Dandelions

Pepa Diaz

Edited 30/10/2025

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Pepa had just flipped the last rack of ribs when she saw them. Evanito came through the gate first, all brightness and nervousness, his mother a few steps behind. Margaret Buckley looked slightly out of place. Her linen blouse was crisp, tucked neatly into a pair of pressed trousers, and her spotless flats barely sank into the grass. The others were dressed for comfort, laughing and relaxed, but Margaret carried herself like she'd wandered into the wrong kind of gathering and was determined to make it work anyway.

Pepa didn't dislike her, that would've been simpler. Margaret was polite, never unkind, but there was always a bit of distance to her. She was the sort of person who said dear instead of honey and thought ordering granola was trying something new. She never said the wrong thing or crossed a line; she just never stepped past it either.

Athena was watching her from the drinks table, arms crossed, a sharp look that meant she was paying attention to everything. Pepa trusted that look. If Athena hadn't sent Margaret packing yet, it meant she'd decided the woman could stay. That was good enough for Pepa.

Still, she kept an eye on Evanito.

He looked good, better than he had in a long time. Healthier, lighter somehow. There was an ease to him that hadn't been there before.

And then Tommy appeared.

Evanito lit up the second he saw him, walking straight and, without a thought for who was watching, they met in the middle for a quick kiss.

Pepa blinked surprised.
Ah. Well, that explained a few things.

Across the yard, Eddie stood with a paper plate full of chips, his mouth curved in a smile and eyes glinted knowingly. Pepa shook her head. Of course he'd known. Those two shared everything, probably down to which cereal brand had better crunch.

"Hijo de tu madre," she muttered, half annoyed, half fond. "You could've told me, too."

Before she could call him over, Evanito turned toward the crowd. "Hey, guys," he called out nervously. "I, uh... I wanted to let you all know... I'm dating Tommy."

The pause that followed was brief, before everyone exploded.

"Whoa, really? That's awesome, Buck!" Ravi called, clapping him on the shoulder.

Hen grinned. "How long's this been happening?"

Karen was already scheming. "Double date, obviously."

And Maddie — bless her — hugged them both with tears of joy in her eyes.

Pepa made her way over, and when Evanito's eyes found her, wide and uncertain, she smiled. "Love is love, mijo," she said. "We're here for you, and we love you."

His breath caught on a laugh that almost turned into a sob. "Thanks, Pepa," he said, voice shaking unsteadily.

He squeezed her hand once before turning back to Tommy, as Pepa stepped back, giving them space. Just like that, the afternoon found its rhythm again. Hen and Karen drifted toward them, teasing questions already flying. Ravi launched into another story, waving a fork for emphasis.

Pepa stayed by the table, lemonade in hand, content to watch. Evanito was glowing, his hand resting lightly at Tommy's back as he introduced him to Margaret and Bobby. Tommy's nervous smile softened when she shook his hand, and Buck's whole posture eased.

Bobby was hovering nearby, already sliding into protector mode. Pepa bumped into Athena's shoulder, trying not to laugh. "Here we go. Bobby's about to grill him like a flank steak."

Athena snorted. "He better, or Tommy's going to be dealing with me instead."

Tommy didn't seem rattled, maybe a little tense but holding his own. Then Bobby pulled them into a hug. Buck folded into it instantly, arms wrapped tight, though Tommy took his time to return the hug.

Pepa's throat went tight.

"Did you know about them?" she asked quietly, eyes still on Buck and Tommy moving through the crowd, laughing and talking with the rest of the 118.

"Had a feeling," Athena hummed, her tone soft but knowing. "Tommy's been looking at him like he's the answer to everything and Buck's been practically bouncing like a child for weeks."

Pepa smiled. "It suits him."

Athena's expression softened, a touch more protective now. "It does. But that boy better not mess it up. Buck's finally happy again, and it's been a long road getting here."

Pepa nodded in agreement, after all Evanito was a Diaz now, same as Eddie. Diazes protect each other.

Across the lawn, Buck spotted them and started over, pulling Tommy along by the hand. Pepa stood before he reached her, arms already open. He welcomed the embrace with a quiet huff, and she held him against her for a moment longer than needed. "Proud of you, mijo."

He smiled against her shoulder before letting go.

Athena greeted him next, with one hand on his arm, her voice low and gentle. Then she turned to Tommy, the smile still in place but sharpened at the edges. "Walk with me," she commanded.

Tommy hesitated for half a second, then followed her toward the trellis. They stopped just far enough away for the rest of the group to pretend not to listen. "Listen," Athena said, calm but firm. "I'm happy for you. I am. But if you hurt him, I'll make sure you regret it. Understood?"

Tommy laughed before he could stop himself. "Is this the part where you tell me you'll get the 118 to help hide my body?"

Athena tilted her head slightly. "Why do you think that's a joke?"

The pause that followed was perfect.

Pepa broke first, a laugh slipping out despite her best effort to hold it in. Buck was no help — shoulders shaking, face half hidden behind his hands.

Tommy paled, realizing maybe this wasn't the time to push his luck. He gave a small nod. "Understood."

Pepa lifted her lemonade and took a slow sip, the ice knocking softly against the glass. She didn't need to add anything; Athena had made sure of that.

Buck stayed close to Tommy, a hand on his back as they made their way through the rest of the party. He was introducing him around and watching them together — the small touches, the way they moved in synch — told Pepa everything she needed to know.

He was safe and loved, and that was enough.

But if that ever changed, if Tommy ever gave her reason to worry, Pepa knew she wouldn't have to lift a finger alone. Athena would already be there. So would Bobby, Hen, Eddie — the whole damn station.

That was family.

And family always showed up.