Mildred waves Carlos over. 'Let me look at you.' She eyes him up and down. 'I saw you when you walked in. What's with all those tattoos? Makes you look like a hooligan.' 'I suspect I am a hooligan,' he says to her. 'Whatever that means.
Simone ElkelesGet a grip, Dad. I'm not going to do anything you wouldn't do at my age.' He stands up and says, 'That's it. You're canceling this date.
Simone ElkelesThatโs not the only reason Iโm stayinโ, chica. I canโt leave you any more than I could walk out that door right now while my leg is busted up. I was just thinkinโ . . . should we tell your parents now or later?โ โTell them what?โ I ask, eyes wide. He kisses me softly, then says proudly, โThat weโre in a serious, monogamous, committed relationship.โ โWe are?โ โSรญ. And when I get out of here, Iโm gonna fix the door to your car.
Simone Elkeles