“At least you know I’m in charge. You can help me clean up later, I promise, but in the meantime, mingle por favor. Entertain these people for me, and I may have a surprise for you later.” Sarah raised a curious eyebrow, but her mother drifted away, turning an invisible key in front of her lips to emphasize the secrecy of her statement. Cryptic.
Sarah walked through streamers and colorful balloons to survey the fun. In the corner, her father held court as he grilled fresh fajitas, sporting his “Kiss the Cook” apron and tall, billowing chef’s hat. Grace stood alongside him chatting animatedly, always his trusty sidekick.
Sarah had looked forward to the party for the entire week prior. But now that the day was here, the excitement she felt about Emory meeting her family had more than tripled and moved steadily into the nervous category. Things could go wrong, she admitted to herself, and this was, after all, a big deal. Even if her parents wouldn’t be aware of just how big a deal when they met her.
“There’s my baby sister,” Robert called out as she approached. He pulled her into a loose headlock and ruffled the top of her hair just as he’d done since they were kids.
She wrestled herself free and punched him hard in the arm. “No abuse today, birthday boy. Try to act your age.” She smoothed her hair back into place.
Her sister-in-law, Cristina, grinned and rolled her eyes. “Tall order.” She held their son, Lucas, in her arms, and Sarah couldn’t resist scooping the little guy up and peppering his tiny baby cheeks with several hundred kisses.
“My nephew is the handsomest baby boy in baby land. Little girl babies across California better watch out for this one.”
“You don’t have to tell me.” Cristina shook her head. “He already flirts with women mercilessly—like his father.” She smacked Robert playfully in the stomach for good measure.
He doubled over. “Man, I’m getting beat today.”
Sarah laughed and checked her watch and then the door for the four hundredth time that afternoon, bracing against the parade of butterflies in her stomach before moving on to say hello to the next-door neighbors.
It was approximately seven and a half minutes later when she heard the distant chime of the doorbell and excused herself quickly into the house. Damn it, she was too late. Her younger brother, Danny, had already answered the door and stood staring wordlessly at Emory. In fairness, Sarah couldn’t blame him. Emory wore off-white denim Capris and a turquoise top that Sarah could have easily predicted brought out the vibrant blue in her eyes. As she entered the room, Emory turned and smiled (was that shyly?) in her direction.
Sarah beamed back. “You found us.”
“I did. Your directions were perfect. I only got lost three times, which is good for me.”
Sarah turned to Danny who was still blatantly staring at Emory. She resisted the urge to pop him in the back of his head. “Danny, meet my friend Emory Owen. Emory, this is my pesky little brother, Danny.”
“Daniel,” he amended, extending his hand. His voice was suspiciously an octave lower than she was used to. She turned to him curiously and elbowed him in the ribs. “Stop it. Come on, Emory. Let’s go outside and I can introduce you around.”
“Maybe we can talk later, Emory,” Danny called after them.
She smiled. “Definitely.”
Sarah turned around and shot him one last “what’s gotten into you” glare before pulling Emory into the yard. Once on the vacant patio, they had a brief moment alone, several yards from the nearest guests. Someone had put on a CD, and Tejano music now blared throughout the yard louder than Sarah would have liked. She planned to fix that problem shortly. In the meantime, her interests were elsewhere. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Emory was smiling.
“Sorry about my stupid brother.”
“Don’t be. He seems sweet. He also looks a lot like you, and that’s a big plus. You’re a sight for sore eyes, by the way. It’s been a long week.” Sarah couldn’t agree more and resisted the urge to touch Emory’s cheek. God, how she wanted to.
“Maybe we could steal some time after this.”
“That would—”
“Sarah Rose, who is this nice person you have with you? Introduce your mother.”
Sarah turned and found her mother standing five feet behind her, hands on her hips. She took a noticeable step away from Emory, who seemed to register the move behind her eyes. Sarah felt the guilt right away.
“Mama, this is the friend I told you about, Emory Owen. She was also a recent client of ours. That’s where we met.”
Emory stepped forward, instantly on. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Matamoros. Sarah speaks very highly of you, and I have nothing but rave reviews from the services Immaculate Home provided me.” Sarah smiled sweetly. If only her mother knew the extent of that statement.
“Emory Owen! Of course.” Not missing a beat, she pulled Emory into a full-on embrace, probably gripping her tighter than Emory had ever been gripped. “Sarah’s told me all about what a wonderful experience she had working for you. I was so happy to hear that you two have grown to be good friends. And you know, Sarah’s phone has been ringing off the hook after that press release you sent out. She’ll have to tell you all about it. We’re so pleased you came to the party. Have you met Robert yet? He’s the birthday boy, you know, right over there. Oh, and, Sarah, introduce her to your cousin, Martin, next. He’s single, Emory, and very, very handsome.”
Sarah suppressed an eye roll and instead smiled obediently. “Will do, Mama.”
“Emory, can I get you a drink?”
“Sure, um, maybe a glass of white?”
Her mother frowned and turned to Sarah. “Do we still have that bottle your Aunt Mariana gave us?”
“How about a beer, Em?” Sarah knew full well the bottle in question was covered in dust and well past its ten-dollar prime.
“Yes! Of course. I would love a beer. Any kind you have.”
Her mother smiled gregariously once again. “Miller Lite?”
“Perfect.”
“Coming right up!”
As her mother scurried happily to the cooler, Emory closed her eyes and sighed. “Sorry. Strike one.”
“We’re just more of a chips and beer kind of a family is all.”
Emory lifted one shoulder. “I love chips and beer.”
“Sure you do. Come on, I’ll introduce you to all the key players. Try to look somewhat attractive, okay?”
Emory couldn’t help a short burst of laughter as Sarah tugged her into the yard. She met several of Sarah’s aunts, uncles, and cousins, who were all very friendly and maybe even a little tipsy. Next, she met Robert and Cristina and their baby. Robert looked like a bulkier, he-man version of Danny with thinning hair. It was fascinating to meet so many people who resembled Sarah and Grace. As if on cue, Grace appeared out of nowhere and threw her arms around Emory’s waist. She looked down at her affectionately. “Hiya, kiddo. How’s your life?”
“Great. How’s your life?”
“Can’t complain. Ready for school?”
“I can’t wait. Only two more days. We did all of our shopping this week. Mindy and I are in the same class this year.”
“Well, that’s a plus. And George?”
Immediately blushing, Grace tugged on Emory’s arm, prompting her to lean down so she could whisper in her ear. “He asked me to go to SeaWorld with his family. I haven’t asked Mom yet. I wanted to get your advice. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“Deal,” she whispered and nodded, taking the situation as seriously as Grace seemed to be. With that, Grace scampered away to play freeze tag with her rather boisterous group of cousins.
Sarah surveyed the action from a few feet away. “Why do you get all the juicy information?”
“Because you’re the mom and are thereby deemed ineligible.” Sarah frowned and Emory laughed. “Cheer up, Charlie. I’ll tell you everything she said if you want me to.”