<span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#bfbfbf"><div style="text-align: center"><div class="bbImageWrapper lazyload js-lbImage" data-lb-caption-extra-html="" data-lb-sidebar-href="" data-single-image="1" data-src="/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ffotos.fotoflexer.com%2F5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg&amp;hash=f52b9e6b2b3da7cf506d151849814878" title="5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg">
<img alt="5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg" class="bbImage lazyload" data-src="/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ffotos.fotoflexer.com%2F5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg&amp;hash=f52b9e6b2b3da7cf506d151849814878" data-url="http://fotos.fotoflexer.com/5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg" data-zoom-target="1" height="" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" style="" title="" width=""/>
<noscript><img alt="5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg" class="bbImage" data-url="http://fotos.fotoflexer.com/5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg" data-zoom-target="1" height="" src="/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ffotos.fotoflexer.com%2F5102740add113f92df7213591b4750a1.jpg&amp;hash=f52b9e6b2b3da7cf506d151849814878" style="" title="" width=""/></noscript>
</div></div><br/>
Just like the black and blue bruises under his eyes, the subject of Slater Conway took a long time to fade. Gabriel pressed charges which was an unprecedented first, and that was the official its over between you and I message that he'd relayed to Slater, who was arrested at the scene. There had been other fights, and other punches thrown at him along with the negative comments that peeled away his self-esteem to the point where he thought he actually deserved to have Slater lay his hands on him.<br/>
<b><br/>
"Slater, was my boyfriend since high school, on and off. I tried to break it off with him before this, he didn't take the word no. He's hit me before, and I took it. This time I'm serious." </b>Gabriel explained, the best way he knew how.<br/>
<br/>
Hopefully his explanation offered more clarity as to how much violence Gabriel endured, and that he was into guys, not girls. He wanted to move on with his life, even if it came down to putting his ex in jail for aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon, fines punishable in Texas up to 30 years in prison.<br/>
<br/>
Moving back to the subject of food, Gabriel was happy to hear about Jaxon's appetite<i>. I wonder where he puts it all, thought Gabe.</i><br/>
<b><br/>
"I wouldn't mind you dropping in again, Jaxon."</b> he replied, and this time Gabriel did blush.<br/>
<b><br/>
"I appreciate you looking out for me. I live in the casita behind my Uncle's house, in case it ever comes to that. Even if it doesn't, maybe you can come over sometime. I have a really huge DVD collection. Maybe a movie night or something?</b>" he suggested, leaving that out there in case Jaxon was interested in taking up the offer.<br/>
<br/>
Gabriel's iPhone started chiming as soon as Jaxon plugged his number in, so he took his phone out, to add Jaxon as a friend. <b>"Gotcha."<br/>
<br/>
"You sure do have a hard right hook, I was lot more thrilled to watch Slater get his face beat in, than mine."</b> he laughed, musical notes lingering in the air between them.<br/>
<br/>
The music had just gotten started inside, and the sounds of the mariachi band could be heard when the door opened with Miguel carrying a huge tray and a charger, Alejandro helping him out with two additional plates. Gabriel's head turned a little bit, hearing the cheerful, festive music of his culture.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"What kind of music do you like?" </b>Gabriel asked, curious to know.<br/>
<br/>
<i>"I have a Picaduras Especial, Senor? Be very careful, the plates are very hot."</i> Miguel instructed, setting the plates down before Jaxon.<br/>
<br/>
There was a loud sizzling noise, like someone poured water over oil, Alejandro setting down the cast iron plate with steak, onion and peppers before Gabriel, along with a steaming stack of foil wrapped flour tortillas. Both platters had Mexican rice, pico de gallo, lettuce and tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"Gracias, amigos. This looks good huh, Jaxon. You'll have a real appreciation for Sonoran cuisine after tonight." </b>he rubbed his hands together, and looked at all the food. His limeade was set down on the edge of the table.<br/>
<i><br/>
"Enjoy the meal," </i>both Alejandro and Miguel said in unison before heading back inside.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"I hope you have room for dessert. I wanted to treat you to that at least. I recommend the</b><i> Helado frito mexicano,</i><b> and its to die for!"</b> Gabriel explained as he took a forkful of steak and grilled vegetables and started wrapping one up in a warm tortilla for Jaxon to try.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"Take a bite of the carne asada steak fajita. I think you'll like it."</b> he extended it across the table towards Jaxon to take the wrapped morsel from his hand.<br/>
<br/>
He listened to what Jaxon said about his cattle experience, and the invitation to come over for a barbeque the next weekend. <b>"I have to check my schedule to see if I am working, but I would be interested in going, Jaxon. I'll check and call you either way."</b></span></span>