Page 62 of Friendly Skies
“Why wouldn’t I know? Tía Marta called me right away.”
“Tía…how would Tía Marta know about Darius and me getting engaged?”
Rosa had been about to turn away but whirled back so fast, she nearly toppled over. The chatter in the backyard ceased, and everyone turned their way.
“Engaged?” Rosa asked as if she’d never heard the word before.
The first sense of foreboding washed over Darius even as Luis held up his left hand and displayed the rosewood-and-gold ring. He did the same with his. Rosa stared at both of them in astonishment. Then she raised one of her hands to her mouth, tears springing into her eyes.
“Ay, I can’t believe it.” She turned to the family. “They’re engaged!”
Shouts and applause greeted the announcement, but Darius didn’t miss the confused looks on most faces. Something was definitely going on that neither he nor Luis were aware of and that put Darius on edge. He caught a few whispers as people came up to congratulate him and Luis.
When Darius heard Gabriella’s and Andrés’ names, he felt his blood run cold. He was about to ask what was going on, when the kitchen door opened and the couple themself stepped out, followed by Gabriella’s mother and father. Andrés tossed his blond curls and Gabriella smiled and waved as there was a smattering of applause and a few cheers, but then Rosa ran up to them, excited hands fluttering as she embraced them and then her brother and sister-in-law.
“Such a happy day,” she said and led the younger couple over to Luis and Darius. “Two weddings!” She beamed at all of them, and Darius felt Luis go very still and very rigid even as the family cheered again and someone pressed Play on a stereo and Gabriella’s favorite song—“Despacito”—began to play.
“Ay, you must get married together,” Rosa said. “It would be the perfect way for Andrés and Darius to truly become members of our family. And such a celebration! Such a party!”
If Darius could have frozen time in that moment and whisked Luis away, he would have. He felt Luis’ horror and anger through their joined hands, and when he looked at Luis, he’d never seen him so furious. Luis was trembling, his jaw clenched tight, gaze fixed on Andrés. Even as they were enveloped by thefamily for another round of congratulations, Luis didn’t move, didn’t acknowledge a single one of them.
“Chico?” Darius leaned in close and whispered in Luis’ ear. “Are you all right?”
“No.” Luis shook his head in the barest of movements. “No.” His voice was a little louder this time.
“Congratulations,” Andrés said, holding out his hand for Darius to shake.
“Same,” Darius said tightly and extended his hand.
“Don’t you dare touch him,” Luis spat at Andrés, grabbing Darius’ hand away.
“Luis, come on. Is that any way to talk to your new brother?” Andrés laughed.
“You’re not my brother,” Luis whispered.
Gabriella turned and rolled her eyes. “Come on, Luis, don’t be such a diva. It’s time for you two to put whatever misunderstanding you have aside. We’re grown-ups now. And it looks like you and I are going to be brides, so we get to plan this thing.” She paused, then continued. “And seeing as how you stole our big moment to announce it, I get to choose the date.” She tossed her long, black hair to the side and smiled at Andrés. “We were thinking late October.”
“No,” Luis repeated, and he gripped Darius’ hand tightly in his own, his breathing so rapid and shallow Darius was worried Luis might pass out. He tried to wrap an arm around Luis, but Luis shrugged him off.
“What date do you want, then, chico?” Andrés asked, and Darius narrowed his eyes at the man’s use of his endearment for Luis. Coming from Andrés, it didn’t sound loving at all.
“It’s not the date,” Luis said. He glanced around, then at Darius, who squeezed his hand. Most of the relatives had moved back to their original seats or gone inside to help Rosa bring the food out because there could never be a Herrera familygathering without food, but it did mean that the four of them were slightly isolated.
Darius squeezed Luis’ hand again. “Whatever you need, cariño. I’m here for you.”
Luis nodded. “We’re not going to get married on the same day as you. I want nothing to do with your wedding.”
“But your mother—” Gabriella started.
“My mother has no idea what your fiancé did to me,” Luis said.
“Oh, God, is this still about that stupid crush you had on Andrés? Give it up, Luis. You’ve got Darius, get over it.” Again, Gabriella ran her fingers through her hair and tossed the strands behind her shoulder. The movement caused her engagement ring to catch the light, and Luis reached out and grabbed her hand.
“That’s Abuela’s ring,” he said as Gabriella yanked her hand away.
Andrés grinned, but his expression was cunning rather than friendly. “I asked Gabriella’s father for it last night so I could propose properly.”
“It was supposed to go to Marissa,” Luis said.
