“What do you mean you’ve been together for a couple of months, mija?” My mother is incensed that I’m just now telling her, but I have my reasons. “Why am I just now hearing about this? Where did you meet? Have you slept together yet?”
“Mami! I am not answering that last one.”
That’s the first reason why I haven’t told her until now.
“I’m not asking for details, but I want to make sure you’re being safe! Unless you’re calling to tell me you’re giving me a grand baby…”
“Enserio, Mami.No, I’m not having a baby.” I glance up at Teagan to see him wide-eyed from his side of the couch where he’s been rubbing my feet. That look of panic quickly turns heated when his gaze skims my body, lingering on my midsection. I jab him in the side with my foot, which earns me a grin.
“Okay, so tell me more about this Teagan.” She demands.
“What do you want to know?” I pull the phone from my ear and set it tospeakerso that Teag has to endure this with me.
“Everything, mija! Is he cute? Does he have a job? Where’s he from? What’s his family like?”
The grin on his face grows with every question she asks, and I just know that he’s dying to hear my answers. I have the immense pleasure of watching that grin turn into a glare when I switch to speaking Spanish with my mother.
“Yes, Mami. Teagan is very handsome. He works with kids at the YMCA, is the goalie for the Seahawks soccer team, and…he’s Irish.”
She misses the cue, continuing in English, “He’s Irish? Is he a redhead? Will I have redheaded grand babies?”
I groan loudly while Teagan tries to disguise his laugh as a cough.
“Do you have me on speaker, Layla? Hello? Teagan? Let me talk to him!”
“Hello, Mrs. Diaz. It’s nice to unofficially meet you.” Teagan winks at me before taking the phone from my hand.
“Likewise. Are you the reason my Layla didn’t come home for theholidays?”
“Um…” Now it’s my time to laugh as he flounders for an answer.
“I’ll take that as a yes, then. So you’re going to come with her to Texas on Spring Break, yes?”
I freeze as he looks at me questioningly, before responding. “Aye, if that’s what Layla wants, I’d love to meet you all.”
The corner of my mouth tips up as I nod. I’m worried about him being overwhelmed by my family, but can’t deny that having him with me will make the stay more bearable.
“Good answer,” she tells him. “I’ll book the flights.”
“No, Mami,” I rush out. “You don’t have to do that. I can transfer my ticket from Christmas, and I’ll get Teagan’s.”
“Ach. I don’t think so, lass. I’ll be getting my own.”
“Hush.” I wave a hand at him to be quiet, but he grabs it, nipping my fingertips with his teeth.
“Both of you hush,” my Mamá’s commanding voice sounds through the speaker. “I already have the website up. Now, how about flying out that Friday night, and then flying back the following Friday?”
“Mami, we aren’t staying the entire week. How about three nights?”
“Three? No way, mija. That’s hardly enough time to catch up!”
Groaning, I look to Teagan for help but all I get from him is silent laughter. He’s definitely enjoying this, but eventually takes pity on me and holds up five fingers.
“What?” I hiss. “Five nights? You want to stay forfive nights?”
He shrugs then mouths, “Sure. It’ll be fun.”
I roll my eyes at him.Hombre loco.
