Marry Me

Chapter 9

     We talked for an hour that night about different marketing and advertising strategies he could implement for the bar. Mateo listened very carefully and asked a lot of thoughtful questions. It was amazing getting to help him out, and I could tell he was comprehending it all. I felt like I would soon be seeing him put these ideas to action.

     I left that night after he thanked me and shook my hand firmly. Alondra looked thrilled so I took that as a good sign. I stayed in the same hotel as my first trip to  Virginia Beach. Alondra got me yet another great discount. I wonder if her she has pimped out her brother before, or if this was a new card she discovered that she had tucked up her sleeve.

     The next morning I found myself seated at Mateo's diningroom table between Alondra and Mario. Across from us were Mateo and his wife, Ivelisse. She had instructed me to call her "Lisse" but I'm not brave enough to do that to her face yet.

     I had a huge plate in front of me; the delicate aromas of the breakfast Lisse had made floated lazily up to my nose. Eggs, cheese, and bacon were stuffed between slices of sweet bread, which was lightly dusted in powdered sugar.

     Bowls of fruit were sat in the center of the table, along with some pancakes, more bacon, and hashbrowns. My stomach was crying out for me to devour the amazing spread infront of me, but I waited until we were all seated.

     Everyone joined hands and bowed their heads. I quickly took Alondras small, soft hand, as well as Mario's large and calloused one.

     Mateo muttered a quick prayer in spanish, which I didn't understand at all. My two years of spanish in high school seemed to be a distant memory.

     "Amen" He said, and we all repeated. Quickly I picked up my fork and dug in. The sandwich was even better than it smelled. The sweet and smoky taste danced around my tongue as I melted into my seat.

     "Mrs. Arroyo, this is amazing." I groaned. She chuckled and said "Thank you. I don't usually cook so much, but it's not every day one of the kids brings home a... guest." Alondra glared at her grandmother, who shot her a wink.

     "Now please, I beg you, call me Lisse. I feel old when you ma'am me and act so formal!" She said, waving her hand dismissively at the thought of being old. I nodded and said "Sorry, old habbits die hard. I was always taught that everyone is ma'am and sir. Especially when you first meet."

     "Grammy isn't like that" Mario said, his mouth full of the last bite of his sandwich. Mateo glared at him and mumbled "No talking with your mouth full." Mario mumbled "Yes, sir." and chuckled when Mateo shot him yet another glare.

     "Mario." Lissie's voice was thick with warning, but her eyes held amusement. I smiled. This was such a nice family setting. I wondered if they always did breakfast on the weekends or if this really was a "special day".

     Lissie took a sip of her orange juice before saying "So Chris, tell me a bit more abour yourself." I always hated that question. I never knew what to say.

     I quickly wiped my mouth with a napkin and replied "Well, I am abour to graduate with my bachelor's degree. I like to swim, hike, go for drives, and explore the world around me, but school keeps me pretty busy. Um, I play guitar, but I play better than I sing. I have one older brother who owns a small company with his best friend....and... I'm now coming over every Saturday for more of your cooking."

     Lissie laugh was deep and delightful. I grinned and cut my eyes to Alondra. She had a beautiful smile on her face, and it made my heart skip.

     "Chelsea's smile lights up a room." My heart whispered. I felt a flash of guilt for thinking of another girl while sitting with Alondra's family, but I we weren't even dating, so who cares who I thought about, right?