It's Always Been You

Chapter 19

"I'm exhausted. Why do I have to do this?" Ben slumped against the sofa. He stared at the ceiling. He'd just arrived at the Flores household. Ariana's mom was herding the kids to the table to eat some breakfast. Marco stood by, waiting for Cristina to come back with Ariana.

"We want a second opinion."

"Why didn't you call Jonathan or José? Why me?"

"It'll be more fun with you."

A honk screeched outside.

"That's them, come on before they notice." Marco motioned toward the kids and tugged on Ben's shoulder to rush him out the front door.

Ben slowly made his way across the driveway and slipped into the backseat.

"Cheer up, grumpy pants we're going to eat cake," Cristina glanced at him in the rearview mirror.

Ben glanced over at Ariana who was leaning her head against the window. "Is she asleep?"

Cristina looked over her shoulder. "Ariana," she reached over and nudged her knee. "Despiertate."

Ariana let out a breath. "I am awake." She looked around the car. Her eyes narrowed on Ben. "Where are we?"

"Ari, we're going cake tasting," Cristina reminded her.

"Oh, yay!"

Ben rolled his eyes.

"Why is Suzuki here?"

Marco opened the door and took the driver's passenger seat. "Because. It'll be fun. Alright, let's go."

"Fun? For you, I guess." Ariana crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm right here," Ben muttered.

She stuck her tongue out at him. He jabbed her in the belly. She pinched his hand.

"Alright, you two, hands to yourself. We need you alive to help."

Ariana slouched in her seat. "Why me? Why didn't you ask Abigail?"

"Because she's busy today."

"Oh." Ariana nodded, but she turned her gaze to her sister. "Abigail's busy? Is that why the dress fitting was changed to yesterday?"

Cristina let out a tired breath. "Ari, really?"

"I'm just wondering." Ariana crossed her arms over her chest again. "It just sucks that I was the only one who didn't go because I was told the fitting was for today, Sunday. I haven't even seen your wedding dress."

"I know, Ari. I'm sorry."

Ariana turned on her side, facing the window.

"She wasn't at the fitting?" Ben heard Marco whisper.

Cristina shook her head.

"Cristina, en serio? She's your sister."

# # #

They were in Downtown Phoenix walking in the direction of the bakery Cristina and Marco had chosen for their wedding cake.

"I don't know how to thank you for yesterday." Ariana walked tentatively beside Ben. "I can't drive you anywhere. I guess I could buy you a book," Ariana suggested.

"A book would be nice," Ben admitted, stuffing his hands into his jacket pocket.

They entered the bakery and were led to a table set up near five long windows. The counters surrounding them were stacked with an assortment of cakes for every occasion, but the ones that took the most spotlight were the wedding cakes.