Read Without You: Book 1 of the Changing Hearts Series for Free Online

her mom was making rice and refried beans to go with it. Mayra and Ariana had helped make the salsa, and Ryan and Jimmy were shooting hoops, seeing who could make the most free throws without missing. Ariana and Mayra could see them through the window in the kitchen. They finished up and walked outside.
    “So. How was it? Going out to eat with Lucas.” Mayra emphasized the first syllable of his name. They sat on the front porch, enjoying the sun and breeze. The leaves on the trees were turning orange and red. Ariana loved the change of scenery that fall brought.
    “It was good. The food was good. The conversation was good.” She looked at Mayra and smiled.  
    “Do you see yourself going out with him? Be honest.”
    “I don’t know. To be honest, I kinda thought he was into you at first.”
    “Oh wow. It’s so obvious he likes you.”
    “You think so?” Ariana said.
    “And anyway, he’s clearly not my type.” Mayra sat up, her elbows on her knees. “So if he were to ask you out right now, what would you say?”
    She shrugged. “He’s a nice guy. I don’t know.”
    “You think so?” She couldn’t help but smile. She remembered the feeling of being so close to him and smelling him. She felt something in her chest.
    “You like him, huh?”
    “He’s a nice guy. A really nice guy.”  
    “Do you think you’re ready for another boyfriend, one who’s not a jerk?”
    Ariana gave a small smile. “Maybe with a little more time. I still want to get to know him more. Plus, he’s pretty busy from what he told me.”
    “What about your parents?”
    “What about them?” She squinted in the sun, looking down their street and the curve it took before it disappeared.  
    “Would you tell them? Do you think they’d let you?”
    “Yes. I’d tell them. Remember last year? And I don’t know. I think they would. But I don’t want to even bring that up to them until I know for sure. No need for a fight or an argument or something.”
    “What about you? Have you thought anymore about Jimmy? Have you talked to him about it?”
    “No.” Mayra looked up at the sky and then at Jimmy.  
    “Does he know I know?”
    “A little.”
    “You guys should talk and decide.”
    “We have.” She paused. “Maybe I want to take things slow like you.”
    They looked at each other. “I wonder who’ll cave first.” Ariana said. They smiled, Mayra’s beginning slowly at the corner of her mouth. She actually blushed a little.
    Ariana’s mom came down the side porch stairs with a big pot of rice. “Girls, please go get the pico de gallo and tortillas.”
    They walked back inside, and each of them came out with something in their hands.  
    Mayra was carrying the pico de gallo. Jimmy ran over, all sweaty, and helped her, basketball forgotten in the grass. “Thanks,” she said quietly.  
    Her dad had brought out a table from the garage so they could eat outside in the perfect weather. Everyone grabbed a plastic chair and a plate and began getting some food. Ryan gave everyone a soda.  
    “Hmm. This is so good.” Jimmy was stuffing a taco into his mouth.  
    Ryan was displaying actual manners and taking small bites. “Gracias,” he said, after wiping his mouth.  
    “De nada. Siempre eres bienvenido en nuestra casa,” her mom said. Mayra winked at Ryan and smiled.  
    “Solo que ande con una de mis hijas. Entonces lo tendré que ir de ‘tras de usted,” her dad joked.  
    He had referred to Mayra as one of his daughters. Ariana looked at her. She was smiling at Ariana’s parents, but her eyes looked wet.  
    They all laughed, except Ryan, who didn’t know whether to laugh or just look respectful. “What did he say, man?” he whispered to Jimmy.  
    “My mom said you’re always welcome here, and then my dad said unless you become Ariana or Mayra’s boyfriend. Then he might have to hurt you.”
    Ryan laughed and began pointing at Ariana and Mayra, shaking his finger and acting like he was pushing them