Behind the Scenes

Chapter 11

Ryan

I have spent an absurd amount of time in communication with Rosa's parents this week, so when they roll into my driveway on Friday afternoon, I'm a little surprised at how nervous I am to actually really meet them.

Caleb and I orchestrated the whole thing to surprise Rosa. Her parents are parking at my house, and riding in my car to Rosa's show. She doesn't think they're coming. Also, Caleb is driving her home for the weekend.

"It's so good to finally meet you in person, Ryan." Mrs. Valdez hugs me tight. She looks so much like Rosa, it's a little disorienting. I shake hands with Mr. Valdez, and invite them inside.

"This is quite a production that you're organizing for my daughter." Mr. Valdez says. We're sitting in the living room, waiting for his wife to freshen up after the drive.

"Yeah, uh," I laugh nervously, "She's had a really hard time lately, and she really misses you guys. I just want to make her happy."

He smiles slowly, not taking his eyes off of me.

"Ryan, I might be wrong, but you sound like a boy in love with my daughter." He doesn't sound harsh or protective. He sounds like he's looking for confirmation. Maybe it's my nerves, or maybe I'm just tired of pretending like it's not true, but I exhale a huge breath.

"Forgive me for saying this so bluntly, Mr. Valdez, but I am so stupidly in love with your daughter. It might border on pathetic."

He blinks in surprise, but his laughter follows quickly.

"You can call me Daniel." He says, a smile still on his lips. "And, honesty is never pathetic. Neither is being swept away by Hurricane Rosa." He winks at me.

_____________

Hurricane Rosa is wearing a black wrap dress with big pink roses all over it. Her hair is pinned back on one side, like a vintage pin up girl. I'm only exaggerating a little when I say that this evening will be physically painful to endure.

I see her through the store front of the cafe. She's flitting around nervously, and Caleb and Kate look like they're tag-teaming to keep her calm. I climb out of my car and lean down to look back in the cab.

"I'll bring her outside in a minute." I say before I jog inside. When she sees me, she smiles slowly and looks me up and down. I laugh nervously before she can even say hello.

___________

Rosa

Ryan Sellers is all dressed up. He's even wearing a tie. It's loosened, and his sleeves are rolled up halfway to his elbows, but he is wearing a tie. He lets out a boyish laugh when I see him. God, he's cute.

"I need to talk to you." He says. He puts his hands in his pockets and glances around. "Can we step outside?"

If I was nervous before, I'm shaking now.

He leads me outside, and walks over close to his car.

"I, uh," he rubs the back of his neck and exhales, "I don't actually have anything to talk to you about. I just have a little surprise for you."

He knocks on the roof of his car and the back door opens. I jump back, startled, but realize that the person climbing out of his car is my mom. Before I can scream and hug her, Papi rounds the front of the car and hugs me from behind.

I don't scream, though... I just cry. I hug my mom so tight I think it might hurt her.

"Ryan Sellers! How?!" I yell.