CHAPTER 6
Angel picked Sarah up early again on Sunday, and they had breakfast at a greasy spoon. They sat on the same side of the booth. Angel had given up trying to hold back. The kissed her and caressed her every chance he got.
Even when their food came he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Between bites he nibbled on her ear and pecked her endlessly. Sarah seemed to object whispering “People are watching.” It seemed to Angel, with all the giggling she was doing, she was enjoying it more than she was admitting.
After breakfast Angel asked if there was anywhere in particular she wanted to go, hoping she’d say somewhere he could enjoy her in private. But much to his chagrin, she said she’d never been to, Old Town San Diego, and knew it was less than half an hour’s drive.
Angel frowned. “You don’t wanna go there.”
She pouted, making Angel smile. “Valerie said it’s a must see.”
He rolled his eyes putting the last piece of sausage in his mouth. “She would, she’s a girl, and it’s nothing but shopping.”
“No, I heard there’s a lot of history to see there too,” she said quickly. “And, she said the Mexican food there is great.”
Angel smiled and kissed her nose. “Alright, whatever you want, but if it’s Mexican you want, I know somewhere better.”
They spent the rest of the day in Old Town. They took a trolley that dropped them off at the most interesting points. But the rest of the time they walked and talked and laughed. Her laugh was infectious, and he found himself smiling and laughing with her all day. It was amazing to Angel how comfortable he felt with her, and so soon.
When they got to the main shopping area Angel was on a mission. He was looking for something to get Sarah. He wanted something special she could remember their first date by.
They strolled into one of the shops. Angel took in all the junk on the counters. So far everything he’d seen was either too cheap or too cheesy.
He walked over to where Sarah had stopped and was looking at little turtle figurines with heads that bobbled. Angel tapped the little head to make it wiggle.
“You like that?” He grimaced.
“It’s cute.”
“My sister has a bunch of those. Ever since her friends found out she liked them they’ve started buying her more. So, she collects them now.” Angel chuckled. “I remember the time some idiot brought one to the restaurant for her. My brother Alex broke the head off.”
Sarah looked at him weird. “Why’d he do that?”
Angel was still smiling. He picked out a couple of the turtles for his sister and turned back to Sarah, “She was only fifteen. That’s way too young for a boyfriend.”
He watched as Sarah crinkled her nose and got that little wrinkle between her eyes. He was beginning to love all her expressions. “Maybe he was just a friend.”
Angel smiled. “No such thing.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean there’s no such thing as guys and girls being friends.” Angel moved along the aisle still not seeing anything that grabbed him. He stopped when he noticed Sarah hadn’t moved.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She walked toward him. “You really believe that?
“Believe what?”
“That guys and girls can’t be friends?”
Angel stopped looking through all the junk on the shelves and turned his attention to Sarah. “Yeah, don’t you?”
“No. I think it is possible.”
“Really?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You have a lot of guy friends, Sarah?”
Sarah cleared her throat and glanced back at the souvenirs on the shelf. “Not a lot. But I have some.”
“Zat right?” He closed in on her and put his arms around her waist from behind. He spoke in her ear. “You wanna give me some names so I can start kicking ass?”
He felt Sarah stiffen in his arms and he smiled. “Relax I’m only playing.”
He’d had this conversation before with other girls. They all seemed to think any guy that waved at them or forwarded them some stupid text was their friend. That’s not what Angel was talking about at all. He knew it was debatable. But he had no intentions of arguing with Sarah on their first date. He kissed the side of her face and she seemed to lighten up.
Sarah didn’t comment, instead she reached for a pair of earrings. Angel looked at them over her shoulder as she examined them. They were very delicate looking, the kind that hung off the ear, not studs. The stone that adorned them was shiny and flat.
“Is that pearl?
“Looks like it.”
“You like ‘em?” he kissed her temple.
“Yeah, they’re pretty.” She held them up to the light and Angel took them.
“Sold.” He let go of her and started toward the register.
Sarah followed. “No, Angel that’s okay. I didn’t mean-”
He turned around and winked at her. “They’re yours now.”
Angel helped her get them on when they were outside the small shop. She stared at him with that wrinkle between her eyes. “How do they look?”
“Perfect” He said and then kissed her again and again.
Angel had been to Old Town many times with his family. But he’d never really experienced it like he had today. He enjoyed every minute of it. It occurred to him that it didn’t matter where they went or what they did as long as Sarah was with him. He would even enjoy sitting through a chick flick. He winced at what the guys would say when they knew.
He glanced down at Sarah leaning against him. Her head rested on his chest, his arm around her as they sat in the back of the trolley. At that moment he didn’t care what anybody thought. After only a weekend with her, he knew he had it bad. There’d be no way of hiding it. It was a bit alarming. He’d never been in love but this felt close. Too close.
Something gnawed at him. Even through all the laughter, it still bothered him, and any attempts to block it were in vain. I’m only here for the semester. He squeezed his eyes shut and held her tighter. He’d change her mind. He had to.
They exited the trolley and headed back to the parking lot and Angel’s car. Even with all the snacking they’d done Angel was getting hungry. As if on cue, Sarah squeezed his hand. “I’m starving,” she said, looking up at him.
“Feel like Mexican?” he asked.
She smiled big and nodded.
*********************
They parked on a small quaint looking street, just off the main strip. The sign over the restaurant read: “MORENO’S” She felt her stomach tighten, and wondered if his parents or brothers would be there. What was he thinking? This was too soon, she wasn’t ready for it, but she didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
He held her hand as they walked into the restaurant. It was much bigger than it looked from the outside. Angel had made it sound insignificant but she knew better. Valerie had told her about it and said it was actually a very nice restaurant. Even with what Valerie had said, she still wasn’t prepared for it.
It was anything but insignificant. She was immediately taken by the high ceilings and the huge round metal chandeliers that held what looked like small red candles all the way around. There were dramatic arches everywhere and the walls were textured to look old with brick showing through some parts, just like the historic houses they’d seen in Old Town.
The hostess at the front, a young pretty girl with big brown eyes and lashes that went on forever, was busy talking to one of the waiters when they walked in. Her uniform was snug fitting and it accentuated her large bust. Her dark hair was pulled back in a braid and Angel tugged it playfully, making the hair on the back of Sarah’s neck stand. The girl glanced at Angel and smiled. Then her attention turned to Sarah looking at her curiously.
Sarah tried to loosen her hold on Angel's hand but he held it firmly. Jealously was new to Sarah and she didn’t like it at all. If this is all it took to make her see red she wondered what she’d gotten herself into. She swallowed hard and tried not to frown.
“Who’s here?” Angel asked the girl.
“Just Alex. Mom and Dad left about a half hour ago,” she said. “Are you here to eat?
Angel nodded then turned to Sarah. “Sofi, this is Sarah. Sarah, this is my baby sister, Sofi.”
His sister rolled her eyes and held her hand out to shake Sarah’s, “Sofia.” She corrected him. “And I'm hardly a baby anymore, Angel. Nice to meet you, Sarah.”
Relieved, Sarah exhaled. She shook Sofia’s hand smiling “Nice to meet you, too.”
She was right, Sarah thought. His sister didn’t look like a baby at all. In fact, if she had to guess she would’ve thought Sofia was at least her age, if not older. Sofia was taller than her, with a heck of lot more curves.
Angel ignored Sofia’s comment and grabbed a menu. He led Sarah into one of the dining rooms. “I’ll put in our order, no need to send anyone over.”
The room was very big, Sarah looked around impressed. Brightly colored Mexican artwork tastefully covered the walls. Clay figurines, like the ones they saw all over Old Town, adorned the many shelves.
Through one of the arches, Sarah could see the other dining room and realized the music she heard when they walked in was actually a live trio of musicians singing. She stretched her neck to get a better look. There was a short man with an accordion, a taller one playing the cello and the pudgiest of the three was the singer playing a guitar. They all wore cowboy hats and had thick mustaches. No wonder Angel hadn’t wanted to go to Old Town, why would he? He had it all here.
Angel took her to one of the more private booths near the back of the restaurant. “Look it over.” He handed her the menu, then kissed her. “I’ll go get us something to drink.”
Sarah's eyes bounced around from one dish to another on the menu. She was starving and everything sounded so good. She read everything that came with each plate and wondered if she’d get full. She was trying to decide between the green enchiladas and the wet burrito, when she heard male voices coming toward her. Her eyes lifted from the menu and saw Angel and what appeared to be a taller, buffer, more mature looking version of Angel, coming toward her. Alex. Her heart thudded a little faster.
“Well, this is a first,” Alex said when he got close enough. He smiled mischievously, glancing at Angel then back at Sarah.
“Ignore him.” Angel placed the chips and salsa in front of her, spilling a little of the salsa in the process.
Alex slipped into the seat directly in front of her, frowning down at the spilled salsa, “No wonder they don’t let you wait tables around here.” When his eyes met Sarah’s his frown dissolved. “Are those for real?”
Angel chuckled and introduced them. “Alex, this is Sarah. Sarah, this is my brother Alex, and he’s not staying.”
He placed his hand over hers on the table. “Very nice to meet you, Sarah.”
Sarah gulped, holding the menu tight with her other hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Angel grabbed a napkin and wiped down the table were the salsa had spilled. “Have you decided or do you need more time?” He asked Sarah.
Sarah could barely concentrate with Alex’s hand still over hers. “Uh, are the green enchiladas good?”
Alex squeezed her hand and smiled. “Everything here is delicious.”
Sarah sat up a bit feeling her cheeks warm, as Angel threw the crumpled napkin at Alex and laughed “Knock it off. You’re such an idiot.”
Alex didn’t take his eyes off Sarah but he let go of her hand.
“Yeah,” Angel looked back at Sarah. “They’re real good, is that what you want?”
She nodded and handed him the menu. “Okay. Let me go put in the order. I’ll be right back. And don’t worry; he’s outta here when I get back.”
“I think you’re the one that’s worried.” Alex smirked.
Angel strolled away. “Whatever,” he said, without turning around. “And get your hands off her.”
Alex put both his hands in the air, smiling. He sat back and crossed his arms, pretending to analyze her.
Sarah couldn’t get over the resemblance between him and Angel, except Alex was thicker, fuller somehow. But not heavy, just buffer, and his neck was huge. He had those same amazing dimples as Angel. With him smiling like that, looking so perfect, it was hard to believe he had such a short fuse, like she’d heard.
His silliness made Sarah feel less nervous. “Well, I didn’t know Angel had a girl, did you know he had brothers?”
“Yeah, I did. I must say even though I’ve never seen you, I’ve heard an awful lot about you.”
“Really?” he said. “Well, don’t believe a word of it. Angel’s just jealous.”
Sarah laughed “Actually, Angel hasn’t said a thing about you. It’s my cousin who’s been doing all the talking.” Valerie was gonna kill her.
“Your cousin?”
“Yeah, I guess you can say she’s one of your biggest fans.” Sarah smiled.
Alex leaned closer to Sarah. “Okay, I gotta know now. What’s your cousins’ name?"
“Valerie Zuniga,” she said. “She’s a senior like me at La Jolla.”
She watched as he concentrated. “Valerie Zuniga? What’s she look like?”
“Tiny.” Sarah giggled. “She’s really petite. As tall as you are, she might have passed by you a hundred times and you probably never saw her. Maybe that’s why you don’t remember her.”
“Maybe. So, your tiny cousin Valerie is a fan uh? Does she have eyes like yours?”
Sarah felt herself blushing again. “No, actually she’s my step cousin. My aunt married Valerie’s dad a few years ago. So, she looks nothing like me. She has shorter blonde hair and brown eyes.”
“Hmm... a blonde? Well, if I don’t remember her, what can she possibly have to say about me?”
Oh no. Sarah hadn’t expected the conversation to get this far. She couldn’t possibly tell him Valerie worships him. What if he ever did meet her? She cleared her throat. “Oh, she’s just told me about what a good football player you are and stuff.”
“You’re back peddling Sarah,” he smirked. “You said you’d heard an awful lot, now spill it.”
Sarah’s eyes opened wide. “Well, yeah but it’s girl talk. I can’t tell you that, she’d kill me.”
He sat up even more interested. “Girl talk uh? This is getting even better. You have to tell me now.”
“No way.” She laughed nervously. Where was Angel?
Alex was playing with her now and she could tell he loved it, loved seeing her squirm. “Okay, just one thing. You can’t leave me hanging like this. You’re the one that brought it up.”
This was true and now she wanted to kick herself for it. She sighed, feeling defeated. “Alright, just one thing and then we drop it, okay?” She tried to sound firm.
“Yes ma’am.” The corner of his lips went up, making the dimple on his cheek even deeper. How could he not guess what girls said about him?
“She’s just told me many times about... Well,you know…how good looking you are, and how popular you were in school. Okay? I’m not going into any details either, so, don’t ask.”
Alex chuckled. “Okay, fair enough, but now you’re gonna have to bring her around some time, so I can get a chance to check her out.”
“Alright, maybe one of these days.” Somehow she doubted Valerie would want to now. She changed the subject. “So...I thought you were away at school.”
He shook his head. “I’m in school, just not away. I go to UC San Diego. I wanted to stay close by, so I could still help out with the restaurant. I don’t have school or practice on Sundays.”
He glanced over her shoulder and smiled real big. He picked up her hand and kissed it. Sarah tensed up. “You’re too late,” he said. “We’re getting married.”
“Get the hell out of here.” She heard Angel say from behind her.
She turned to see him walking back toward them. Their eyes met and he puckered his lips at her, making her heart flutter. She’d been with him all weekend, and she still couldn’t get enough of him.
By the time he’d reached the booth, Alex was already on his feet. “Yeah, you better leave.” Angel said.
Alex messed Angel’s hair. “You’re lucky I have work to do.” He smiled at Sarah. “It was a pleasure, Sarah.”
Angel pushed him playfully. “Get to work you bum.”
Just as Alex began walking away, Sofia leaned in the dining room. “Your food’s ready, Angel.”
Alex seemed surprised. “You’re still here Sofia?”
“Yeah, there were people waiting and Julio wasn’t here yet.”
“Who’s taking you home?"
Sofia shrugged. “I thought you would.”
“Sweetheart, I can’t leave. I’m doing payroll this week.” They both turned to Angel.
Angel’s shoulders dropped, and he looked up at the ceiling. “I can take her.” He conceded. “But I’m eating first.”
He leaned over and kissed Sarah, before leaving again to get their food. They ate their dinner, and as usual, Angel was incapable of keeping his hands and lips off her. After they finished they sat there stuffed.
“God, that was good.” Sarah stared at her empty plate.
Angel had eaten the biggest burrito on the menu. It looked big enough to feed at least two. He leaned his head on Sarah. “I think I ate too much.”
“You think?” His plate appeared to be licked clean. She started giggling. “There’s no way I could’ve finished even half of that.”
Angel groaned. “It’s not funny.”
Sarah turned around and scanned the restaurant. “We better go,” she said. “Your poor sisters been waiting all this time.”
Angel stood up and started piling the plates up but a busboy rushed over. “I got it, Angel.”
“I can get this, Ernie.” Angel said.
“No, no, I got it.” Ernie insisted and quickly piled everything on top of Angel’s plate.
“Thanks, man.” Angel took Sarah by the hand. They walked by the door to the back office and Angel yelled in. “We’re outta here, Alex.”
“Alright,” Alex yelled back. “You got Sofia right?”
“Yeah, I’ll drop her off.”
“Alright then,” Alex said. “Byyyye Sarah.”
“Byyye Alex.” She giggled. They heard Alex laugh.
Angel shook his head. “Don’t encourage him.”