This Night Has Opened My Eyes

[Valentina's POV] 

Since me and Nathaniel have gotten serious, we've started trying to get our families more and more involved with each other. It was his idea to start having dinner every Sunday, and I've pretty much fallen in love with the idea. I feel like I haven't seen Mami, Grant, & Adriana this much in so long, and it feels good to finally have time to see them again.

Both Nate & I had really long and stressful weeks, so what better way to wind down than a nice dinner. Mami had to work, so Adriana volunteered to drive her and Grant over to the house. I had been lounging in my underwear all day, because... Like I said. I had a long and stressful week. And to be honest, pants stress me out.

Me: So, Booger.
Nathaniel: Yes, babe.
Me: What's on the menu for this evening? Something good I hope. [Grins]
Nathaniel: [Smirks] Now you know EVERYTHING I put on a plate is extraordinary, don't do that.
Me: I'm kidding. [Giggles] So what'cha makin'!!!
Nathaniel: Hmm... I was gonna make some Blackened Bass --
Me: [Interjects] Oooh!!!
Nathaniel: BUT... My brother doesn't like fish.

I paused.

Me: Your brother... Leigh?!

I almost screamed. It's been years since I've seen li'l Leigh-Roy! Last time I saw him was at our high school graduation. He was only twelve, but he was pushing five foot ten then... I can only imagine what he looks like now. He lives with Nathaniel's parents but he's always been a ghost. He was shy and awkward, and loved spending time by himself.

Nathaniel: Yeah!
Me: How did you scam that? You know he doesn't like to leave his room. [Chuckles]
Nathaniel: All I had to say was "food".
Me: So, what are you cooking?
Nathaniel: I was getting to that... He doesn't like fish, but he likes shrimp. So... Cocktail shrimp good with you? 'Dri and Grant eat shrimp?
Me: Yeah, I'm sure they do.
Nathaniel: [Rubs hands like Birdman] A'ight. We got a game plan. Oh. I'm making a dessert too, but that's a surprise.
Me: [Childlike voice] 'Kay!

I grabbed my phone to text Adriana to let her know by the time they got here, everything should be ready and we could all eat. She texted me back almost instantly saying her and Grant would be on the way once Grant put his shoes on.


There was a knock at the door about 25 minutes later, and of course it was the other two young members of the Suarez clan.

Adriana: Hey sissy!
Me: Hey boo. Hey Grant! [Picks him up and swings him around]
Grant: [Giggling hysterically] HEY! PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN!!!!

I laugh too, and plant his feet back on the floor. Once we settle down, I begin to notice the tangy smell of cocktail sauce coming from the kitchen. Mmm. Adriana and Grant head into the living room and plop down in front of the TV while I head into the kitchen to find the culprit of this lovely smell. Nathaniel had just finished putting the sauce into some small cups on the table with a lemon wedge placed in them as garnish. Cute! I asked him about what time would Leigh be showing up, and he said at any given moment.
And just like that, there was a timid knock at the door. It threw everybody off, and it was like every head in the room snapped to the right. This weird, goofy grin slides across Nate's face as he shuffles toward the front door.
Soon as the door opens, they both yell.

Nathaniel & Leigh: YOOOOO!!!!
Me: [Laughs] Ohh, Lord.
Nathaniel: What's up lil BOI! How you livin'!!!
Leigh: I'm gooooood! [Looks around] Okay, I see how you livin' on ya own... Tryna be like you when I grow up!
Nathaniel: Don't rush it man, you don't want no bills. [laughs]

Adriana leans forward smirking to see who's at the door; apparently I'm in her way. I know that look. Leigh got her attention already and he ain't even got in the door good!

Adriana: [whispers to me] Who's that?
Me: Off limits as hell! Mind your neck, thirsty!

She rolls her eyes and playfully slaps my thigh.

Me: Nate's little brother Leigh. He's bout your age I think...
Adriana: Oh, really now?
Me: Don't you have a man already?
Adriana: Hey, bish, I'm taken, NOT BLIND.

They both walk through the threshold of the living room.

Nathaniel: What y'all over there whisperin' about. [Smiles]
Me: Nothin'! HEY LEIGH-ROY!!!!!! [Jumps up and gives him a hug]
Leigh: [Quietly] Hey V!

Once I stood up, I realized this fool is towering over me. This child is about 6 inches taller than me now, with a whole lotta hair! I'm shook. [Laughs]

Me: Damn son, what you been eating?!
Leigh: [Smirks and rubs his stomach] ERR-THANG.
Me: Sheesh, including FERTILIZER??? Who gave you permission to get this tall!
Leigh: [Shrugs and smiles]

I look over at my sister who still has this nasty, lusty smirk on her face and finally decide to introduce her and Grant to Leigh. They both say hi, but her eyes never left his face! [Sighs and rolls eyes]

We all sit down at the table once Nate had called us. I thought it was cute how Adriana and Leigh clicked almost immediately. He's still the same shy kid I remember, but now he's grown out of his awkwardness. They sat and talked about their music tastes, movies they wanted to see that were coming out this year, and random social media memes. (I personally couldn't keep up with what they were talking about.) Me and Nate engaged with Grant so he wouldn't feel left out. He was telling us about a turtle they found at school in the creek behind the playground that had laid six eggs. He said their teacher wouldn't let them keep the turtle or the eggs,but they got to name it "Marnie", and surely had an interesting day at recess.

When we were all good and full, we sat in front of the television still talking to one another, but Adriana had to get home so Grant could get to bed. Before they left, she made sure to exchange numbers with Leigh and even made plans to hang out soon since he only lives a few towns over. Looks like somebody's got a new friend...