Page 99 of Dirty

We filled our plates and ate for what seemed like hours. I enjoyed eating at Maria’s, but then again, tacos were my favorite food, and eating whatever she cooked resembled tacos enough that I was in food heaven.

When it was obvious we were finished, she looked at me. “You eat like a bird.”

“She had four tamales with chile, mother.”

“She looked to her left, paused, and then looked to her right. “I don’t see anyone talking to you. I was talking to Alexandra.”

“The food was wonderful. I’m stuffed,” I said.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She looked at what was left, and smiled. “I’ll send some home with you.”

Upon hearing her words, I remembered. “Oh crap.” I realized I’d cursed at the table. I quickly covered my mouth. “I mean shoot. Oh shoot.”

She shot me a worried look. “What happened?”

“Your dish. I need to go get it.”

She waved her hand toward me. “You can bring it the next time you come.”

“No. I brought it, I just forgot to bring it in.”

Her brow wrinkled. “Did you drive?”

“No. We both rode on the motorcycle,” I said. “I put it in the little box on the side.”

“The little box.” She smiled. “I like you.”

I looked at Adam, winked, and then looked at her. “I like you, too.”

“I’ve got an announcement,” Adam said.

Here we go…

“What?” Maria asked. “That you’re going to be a legless fool?”

“No. It’s official.”

She wrinkled her nose. “What’s official?”

“Alexandra and me,” he said with a smile. “We’re in a relationship. It’s official.”

It felt good to hear him say it. No, it felt great to hear him say it. I looked at her out of the corner of my eye.

She stood up, glanced at me, and then fixed her eyes on him. Her face distorted into a playful scowl.

“You’ve been in a relationship. And now you’re finally a big enough man to admit it. That should be your announcement.” She reached for my hand. “Come with me, Alexandra. I’ll fix the two of you a plate.”

On the way to the kitchen, I realized what she had said.

I’ll fix the two of you a plate.

Yeah, I liked Maria.

A lot.

THIRTY-FIVE

Cholo