Forever Mine (The Moreno Brothers)

FOREVER MINE - Chapter 24

Angel who was closest shoved him.

They finished getting things ready and people started arriving. Angel hung out with Romero in the front room, his thoughts, as usual, miles away. Romero kept nudging him to get his attention. After a few annoying conversations with what Alex referred to as refined college girls, he'd had enough. He headed back to the kitchen for food.

He stopped dead when he walked in the kitchen. Sofia was wearing jeans and heels that made her look way taller, not to mention older, but it was the blouse he couldn't take his eyes off. It was the same backless one Sarah had worn at that very first party he had talked to her.

Alex walked in after Angel. "Sofia, what are you wearing?"

Sofia looked down at her blouse. "What? Sarah lent it to me a while back. What's wrong with it?"

"You look . . ." Alex struggled to find the word.

"Hot?" she teased.

Alex's jaw worked.  "You need to change."

"Why?"

Eric walked in the back door and froze when he saw Sofia. They all caught the way he looked at her. "Go change now, Sofia," Alex ordered. "Before anyone else gets here."

Sofia stomped out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Angel felt bad. He didn't mind the way she looked, but he was glad the blouse would be gone. Just seeing it had brought back memories of holding and kissing Sarah for the first time. It was all too painful, and as much as he missed her, he was glad he wouldn't have to see her again.

The time went by quickly, and before long, they were counting down. Angel was outside with Sal, Alex, and a couple of the girls. Sofia had gone inside with Eric and Romero to watch the countdown on the big television.

When they were done with the hugs and happy New Year's, Alex took off to bring some more beer from inside. Angel followed, his mind still on Sarah and what she might be doing right at that moment. She was officially eighteen now.

Alex walked in the kitchen. "What the fuck?"

Angel couldn't see, but Alex was livid. He caught up in time to see Alex charge Eric. "You're kissing my little sister?"

"It was a New Year's kiss." Sofia said, stepping in front of Eric.

"I don't give a shit! You don't kiss my sister like that. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Like how?" Angel tried holding Alex back. What the hell had he seen? By then other people were sticking their heads in the kitchen, and Sal rushed in from the backyard.

"It was just for New Year's, Alex. Relax," Eric said.

Alex reached over Sofia and grabbed Eric by the shirt. "I know what I saw, fucker. Sofia move!"

But between Angel, Sal, and Sofia, they held him off. Eric began for the door.

"What the hell, Alex?" Angel asked. "Wait, Eric."

"No, I want him out," Alex barked. "I ever see you around my sister again, I swear to God I'll fuck you up!"

Sal winced. "Enough, Alex."

Alex hadn't seemed drunk earlier, but now Angel could only assume that he was. Eric left in a hurry. Angel turned to Sofia. She looked ready to cry. People had given them their privacy and left the kitchen, except for Romero who stood at the doorway.

Angel didn't even want to ask. It was too bizarre. But he had to. "How was he kissing you?"

"Your friend had his tongue down her throat!" Alex shouted.Before Angel could wrap his brain around that, Sofia spoke up.