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Valentina joins us, hugging me from behind and kissing my cheek. “What are we talking about?”

“Just how cute you two are,” Sofia says.

Valentina hides her face in my neck, probably blushing. I laugh, squeezing her arms.

“Okay, enough of that. Dinner’s ready,” Raul says.

We all follow him to the kitchen, where the table is already set. There are several dishes on the stove, simmering and sizzling. My stomach growls.

“Wow, Raul,” Mom says. “This looks impressive. What did you make?”

“Well, for starters, I have gazpacho, which is a cold tomato soup,” he explains. “Then I have paella, which is a rice dish with seafood and chicken. And for dessert, I have flan, which is a custard with caramel.”

“That sounds delicious,” Alycia says. “You’re spoiling us.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Raul says. “Now, sit down and enjoy.”

We all take our seats, and Raul starts serving the food. I try the gazpacho first. It’s cold and sharp, and it tastes like summer. I moan in appreciation, making Raul chuckle.

“Glad you like it,” he says.

“I love it. This is the best gazpacho I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you,” he says. “It’s my grandmother’s recipe, with a couple of changes she’d kill me for.”

I take a bite of the paella next and it’s equally delicious. The rice has a crust at the bottom of the pan that Valentina and Sofia fight over, and the seafood and chicken are tender. I can’t stop eating it.

“You’re going to make me fat,” I say, reaching for another spoonful.

“Don’t worry, you’ll burn it off on the field,” Raul says.

“You’re perfect as you are,” Valentina adds. It’s weird to hear her talk like that around our families. It’s weird to be so open and vulnerable around them. But I like it. I like feeling comfortable, accepted.

“Thank you,” I say, kissing her hand. “But I still want seconds.”

We all laugh, enjoying the food and the company. We talk about random things. It feels good, normal. Like a real family dinner.

Raul and Alycia keep stealing glances at each other and it’s obvious enough that even I notice it, and I’m not the best at reading people.

When we’re done with the main course, Raul clears the plates and brings out the flan. It’s creamy and sweet, sitting in a pool of dark caramel.

“That was incredible,” Mom says, leaning back in her chair. “You outdid yourself, Raul.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Delvaux. I’m glad you liked it.”

“Isabella,” she corrects. “At least when we’re not at the club.”

He smiles. “Isabella, then.”

I notice Alycia looking at him, her expression soft. There’s definitely something going on and I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. I have to know.

“So, you two,” I say, gesturing at them. “What’s the deal?”

They both turn to me, surprised.

“What do you mean?” Alycia asks, feigning innocence.

I shrug. “You seem very friendly. Have you been hanging out outside of work?”