Chapter 6

He found his mama in the kitchen still preparing food for the bunch of lazy-asses out on the patio drinking beers and margaritas. He kissed the top of her five-foot head.

“Ah, Maxie, there you are,” she said with a wide smile. “What do you want to drink? Let me get it for you.”

“I’ll get it myself. Uncle Rio here already?”

“Yeah, everyone is here. You’re the last.”

“Oh, Spencer might come later.”

“Good, I miss that boy. He doesn’t come around enough.” She grabbed a platter of chips and salsa and bean dip and headed for the back door.

“I’ll get that for you.”

“No, you get your drink.” She went out the door.

Max turned to the refrigerator and noticed his older brother, Carlos, standing there. “How long you been standing there?”

Carlos shrugged.

He shook his head and reached inside the fridge for a bottle of beer.

“Why does Spencer need to come? He’s not family.”

“I invited him. And he’s like family to me.”

Carlos made a face, but said nothing.