Away we go

15- Spain

I have never seen so many people in my entire life. We are back in Barcelona, in Carlos' apartment and the house is full to the brim with people.

I am playing with Carlos' neice who is a four year old and yet is a lady of her own. She darts of to the opposite direction every time I narrow my eyes mischievously at her.

Tuning out Carlos' aunt's yet another recollection of how he ran into a wall while go Karting when he was a kid, I plate some more paella.

"Carlos we are still good for the night?" Catlina, Carlos' sister, asks him.

"Hmm...yeah ofcourse, isn't it okay Nina?" He questions me and my eyes don't even realize that everyone on the table is sitting with bated breath and waiting for me to answer about something I have no idea about.

I wipe the sweat from my brows. "What is?"

"Babysitting Lina's kids for the evening."

I feel like I should make myself scarce. Lina's eyes land on me the exact same moment I look at her. "Ofcourse."

If there's one day I'm exceptionally grateful for Carlos, its today.

In contrast to my fidgeting, panicking self Carlos is calm and managing both Mia and Santiago effortlessly. Giving the credit where its due, Lina and her husband are wonderful parents. Both the kids are well mannered and are not throwing much tantrums.

"I love dancing!" Mia screams on top of her lungs. She looks like a doll in her white and read polka dot frock and two ponytails. "Dance with me, Nina, pleaseee," She says poking me in the ribs.

"Me? Dancing?" I am not that old to not feel embarrassed in front of kids so that's not going to happen.

Walking across the living room where I am having a conversation with his neice , Carlos looks at me with puppy eyes.

I'm trying not to obsess about how sweet it is.

"I mean I can try, if your uncle joins in." I tell Mia.

Carlos throws his arms around us crushing us both with an oxygen stealing hug. We grunt dramatically and joins in the music, Santi is twerking his baby butt in.

I'm still in Carlos' arms when the song ends. Unwinding my body from him, I turn around.

He runs a finger across my cheekbone and I feel the heat sear my skin.

His hands cup the side of my throat, fingers gripping the back of my neck and his eyes drink me in before he lets his forehead fall against mine. "These moments with you are what they say life is about."

My hand grips the front of his shirt.

"Are you two going to kiss?"

I hear Mia's innocent voice and burst into laughter.

"Nooooo," Santi yells and runs hitting Carlos in the groin. He double over and I can't help the evil fits of laughter slipping from me.

"Ouch...Ni, call Lina and tell her to take her children back."

PROPPED BY MY FOREARMS, I'm lying back,giggling over Lina's commentary on the golf game going in front of us.

"Who do you think is going to win?" She asks cheerfully.

"Lina, I've just told you I know nothing about the game," I mumble.

"And I've been a famous golfer all my life. I could kick both Carlos' ass with my left hand," she complains sarcastically.

"I'm going to bet on the reigning champion," I say.

"And I'll bet on the former champion," Maria, Carlos' mother, says and I spray my entire drink all over my dress and in front of me.