Free Without You: Book 1 of the Changing Hearts Series by Yesenia Vargas

minutes.”
    “Don’t go around making any detours,” her dad said. She just smiled and shook her head.
    ###
    Ariana called Lucas while she waited for Jimmy to come out of his basketball meeting. She was a couple of minutes early.
    “Hey,” he answered.
    “Hi.” She was sure Lucas could hear her smiling on the other end.
    “What’s up? What’d they say?”
    “They’re not in love with the idea of me having a boyfriend, but they said yes.”
    “That’s great.” Now she could hear him smiling. Ariana thought of how much she loved the sound of his voice. Just a tiny bit husky.
    “I never thought they’d say yes after… Anyway, they said there will be rules, like Jimmy has to tag along when we go out.”
    “That doesn’t matter to me. I’m more than cool with that.”
    “Well, Mayra could come too, so it’d be a double date.”
    “That works. Like I said, all of that doesn’t matter to me. I’m just glad you talked to them about it.”
    She smiled. “There’s one more thing.” She tapped the steering wheel and looked to see if Jimmy was out yet. He wasn’t.
    “What is it? It can’t be that bad.”
    “They want to meet you.” She exhaled.
    “Seriously? When?”  
    “As soon as possible.”
    “Wow.” She heard him breathe. “How about today?”
    “Really?”
    “I mean, it’s not going to be easy. When is something like that ever easy? But if that’s that they want, I’ll do it. Besides, I have to work the rest of the week. I want to be able to see you this weekend.”
    She smiled and wished he was with her so she could give him a hug. “Can you be at my house in twenty minutes?”
    “It’s the one at the end of the street, right?”
    “Yep.”
    “At least I’ll get to see you.”
    Ariana saw Jimmy come towards the car with his bag in tow. “I can’t wait. See ya later.”
    They hung up, and Jimmy got in the car.
    “Who were you talking to?”
    “Lucas.” She turned on the car. He nodded.
    She turned the car on and maneuvered out of her spot. “Mom and Dad are going to meet him in twenty minutes.”  
    Jimmy did a double-take. “You mean…”
    “He asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes.” They left the parking lot. For once, she couldn’t wait to get home.  
    “And Mom and Dad are cool with this?”
    “Yep. I talked to them about it just now. Told them I’m almost eighteen, and they said there will be rules, but honestly, I don’t care.”
    “Good for you.” He had a huge smile on his face.
    “Why are you all happy?”
    “Because I get to meet him too.” He laughed, and Ariana groaned.

chapter seven

    As Ariana’s car went around the street corner and their house came into view, she could see that Lucas was already at her house. She parked near the mailbox since they were short on space in the driveway. Lucas was just getting out of his car, and he smiled as Ariana got out of hers. Jimmy was right behind her.  
    “Hey,” she said. She turned around and glanced at Jimmy. “This is my brother, Jimmy. Jimmy, this is Lucas.”
    They shook hands. Jimmy was taller than Lucas, of course, but Lucas had a bit more bulk on him.  
    “What’s up, man?” Lucas asked.  
    Jimmy nodded. Ariana just stared at their male ritual. “Shall we go inside?”
    She led the way. She opened the front door, and they all went inside.  
    “We’re home,” Jimmy announced, putting his book bag and gym bag in the hallway before heading to the couch. Her mom and dad were in the living room, waiting. She had called them on the way home saying Lucas would be coming over. Her dad looked as serious as ever, and her mom had some drinks ready.  
    “Mom, Dad,” she said in Spanish. “This is Lucas.” She looked behind her, and Lucas stepped forward with his right hand out.
    “Nice to meet you,” he said in Spanish to each of her parents. Her parents stood up, and he shook each of their hands. Her dad nodded, and her mom smiled.  
    Ariana didn’t know what to do so she