Marry Me

Chapter 8

     I pulled into a empty driveway and put my car in park. It was dark, but the porch light illuminated the front door and the stairs. I got out and walked up the curved walkway to the brick stairs.

     I took the four steps two at a time, and stopped just before I rang the bell. I suddenly felt very nervous. It had been a month since I saw Alondra, but I was back to spend a long weekend off school with her.

     I spent a moment straightening my clothes and running my fingers through my hair until I was sure I was semi presentable. She had an apartment of her own but soent most of her time at her grandparents house.

     I pulled out my phone and double checked I was at the right house. When I was out of excuses to stall, I rang the bell. Instantly, the deep sound of a protective dog exploded from behind the door. I jumped at the sudden noise, but was calmed by the sound of a familiar voice shouting "Asesino! Shut up!"

     I chuckled as the door flew open and I was greated by thoes big brown eyes that had often appeared in my dreams thia past month.

     She wore a red, v-neck tshirt and black jeans. This time, she wore no shoes but instead, bright yellow socks. I smiled at her and said "Love the footwear." She laughed and said "Yellow is my favorite color. Come on in, and ignore Asesino. His name means killer but all he will actually kill is a whole pizza if you leave it unsupervised."

     I walked in behind her and suddenly a large black Rottweiler barrled into me. I stumbled back against the door as his paws met my chest and his weight slammed into me.

     Hot breath fanned across my face as he sniffed all over my upper body. He looked into my eyes for a moment, and I swear I saw a soul in there. A soul who was ready to rip my throat out if he didn't approve of me.

     He huffed in my face before opening his mouth and letting his tongue fall out one side. I slowly reached up and started scratching behind his ear.

     I grunted as he pushed off me and landed back on the hardwood floor. He shook himself out and then trotted back into the livingroom.

     Turning to Alondra, I said "You just wanted to stand there and let him eat me?" She smiled and said "If he did eat you, you deserved to be eaten. Come on, I'll introduce you to my grandfather. He is the only one home right now."

     I followed her into the livngroom and looked around. A fire was crackling in the fireplace that sat under a mantle covered in pictures. I recognized Alondra and Mario in a few of them but many of the frames held smiling strangers.

     The tv sat mounted on the left wall and was playing a cooking show. A large L shaped couch sat oposite it, where an older man sat with a book in his lap.

     His hair was thick and black, but streaked with grey. He had salt and pepper scruff on his cheeks and chin, with a thick mustach connecting it all. He had thin rimmed glasses and a content look in his eye as he scanned the page.

     "Grandpa, my friend is here." Alondra said, plopping down next to him. He looked up at me, and I suddenly felt very nervous. Alondra had told me so many amazing stories about him, which made me feel like I wasnt good enough to be in his home.

     He studied me for a long moment before saying "Take a seat." I sat, quickly. He chuckled and said "Oh relax son, I'm not going to bite your head off." I laughed and tried to unclench, but his piercing eyes made me wonder if he could hear my heart racing... or my thoughts.
   
     "How did you two meet again? Alondra says you live in North Carolina?" He asked me. I cleared my throat and said "Um, I was on a weekend road trip, type, thing... and uhh, I came into the bar you own. I wasn't really sure where I was, and not much else was open."

     He blinked once, and nodded slowly. He didn't speak again, and I was starting to panic. I tried not to make eye contact as I looked around his home.

     "So, Alondra told me a lot of amazing stories about you and your life." I finally stuttered out. Alondra's grandfather chuckled once and asked "Did she?" He looked fondly at his granddaughter. She smiled at him and kissed his cheek before hopping off the couch and wandering into the kitchen.

     Damnit. How could she leave when I was already drowning in awkward? I searched for anything remotely smart to say. Thankfully, Alondra came back and handed me a glass of water. I gratefully took it and and gulped down a few sips.

     "Grandpa, Chris is in school for Marketing. He graduates in a few months... maybe he can give you some tips on driving up the buzz on the bar." Alondra told him. He stared at me for a few seconds, mulling over what she said.

     When I thought I was going to implode from the crushing silence, he put his book to the side and sat up. He took off his glasses and said "Call me Mateo. Tell me more about your studies."

     I cast a quick glance at Alondra, and she caught my gaze and gave me a wink. I relaxed and straightened up. I think I found my way in.