Page 75 of Guarded Love

Dad: How's the group? Everyone getting along okay?

I hesitate at Dad's question and I’m not exactly sure why. That’s a lie. I know it’s because ofhim. I take a second to collect my thoughts before I send a response to the chat.

Me: Group is good. Madison, my roommate, is awesome.

Knox: What about everyone else? Blaise keeping an eye on things like I asked?

My stomach drops. Of course Knox would bring up Blaise right now. I glance at Madison, who is now sitting next to me and pretending not to read over my shoulder but definitely is.

Me: Blaise is...fine. Everyone's fine. And I don’t need a babysitter.

I want to yank out every follicle on Knox’s head, but I refrain because it would only draw more attention to me.

Knox: Good. You can trust him if you need anything.

Trust him. Right. If only Knox knew what he’d done to me today. The thing Knox would trust is his fist meeting Blaise’s cheek.

Abue: Are you making friends? Meeting any nice boys?

I nearly choke on my own spit. Madison full-on snorts beside me.

Me: Abue, I'm here to learn about Puerto Rican culture, not meet boys.

Abue: You can do both. A little romance never hurt anyone.

Mom: Your grandmother has a point. You work too hard. It's okay to have fun.

Knox: Wait, what boys? What are we even talking about here?

Me: There are no boys. Abue is just being Abue.

Dad: Your brother's right to be concerned. Strange places, new people...

Mom: Oh stop it, both of you. She's twenty years old and perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

Abue: Exactly! When I was her age, I was already married to your grandfather. Let the girl live a little.

Knox: That's different, Abue, and a different time. You weren't surrounded by college guys on what is essentially spring break in January.

Me: This isn't spring break, Knox. It's an academic trip with professors and everything. And why am I explaining anything to you?

Knox: Because I'm your big brother and I worry. Sue me.

Madison leans over and whispers, "Your family is intense."

“It’s usually not this bad," I mutter back, then type a response.

Me: I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. Really.

Mom: Of course you are, sweetheart. We just miss you.

Abue: Send more pictures at dinner! I want to see the food and the handsome young men.

Knox: ABUE.

Abue: What? I have eyes and they want to see…things!

I'm laughing despite myself. They are doing the absolute most, but I do still love them.