I wasn’t about to share my mother’s unfounded doubts about him. I wondered how his parents viewed me. “Hope so.”
“What…” He bit his lip. “What’d your dad thank me for?”
I took a deep breath. “I told them. About Shithead.”
He squeezed my hand. “How’d they take it?”
“Shockingly well. Especially when I told them what Johnny did.” I looked to the other end of the row, where Johnny stood surveying the arena, protecting Mateo. Protecting me. I drew Mateo’s hand to my mouth and kissed his knuckles. “And how you’ve been there for me.”
“You’ve been there for me, too.”
Dane leaped up. “Yeah, Luz!”
“Whoops.” Mateo looked at the court, where the first game was in full swing. “I better watch this.”
Lucia bounced the ball behind the baseline. When the ref blew the whistle, she tossed it up and blasted a jump serve. The libero on the other team shanked it off the court. Point, Highbanks. Lucia rattled off five more screamer serves before there was a side out.
“I’ve been working with her on her serve,” Dane said.
Maddie shook her head. “I think Rez deserves at least some of the credit.”
Thanks to Lucia’s impressive kills, Highbanks won the first game. But Penn State roared back to win game two. In the huddle during a time out, Lucia’s coach got red in the face.
“Take a chill pill, Holter,” Dane muttered.
In the third game, Highbanks’ libero made an impossible dig and passed the ball right to the setter.
“Way to go, Kaitlyn!” Mateo hollered.
Lucia went up for a hit, but the opposing blockers stuffed the ball back on her side of the net. The setter somehow got her hand under the ball, and another Highbanks player passed the blooper up to Lucia, who lunged and plopped a little dink over the net. Penn State dove for the ball and kept it in play. The crowd kept oohing over each improbable save. Lucia jumped in sync with the middle hitter to block the next hit back into Penn State’s court, but the back row player passed it to their setter again. The Penn State middle hitter spiked a quick hit, but once again, Highbanks defense got the ball up.
“Whoa,” said Mateo.
My mouth also hung open as I watched the never-ending volley. Lucia went up for another hit and managed to avoid the block by slamming the ball down the line. Not even the best player in the world could’ve dug that ball. Point, Highbanks.
President Ramirez shouted, “Excelente, Lucia!”
“Kill!” Dane yelled, his voice dripping with bloodlust. He high-fived Mateo, then ripped one of his trademark whistles.
Mateo grinned at me before he unleashed a whistle of his own. It wasn’t as loud as Dane’s, but still respectable.
“Matty!” I looked over to find the president giving his younger son a thumbs-up.
“Just wait.” Mateo rolled his eyes. “Dad’s gonna ask me to teach him how to whistle like that.”
I laughed. That I would like to see.
Lucia was on fire. Her mix of cross-court and line hits with dinks kept the defense guessing, and she also made some stalwart blocks. At the end of game three, Highbanks led two games to one.
“Oh my God,” Maddie said. “They could win the national championship.”
Alejandro nodded as he patted her leg. “They will win!”
Looking as excited as his brother, Mateo vibrated next to me. “All they need to do is take the next game, right?”
I nodded.
“Do you think they’ll do it?” The flecks of gold in his brown eyes captivated me.
“Your sister’s on fleak tonight, so yeah.”
He grinned as he kissed me.
Game four started with Penn State up, but Highbanks chipped away at their lead with some butt-kicking serves. When Lucia’s block banged the ball straight down to the court, I saw a blur to my right. I gaped at my dad, standing and shouting, “You show them, Lucia!”
He looked around and must’ve seen people staring, because he was back in his seat in a second. President Ramirez thumped him on the shoulder. My suave, gray-haired father bellowing at a sporting event? It was the most uncharacteristic thing I’d ever seen. Mom caught my eye and shook her head. We shared a small smile.
Mateo nodded. “Now I see where you and Dane get your competitiveness.”
My head tilted. “All this time I thought it was from my mom.”
Lucia kept playing out of her mind until we were all on our feet for match point. The cheerleaders got the entire crowd clapping in unison as Kaitlyn served. Penn State got off a good hit, but Kaitlyn passed the ball to the setter, who back-set it to another of Lucia’s teammates. Her spike careened to the floor untouched. Win, Highbanks. Lucia tackled Kaitlyn, and the rest of the team rushed in, arms in the air, heads thrown back in victory.
The crowd went nuts. Mateo grabbed me in a hug, and we kissed amidst the chaotic noise and energy like it was New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
I watched all the celebrations around me with a warm glow and a stupid grin on my face. This was the culmination of three years of hard work for Lucia. Good things were happening in Mateo’s music career as well. I hoped Dane and I would also reap the benefits of our efforts one day.
“Outstanding.” Maddie stared at the court. “That was a thing of beauty—Rez outdid herself. I hope my national team coach was watching tonight.”
They presented the team trophies while photographers snapped endless photos.
Most of the spectators had left when one of the photographers said, “Let’s get a Ramirez family photo.” He gestured for the First Family to come down onto the court.
“I think it’s time for us to head out,” Dad said.
Mom and Dad hugged Dane, then turned to me. Mom eyed all the agents mulling around. “Looks like you’ll be okay here. You’re in good hands.”
I imagined Mateo’s hands roving over my body. Yes, I am.
“You’re stronger than I knew. I’m so privileged to be your mom.” She stepped in and circled her arms around me. Her heels brought her to my height. I smelled her familiar perfume, but something felt different. Instead of mother and child, we were like two adults hugging. I appreciated her support, but I didn’t feel quite as needy as when I’d lived at home. Highbanks felt more like my home now.
Dad hugged me next. “Love you, Jessie.”
“Love you, too.”
“So Dane will drive you home after the wedding?” Mom asked.
I nodded.
“It’ll be so great to have everyone home for Christmas.” She beamed.
I watched them walk away and thought about the holidays. Our celebration would be short because my flight to Florida was scheduled for the day after Christmas. Two weeks of hellish training loomed ahead, but at least we’d swim in the sunshine.
On the gym floor, Lucia gripped the massive NCAA trophy while her family surrounded her for the photo—her parents on one side and brothers on the other. It was an impressive group. Their dark hair and toothy grins shone in the arena lights. Even brooding Alejandro smiled for the camera.
Maddie approached and grumbled, “Figures they win after I graduate.”
“You’ll just have to win the Olympic gold medal to make up for it,” I said.
She grinned. “I like the way you think, Monroe. Maybe you’ll be there with me, representing Team USA.”
“That would be a dream!”
With the photo shoot over, Mateo’s brother leaned in to say something to him. Mateo looked up at me, his eyes darkening, then spoke to Alejandro. What were they saying?
“Want to give me any advice for handling a Ramirez man?” I asked.
Maddie laughed. “Hmm…” She blinked a few times. “When he gets pissy, just wait it out. His passion will show through.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Teo in a pissy mood.”
“You’re still in the infatuation stage, huh? Matty’s different from Alex, but everyone gets irritable now and then.”
I considered her response. What would he be like when he was bitchy? Weirdly, I looked forward to finding out. Mom was right that I hadn’t known him very long—something I needed to rectify. I had no idea how I’d last almost a month without seeing him over winter break.
Secret Service guided Maddie, Dane, and me down to the court. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lucia launch herself into Dane’s arms, and their frantic kisses made me blush. But when I noticed Mateo’s parents watching the PDA, they didn’t seem embarrassed. Mrs. Ramirez rested her shoulder on the president’s lapel. He tucked her closer.
Mateo and Alejandro walked toward us.
“What were you two talking about?” I asked.
Beneath Mateo’s blush, his dimple appeared.
Alejandro chuckled. “I’m happy you’re coming to the wedding, Jessica.” His lips brushed my cheek. Then he took Maddie’s hand. “Hey, we better get going. It’ll already be past midnight by the time we get to your dad’s.”
“Right. Bye, Matty. Good luck, Jessica.” She winked at me.
They left with Alejandro’s agents.
“Why’d she wish you good luck?” asked Mateo.
“She was sharing the finer points of handling a Ramirez man.”
He squinted. “Yeah? What’d she say?”
I curled his long fingers around mine and stepped into his space. “Love him, she said. Love him, embrace his passion, and he’ll be yours forever.”
“I always liked Maddie.” He caressed the back of my neck and pulled me close for a soft kiss.
Chapter 20
“WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING, JAKE?”
I stopped in my tracks. That was Alejandro’s voice? I’d never heard him drop a swear word, much less the big mother of them all. Jake’s response was muffled, so I opened the door to the pastor’s office and peeked inside. My brother didn’t notice me because his glare was riveted on his best friend, Jake, who backpedaled away from him as he spoke.
“…thought this would be the best time,” Jake said.
“At my wedding?”
Jake’s black tunic wrinkled as he bunched the hem in his hands. His Marine dress uniform looked far superior to the stupid tuxes my brother and I wore.
“Weddings are happy times,” Jake explained. “I thought you wouldn’t be so mad if I brought her now.”
“Think again, ¡cabrón! My bride has bad blood with Nina. Don’t you know that?”
Jake looked up. “Nina might’ve mentioned something…”
Eyes wide, I stepped into the room. “You brought Nina as your date to the wedding?”
When Jake nodded, I laughed.
“Cállate, Matty.” Alejandro scowled at me.
My head shook as I kept laughing. “Nina, the girl who moved in on Maddie’s ex—maybe even while Maddie was still with him?” I couldn’t believe Jake was so stupid. “Nina, Dane’s ex from freshman year?”
“Fucking hell.” Jake looked at Alejandro as he pointed at me. “Get Matty outta here. This is between you and me.”
“No, I want my brother here.” Alejandro nodded at me. “He knows what’s what. He can see you’re sticking a knife in my back by bringing Nina to my wedding. To Maddie’s wedding.”
“El Niño, you know I don’t want to hurt you. But I’ve kept quiet long enough. The truth has to come out.”
Alejandro squinted. “Just how long have you and Nina been together?”
Jake shrugged. “Couple years.”
“What?” My brother’s eyes bulged. “Where’d you meet her?”
“At a bar near Highbanks.” Jake studied him. “After…after you got shot.”
Alejandro ran his hands through his hair.
“She’s a great girl, once you get to know her,” Jake said.
“A great girl?” Alejandro’s hands dropped to the side. “Did they nerve gas you in Afghanistan? Your brain lacks oxygen.”
“My brain’s fine, asshole. Nina is just misunderstood. She had a rough home life, but she’s better now. We’re good for each other.”
“I kept wondering why you’ve been avoiding me.” Alejandro’s voice warbled as he looked away from Jake. “I thought I did something wrong.”
Jake sighed. “Sorry. I know I’ve been shitty. And it’s crap timing, but I don’t want to lie about her any more.”
“There you guys are.” Dane came into the office. His gaze bounced from Alejandro to Jake to me. “What’s going on?”
Alejandro blew out hot air. “Guess who’s sitting in a church pew, waiting for the ceremony to start?”
Dane cocked his head.
I took a deep breath. Dane was even more of a hothead than my brother. I watched him as I said, “Jake brought Nina as his date to the wedding. She’s his girlfriend.”
Dane’s eyes flashed with shock, narrowed with anger, then crinkled with amusement. “Fuckbiscuit.” He looked at Alejandro. “That sucks, man. How do you think Maddie will take it?”
“Not well. Those were bad memories from her senior year.” Alejandro eyed Dane. “Maddie doesn’t deserve this. I don’t want anything marring her wedding day.”
Dane shook his head. “Me neither.” He glared at Jake. “What the fuck were you thinking?”
I smirked. Those words sounded much more natural coming from Dane.
“Nina’s sorry for what happened when you were together,” Jake told Dane. “She has many regrets.”
Dane held out his palm. “Save it. My maturity wasn’t stellar in that relationship, either. But Luz and I have moved way past that.” He turned to Alejandro. “So, do we wait until Maddie sees Nina? Maybe she won’t notice her till the reception. Or do we tell her now?”
He tapped his thigh. “She doesn’t like surprises.”
Maybe because her mother walked out on her when she was a baby. I frowned.
“Matty, will you tell her?”
I stepped back as the three stared at me.
Alejandro added, “I’m not supposed to see her before the ceremony, and you have a good way with her. Will you?”
This best man thing was becoming more of a pain in the ass by the moment. I’d slaved over my speech for days after finals ended. But I nodded.
Karen waited for me outside the pastor’s office. She followed me to the Sunday School room, where the female contingent of the wedding party waited for the ceremony to start. I knocked and called, “You decent?”
Lucia opened the door. “What’re you doing here?”
“I have a message for Maddie.”
She gave me an odd look, but let me in. Soon tall women in festive gowns surrounded me.
I smiled. “Ladies, lookin’ good.” Jessica struck me as the most stunning in her red off-the-shoulder bridesmaid gown, but I didn’t want Maddie, Lucia, or Maddie’s Highbanks basketball friend Tamisha to feel bad about me saying that out loud. Jessica was a last-minute substitution for Maddie’s national team teammate, who was out with an ankle sprain.
“Thanks, Matty.” Maddie fidgeted with one of her dangling earrings. “What’s up?”
“I come bearing good news and bad news,” I said.
Maddie’s pinned-up hair drew attention to her long, elegant neck, and the bobbing of her throat as she swallowed. “Hit me with the bad news first.”
“Well, uh…” There was no easy way to say this. “Jake’s date for the wedding is Nina.”
Lucia gasped, and Maddie’s chin dipped.
“They’ve been together since Alex got shot,” I continued. “Jake avoided telling Alex because he knew he’d be mad, and he was right. Dane thinks it’s crappy, too. But Jake didn’t want to lie any more.”
Maddie’s head lowered, and Lucia sidled up to rub her bare shoulder.
“What’d Dane say about it?” Lucia asked me.
“That you and he have moved way past the Nina situation.”
A slow smile grew on my sister’s face. “He’s right.”
Maddie watched her, then rolled her shoulders back. “You kn
ow what? I’ve moved on, too. Jake can have Nina—God help him.”
“You tell him,” Jessica said with a determined look in her eye. Lucia had shared her prior dealings with Nina one night after euchre.
Tamisha arched an eyebrow. “And what, pray tell, is the good news?”
I grinned. “My brother found someone to tolerate him for the rest of his life. Thanks for taking him off our shoulders, Maddie.”
“Amen,” Lucia added.
Alejandro’s agent, China, popped her head in the door. She wore an all-black business suit. “Ceremony’s starting in five, people. And don’t worry, we’ve got this place air-tight.”
Secret Service had managed to keep the media out of the church, though they hovered like hangry wasps right outside. Not many weddings involved metal detectors at the church entrance.
I pressed a kiss to Jessica’s cheek and whispered, “Your beauty isn’t supposed to upstage the bride’s.”
“Shh…” She gave my shoulder a light slap as she grinned. “By the way, that tux sure is cute on you.”
My eyes narrowed, which made her giggle.
“Girls only,” Lucia said, shooing me away.
“Okay, okay.” I held my hands out as I backed through the door.
After I told the guys Nina’s presence was a non-issue, I joined them near the altar for the start of the ceremony. I noticed Braxton, Maddie’s older brother, sitting between his mother and father. He’d reportedly declined Maddie’s request to be a groomsman because he said he hated the spotlight. However, Alejandro had told me it was probably more about their political differences. Maddie hadn’t wanted more than three bridesmaids and groomsmen, anyway, so Alejandro hadn’t forced the issue.
The wedding music started, and first down the aisle was Jessica. Dang, my girl rocked jewel tones. Her fiery red dress hugged her curves just right—the last-minute alterations had evidently been a success—and sent flames of arousal licking up my body. A curly tendril of blond hair had escaped her up-do. I wanted to boing that curl. And after that, I wanted to bonk her.
Everyone stood when Maddie walked down the aisle on the arm of her father. Her strapless off-white dress highlighted her muscular arms and slim waist. I glanced at Alejandro. His beaming smile made me wonder who’d stolen my morose brother and stuck a grinning idiota in his place.
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