A small filler chapter that i originally deleted when i re-read a few chapters back. I was undecided if i should keep it in this story but, why not! Also, thank you for all your reviews, i'm enjoying reading them all! 3
Ohio
Easter Sunday arrived with an air of celebration, and Brittany found herself back at her mom's house in Lima, surrounded by the warmth of family. As she entered, her grandmother, who hadn't seen her since Christmas, couldn't help but remark on the changes she noticed in Brittany. The room was filled with the scent of a home-cooked Easter feast, and the atmosphere buzzed with familial joy.
Brittany's grandmother, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration, approached her with a smile. "Brittany, you're looking different—grown up, vibrant," she exclaimed, the words wrapped in the tenderness only a grandmother's voice could carry.
James, Brittany's brother, caught wind of the conversation and couldn't resist muttering under his breath to Laura, his girlfriend, "See, I'm not the only one who thinks it." The comment, although whispered, carried a teasing tone, a sibling banter that brought a playful energy to the family gathering.
Laura whispered back, her words carrying a hint of admonishment, "No, you called her fat, not vibrant, James." The remark served as a gentle reminder of the power of words and the need to choose them wisely, especially in the midst of a family celebration. The atmosphere, though momentarily disrupted, quickly shifted back to the joyous occasion as they joined the rest of the family at the table to engage in the timeless Easter tradition of painting eggs. Bowls of vibrant colors, delicate brushes, and a myriad of decorating supplies adorned the table, creating an atmosphere of creativity and joy.
Brittany, along with her family members, carefully selected eggs and began dipping them into the array of colors, each stroke of the brush contributing to the creation of unique and colorful masterpieces. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they shared stories and memories, their artistic endeavors a testament to the bonds that held them together.
The conversation around the table took an unexpected turn, veering into the realm of sports. Brittany couldn't help but roll her eyes as James, Pierce, and Pierce's son Nick delved into a spirited discussion about the NFL. The talk centered on the Bengals and the need for improved players, with suggestions thrown around about recruiting someone of the caliber of Lopez.
Brittany discreetly sipped her Pepsi, trying to maintain composure, but the mention of Lopez caught her off guard. Choking on her drink, she exchanged a glance with Laura, who raised an eyebrow in silent acknowledgment. The universe seemed to have a peculiar way of weaving connections, even in the most unexpected moments.
As the sports banter continued, Brittany contemplated whether to reveal her brief encounter with Santiago Lopez, the very player they were discussing. The secret weighed on her, adding a layer of complexity to the family conversation. The Easter gathering, which began as a festive occasion, now held a subtle undercurrent of intrigue and unspoken revelations.
The anticipation for the Easter egg hunt added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. With the children of the family, extending to Pierce's grandchildren, eagerly awaiting the thrill of the hunt, the adults strategically hid the beautifully painted eggs throughout the garden, ensuring a delightful adventure for the little ones.
As the sun bathed the backyard in a warm glow, the joyous chatter and the vibrant hues of painted eggs created a picturesque scene, capturing the essence of a family united in celebration. The Easter egg hunt was not just a playful tradition; it was a reflection of the love and connection that made their family gatherings truly special.
Las Vegas
Santiago entered his penthouse, feeling the fatigue of the morning's intense training session. The familiar surroundings provided a sense of comfort, but his tiredness remained evident. However, the atmosphere in his apartment was far from tranquil. As he crossed the threshold, he was greeted by the lively presence of his family.
Luca, his nephew, dashed toward him with unbridled enthusiasm, brandishing a football that had been kindly gifted from Easter Bunny. "Uncle Santi, catch!" the little boy shouted, his infectious energy filling the room.
Despite the fatigue weighing on him, Santiago's exhaustion gave way to an instinctive smile. With nimble reflexes, he effortlessly caught the football hurled by Luca. Rather than a mere catch, Santiago seized the opportunity to turn the moment into a playful touchdown celebration.
In a burst of energy, he scooped up Luca and raced toward his large U-shaped couch and with a theatrical flair, gently landed on the soft cushions, cradling Luca in his arms. The impromptu touchdown celebration echoed with laughter, creating a snapshot of pure joy within the walls of Santiago's penthouse.
"Ay, Santiago!" Gloria's voice rang out angrily, "Sal de ese sofá! Estás lleno de barro, y aún tienes los zapatos puestos!" ("Get off that couch! You're covered in mud, and you still have your shoes on!") The scolding in Spanish emphasized the urgency and disapproval in his mother's tone.
Santiago swiftly kicked off his shoes, sending them flying in different directions. Undeterred, he continued his playful interaction with Luca, tickling the young boy on the couch. The scolding from his mother served as a gentle reminder of the practicalities of maintaining a clean living space, even in the midst of spontaneous moments of joy. Santiago, still grinning, complied with his mother's directive, ensuring the couch remained unscathed by mud and outdoor debris.
Santiago rose from the couch, leaving behind the playful moments with Luca. He planted a quick kiss on his mom's forehead, a gesture of affection and acknowledgment, before making his way to his bedroom ensuite for a refreshing shower.
The aromas that permeated the apartment triggered nostalgic flashbacks for Santiago, transporting him back to his childhood in Mexico. The familiar scents of his mother and abuela's cooking held a unique power, invoking memories of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and the comforting embrace of home. Also making him miss his other family members in Mexico.
Having finished a refreshing shower and changed into a clean set of clothes, he walked into the kitchen where abuela hands expertly crafted the patties to accompany the fish soup that was in progress. Santiago approached her with a warm smile, speaking to her in Spanish, "Abuela, qué bien huele la comida. Y la sopa de pescado se ve tan deliciosa" (Abuela, the food smells so good. And the fish soup looks so delicious).
Abuela turned to him, swatting his hand away playfully as he tried to sneak a taste. "Todavía no está lista, mijo" (It's not ready yet, my boy), she replied with a grin.
Santiago chuckled, enjoying the banter with his abuela. She continued in Spanish, "Puedes tener esto todas las noches si finalmente te estableces con una buena mujer mexicana. Javier en mi iglesia tiene una nieta soltera, ¿sabías?" (You can have this every night if you finally settle down with a nice Mexican woman. Javier at my church has a single granddaughter, did you know?)
Santiago, still grinning, replied in Spanish, "Abuela, ya empezamos con las citas a ciegas. Pero gracias, lo pensaré" (Abuela, here we go with blind dates again. But thanks, I'll think about it). The idea of matchmaking seemed amusing, but Santiago was focused on savoring the family atmosphere and the delicious Easter meal ahead.