2 STRINGS

Connecting

Tuesday, November 19
I woke up with a stupid grin on my face. The memory of Xolo's kiss played over and over in my mind like a broken record I didn't want to fix. His hands on my waist, the way he looked at me—it was surreal.

I barely had time to indulge in my daydreams before my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I groaned, reaching for it. Nico's name flashed across the screen.

"Hey, Nico," I said, my voice still groggy.

"Morning, Jamie," he said, way too chipper for this early. "Sorry for the early call, but my mom was wondering if you and the band could come in today for a practice session. She wants to see you guys perform."

"Why?" I asked, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

"She's got this idea to promote the café and help advertise the band. I guess she wants to see what we're working with," he explained.

"Oh." My stomach flipped with nerves. "I guess that makes sense. I'm kind of nervous, though."

"You don't need to be," Nico said smoothly. "You're an amazing singer, Jamie. My mom's going to love you."

"Thanks," I said, trying to sound casual, but something about the way he said it made me feel... uneasy. I brushed it off as him being friendly.

After we hung up, I stared at my phone for a moment, then shook my head. "Get it together, Jamie," I muttered to myself.

Downstairs, the smell of mangú, salami, and fried eggs filled the air. Mom was at the stove, expertly flipping tostones while humming to herself. Greg was sitting at the table, scrolling through his phone, and Kooty was running around with a toy car, making engine noises that were way too loud for the morning.

"Morning, mija," Mom said, turning to smile at me. "I decided it was time for a proper Dominican breakfast. I don't want you kids forgetting your roots."

"It smells amazing," I said, grabbing a plate.

"Can I have extra salami?" Kooty asked, tugging on Mom's sleeve.

"Not until you finish your tostones," she replied firmly, making Greg chuckle.

"You're already on your second plate, little man," Greg teased, reaching over to mess up Kooty's hair.

As I sat down, I hesitated before speaking. "Mom, could you do me a favor and talk to my coach? I need to leave practice early today for something with the band."

Mom gave me a pointed look as she set down a plate in front of me. "Jamie, you're juggling a lot right now. School, soccer, the band... you need to make sure you're not spreading yourself too thin."

"She's right," Dad said, walking in with his coffee mug. "School comes first, Jamie."

Greg snorted, finally looking up from his phone. "She's handling it, Dad. Chill."

"Don't start, Greg," Dad warned.

I sighed, looking between them. "It's just one day, I promise. Please, Mom?"

Mom sighed, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Alright, I'll talk to your coach. But don't make this a habit, Jamie."

"Thank you," I said, smiling in relief.

The conversation shifted to Thanksgiving plans.

"Oh, by the way," Mom said, taking a seat. "Your father's family is coming for Thanksgiving this year."

I froze, exchanging a glance with Greg.

"Seriously?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

"Yes, Jamie. They're family," Dad said firmly.