Manny Maldonado

- I know better than to mess with your Johnny Castle. [I plopped down on the bean bag chair by the bed. I opened my arms wide in case Z wanted to snuggle into me.]

- visit.” I smiled and winked.] I know, I’m late, pero, you love me. Abuelita, this is Zariah, Juice’s sister. Can we hang out with you for a bit until she feels better? [I knew the answer before she said anything. “Of course you can, I’m not shutting off my movie though!” I laughed hugging her.] -

- people down.] Trust me on this one. [I didn’t want her to think that I had lost my mind. As soon as we were on the third floor, I followed the sound until I found Happy’s mom’s room. I knocked on the open door watching Abuelita turn her attention our way. “Manny, it’s about time you come and -

- without actually saying it.] Hap, your Mom here? If she finds out I’m here and I don’t go see her, she’ll whoop my ass. [He found this funny, but I didn’t. “Third floor, she’s up there watching Dirty Dancing.” I chuckled and led Z to the elevator because I knew Hap’s mom had a way of calming -

[I didn’t miss the fact that Z let the dude’s name slip. I slid my arm around her waist, speaking softly.] Don’t worry, Princess Hap is a good person; he won’t be mad at you for speaking up. [I moved my thumb in a circle on the small of her back. I was trying to reassure her that it was safe -

- heard the full story but knowing that happy jumped to defend Lexi made me realize no matter what happened to her. I wouldn’t like the truth.] you staying for a while, hap? She’s really on edge tonight not sure if there’s more behind it or not.

- for her. The idea that they would take either one of us from her is too hard for her to comprehend and it scares the shit out of her. So maybe when you’re in the same room with her next time hug her instead of being a dick because if you’re a dick, your mother‘s gonna kill you.” I had never -

- punch me again?” That shit didn’t make me laugh because I knew how deadly Lexi was, but I didn’t realize she was that bad. Happy shook his head. “ if you had fucking done what I asked you to do in the first place she wouldn’t have hit you. You don’t seem to understand Santi. SAMCRO is bad shit -

-shot me for it. “Not me my kid. I told him to call her. He didn’t do that so now he’s gonna deal with his mother because if I do it, he ain’t gonna like me no more.” I didn’t even know he had a kid. That’s when Santiago‘s massive frame stood in the doorway. “ dad can I get food or is Lexi gonna -

- eyes a little more to the people around him. They aren't the best people. [I tensed a little bit when the back door opened. I only relaxed when I realized it was happy.] hey. You had your niece a little crazy for a bit there. [he shook his head, and I would’ve laughed if I knew he wouldn’t have -

[I took a seat on one of the chairs listening to her talk about her childhood. Juice was a good dude, and that was more obvious when you talk to his little sister.] well if you ask me your big brother has some really stupid moments, but he’s good to Lexi and her kids. I just wish he would open his -

- if I was in Arizona because I would never ask you to leave your brother like that. Ever I love you, brother even in his stupid moments.

[I smiled at her question, letting my teeth sink into my bottom lip.] California is home. I only left cause I couldn’t deal with how things fell after a situation eight years ago. besides, you’re here and I know we just met and all that shit but I like having you around. You wouldn’t be around -

- thing or two from her I have a feeling.

- because I knew the meaning behind it.] thank you pretty. No rush though I ain’t leaving anytime soon. You don’t mind if I crash right? [I felt a slap to the back of my head, and I rubbed it turning to look at her.] OK I’m sorry. Damn thank you. [I looked at Z chuckling] you’re gonna learn a -

- transfer form. I ain’t leaving you without boys at your table. [I didn’t expect Lexi to chime in, but at the same time I did. “ they are in my office. I will get you one in a little while as far as the code that code for that club died in 93.” I felt kind of sad for her when she admitted that -

[I tried to stay out of shit, but I was so proud of Nan.] I don’t care if I don’t know you no man should put their hands on a woman. It’s a code in this club and I don’t know why it’s not for the other one. [I turned my back for one quick, second whistling to get E’s attention.] I’m gonna need a -

- [I pulled my food out of the microwave, watching Z for a minute.] I’m gonna want his name just so you’re aware you don’t have to tell me now, but I want his damn name. No one puts their hands on a woman.

- grabbing a plate for myself throwing it in the microwave. I turned my attention to Z with a smile.] she really isn’t crazy. She’s been an old lady before and he treated her like shit and then her ex-boyfriend which is Lexi is an older brother was the same way. She never stood up for herself. -

[I had no problem getting Vinny for her, but I guess I should’ve worded it differently when I went to get him. When Nan came over, I blinked, but then I remembered how she was treated by her ex-husband and even by Pedro call me an asshole, but I applauded her right there in the kitchen. I smiled -

- up. I can help you if you need.

- manage.] I know that was some hard shit to talk about. I love you and that shit will never happen again if I have anything to say about it. [I patted E on the shoulder and went back to the kitchen, turning my attention to Z.] the microwave is right behind you. It’s kind of hidden. It’s also way -

- something to eat. Rice is in that pot. There’s still wings over there. There’s mac & cheese in that tin right there plus a bunch of more stuff. [when I heard Lexi talking about Thomas and even Dante, I stopped what I was doing and walked into the living room, giving her the biggest hug I could -

[I smiled, leading the way upstairs knowing that Lexi was talking to everyone about what was going on. Talking about Bishop was always difficult, but I gave her a nod of encouragement, pulling Z behind me to the kitchen.] there is always food in this house. You don’t understand there’s always -

- through. If you need somebody to listen, I’ve been told I’m good at that. You don’t have to. I’m just offering. Juice is a good dude provided you don’t ask him to knock out a dog. Don’t know if you’ve heard that story but funny shit trust me shall we go see what they are up to up there?

[I took her hand and kissed the back of it. Maybe it was cheesy to some, but I just liked seeing her smile.] well it is nice to meet you. I’m gonna have to come up with a nickname for you that nobody else uses. [I offered her my hand as we headed for the stairs.] I don’t know what you’re going -

- anyway. I was born and raised in Oakland. Shit went down quite a few years ago, and I decided to go somewhere different after everything. I kind of regret it though.

[I chuckled at her question.] I’m very observant so I see a lot of him in your face. Plus, he’s one of Lexi’s closest friends. It’s kind of hard to go without noticing that’s sort of thing. [I shrugged my shoulders stuffing my hands in my back pockets.] you could say that, but Arizona isn’t home -

going to eat and then I’m gonna reply to the little lady that doesn’t like telling me her name🖤

- do for juice.