’s drunk. Even with a fat lip and a his eye nearly closed shut, he just keeps saying he wants a

chance to explain and that he wasn’t leaving until he talked to you. Hold on, Sofie.” She heard the
women in the background again, only they seemed a bit calmer. Sarah was obviously walking through
the house. Sofia waited, trying to listen for clues as to what was going on. After what felt like an
eternity, she heard Sarah ask someone. “Did he leave?” Suddenly she heard a lot of men’s voices, and
Alex cursing. “He left, Sof. You can come home now.”

“Yeah, tell her to come straight home,” she heard Sal say.
Sofia didn’t hang up until she got more information from Sarah. Apparently, Alex and Angel

were already pissed because Sal had told them about Brandon following her. But they both promised
to stay cool until after the party. Then a few hours later, Brandon showed up slurring, demanding to
see Sofia. After hanging up, Sofia noticed the couple of texts from Eric.

Getting close to New Year’s over here. The party’s not half bad but it’d be better if you were

here. How’s everything over there?

The second one was worse. Since she normally responded almost immediately, he’d waited

fifteen minutes after the first and wrote.

Is something wrong?
She covered her face with both hands. Would this nightmare ever be over? She thought long and

hard before responding. She hated not telling him something of this magnitude, but she also didn’t
want to ruin his New Year’s Eve.

Everything’s fine. I do need to talk to you, but it can wait until tomorrow.
She’d barely turned on the ignition, when her phone rang. Seeing his name on the caller ID made

her cringe. She slipped the earpiece in, took a deep breath and answered.

“What happened?”
Sofia didn’t even know where to begin. She started by telling him about her talk with Brandon at

the beach, leaving out the part that he followed her, but Eric didn’t miss a beat. “How’d he know you
were there?”

“He said he followed me because he wanted to know if I really believed what my brothers were

saying about him planning the whole thing last summer.”

“And you said?”
She didn’t know what she dreaded more, getting home to a houseful of people who were no doubt

just waiting to interrogate her, or having to answer this question. “Eric, he swore he didn’t, so I just
said I believed him.”
“Do you really?” Eric’s raised his voice. “After everything he’s done, you’re still falling for his shit?”

“I just didn’t see the point in arguing, Eric. What difference does it make if he thinks I
believe him or not?”
“You didn’t answer my question.”

Sofia was quiet for a moment. She’d never tell Eric Brandon had given her the opportunity to tell

him to stop, but she was so sick of being labeled naïve. What happened that day was not planned, and
she knew it.

“You believe him. Just say it.”
“You weren’t there, Eric. Can you give me a little credit that I wouldn’t fall for some stupid

plan?”

“Unfuckingbelievable.” Eric rarely cussed in her presence. “All right, he didn’t plan it. Anything

else I need to know? Like why you kept this from me, again.”

Feeling a little irritated by his tone and unwillingness to give her any credit for having half a

brain, her tone changed as well. “Because I called Sal right after and asked if I should tell Alex and
Angel. I was afraid of what they’d do, and he said to wait. Told me to wait until after New Year’s Eve.
I was going to tell you tomorrow. I didn’t wanna ruin your night. Okay?”

He was quiet for a moment then asked. “Is that it?”
She took a deep breath loud enough Eric heard it. Sounding even more agitated, Eric asked,

“What, Sofia? Just tell me everything. My night’s already ruined, anyway.”

“He showed up at my house today drunk. I wasn’t there. I just found out about it right now. I
worked all morning.”
She told him everything Sarah had told her. When she was done, his only response was,
“And you still believe him?”
As if her day could get any worse, when she didn’t respond immediately, he hung up on her.

***

The celebration was just beginning to pick up momentum, and all Eric could think of was heading

back to his dorm. He was in no mood to party. Aware that his dad was already annoyed that he’d taken
off to make a phone call, Eric knew making an exit now wasn’t the best idea. His dad knew just who
he was calling. Still, Eric was livid. There was no hiding the change in his mood when he walked back
into the banquet room.

Jennifer’s expression when he sat back down was the opposite of his father’s glower. “You

missed it.”

Eric lifted a brow, not really interested in what he’d missed, but still asked. “What?”
“The dancer.” She pointed at one of the many dancers in costume dancing around the room. “She

came over and made your dad dance with her. It was hilarious.” She laughed, taking a sip of her fancy
mixed drink.

Eric couldn’t even smile. “Yeah. I’ll bet. He can’t dance for shit.”
v height="0" width="48"> “Hey, I heard that.” His dad’s scowl was now a silly smile. “I think I

did pretty well. Didn’t I?” He turned to Tina, who giggled, but agreed he had.

The music changed to something even more upbeat and both Tina and Jennifer danced in their

seats. His dad stood up. “C’mon, lets go dance. You guys too.”

Eric was about to say no. He was in no mood for dancing, but Jennifer stood up eagerly. He

grudgingly downed the drink he’d been babying for the past half hour. Jennifer slipped her hand in his,
and they all walked onto the dance floor.

As much as he tried to snap out of the horrendous mood Sofia had put him in, no amount of

dancing was doing it. He leaned into Jennifer’s ear, taking in the sweet smell of her hair. “I need
another drink.”

She nodded her head. “Me too.”
Again, she slipped her hand in his. His dad lifted his hands in question when he saw them start to

walk off the dance floor, but smiled and winked as his eyes caught Eric holding her hand. Eric almost
rolled his eyes, but Jennifer was watching him.

Eric took a shot at the bar then they took their drinks and walked over to the one of the balconies

that overlooked one of Madrid’s most famous plazas.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Jennifer gazed out into the mass of people out there dancing and celebrating.

Seemed the entire city was out for the night.

Gently removing his hand out of Jennifer’s, Eric leaned over the balcony. “Yeah, it is.”
The fresh air helped him relax a little, but very little. He still couldn’t get over the fact that even

after everything they’d gone through that summer, and the scene Brandon had caused tonight, Sofia
was still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. It absolutely made him wonder what the hell else
she was willing to do for the guy and why.

He downed his drink in record time and was ready for another. It had been almost a year since

he’d had so much as a buzz. Now felt like as good a time as any to get hammered. “I’m ready for
another.”

Jennifer’s eyes widened when she saw his empty glass. “Wow, that was fast.”
Eric shrugged. “What’s New Year’s Eve without a good buzz, right?”
Several shots and drinks later, Eric was in more of dancing mood than ever. By the time the

countdown started, he and his dad were two of the loudest at the party. His dad had been buying round
after round of shots. As they rung in the New Year in, everyone hugged and kissed. His dad hugged
him hard. “I’m glad you’re having fun, son. You know I only want you to enjoy life, right? That’s all I

want. ‘Cause I love you, no other reason.”

Before his dad got too mushy, Eric nodded and pulled away. “Yeah, I know dad. I love you, too.”
After their rather long embrace, Eric turned to Jennifer and gave her a fast hug. The smell of her

hair lingered even after he pulled away. He quickly turned to Tina and hugged her, too. The band
played a slow song and his dad and Tina took to the dance floor, holding each other closely.

“You want another drink?” He turned toward the bar.
Jennifer tilted her head and gave him a look that made him feel guilty. “I like this song.”

he="0">

Eric hesitated, but took her hand anyway. They walked out to the dance floor. She wasted no time

wrapping her arms around his neck, and pressed her body against him. He’d had a looser embrace in
mind, but at this point he had no choice in the matter. She’d all but draped herself on him and leaned
her face against his chest. Feeling her breasts pushed on his chest, he thought of what Sofia would say
if she saw them. He held her gently, but in no way wanted to encourage anything inappropriate.

The song was finally over and people clapped. Eric took advantage to undo their embrace and

pulled away to clap. They started up another slow song. No way was he doing that again. “I need a
drink and some air.”

No sooner had he said it, and her hand was in his again. Her behavior, most likely alcohol

induced, was sobering him up. With that in mind, he ordered a beer instead of hard liquor. Jennifer
ordered another fancy mixed drink.

“Remember.” Eric shot her a warning look. “Those kinds of drinks tend to sneak up on you.”
Jennifer giggled. “Too late!”
They headed back outside to the balcony. As soon as they reached it and Eric rested his elbow

against the rail, Jennifer leaned into him. She seemed a little dizzy and Eric held her up. “Whoa, you
okay?”

She did a little more giggling and moved her hair away from her face. “Maybe I better not
drink this.”
Eric took the drink she held up and placed it on the rail. “Yeah, maybe not.”
“I’m not just saying this because I’ve been drinking, but I think you’re incredibly sexy.” She
traced his lips with her finger.

Eric smiled, feeling a little nervous, and pulled her hand gently away from his lips. “Alright,

maybe we should get you some water.”

“No, Eric, I’m serious.” She stood up a little straighter and leaned into him again. “When my

sister told me I was going to be hanging out with her boyfriend’s son, I was worried about who’d I’d
be stuck with. But when I saw you, I could hardly contain myself.”

“I’m flattered.” Eric had to admit it felt good. But he was careful about his response. He knew no

matter how mad he was at Sofia, doing anything with Jennifer was out of the question. “You’re not too
hard on the eyes, either. Trust me, if I didn’t have a girlfriend, I would’ve already been trying to get to
know more about your situation.”

Her lips curled and she stared him down with a wicked smile. “Well, my situation is, I live in

New York, not California like my sister. We only see each other on rare occasions. That’s why I
decided to tag along with her on this trip. So I don’t mind that you have a girlfriend, because after I
leave Spain, it’ll probably be years before I see you again.” She licked her lips, tracing a finger down
his chest. “Assuming, that is, that Tina and your dad stay together.”

Having never been in this position, Eric wasn’t sure what the best way was to respond. Before he

could, she leaned in and pecked his lips.

Eric backed away. “Jennifer—”
“Call me Jenny.” She stepped forward again.
With the rail behind him, he had nowhere else to move. “Jenny, my girlfriend would
absolutely mind—”
“Don’t tell her.” She pressed her body against his, still smiling as her hand grazed over the
front of his pants.

Eric flinched. No way was he going there. As much as he loved Sofia, Jennifer was sexier than

hell and he was, after all, a man. There were certain parts of his body that would have a harder time
rejecting her, if rubbed the right way. He switched places with her, making her the vulnerable one
against the rail. “Listen, sweetheart. I’m sure any guy would jump at the chance to be with you—”

“But not you.”
Her offended expression tugged at him, making him feel like a jerk. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
After the awkward conversation, things went from bad to worse. Jennifer grabbed her drink,

insisting she needed it. A few big gulps later, she brought her hand to her mouth and said she needed
to find a restroom, fast. She didn’t make it, throwing up in her hands just before she got to the door.
Eric held the door for her as she ran in. A few minutes later, two very concerned-looking women
walked out asking if he was the sick young lady’s boyfriend.

“I’m a friend of hers,” Eric replied. “Is she okay?”
“No,” The heavier of the two said. “She’s in there throwing up, and sobbing in between.”
Wonderful. Eric glanced around until he spotted his dad and Tina. “Lemme go get her sister.”
He was glad the two women walked back in the restroom. He hated to think of Jennifer in there

alone. Tina rushed to the restroom as soon as he told her. He and his father followed right behind.

Before his dad could say anything, he explained about the last drink she shouldn’t have had, but

did anyway. He didn’t mention why, though. They sat outside by the closest table to the restrooms
waiting. The party was nowhere near being over. There were people dancing on chairs and tables still.
Even his dad was still drinking.

Tina finally came out of the restroom. She glanced at Eric then asked if she could speak to his

dad alone. His dad stood up and walked a few feet away from the table where Eric sat. The music was
so loud there was no way Eric could hear what they were saying even from that close a distance.

Their talk was brief and Tina hurried back to the restroom. His dad turned to him not looking

pleased. When he reached the table, he didn’t sit down. “You couldn’t have hung out with her for just
one evening without bringing up Sofia?”

Nothing annoyed Eric more than when his dad played his relationship with Sofia down as if it

wasn’t as serious as he knew it was. “Dad, she didn’t want to just hang out. And for the record, I
hadn’t mentioned Sofia until she started coming on to me.”

“Would it have killed you to just go along for the evening? Damn it, Eric, you humiliated her.”
As bad as Eric felt about humiliating Jennifer, nothing topped the disgust he felt for his dad at

that moment. Go along for the evening? He stood up. “I’m sorry about that. I’ll apologize, but I can’t
j u s t go along with another girl for the evening, Dade eng . Sofia and I are in a committed
relationship.”

His dad didn’t even try to mask his irritation. He downed what was left of his drink and put the

glass down on the table. “Yeah, well maybe someone should’ve reminded her of that this past
summer.”

Eric felt the air sucked out of him. The blow couldn’t have been any lower. His dad must’ve seen

it in his face because immediately he started back-peddling. He tried putting his hand on Eric’s

shoulder, but Eric backed away.

“Son, I’m just saying—”
“I think you should stop talking. You’re drunk and you’re already pissing me off.” He started to

walk away.

“Eric, you’re devotion for her through all these years has been unwavering, and she cheated on

you. You don’t think that pisses me off?”

Eric turned to look at him, ready to go off on him.
“Son, I’m sorry, but anyone that hurts you, hurts me and as far as I’m concerned she doesn’t

deserve you.”

Before he said anything he’d regret, but more frantically, before his dad said anything else to

remind him of how Sofia had once ripped his heart out, he walked away. His dad called out for him,
but he didn’t stop. If his dad said even one more thing to put down Sofia, he’d snap for sure.

The Test

Somehow, Sofia thought she’d be more tired the morning after the party. Instead, she was the

first one up. When she got home the day before, everyone wanted to know why Brandon was so
adamant about talking to her. Thankfully, Sal had been there to settle everyone down. Everyone that
is, but Alex. He was still on fire when she arrived, making her even more relieved she hadn’t been
there when it all went down. Between Sal and her parents, they managed to get Alex to let it go—for
now.

She stood lost in thought in the kitchen waiting for the coffee to finish brewing when Angel’s

voice startled her. “Why you up so early, Sof? You gonna go running?”

The suspicion in his voice hurt. “No.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Angel stopped at the center island of the kitchen and seemed to consider his next words before

saying them. “Sofie, are you sure nothing else happened between you and Brandon?”

She turned to him, her insides falling apart all over again. “It was just a kiss, Angel. A mistake

I’ll regret forever.” She hated being so melodramatic about it, but she was beginning to think that
damn kiss would never stop haunting her.

He stared at her for a moment and her emotions took over. Eric hadn’t answered any of her calls

the entire night and her whole family had been under such stress all because of her yesterday. She
tried so hard but her emotions did her in.

“C’mere.” Angel walked around the island and held out his arms. She walked over to him and he

hugged her. “Don’t cry, Sofie. It only makes me wanna go find that asshole and kick his ass.”

“It wasn’t all him, Angel.” She finally let it out. “I kissed him willingly.”
Angel pulled away from her to look at her face. “Why? Are you and Eric having problems?”
“No!” She shook her head. “The only person who’s ever kissed me before Brandon was Eric. I

think the only reason I gave in to him was because I was curious. But it was so not worth it. I hurt
Eric, and caused all this aggravation with my family.”

“You didn’t.” Angel’s forehead pinched. “His stupid ass did.”
“But it wasn’t all him. If I’d have just said no, none of this would be happening.”
“That’s what he wants you to think, Sof. He would’ve kept pushing, especially if he sensed even

an ounce of… curiosity on your part. He should’ve never had you in his room in the first place.”

Sofia wiped the tears away and looked up at Angel unconvinced.
“Think about it. Why didn’t he ask any of us to come over and look at his shit? Why was he only

interested in having you alone in his house?” Angel’s jaw worked as Sofia was so accustomed to
seeing her brothers do when they were mad.

They talked for a little longer, with Angel warning her once again to keep her distance from

Brandon. He also made her promise if she so much as got the inkling that he was following her again,
to call one of them ASAP.

Back up in her room with her much needed cup of coffee, Sofia tried calling Eric again. To her

surprise, he answered. She was so sure he wouldn’t answer she hadn’t even prepared what she would
say. But she’d thought about it enough last night, so she took a deep breath, willing her voice not to
break. “Hey.”

“How’d it go last night?” He didn’t sound angry, but he did sound down.

“As you can imagine.” She frowned. “Alex was a walking inferno even when I got here.” There

was an uncomfortable silence for a long moment. Sofia cleared her voice and lay back down on her
bed, gripping the phone to her ear. “Are you still mad at me?”

More silence. She squeezed her eyes, a warm tear slipping down the side of her face. She feared

the worse. They’d never get past this.

“I’m just trying to understand why after everything he’s done, you’re still willing to give him the

benefit of the doubt.”

Sofia sat up on her bed, determined to make him understand even at the risk of making things

worse. “Because I can’t in clear conscience just put all the blame on him. Don’t you think it would be
easier for me to just agree with you and my brothers? Yes, it was all him. He duped me and poor
innocent little me fell for it, he’s a monster! But I can’t, Eric. I knew just going to his house would be
an issue with you and my brothers and I still did.”

“You wanted to?”
“I would never choose to hurt you. He said he wanted to show me something, said I didn’t even

have to come in he could bring it out. But I chose to go in. Not because I wanted to, Eric, but because
at the time it didn’t seem like that big a deal.” She stopped to take a deep breath. “My whole life I’ve
been called or it’s been insinuated that I was naïve. That day…”

She wasn’t sure if she should go on, but it felt like this issue would linger forever if she didn’t

just say it.

“That day what?” His tone was hard again like it’d been the night before.
“That day I felt something when I went in his room. I wasn’t being naïve, Eric. You all want to

believe that I was completely in the dark about what might happen. I had a feeling something would. I
could’ve left, walked right out the moment I got that notion but I didn’t. I chose to stay. There’s no
way he could’ve planned that.” For a moment, she thought he hung up. “Are you still there?”

He didn’t answer, but she heard him breathe. When he finally spoke, his voice was clearly

strained. “So when you told me it just happened so fast you didn’t get a chance to think, that was a
bunch of bullshit?”

“No, it did happen fast.”
“But you knew it would and yet you still hung around for it.”
“Eric—”
“I had a beautiful girl throw herself at me last night, Sofia. I could’ve easily done something with

her but I didn’t even consider it for second. You know why?”

Sofia didn’t respond. Something squeezed at her throat. When she didn’t answer, he went on.
“Because I would never do to you, what you fucking did to me.”
Sofia was left clutching her phone as the line clicked and Eric hung up on her again.

***

Eric was meeting his dad and the girls for late lunch. His dad called early in the morning, but Eric

sent it to voicemail. His dad apologized for his insensitive behavior the night before and asked that he
please join them for lunch.

The only reason Eric agreed to go was because he felt compelled to apologize to Jennifer. He

never meant to humiliate her. After getting off the phone with Sofia, he now wished he hadn’t called

his dad back to tell him he would be there. He was in absolutely no mood for socializing, but his dad
had been so glad he was coming and kept apologizing and thanking him. Eric couldn’t bring himself to
cancel.

When he got to the table, the girls were nowhere in sight. His dad was sitting at a table by

himself.

“What happened? Did they decide not to come?”
His dad shook his head. “No, they’ll be here in about a half hour.” He motioned for Eric to take

the seat across from him. “I wanted to talk to you alone first.”

Eric took a seat and prepared himself.

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“About last night, I know you think that I just don’t like Sofia, but—”
“No, Dad you were right.” Feeling the anger, but mostly hurt, inundate him again. He told his dad

about the conversation he had with Sofia that morning, then he added. “You know last night Jennifer
offered herself to me, no strings attached? She’s going back to New York and said we probably would
never see each other again, anyway. Sofia would never find out, and I couldn’t even consider it for a
moment. And Jennifer is a great girl. But I could never do that to Sofia.” His dad stared at him,
hanging on every word. He was sure his dad was shocked that Eric was spilling his guts like this. But
he needed to, needed to let it out, so he might start to heal. “Not only did Sofia do what she did, she
did it with Brandon, that piece of trash from up the street. The guy that’s been nothing but an asshole
to her and her brothers all her life.” He shook his head. The more he thought about it, the more
disgusted he felt. “I thought I could forgive her because I can’t stand being away from her, but I don’t
know anymore. I’ve been thinking about what you said last night, maybe she doesn’t deserve me.”

His dad leaned over and patted him on the knee. “Don’t put too much weight on what I said last

night. I was drunk and not thinking straight.”

Eric shook his head. The overwhelming pain he’d felt when he first found out about Sofia and

Brandon months ago was back. Only this time an utter disgust accompanied it. She’d let that asshole
in. And now he had no idea how to get him out. He’d be the perpetual reminder that his beautiful Sofia
wasn’t the perfect girl like he’d always thought. He’d held her on a pedestal since they were kids, and
Brandon had knocked her right off.

They talked until the girls got there. His dad warned him not to make any rash decisions. Maybe

wait at least until he got back. Eric agreed, still not convinced that he could actually go through ending
things with Sofia.

After breakfast, they all went for a stroll. Eric waited until his dad and Tina were walking ahead

of them and out of earshot. Their walk up until then had been a quiet one. He could tell Jennifer was
embarrassed. She’d hardly said a word all through breakfast.

He turned to Jennifer. “I’m sorry if I—”
“No.” She placed her hand on his arm and stopped. “Please. Please, whatever you do, don’t

apologize for anything. I feel so stupid.”

“But I didn’t mean to—”
“Mean to what, Eric? Remain faithful to your girlfriend?” She scoffed. “She’s a lucky girl. You

shouldn’t have to apologize for being a good guy. Like you said, anyone else might’ve taken
advantage of the situation, girlfriend or not. I should’ve never acted the way I did.” She squeezed his
arm. “I should be the one apologizing, and I am. My behavior last night was appalling.”

Eric smiled. “I wouldn’t call it appalling. You’re young, beautiful, and single. It was New Year’s

Eve and you were having fun—nothing wrong with that.”

With a weak smile, Jennifer started walking again and shrugged. Eric walked alongside her but

she didn’t look at him. Instead, she stared at the ground. “We both know it was wrong of me to push
even after you so politely turned me down, but I’d rather not dwell on that anymore.” Finally, she
glanced up at him again. “Can we just forget it ever happened?”

“What happened?”
Jennifer gave him an appreciative smile. After strolling around a nearby open market place, Eric

managed to push his issues with Sofia to the back of his mind, at least for a while.

After about an hour, they stopped to munch on some churros they’d purchased from a vendor.
“Eric.” Jennifer leaned against the railing of the bridge they were standing on. “I know I was the

one that asked you to forget about last night, but I can’t help but feel like you’re still feeling
uncomfortable.”

Eric turned to her. “Not at all, I just have a lot on my mind today.” He bit into the churro and

looked out in the road below them.

“Anything you wanna talk about?”
Talking to another girl about Sofia might help, but after what happened last night, he didn’t think

it a good idea. He shook his head. “Not really, just school and my internship.”

When Eric got back to his dorm room that afternoon, he read the long text Sofia had sent him

earlier. He hadn’t wanted to hear what she had to say all day. Even now, he wasn’t sure wanted to, but
he read it anyway.

I want you to know I’ve never once given any thought to what my life would be like without you in

it…until now. I know even after I explained why I let it happen, you weren’t completely satisfied with
my answer, but since then I’ve had time to reflect and I think I have a more honest explanation. I was
afraid to tell you before, but because of everything that’s happened I think you deserve the truth. After
giving it much thought, maybe my brothers were right. Brandon was wrong for taking me into his room
and even initiating the kiss. I’ll give them that. But nothing takes back the fact that I let him. Why? I
gave in to the moment. Plain and simple. Curiosity got the best of me. Eric. I can’t take back what I’ve
done. Believe me, if I could, I would. I just want you to know if I live to be a hundred, the fact that I
gave in will be my biggest regret. Even if my prayers are answered and somehow we work things out, I
will forever regret the pain that I’ve caused you. No matter what happens. I love you. Always have.
Always will.

Eric read it several times, the lump in his throat present the entire time. He was going to have to

do one of two things. Either he got over that damn kiss and let it go, or he got over Sofia and let her
go. At the moment, both seemed impossible.

***

Eric didn’t respond to Sofia’s text. He hadn’t responded to any of her texts in days. Including the

last one where she said she was done torturing herself. He still couldn’t stomach discussing the fact
that she’d given in to Brandon just like that. She probably even enjoyed the moment.

He was also done torturing himself. He’d spent every evening that week so far after classes and

his internship with his dad and the girls. They caught a show one of the nights and tonight he and
Jennifer were on their way to a concert. His dad had gotten tickets for them. Some Spanish rock band
Eric had never heard of. His dad said they were supposed to be good, but Eric didn’t care. He just
wanted the distraction. Having gone days for the first time ever, without any contact with Sofia was
killing him. If this was a taste of what his life would be like withoue like wt her, he was going to be

one miserable bastard.

Eric held Jennifer’s hand through the crowd as they made their way into the concert. They

stopped to buy drinks at the concession stand.

“You want a mixed drink?” Eric remembered the kind of drinks Jennifer preferred New
Year’s Eve.
“I’ll take a beer,” Jennifer said, blushing.
Eric laughed. “You don’t have to.”
“Trust me, I learned my lesson.”

They took their beers and walked around the huge lobby of the arena. They were early. It was fun

to people watch. Before long, they were on their fourth beers. Eric’s dad had given him one of his
credit cards. The prices for everything in the concessions were ridiculous, but his dad insisted he not
worry about the money and just enjoy himself.

Since this was Jennifer’s last night here, they planned on going out to a club after. They slowed

down on the beers once the concert started. After having to make a restroom run a couple times, they
decided missing so much of the concert wasn’t worth it. The band was actually good.

Once at the club, however, they decided Jennifer deserved to have a good time and let her hair

hang down without it turning into a disaster like New Year’s. They stuck to beer, but had plenty of it.
The clubs in Spain were so different than the ones in the states. In the U.S. closing time was usually
around one or two in the morning. It was just after midnight and things were just getting started. The
bartender told them closing time was at six!

Eric had class in the morning. He wasn’t planning on pulling an all-nighter, but he still had a few

hours in him. They danced and continued to drink, though Jennifer ordered water a few times in
between beers.

Seeing the way guys eyeballed Jennifer reminded him of his trip to Cancun with Sofia. He’d been

so relieved when she asked him to go with her. Not because he didn’t trust her, but at the time he’d
been worried for her safety. Thinking back now, the way the guys had gawked at her at the bars even
with him at her side, he couldn’t help but wonder if she might’ve given into her curiosity way back
then, had he not been there. Her girlfriends sure as hell got crazy. Anger flooded him. He downed the
rest of his beer and ordered another one.

They’d just handed it to him when Jennifer walked out of the restroom and headed toward him. A

guy stepped in front of her, saying something that made her smile. It could’ve been the alcohol or
maybe even the sudden hot rush of adrenaline he was feeling over thoughts of Sofia. Whatever it was,
he started toward Jennifer with only one purpose. The second he reached her, he slid his arm around
her waist pulling her closely to him and kissed her forehead. She smelled damned good.

“Everything okay?” He turned to the guy, who smirked, but shook his head.
“Everything’s cool. You’re girlfriend is stunning.” The guy lifted his beer toward Eric in a good

natured gesture of peace.

Eric clinked his bottle against the guy’s and forced a smile. With that, the guy walked away.

Jennifer turned to Eric but didn’t pull away from his embrace. “What was that about?”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “Just making sure everything was okay.”
“I didn’t look okay?”
She’d obviously had a mint in the ladies room, because her breath smelled of mint. Did her

mouth taste like it, too? Curiosity.

They stood there without saying anything for what seemed like too long. With the music blaring

around them and people still dancing on the tables and chairs, no one noticed them just standing there.

He gulped when she licked her pink lips and stared at his. He was so close he could feel her warm
breath against his lips. “Eric?”

“Hmm?” He closed his eyes, fighting with himself.
He should let go of her. Walk away. Another part disagreed. An eye for an eye. Sofie would
have to understand.
“Are you gonna kiss me?” She whispered so close to his mouth he could almost taste her.
“You want me to?”
“Yes.” She said this into his mouth.

Eric licked her bottom lip, tasting the mint. She trembled in his arms. It immediately felt wrong.

He hugged her, pulling his face away from hers. Instead, he kissed the side of her head.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered in her ear breathlessly. “Please, this time let me apologize. I shouldn’t

have done that.”

She didn’t say anything, just took a deep breath. When she finally pulled away, she looked him in

his eyes. “We should go.”

The cab ride back to her hotel room was a quiet one. Eric was so mad at himself. He’d been

totally unfair to Jennifer, using her to get back at Sofia. How immature was he? Like that would’ve
made things any better. She made him stop apologizing before they even got into the cab. When they
reached her hotel, she turned to him and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s really nice to know there are
still good guys out there. Don’t feel bad, Eric. You’ve given me hope.”

Eric smiled and kissed her hand. “You don’t need hope, Jenny. Any man would be lucky to have

you. It was a pleasure spending time with you this week. I hope I do get to see you again some day.
Have a safe trip.”

The second she was out of the cab and turned toward the hotel, he let his head fall back. He put

his hand over his eyes. Could he be a bigger ass?

Before they even reached his dorm, thoughts of Jenny had already taken a distant second in his

mind. He missed Sofia more than ever. Any chance of sleep tonight would be in vain. He plopped into
bed, licking his lips. He could be making love to Jenny this very minute, but all he could think about
was Sofia. Son of a bitch.

Clarity

Sofia trudged into the drugstore. Few things were getting her out of the house these last couple of

weeks. She needed conditioner for her hair, otherwise she might’ve stayed in bed, moping like she had
for the past few weeks. She and Eric had never gone this long without any communication. Nothing
could be clearer. He hated her.

The conditioner she normally used wasn’t on special. It hardly ever was. She stood there
staring at the all the other choices.
“Hey, Sof.”
Sofia flinched, gasping when she saw him. “Brandon!” She glanced around. “Did you follow
me again?”
“No, I was on my way out when I saw you pull in.”
“I can’t be around you. You have to understand—”

“I know, Sof.” The dreariness she remembered from when they were in high school was back. He

wasn’t the strong Brandon she’d been so impressed with last summer. The faint bruising around his
eye didn’t help, either. “I just hoped I could speak with you one last time before I leave. Do you have a
few minutes so we can go somewhere more private?”

“No,” was her immediate reaction—her brothers would flip—Eric would never forgive her.
He glanced around. “Can you give me a second then... here?”
She stood strong. What could he do here in a public store? “Make it fast.”

His eyebrows pinched and for a moment there, he looked ready to cry. “My old man is dying,”

Taking a deep breath, he looked away as if to pull himself together. Sofia’s heart dropped. “I’m not
just here for the holidays. I took an emergency leave to come back and get things settled. He’s known,
but the cancer’s really spread now. I’m taking them both back with me to Georgia. The house is
already for sale. My dad wants me to take the money and buy a house out there. The property is way
cheaper than in California.” His eyes met hers, but only for a second before he looked away again. “I
just wanted to say goodbye and apologize for any problems I’ve caused.”

The past few weeks had been horrendous for Sofia. Not hearing from Eric had been the worst

suffering ever. Now she could only think about what Brandon must’ve been going through. “I’m so
sorry, Brandon. I had no idea.”

“I just came in here to pick up his meds.” He lifted his hand with the bag from the pharmacy.

“But I’m glad I saw you. There’s something I really want to tell you.”

Sofia’s eyes went from the bag in his hand to his face again. His expression was so pained, she

was tempted to touch him. “What’s that?”

“Are you sure we can’t go somewhere else to talk?”
“No way, Brandon.” She’d learned her lesson.
He stared at her for a second before speaking again. “I’m in love with you, Sof.” His voice

became a whisper. “I thought I was in high school. Last summer only confirmed it. I almost didn’t re-
enlist because of that kiss.”

Sofia shook her head, feeling her eyes well up. This was the last thing she needed to hear.
“Don’t worry. I know it’s impossible. I just needed to tell you before I left. I won’t be back

anymore.” He almost swatted the tear that escaped the corner of his eye. “I needed to say it to you, if
only one time. I’m glad I got the chance.”

She had no words. He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “Goodbye, Sof.” He turned
and took off down the aisle in a rush.
Sofia stood there, still stunned. How could he be in love with her? He hardly knew her.
“Was it just a kiss?”

Sofia spun around, almost jumping out of her skin. Eric’s dad stood there waiting for a response.

Mortification sunk in. He knew. Of course he knew. Eric would tell him something like this. They’d
always been that close.

“Yes,” she whispered.
His chuckle surprised her. “Well, thank you for not agreeing to go somewhere private to talk to

him. My son wouldn’t have been happy to hear it if you had.”

She pressed her lips together, at a complete loss of how to respond to that.
“Was all that drama this past summer over a kiss? Really?”
“Yes,” She nodded, chewing her bottom lip. “And I’ll regret it forever, Mr. Diego.”

To her surprise, he leaned over and hugged her. “Eric is something else.” He shook his head and

patted her back gently. “You’re a good girl, Sofia.” He pulled away and spoke face to face to her. “I
know you probably think I don’t care for you. I’ve never had anything against you.” He pursed his
lips. “Well, that is until this past summer. But Eric made such a fuss I thought you’d slept with
Brandon.”

“God, no! I would never!”
“The way he acted I was certain—”
“Did he say I did?” An uncontrollable panic swept through her. “He doesn’t think I did, does
he?”
“All he ever said was that you cheated on him and that he’d never do to you, what you did to
him.”
Words she’d never get over. She cried for days after that call.

“Sofia, I know Eric is still hurt. Butill hurt he loves you very much. I want you know I’m hoping

it works out for you two. You belong together.”

There was no way to hold in what she’d been feeling all week. Her trembling lip betrayed her and

he leaned in and hugged her again. After crying for a few more minutes, while Eric’s dad consoled
her, promising things would work out, she left.

Sofia drove home in a daze. Once there, she sat in her driveway and continued to cry. At first

softly, then she was overwhelmed and she buried her face in her hands. The garage door opened. She
worked fast to clean up her face, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop crying. Alex walked toward the
car, hurrying when he saw the tears.

“What’s wrong?” He flung the door open and squatted down. “What happened?”
She shook her head, afraid to even say Brandon’s name. “Nothing.”
Alex searched her face as the tears continued to pour out. “What is it, Sof?” He rubbed her
knee. “Tell me.”

Sofia reached across her dash into the glove compartment for some tissue. She wiped her face.

Alex still calm, continued to rub her knee, but she knew how quickly his temper could flare. “It isn’t
just one thing. It’s everything.” She blew her nose. “I miss Eric. He’s still mad at me and…” She
glanced at his compassionate eyes. “I ran into Brandon at the drug store.”

The hand on her knee stopped, the compassion now replaced with a murderous glower. “What did

he do?”

“Nothing, Alex.” She placed her hand on his. “He just wanted to say goodbye.” She could almost

see the wheels in his head spinning. “His dad’s dying.”

Alex’s expression lightened up. But very little.
“They sold the house, and he’s taking both his parents back to Georgia with him. He re-enlisted,”

she shrugged, “he’s not coming back.”

Alex stared at her. “Is that why you’re crying?”
“No!” How could he even think that? “I was already in a down mood. Hearing about his dad just

made me feel sad for him, and I haven’t talked to Eric for weeks. I don’t think he’s ever going to
forgive me. It all just piled up on me.”

Alex stood up and held out his hand. “C’mon.”
When she was out of the car, he pulled her to him, hugging her tight. “You’re too damn sweet is

what it is.” She felt tiny in his arms. “Brandon’s gonna be all right. And Eric will get over it. Trust me,
he ain’t going anywhere.”

If only that were true. She took a deep breath, wishing things were like when she was a little girl

and her brothers could protect her from any kind of pain. Though he’d probably die trying if she asked
him to, there was nothing Alex could do to make this pain go away.

***

Eric lay there in his bed staring at the ceiling like he’d been doing so often in the past few days.

This was exactly what his dad hadn’t wanted him to do. With the routine he’d kept, he may as well
have been a robot—school, his internshihis intep and back to his dorm room. He was barely making
B’s in most of his classes when he was more than capable of A’s.

His phone rang, startling him out of his haze. He sat up, glancing around and saw it on the

nightstand. Reaching over, but still on the bed, he grabbed it and lay back down. He knew who it was
without even looking. The only person who had called instead of texting the entire time he’d been in
Spain.

“Hey, Dad.”
“Eric, you busy?”
“Nope.” He only had a few very important papers that were due that week, but he wouldn’t tell

his dad that. “What’s up?”

“I ran into Sofia today.”
Eric froze, but didn’t say anything. Just hearing her name was cause enough to make him
wince. He missed her so much.
“She was with Brandon.”
Eric sat up. “You saw them together? Where?”
“Now, relax. She was doing some shopping at the drug store alone when he approached her.”

Eric’s heart rate had already doubled over. He listened intently, trying to remain calm. His dad

filled him on what he’d over heard then his dad asked, “Eric, I thought she slept with him. It was just a
kiss?”

Eric squeezed his eyes shut. He was sick of thinking about it. “She let him, Dad. She let that idiot

who was only trying to use her to get to me and her brothers.”

“Son.” His dad took a deep breath. “I’m not sure how to tell you this, but that boy’s in love
with Sofia.”
The words were clear enough but they didn’t quite sink in. “What?”
“I overheard him tell her, and I believe him.”

A myriad of questions came to mind, but the main one was, “What did she say?”

“Nothing, I think she was stunned. He didn’t say much else after that, only that he was glad he

got the chance to tell her before he left for good and then he took off.”

Eric didn’t speak. He took in everything his dad said. Why would Brandon want her to know he

was in love with her? Was he still playing head games or had she given him any indication that it was
something she wanted to hear? Damn, he hated the insecurity.

“Eric.” His dad spoke up after Eric didn’t say anything. “The point is, I know how much this girl

means to you. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone as heartbroken as I saw you the day you found
out about her and Brandon. Right then and there I knew how profound your love for her really was. I’ll
admit it scared me, especially because at the time I was under the impression that my son was
hopelessly in love with a girl who’d betrayed him in the worse way. Then when you got back with her
so quickly, it scared me even more. Now that I find out it was just a kiss… Eric, that’s nothing.”

“But dad—”
“Just ask yourself this. Are you really willing to give up everything you and Sofia have because

of something so trivial that she obviously is extremely remorseful about? I saw it in her face, son.
There is no doubt in my mind she loves you and is still beating herself up about a kiss that really
should be ancient history by now. Shit happens, Eric. Let it go. Age and immaturity have a lot to do
with it, but if you ask me, I’d say she’s learned a hard, but valuable lesson.”

Eric stood up unable to sit still anymore. “I don’t know.”
“It’s up to you, obviously. You know, normally I’d be all for you moving on and shopping around

a lot more, before getting stuck on one girl. But I got to thinking today after speaking with Sofia. I’d
hate for you to make a mistake you’ll be regretting for the rest of your life. I’ve seen it happen too
many times.” He was quiet for a moment before adding, “Just ask your mom.”

***

Early that morning, Sofia got the call. Eric’s dad asked if she wanted to pick Eric up at the

airport. She’d almost said no. She still hadn’t heard from Eric. But she needed closure. If Eric had
really decided this was the end for them, she needed to hear it, the sooner the better. The torture had
gone on long enough.

She arrived at the airport early. When they’d dropped him off the day after Christmas the airport

had been a mess. Afraid to get stuck in that kind of traffic, she’d given herself plenty of time. The
traffic today didn’t even compare.

Planes flew in and out of the airport, and Sofia stared out the window, wondering which one Eric

would be in. Each one that flew in tied her stomach up even more. She wiped away a tear that slid
down her cheek. Sofia hadn’t bothered with makeup. She knew her face would be a mess. Even if
things were okay between them, seeing him again would be emotional.

She thought of Brandon and decided there was no way he was in love with her. Maybe he loved

her as the only friend he thought had ever given him a chance. But in love? He didn’t have the first
clue what that was. There was no way could he be feeling for her what she felt so deeply for Eric.

When she finally saw on the monitor that his plane had arrived, she took a deep breath and sat

down. She sat and watched as one by one, the passengers came down the escalators. Her sucked in her
breath when she saw him. He seemed lost in thought. Like the other passengers, he headed for the

baggage claim. She stood and waited, her heart thumping wildly.

After grabbing his bag from the conveyer, he turned and headed back in her direction. He was

still completely lost in thought, staring and the ground in front of him. Finally, just a few feet away
from her, he looked up and their eyes met. He stopped in his tracks, and the person behind him nearly
ran into him.

Sofia stood there, not sure what to expect or say. Within seconds, his eyes flooded and he looked

away.

“I missed you.” She barely got the words out. “I missed you so much.”
Eric dropped his bags, took the few hurried steps to her and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

She felt him take a deep breath as she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry, Eric.”

“Don’t be, Sof.” He kissed the side of her head. “I’m over it now, but I’ll never be over you. I was

stupid to think I could ever be over you.” He pulled away to look at her face. It killed her to see him
cry. “So stupid.” He kissed her softly. Then he hugged her again, holding her tight for a while.

“He’s gone, Eric.”
Eric tensed, but he didn’t say anything.
“Your dad probably told you but I wanted—”
Eric pulled away. “Don’t. I don’t wanna hear it.” He stared at her. “You love me?”
“Of course.”

“Then that’s all I need to know.” He kissed her again. “I wasn’t even sure until just now when I

saw you. Now I know for sure. I could never be happy without you.”

Sofia smiled, feeling the warm tears stream down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his

neck, an enormous relief washed over her. “Oh, Eric, I was so scared.”

“Me too.” He rubbed her back then pulled away, but took her by the hand. “Let’s go.”
He grabbed his luggage and started walking fast.
“Where are we going?” she asked, the excitement building with every step. Eric was home, he

forgave her, and she’d never do anything to screw up again.

For the first time since he’d arrived, she saw him smile and a twinkle in those amazing brown

eyes. “We got a lot of catching up to do.”

He squeezed her hand. After weeks of crying herself to sleep, she could finally smile, feeling the

familiar flutter in her stomach that only Eric would ever make her feel.

***

It wasn’t quite the weather Eric had hoped for, but it didn’t matter. This was just the first of

seven glorious days he’d be spending with Sofia on their cruise. They originally planned to take a
shorter one because of the price, but his dad had surprised them with the seven-day one. As usual, he
said it helped to know people, and he had plenty of friends in the travel business.

Eric walked back to where Sofia was sitting on the deck. They’d both brought their laptops with

them. Sofia said she couldn’t wait to write while sitting on the deck of a cruise ship, drinking a fancy
cocktail. Eric was glad since his dad had hooked him up with a few web-building jobs for some of his
associates. As obsessive as he was when it came to that stuff, he’d need all the time he could get.
What better time to get started on them then on a cruise ship next to Sofia—while she wrote.

Sofia looked up from her laptop as he reached her with their drinks. “Ooh, fancy!”
He’d looked forward to seeing Sofia in a bikini all week, but March was hardly the time of year

for that. It didn’t matter. Even in jeans and a light sweatshirt she was beautiful as ever.

Eric handed her the drink with the big pineapple wedge, then leaned in and kissed her. She put

down the laptop and took a sip of her drink, looking out into the out into cean. “This is heaven.”

Moving his own laptop from the chaise he’d been sitting on, to the table next to it, he sat down.

“Yeah, it is.” He eyed her as he sipped his beer. “Did you get any writing done?”

“I did, actually.” She smiled. “I was inspired yesterday by Angel and Sarah’s engagement

announcement. They were so happy, a story came to me.”

He stared at her for a moment. How was it that even after all these years, sweet Sofie could
still cast such a spell on him?
She  took  another  sip  of  her  drink.  When  he  hadn’t  taken  his  eyes  off  her,  she  smiled  and
asked, “What?”
“You think we’ll end up married someday, too?”
“Absolutely,”  she  said,  leaning  over  with  a  wicked  smile.  “You’re  stuck  with  me  forever,
Eric Diego.”
God, he loved her smile. “Is that right?”
“Yep, or I’ll sic my brothers on you.”
Eric  laughed.  “Like  anything  could  ever  keep  me  away  from  you—remember  even  they
couldn’t?”
“How can I forget?” She held out her glass. “To forever.”
He clinked it with his beer bottle, then kissed her. “To Forever.”

Acknowledgments:

I’d like to thank my critique partner and beta reader Tammara Webber author or

Between  The  Lines,  for  her  honest  and  very  constructive  feedback.  I’ve  been  very
fortunate to have found not only a critique partner in you but a good friend who TRULY
understands the ups and downs of being a writer. Thank you for being there to listen to
my  rants  and  helping  me  through  the  hard  days.  I  look  forward  to  working  with  you
from  here  on.  I’d  wish  you  luck  on  your  own  writing  but  you  don’t  need  it,  you’re
already a SUPER STAR! =)

To my husband Mark, what can I say? Thanks for putting up with the endless hours

of writing editing and taking over the cooking and laundry on days when I just can’t be
pulled away from my computer. I love you and appreciate your patience. I know you’ve
never been much of a reader especially of romance novels so the fact that you’ve taken
the time to not only read each and every one of my stories and put so much thought into
your input means so much to me. I love you. You are my rock.

To my other beta readers Ivannia Alay, and Beth Fred. Thank you for your detailed

critiques and enthusiastic feedback. It always amazes me how the smallest details could

make such a difference in character development and overall pacing of a story. Thank
you for helping me see those things those t that I often overlook. Ivannia, you never like
the cussing, I can’t wait until you read Romero. I can already see you cringing. Lol

A few words to my wonderful readers:

I hope you enjoyed my latest edition to The Moreno Brothers series. Please let me

know  what  you  thought  by  writing  a  review  on  the  Amazon,  B&N  or  Smashwords
websites. The next in the series was supposed to have been Sal’s story Making you Mine
which  is  currently  a  work  in  progress,  but  because  of  the  interest  and  requests  I’ve
received  from YOU  the  readers,  I’ve  decided  to  include  Romero’s  story  in  the  series.  I
wasn’t going to, but then the story just came to me and kept coming. It will now be the
next in the series and tentatively due out by the end of October of this year. The final in
the series Making You Mine, will be out hopefully by the end of the year.

To read excerpts and updates I invite you to visit my website:

www.ElizabethReyes.com Also, please visit and like my Facebook Fanpage at
http://www.facebook.com/TheMorenoBrothers

and

twitter

@AuthorElizabeth

Thank you all for your continued interest in The Moreno Brothers!

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