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IGNACIO
* * *
“We’re just glad you’re safe now,” says Mom.
My parents called an emergency family meeting after last night’s fiasco. I suppose this meeting is all about keeping the lines of communication open in the family—no matter what the subject is. I glance at Olive, who’s sitting on the sofa next to me, holding my hand. We’re both feeling the guilt.
Apparently, there were four sets of responders yesterday. The D.E.A. was listening to my wiretap, ready to move in once I gathered enough evidence to convict The Posse. Carlos had called friends of his on the police force, and they had my location thanks to Olive’s spy prowess. Dad had forged a deal with Pancho Two, who was willing to make a plea bargain for intel on the capture of The Point Break Posse, so their contacts came to raid the warehouse, too. And Olive had called 911 in her panicked state, sending the police, the fire department, and an ambulance.
The D.E.A. caught the guy who drove the V.W. bus yesterday. He was found running from the scene. Later they raided the Posse clubhouse, arresting several other members.
Churro and Roach got away, but we’re told they won’t evade arrest for long.
After too much questioning, I finally got to rest, taking Olive back to my house to spoon all night. No seggy cake time—just cuddling.
Now, we’re all gathered in my parents’ living room, discussing familial transparency. Even Edmund is here.
“From now on,” says Dad. “We’re all going to tell each other everything. No more secrets. And if any of you is involved in any kind of danger, or even financial trouble, we bring it to the family.”
I know my dad isn’t doing it on purpose, but he’s projecting some major Don Corleone vibes. He’s even sporting the beginnings of a mustache.
Everyone agrees to this new pact, even though I see the shifting eyes between Francesca and Edmund.
Mom claps her hands together.
“Great. Now we have a wedding to look forward to.”
I clear my throat. “Actually, I have an announcement.”
All heads turn to me.
“There will be no wedding. At least, not mine.”
I glance over at Francesca and wink. She nods her head and exchanges a look with Edmund.
I go on. “Olive and I… we’re not engaged. In fact, we’ve been faking our relationship for weeks. The first time I met her was at Enrique’s wedding.”
Mom gasps, and Dad says a few words in Spanish I wish I could unhear.
“You’re not serious,” says Mom. “Why would you do that?”
“It’s my fault,” says Olive. “We were just trying to make my ex-boyfriend jealous, and then you saw us… fake kissing… and so did Abuela. I swear I didn’t mean to let it go this far.”
“I’m the one who lied about it,” I say. “I dragged Olive into this. Don’t blame her.”
Mom waves her fingers at our entwined hands. “But… look at you two. And we want to keep Olive.”
I wrap my arm around Olive’s shoulders. “I’m keeping Olive. Maybe I’ll share her every once in a while.”
“So, are you fake dating or not?” asks Mateo. My other brothers are equally confused, adding to the questions thrown at me.
“Not anymore,” I say, beaming at my beautiful—not fake—girlfriend. “She’s stuck with me.”
“But,” adds Olive. “I think I should give this back.”
She wiggles the ring off her finger and hands it to my mom. Mom gives her a quizzical look, but then narrows her eyes at me.
“What did you mean when you said, ‘at least not mine’?”
