The summer I turned 21 was one I would never forget. By then, I had grown from the funny, chubby kid everyone remembered into a handsome, strong young man, thanks in large part to working construction. I still hadn’t decided what I wanted to do with my life. While some of my friends took off to university, I stayed behind in my hometown. It all started on July 28, 2006. My uncle had gotten me a job with a concrete company...

The week had come and gone in a blur. I couldn't get Mira out of my head: her supple skin, those soft lips, that red hair. Truth be told, I didn't really care about Rob anymore. I'd already decided that if Mira came calling, I'd be there. The problem was, the thoughts consumed me. Even the guys on site noticed. More than once I got caught staring into nothing, practically drooling, replaying that night. "Pendejo, too much...