Chapter 18

"Grandma's in her usual row," Julian reported to his mother as they entered the back of the Church. "Are we going to sit with her and Uncle Marco?"

"Yes," Buffy said as she dipped her fingers in the holy water and made the sign of the cross. "Go ahead. I'll catch up."

As Julian walked down the aisle to sit with his Grandmother and his Uncle, Buffy made her way over to the candles. She lit three, said three prayers after lighting them, and slipped a ten dollar bill through the money slot. She then walked over to the other side of the pew holding her mother, brother, and son, and slipped in next to her mother. Her mother patted her hand. Buffy gave her a small smile.

Buffy felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned her head to look behind her. Antonio gave her a smile. She patted the space next to her. Antonio stood up and joined her in the pew. He slipped her hand in his.

Mass over, Julian, Buffy, and Antonio all arrived at the Hernandez household. Julian raced inside, Buffy stood outside talking to Antonio.

"Buff, you have to go in sometime," Antonio reminded. "Your Mother is going to upset if we don't get in there soon."

"Yeah, I know," she sighed. "I just don't want to face Marco."

"He's apologized how many times now? You really should accept it. You'd feel a lot better. And I'm sure you'd get rid of that diarrhea in a heartbeat."

Buffy groaned. Leave it to Julian to not only find out her GI issues, but to report them back to Antonio. Nothing said romance like Imodium is your best friend.

"Hey, it's okay," Antonio soothed as he took her face in his hands and moved toward her. "I'm a cop, remember? I've seen and heard a hell of a lot worse than diarrhea."

"Do we have to talk about this? It's embarrassing," she admitted.

"Buff, we're human. Stuff happens. You think I'm going to dump you because of something silly like that?"

"It's been known to happen."

"You're so cute when you're worried," he said as he leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. "It's gonna take a hell of a lot more than that to get rid of me," he whispered in her ear.

Buffy kissed him back. He was such an awesome kisser. She wanted more, but she knew that everyone was waiting inside for them."

"Hey, are you two going to stand out on the sidewalk all day or are you coming inside for dinner?" Mrs. Hernandez called from the porch.

"Busted," Antonio laughed as he took her hand. "Come on, let's go face the music."

Once inside, Buffy and Antonio made their way to the kitchen.

"Mom, what do you want me to do?" she asked.

"Nothing, go sit down. Most everything is on the table. I just have to get the ham out of the oven," Carmen said.

The walked into the dining room. Buffy sat down beside Julian. Antonio took a seat on Buffy's other side after he pushed in her chair. Marco entered the dining room and placed bottles of beer in front of Antonio and Buffy. He took a long pull from his bottle and sat down at the table.

The ham made it to the table, and plates were busy being filled, grace was said, and everyone settled in to enjoy dinner. As expected, the guys ate heartily and Buffy picked.

"Grace Margaret, I went to a lot of trouble to make this dinner. The least you can do is eat it," Carmen admonished.

"I'm trying Mom. I'm just not hungry."

"Grandma, Mom's sick, she's got-"

"Julian!" Buffy said sharply. "That's enough!"

Antonio smiled and looked down at his plate.

"And no comment from you, Detective."

Antonio bussed her cheek. "It's all good, Buff."

Julian looked over at his mother. "Sorry, Mom."

Marco stood up. "I'm getting tired of this crap." He walked over to Buffy, and took her upper arm. "Come on. I want to talk to you."

"Like hell I will! Let go of me, Marco!"

Marco lifted her out of the chair. "Excuse us a minute." He left the room practically dragging Buffy behind him.