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voice caught and I decided to take another sip. My cup was nearly empty now; soon I’d have to think of another way to help keep me calm. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he turned his body to face me.
    “Wait a minute, aren’t you and Carmin both the same age? Sixteen and sophomores?”
    “We’re both sixteen, but I’m a junior. I skipped second grade,” I said bashfully.
    Andres grinned widely and asked, “So how are you sisters?”
    His boyish charm made me laugh out loud. “We aren’t really…”
    He snapped his fingers as if he’d just cracked a case. He didn’t say anything but kept staring at me and waited for me to continue.
    I squinted my eyes, confused by his behavior. “Our moms were best friends, and we grew up together. When I moved in with them, we decided we’d call ourselves sisters.”
    “Why’d you guys move in together?” he asked and my smile faded.
    I quickly thought of another question, “Are you going to eat all of those?” and pointed to his plate. He still had two tacos left.
    Andres looked down at his plate and shrugged. At least it seemed to distract him from the family questions—for now.
    “I’m six-two. I’m a growing boy.” He grinned. “Haven’t you ever seen a group of guys pig out before?”
    I placed the napkin under my plate and prepared to stand up. “I don’t really hang out with any groups of boys,” I answered honestly.
    Andres relaxed his shoulders and hooked his index finger with mine.
    “Well, hopefully you aren’t turned off by it, and you’ll come back again? Maybe for next Tuesday’s taco night?” he asked hopefully.
    Carmin stepped into our line of vision and shook her cup in her hand. “Andres, can you get me a refill?” She batted her eyelashes. My stomach clenched at the way she said Andres , with a tone like honey.
    The soda bottles were on the dining table—where she had just come from.
    “All right.” He let go of my finger and got up with his food and cup in one hand. “But next time, you can make yourself at home and serve yourself.”
    She smiled and took a step forward, grabbing his bicep before passing her drink to him. “Deal.”
    I was never a fan of tug of war. I got up and excused myself to walk into the kitchen where Julio and Victoria were cleaning up.
    “Can I help?” I asked and started to stack up the dirty plastic cups.
    “You don’t have to do that,” Victoria answered and smiled at me. “It’s nice to see my brother bring a decent girl home for once.”
    I turned my head to grab the plates but didn’t answer. How many girls had there been?
    “Victoria,” her dad said in a warning tone.
    She rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I meant. Just that the few girls he has brought aren’t as nice.” She squeezed my arm as she walked by with the container for the food. “None ever offer to help, that’s for sure,” she muttered.
    I giggled and helped her separate the leftovers.
    “Must be hard taking care of these two Rivera men,” I teased her.
    Victoria laughed. “You have no idea.” She paused, as if thinking about something. “Abu, my grandmother, helps me stay sane.”
    I sneaked a glance to take in her features and noticed how pretty Andres’ sister was. This family had good genes. Victoria was shorter than Carmin, with long brown hair, and curvy with an athletic build. However, she wasn’t tomboyish at all and looked every bit as girly in a sundress and white sandals.
    “Do you play baseball too?” I asked her.
    Victoria smiled and nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of a family thing.”
    “You need to raise your kids right from an early age.” Julio stopped wiping the counter to face us. “Do you play any sport?”
    I threw my head back and let out a laugh. “I’m more of a sit on the sidelines kind of girl.”
    “She likes photography,” Andres’ voice boomed behind me, which caused me to jump and drop some crumbs. He grabbed a trash bag and went back to the dining area.
    “Well, that’s