Just My Luck

Mick nodded and replied "No worries. Just not used to this"

"Your family not close?" Kenzie questioned.

"Not unless tossin' a can of beans at ya and callin' it dinner counts" Mick replied

Kenzie nodded. "I get that. We used to do family dinners at my place, but I had to move in with my bro and his fiancee, and everybody's too busy to have home-cooked meals, or even eat together at all most of the time. Even back home we didn't really talk much when we were together. It still seems kinda weird to me seeing how close these guys are."

Mick ate in silence, but at least attempted to respond whenever he actually heard someone address him.

Maria asked Kenzie if she had spoken to her parents lately, to which she just shrugged and shook her head. She noticed how quiet Mick was and tried to draw him into the conversation. "So how does your family feel about you being in a band?"

Mick chuckled and said "they disowned me. They're a bunch of cops except for me, and they find music a waste of time"

"Morons" snorted Kenzie. "No offense. My folks are just as bad. Kicked me out and haven't spoken to me since. I live with my brother now. Who happens to be a cop himself, by the way."

"Really? What a coincidence" Mick replied with a slight chuckle. He asked "They kick you out for the same reason?"

Kenzie nodded. "Pretty much. They didn't call it a waste of time exactly, but they thought it was just a hobby. They never thought it could be a career, so when I chose music over education and a 'real' job they were pretty pissed."

"At least your brutha took ya in" Mick replied with a smile.

Kenzie nodded. "Yeah, he's been really cool about it. You still in touch with anyone from your family?"

"Not since I moved out. They helped me pay for my ticket to get here" Mick replied. It didn't bother him, but maybe it would be nice to call now that he has a way to earn good money.

Diego's mother had been listening and scowled. "Now what kind of family could do that? That's no family at all. You two come here any time to be part of a real family. There'll be a place for you here whenever you want it. And anyone you would like to bring! Girlfriend, boyfriend, they're welcome here." Her mother-in-law launched into another Spanish rant which everyone ignored. Milagro prodded Mick and asked "Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?"

Mick's face went a bright red as he stuttered "I-I... well... W-wha..."

Kenzie laughed and leaned in toward Mick. "Aw, it's so cute how you babble" she teased.

Mick looked back at Kenzie and said "Me? Babble? I'm babbling?"

Kenzie nodded, with a look of mock-seriousness. "You. You babble. You're babbling."

Mick hung his head and sighed "Oh... I do"

Diego stared intently at Mick. "It's good." He nodded at Kenzie. "She won't do all the talking."

Mick chuckled nervously and replied "I guess that's betta than annoyin' ev'ryone"

When they were done Kenzie helped collect the dishes, then grabbed her coat. "Great dinner Mrs. Reyes, but I should split. Told the neighbors I'd babysit tonight. Bye Diego, Mick."

Mick rubbed the back of his neck as he said "I should head out as well" He smiled at Mrs. Reyes and said "thanks for the meal"

(Time skip!)

Kenzie arrived first at the concert hall where they were performing their debut. Amid all the backstage bustle she found Aldo. "Hey! This is exciting! Where's my outfit?"

Aldo smiled and replied "your dressing room. Better hurry"