with a laugh, then stuck out her tongue at him playfully and backed away, waving to her sweet niece and nephew. Feeling lighthearted around her brother in a way she rarely had in the past.
After the misunderstanding this morning with her mom and Robin over Sara’s absence, and the emotional toll of sharing the history of her disorder with Luis, the day had actually gone really well. In large part thanks to Luis and his calm, reassuring presence.
He’d charmed her mother, buddied up with Jonathan, and handled Robin’s rapid-fire questions about the island without batting an eye. To Sara’s immense relief, he wasn’t treating her any differently than before their heart-to-heart.
Despite having grown up here, Luis seemed to enjoy playing tourist with them, adding commentary from a local Conch’s perspective during their train ride. When they’d hopped off the bright yellow cab with its black rooftop to explore Ernest Hemingway’s house and the historic Key West Lighthouse, he even accepted her challenge to march up all eighty-eight steps of the lighthouse after admitting he’d never been to the top.
Later, at the aquarium, he’d filled in as their tour guide, providing info on the animals in the touch tank. Robin had peppered him with questions about the conchs, sea urchins, sea stars, and other animals they had the chance to hold. Even Sara’s brainiac sister had been impressed with the conservation facts Luis had provided for many of the other area fish and wildlife.
Sara’s family genuinely liked him. Maybe a little too much. That would make it harder when the time came to announce their breakup. For now though, she refused to think about that.
While her brother continued regaling the kids with stories about their day, Sara tugged open the fridge in search of some sparkling water. Over the conversation inside, she heard a rumbling clatter, like the tumble of clay pieces clashing against each other.
Following the sound, she stepped to the large window alcove that opened to the outdoor patio dining area. Seated at the wooden table, Luis, her parents, and Edward were selecting dominoes from a pile spread between them. During the rare times her family was all together, they usually played cards or Trivial Pursuit. Robin always chose the latter because she kicked butt at it. If Jonathan’s kids had been here, Pretty Pretty Princess or Candyland would have been on the game menu, too.
“Once you’ve picked your seven pieces,” Luis explained, “whoever has the double six starts the game, then play moves to their left.”
He continued with the instructions, explaining that partners sat across from each other. This meant Luis teamed up with Sara’s mother, while Edward and her dad were a pair. Ruth grinned like the cat who ate the last of the delicious sautéed shrimp dinner they’d enjoyed earlier, thanks to a local restaurant’s delivery service.
“Honey, you should come listen to the rules,” Edward called to Robin, who along with Carolyn lay reading a book in one of the loungers next to the pool. “I think the counting and strategizing will appeal to you.”
Sara bit back a smirk. Of course, the mental agility aspect would draw her sister over, not necessarily the camaraderie.
“So, you grew up playing dominoes then?” her mom asked Luis.
He nodded, his big hands deftly situating his pieces, resting them on their long side facing him. “It’s how my brothers, sister, and I first learned addition. At every family gathering, there’s at least one domino table set up. My abuela was a champion. As a kid, my younger brother avoided partnering with her because she used to get upset if he wound up distracted by the TV and missed a key move. She was a fierce competitor, and pretty amazing person all-around.”
The love he felt for his abuela rang in his deep voice. It was evident in the soft smile curving his lips and the faraway look in his eyes as he stared at the dominoes, lost in his memories.
Sara noticed his use of was and she wanted to ask him about his grandmother. He hadn’t shared much more about his family other than basic details to help with their charade. Not even a family photo. She’d only met his younger brother. By mistake. There was no reason why she’d meet any of the others. No reason other than her keen interest in all things Luis Navarro related. And the familia that reminded her of Mamá Alicia’s.
The image of her beloved nanny flashed in Sara’s mind. Diminutive yet firm when a reprimand