Lola
“So.” I grabbed the last forkful of Chilaquiles on my plate. “Thoughts?” I pointed at Ryan’s plate, which was almost empty, too.
His mouth was full when I asked the question. “Um.” He raised his eyebrows and finished chewing. “That’s dangerous.”
“Dangerously good, right?” I laughed.
“Exactly.” He set his fork down and leaned back in his chair. “I can’t believe it’s my first time trying the recipe. I’ve been missing out all these years.”
“We can make it every week if that helps.” I inched closer and leaned my body against his. “Or twice a week if you want.”
“You already do that, Lola dear.” My mom laughed and took another bite.
“But Ryan hasn’t, so now we can make it together.” I put extra emphasis on the word we.
“I would love that.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it.
“It’s been an hour.” My dad glanced down at his watch. “You should probably go check on Maya.”
I straightened. “Oh, okay.” I pushed back my chair and paused. “What a crazy end to the day. I can’t believe Maya has a stalker.”
“I can’t believe Maya was cordial with me today.” Olly shrugged his shoulders.
“Olly.” My mom sounded shocked.
“Mom.” He said back. “Come on, you were apprehensive about having her here. Then she shared what happened.”
“I…” My mom grumbled and said a few incoherent words.
“Listen, it was weird. I agree.” I grabbed my plate and carried it to the sink. “Maybe she’ll change after all this.”
“My fingers and toes are crossed.” Olly teased.
“It could take a while. Don’t do that just yet.” I winked and stood next to Ryan. “I’ll let you know what Billy finds, or if he finds anything unusual.”
My mom stood and walked around the table. “You be careful, okay?” She reached for my hand and placed her free hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Take care of my baby for me.”
I had not said anything about Ryan going to Maya’s house with me. She obviously assumed he would be with me tonight.
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled, but I could tell he was uncomfortable with the conversation.
“Right, well, we are going to head out.” I leaned in and kissed my mom’s cheek. “Thank you for making your amazing green sauce.” I hugged my dad and turned to leave. “Oh, you may need to make more sauce.”
“I made plenty.” My mom sounded confused.
Ryan had opened the front door when my mom yelled my name. “Go.” I pushed him out the door and quickly closed it behind me.
There was a 32-ounce jar of sauce she had left in the refrigerator. It was extra from the batch she prepared earlier. I snatched it when we were all sitting down to eat and magically found a way to hide it in my gigantic purse when no one was looking.
“What did you do?” He laughed as he slid behind the wheel.
I pulled the jar out of my purse. “Um, I may or may not have stocked us up for a few weeks.”
“Lola.” He laughed harder. “Should I take it back inside?” He pointed at my parents’ house. “She looks mad.”
“You better not.” I placed my hand on his thigh and squeezed it tightly. He jumped. “And she doesn’t get mad. Well, except for that one time.”
Ryan put the car in drive and backed out of the driveway. I waved to my mom, who was waggling her finger at me and shaking her head.
“That one time? What happened then?” He turned right onto the road and glanced over at me. “Should I be worried about seeing her? I mean, I only just met her, and you’ve already made this relationship awkward.” He genuinely sounded concerned.
My phone pinged with a message.
Mom: Lola.
Me: Mom.
Mom: Laughing emoji.
Me: It’s just too delicious, Mom.
Mom: Let me know if you need more.
Me: You’re the best.
Mom: Love you, Sweetie.
Me: Love you lots, Mom.
I burst out laughing. “You have nothing to fear.” Then I read him the message exchange.
He let out a heavy sigh. I could see from his expression that he was really worried about how my mom felt after I stole the verde sauce.
“Can you tell me about that one time when she got mad? I need to be prepared, so I don’t ever piss off your mom.” My hand was still resting on his thigh. He laced his fingers with mine.
“It was Maya’s fault. She was rude to Jules.” I squeezed his hand. “You have nothing to worry about. I can tell she already loves you.”
“I hope you’re right.” He glanced my way and back toward the road.
“I am.” I raised my eyebrows up and down and held in a laugh. He shook his head and turned onto Maya’s street.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Well, at least Lola is all stocked up on delicious green sauce for her favorite recipe, Chilaquiles. I loved writing this chapter and experiencing the new relationship vibes with the family. It’s time to go to Maya’s house and stay with her for a night or two. Should we have Ryan make his famous pancakes the next morning or keep things light and maybe a bit awkward?