“I’m just saying. I’m on your side.” Lourdes slips her hands in the crooks of our arms. “Let’s get something to drink. Alcohol always helps the medicine go down.”
“I thought that was sugar.” Angel laughs, but I can tell she’s nervous.
We’re halfway to the small bar in the opposite corner of the room when a stocky woman in a floor-length navy dress rushes up to us. “Carmie? Who is your guest?”
The woman has dark hair wrapped up in a loose bun. Her dress is strapless and full, and I’m guessing she’s connected to the birthday girl somehow.
Angel visibly swallows and blinks fast. “Valeria, this is my date. Deacon.”
Valeria smiles, holding out her hand. “How do you do, Deacon?”
“It’s really nice to meet you at last.” I take her hand and smile. “I’ve wanted to meet you a long time.”
Her head tilts to the side. “Did you go to school with Carmie?”
“No.”
“Do I know your parents?”
“I don’t think so. My family is Dring. I’m Deacon Dring.”
Valeria’s face pales, and she pulls her hand away. “Dring?” She cuts an angry glare at Angel, and everything seems to stop.
“You promised me—”
“It was eight years ago, Val.”
“You promised.” Valeria’s voice is a hiss. “I said you were not to talk to him.”
“I’m confused—” I step forward, hoping to diffuse the tension. “Do you know my family?”
Her expression is furious, and I’m ready to assure her I come in peace when a stern male voice from behind me interrupts.
“Carmelita?” Both Angel and Valeria stiffen. “What’s happening here? Who is this?”
Stepping to the side, I recognize Angel’s brother from New Hope. He’s dressed in a suit, and his dark brown hair is slicked back. His hands are on his waist.
I smile and hold out my hand, ready to make friends. “It’s Beto, right? Deacon Dring. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
For a moment, his expression is stone. Then his nostrils flare. “Deacon Dring?” His glance flickers from me to Angel and back. He assesses my outstretched hand like I’m holding out a giant cockroach. “What is a Dring doing in my home? Tell me, boy, what are you doing at our Treviño family gathering?”
My smile fades, and I lower my hand, standing straighter. It helps I’m taller than he is. “I’m not a boy, and I’m here with your sister. She’s my date.”
“Your date?” His eyes scan me up and down.
“Deacon is my friend.” Angel’s voice is firm, but I don’t like her calling me her friend. “I invited him here. We’ve known each other a long time. Am I not allowed to have guests in your home?”
Her brother’s eyes narrow on me again. “Not him.”
“You don’t even know him!” Her voice grows louder. “You can’t censor who I spend time with!”
“Mateo!” Beto flicks his wrist, and a dark-haired guy in a tan suit appears at his side. “My sister is tired. Take her to her room.”
The guy catches Angel’s arm, and she falls back, trying to pull away. “I am not a child!”
“Hang on just a minute.” I try to stop him, but Beto grabs me roughly by the lapels of my coat.
“You’re leaving now, Dring.”