“Hi,” they say in unison, one much louder than the other. They look so much alike, I hope I can keep them straight.
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you both.”
The girls wiggle out of Isaac’s arms and run off to see their grandmother. A man, who must be Owen, comes into the kitchen carrying a couple of grocery bags.
“Evan, meet my brother, Owen,” Isaac introduces. We exchange greetings as Isaac continues. “That little shit over there is Aiden, but you probably figured that out by now.
Aiden waves to Evan and says, “My mom said to tell you I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”
“Boy, don’t make me get your father’s belt,” Gloria snaps, swatting at him.
Aiden jumps out of the way with a laugh. “Dude, I’m twenty-one, you can’t smack me.”
The look Gloria gives Aiden has me standing at attention. “Iam not your dude andyouare never too old to listen to your mother,” she scolds.
Aiden actually looks a little timid as he drops his head and mumbles, “Yes, Ma.”
Satisfied, Gloria takes the girls’ hands and leads them to the backyard. Jose turns off the stove and follows his wife and granddaughters. Isaac puts ice in four of the glasses and starts to pour the bourbon.
“I think it’s time for a drink,” he declares.
“I definitely need one.” Aiden joins us at the counter. “When did you two stop being afraid of Ma?”
“Who says we stopped?” Owen counters and Aiden’s eye go wide.
“You’re kidding. You have kids, Owen. You can’t possibly be scared of that woman.”
“That woman is your mother. Show some respect,” Isaac reprimands. “Trust us, you will never stop being afraid to cross her.”
I laugh at the look of terror on Isaac’s face. He must have tried to cross Gloria one too many times.
“Oh, you think this is funny,” Aiden teases.
I square my shoulders and look him in the eye. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the short time I’ve known the Flores family, it’s don’t back down. “Extremely. I’ve never seen three grown men cower at a sweet lady like the three of you.”
Aiden takes a step toward me, stopping inches from my face. “I dare you to cross her.”
“I’mnot stupid, college boy,” I retort.
Owen and Isaac fall out, laughing their asses off. Aiden holds my gaze for several seconds. I refuse to break eye contact first, so I stand there toe to toe with Isaac’s kid brother. Finally, he nods his head a few times.
“Respect.” He lifts his fist and I bump it. “I like you.” And just like that, I find my place in Isaac’s family.
As soon as I start to relax, my brain catches up to what just happened. Oh, shit, I stood up to Aiden. What the hell was I thinking? He could have punched me. Did our exchange make Isaac angry? I don’t want him to think I don’t like his family. I risk a glance at Isaac then Owen. They’re still smiling and giving Aiden crap about being put in his place. I breathe a sigh of relief. Huh, I stood up to someone. So, this is what confidence feels like. It’s been a long time since I felt confident or proud. I think I’m finally letting Mike’s hold on me fade. Thanks to the safety and trust I feel with Isaac.
An arm wraps around my waist before Isaac kisses my cheek. “I’m proud of you,” he whispers. “Watching you handle Aiden was awesome. It’s about time someone knocked that cocky ass down a few notches.” Isaac’s voice is full of humor when he speaks, and I relax even more. This is where I belong. I fit perfectly with Isaac and his family.
Isaac finishes pouring the bourbon and we take our glasses outside and give some to his parents. Isaac and I are drinking ours neat, but the rest of the family has theirs on the rocks. It took a few weeks to convince Isaac that the bourbon doesn’t need ice, but now he won’t drink it with ice or a mixer. I’ll never serve him the crap stuff that needs something added to it to make it drinkable. What’s the point?
“Evan, do you want to tell us about this?” Isaac asks, holding up his glass.
“Um, yeah, sure. This is an eighteen-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon with hints of vanilla and caramel. It’s frommy favorite distillery, Olde Derby Distillery outside of Louisville, Kentucky. I’ve been there a few times. They produce great bourbons, but this is their best in my opinion. The glasses are their signature glass. They partner with a crystal company out of Oregon and have them specially made. They created the short, curved shape to enhance the flavor. You can each take your glass home.”
“Thank you, Evan, this is such a treat,” Jose tells me. “I want to make a toast. To having my family together again. And to the first person to make Isaac truly happy. We are glad to finally meet you. Thank you for loving our son. Welcome to the family.”
“Don’t look so shocked. You’re it for me and they know it,” Isaac whispers to me. Everyone raises their glasses before taking a drink, while I stand there, mouth open, completely shell shocked. Did that really happen?
TWENTY-FOUR