Michelle repeated the lie about reconnecting on Instagram. Her dad grumbled, “I still don’t see why you had to bring him to my house,” but otherwise, he was civil. Until Michelle overheard him telling Gabe, “Remember what I said.” Abuelo came over to greet them. Michelle gave him a big kiss on his lined brown cheek and a tight hug. Then, while her parents were distracted, she pulled Gabe aside. “What did my dad mean?” Gabe ducked his head and scratched the back of his neck. “Oh, when I was around . . . twelve, I guess, your dad made some light threats about what would happen if I ever touched
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