chapter 16

Rex

"Mami, can I get a milkshake?" Leo looks up at Isabella, batting his long dark lashes.

Isabella has not stopped smiling since the end of the interview. "Of course. This is a celebration," she says, scratching the hair at the back of his head.

"That is a lot of sugar..." Marisol clucks from beside me.

Isabella shoots her mother a glare. "Mama, it's fine. Tonight is special."

Marisol leans back in her chair and glances at me. "I think it's too much sugar, don't you?"

I open my mouth. I don't have a horse in this race, not really. I was invited to a dinner to celebrate Leo's acceptance into that bougie private school. Just because I'm here and technically his father doesn't mean I'm allowed to have an opinion. And if I am, I'm too terrified to give it when Isabella could snatch time with Leo away from me at any moment.

"I don't know, Marisol. A milkshake sounds really good," I say. I glance down at the diner's menu. "I might have to get one too."

Marisol laughs to herself and mutters