In love with my Husband's Brother

. I couldn't wait to see her grandmother, Maria, and give her a big hug. As i made her way to the

d, rushing into My g

'ija!" I replied, holding h

sense of comfort wash over me. I had missed my grandmot

le and sparkling eyes. "You look just the same, A

little helper in the kitchen. Come, let's get your bags and h

baggage claim. I felt grateful to be back in Florida, surr

e couch, feeling the fatigue of my journey slowly fade away. My

home," she said, her eyes shining

randmother's warmth. "I've missed yo

ore speaking. "Maureen, I want to introduce you to someone specia

up straighter. "Who is he

special, m'ija. Someone I think co

ions, but before i could

n the living room. Let

of what to expect. But her encouraging smile put me at eas

. And then, i saw him - a tall, handsome man with piercing blue eyes, brown hair and a charmin

said, her voice beaming with prid

tory. But before i could ask any questions, Atlas strode f

" he said, his deep voice warm and smooth. "Yo

n introduction. But Atlas's warm smile and gentle handshake

, my voice a little s

e way Atlas looked at me- with a quiet inten

ave planned? And who

couldn't help but feel like Atlas was scrutinizing me, his pierci

?" I asked, trying to sound frie

replied, his smile never wavering. "She's told me a lot abou

with an encouraging smile. My instincts told me that th

my tone neutral. "I'm gla

comfortable. Atlas's questions felt like gentle probing, and i couldn

y bags now," i said, standing up

he nodded understandingly. "Of co

what my grandmother had planned, and why i felt li

ack my bags with a sense of relief. I couldn't shake off the feeling that Atlas was s

oft knock on my door. I opened it to find abuela s

moment?" Maria asked, her eyes spar

stepping aside to let her in. I had a feel

oice firm but polite. "Who is Atlas, real

tlas is a good man, Maureen. He's someone I trust,

mean, Abuela? You're not trying

ell, m'ija, I...I just want what's best for you.

mother had always been traditional, and i knew she had been

t do it. I won't marry someone just

rmination in her eyes. This wasn't the en

"Maureen, you're being stubborn and foolish. Atlas is a good m

want to be provided for, Abuela! I want to make my own de

u're being ridiculous, Maureen. You're 25 years

tand, Abuela! You never have! And I'm not going

what I thought was best for your mother, and I'm doing what I t

m not being stubborn, Abuela, I'm being

idn't even bother to grab my purse or my phone, i just needed to get

tisfaction at the loud noise. I took a deep breath of

oing, i just knew i needed to get away. I walked a few b

bench, trying to collect my thoughts. I took a few deep brea

ouldn't let my grandmother control my life anymore, but before that i needed something to take my mind of the all dr

a familiar number. My friend, Ra

up?" Rachel asked,

ght? I need to get out of the house and get my mind off so

ed? Your grandmother again?" Rac

when I see you. Can you meet me at O'Malley's at 8

th a pitcher of margaritas. See you soon!" Rachel said, h

ers. I knew that with Rachel by her side, i c

d laughing with Rachel. I took a seat at the bar, ordering a marg

xting, but my friend wasn't responding. I felt a pang of disappointment and frustrat

my expression. "Hey, hon, everything okay? You look like y

meet my friend here, but she's not showing up

listen if you need someone to talk to. And I'll

eling of disappointment and abandonment. I had been looking forward to Rachel's support

a night of revelry. I ordered another margarita, and then an

nd singing along to the music. I was surrounded by strangers, but t

cares melting away with each passing minute. I was determined to party away t

hing, dancing, and having the time of my life. I was living in the

as was his name, and he had a charming smile and piercing blue e

!" Nicolas shouted over the m

loose!" I replied, my voic

our bodies swaying to the music. We ordered shots and

f here!" Nicolas suggeste

g?" I asked, my wo

ck away. We can keep the party going," Nicola

dgment clouded