It's Always Been You

Chapter 24

"Where is everybody?" Ben walked into Cristina and Marco's empty house. Santiago had run off into the living room.

Ariana set the shopping bags down on the kitchen counters. "Marco is picking up some family at the airport and Cristina is having a little spa day with Daniela."

Ben nodded and watched as Ariana began unloading the groceries and spreading them out on the counter. He followed suit. They stuffed all the plastic bags into one and Ariana tossed it in the cupboard under the sink.

She put the milk away and sighed. "I got some time before I have to start cooking. You hungry?"

He leaned against the counter. "Are you going to cook for me?"

She blushed. "No. I'm gonna heat up leftovers from this morning. Chilaquiles and frijoles."

His eyes lingered on her cheeks. "I'd like some."

She nodded. "Can you tell Santi to wash his hands? I'll serve you both a plate."

# # #

Ariana opened the front door.

Marco sighed in relief, entering his home. "I'm glad you're here already. I wasn't sure how I was gonna get in since I gave you my house key."

Ariana grinned. "That would've been funny, you breaking into your own house."

"Funny? What if someone called the cops?"

She shrugged. "We're eating. You want me to make you a plate?"

"Yes, please." He walked into the dining room and stopped in shock. "Ben?"

Ben looked over his shoulder. "Hey," he said, his mouth full.

"What are you doing here?"

Ben shrugged. "Eating."

"I didn't see your car outside."

"I came with Flores."

Ariana walked back in with a plate for Marco, setting it down beside Santiago. She returned to her seat.

Marco looked between them, confused. "Were you able to get everything?"

"Yup. When I'm done, I'm gonna go start setting things up for the tamales. I'll make a batch of arroz con leche today too."

Marco nodded. "I'll get started on the birria later. Hey," he looked to Ben. "Come play Mario Kart."

Ben smiled broadly. "Oh, so I can beat you?"

"No way, man."

# # #

"Smells great in here." Ben stepped into the kitchen. Ariana stood at the stove, stirring a wooden spoon in a pot.

She set the heat to low. "Wanna taste?"

He walked over and peered into the pot, watching the rice frothing in the milk. "Sure."

She scooped some up in a small spoon, blew on it a little, and held it out before him.

He ate the small spoonful. "It's sweet."

"Not too sweet though, right?"

He shook his head. "Perfect."

She set the spoon down. "Great." She stretched her arms over her head. "I'm tired. Did you guys finish playing Mario Kart already?"

"Marco wanted to take a break." Ben poked at the corn husks Ariana had soaking in a large pot. "He hasn't won once."

Ariana laughed. Ben found himself appreciating the sound.