Love's Mercy

Laya

Poppa and Uncle Carl's party was going pretty well. All their friends were present, and I had to say the more time I spent around Bryelle's friends Joe, Galina, Jon, and Renee I could see why she adored them so much. They were so down to earth and so easy to cut up with me. I found myself my most comfortable around Joe due to him being able to match my sense of humor. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard to be around them after all.

Colby was a different story. Even though he had made the first move tonight in the conversation department, I still couldn't get over the fact that he had busted out that business so easily. I understood that the people present were his closest friends on the planet, but I didn't need everyone to know about what had transpired between him and I. He had been included in the conversations that we had been having, but I didn't dare be left alone with him. I wasn't ready for that and I thanked my lucky stars for my sister Bryelle, because she had also made sure he kept his distance.

Two people had been catching my eye since entering the party and even though they had been behaving and conversing at times, I couldn't help but let the Hudson side of me take hold. I was curious and I wanted answers and answers I would get. I quietly excused myself from conversation with Renee and Joe, and made my way over to the bar that Uncle Carl had set up. The man who I had discovered had eyes for my dear sister had been in deep conversation with my Uncle Carl for awhile, and even though they seemed to be enjoying each other's company, I was about to bust this shit up.

"Uncle Carl." I smiled as I walked up, wrapping my arms around him.

"Laya, my darling. Are you enjoying yourself?" He smiled down at me, giving me a squeeze back.

"This is your party, sir. Did we do good?" I smiled up at him.

"Yes, you two always make your Poppa and I so happy. You two being home is better than any party." He kissed the top of my head, making me blush.

"You're the sweetest. If only Bryelle and I could find men as sweet as you and my dear 'ol Poppa." I locked eyes with Corey as I spoke, noticing his slight smirk.

"Trust me, you two are on the right track." He spoke.

"Carl, ven aqui mi amor." Aunt Elaina called. (Carl, come here, my love)

"Querida, estoy hablando con los niños." He replied back, turning towards her. (Darling I am chatting with the kids)

"Laya, dile a tu tío que no pelee conmigo por esto. Puede que sea su cumpleaños pero lo estrangularé!" She stomped her foot, hand on her hip. (Laya, tell your uncle to not fight me on this. It may be his birthday but I will strangle him.)

"Si mamá." I called with a chuckle, looking up at Uncle Carl. "You better go before she embaresses you."

"Your mother is worse than you and your sister." He sighed. "Excuse me Matt." He turned and began making his way towards her. "Ven, querida. Y nos preguntamos de dónde Bryelle obtiene su actitúd." (Come, dear. And we wonder where Bryelle gets her attitude.)

I let out a chuckle, shaking my head as I glanced back at the man before me. He stood there, smirk still ever present on his face with a raised brow. Corey Graves was a good looking man and I could see why Bryelle would be crushing on him. Even though she refused to say it out loud, I knew her and I knew a part of her wanted to see where things could go with him.

"What?" I asked.

"You speak Spanish?" He asked, brow still raised.

"Uh, yes." I narrowed my eyes at him. "Bryelle and I are Mexican/American, you do realize that right?"