Crystal Clear

Chapter Seven

Once Moe and I got back to my house, my dad and Matty were home playing Legos.

"What's up, Mauricio?" my dad asks, Moe just shrugs.

"Not much, not much. Chillin' with Gabby all afternoon," Moe says and my face went hot.

"Listen, Moe. I'm thinking about cutting off Channelle for a bit. Maybe a month. She needs time with her... daughter. But see, to replace her, do you think Gabby would be able to do her position? She's a girl, after all," I can't tell if he's being serious, my mouth just hung open. I was not working a summer job. I didn't come here to work.
"Yeah I know. I think we should have Gabby at the counter because maybe more customers would come in... you know, she does have a pretty face. More customers are likely to come in with a smiling young girl here at the front of the store. If there's any trouble, there's three men standing behind Gabby anyway. I think it'll work out nicely. Plus, she gets to spend quality time with you and me," he says his opinion to my father who was silent for a few seconds as he gulps some of his beer and then opens his mouth to speak again. You could see the wheel's in my dad's head turning.

"Good thinking. Now uh, did you and Gabriela have fun today? Was she a good girl?" I get that my father is an immigrant but he really had to phrase it like that? So embarrassing. Thanks dad.

"A great daughter you have here Dave! Never met someone cooler than her," Moe says to my father. I can feel my cheeks burning red, my heart pounding out of my chest. Two days have gone by. Just two, and he's already got me wrapped around his finger. Maybe I'm just like this because I'm not in Jersey anymore, and it's just the North Carolinian heat getting to me.

"Thanks, son. You kids have fun. I'm alright with you getting close to her—being her big brother and all. Another fight at home, huh?"

"Yes sir. My brothers were crazy yesterday. Came home and found them acting like two years old. It's ridiculous. Anyway, I should get going..."

"No, stay for dinner," my father demands.
"I don't wanna intrude but... alright, what're we having?"

"Fried chicken,"

"A southern delicacy," Moe says and winks at me.

Great. Did he forget I'm vegetarian? Guess I won't be eating tonight, again.

My dad and Matty set the table and put the chicken out with mashed potatoes and coleslaw. Ever heard of salad and pizza? Is this all Americans eat? Meat, meat and more meat.

I sit next to Moe, across from Matty and my dad. I just love when everything feels perfect. It makes me smile, being around at least two of my favorite boys.

***

MAURICIO

I can't help it. I keep staring as she eats around the chicken. It's so... weird. How can she not eat meat? All the time? Doesn't slip every once in a while? Hard to believe. I find it crazy.

"I'll eat it," I tell her, as Dave had gotten up to go to the bathroom. She smiles. I think her smile is beautiful. I honestly wish that I could be part of this family, Dave is such a great guy. And a great boss. He just gets it, man. They're all good people; way better than my situation with my brothers. They treat my mom like shit. Here Dave listens to his kids, pays attention to them, they treat each other with respect. My entire family doesn't know what respect is.

My sister will go out and party all day. As if she isn't a single mom with two kids to worry about at home. Chuckie's in a gang and I guess wants to end up like my brother, whose in jail. Then there's Juan who's stuck at home nursing his niece and nephew. In the meantime, my mom, Ray and I are working our asses off to provide a decent life.