Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
I left in utter shock, went back to my car, made a few loops trying to compose myself, and kept whispering what the fuck over and over again. Muscle memory or my conscience had me driving by Undercover Lovers, but the parking lot was empty. I figured it would be with it being a late morning on a Sunday. Apparently, crossing my fingers didn’t work in my favor because he wasn’t there, either. Which meant I only had one other option: Johnny’s mom, Isla’s, house. I really didn’t want to put her in the middle of this almost-over relationship; we’ve kept up here or there. Weeks after what I like to aptly call doomsday, I got a new phone since I couldn’t bear the thought of Johnny paying for anything of mine, plus it was less temptation for me to call and beg for his help. I made my proverbial bed, and it was time I slept in it.
Isla Gonzales felt differently. She messaged me on every social media outlet plus e-mail, relentless in her effort to check on me and make sure I was okay. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now. She herself went through something similar with her cousin, except her family member didn’t suffer the same fate my sister did. Therefore, we chatted here and there, she gave me updates about what was happening here, asked if I needed anything, and when I dumped on her with the latest antics my sister created, Isla listened.
That didn’t mean she wasn’t trying to persuade me to come home, and when everything was said and done, I still couldn’t. You see, there’s a reason I’ve been stuck in Georgia, and the sooner the divorce is handled, the sooner I can get back on the road to pick up what I left behind.
“Mija.” My door is yanked open. I’m unaware that I’ve driven the fifteen minutes or so to Isla and Santiago Gonzales’ home.
“Isla.” The tears I’ve been keeping at bay are rolling down my cheeks. She wraps her arms around me, holding me tighter than I’ve felt in the past four years. Hugs, physical touch, affection, and even talking to an adult have been few and far between. Except for when I’m at work; still, it’s only talking shop, nothing below the surface. There’ve been no meaningful conversations except through text, and it’s with the woman who’s currently holding me together.
“Jesús Cristo,” I hear Santiago taking the lord’s name in vain. Any other day, Isla would be smacking her husband and telling him to watch or hush his mouth. Not today, though. “Winnie, turn the ignition off.” The sliding of the gear shift tells me he put the car in Park.
“I would, only your wife kind of has me in a choke hold,” I try to play it off with a laugh, except I’m still crying my eyes out.
“Mi amor,” Santiago says with that tone, a hint of pure alpha male so similar to his son’s, and damn if that doesn’t hit me right in the chest.
“Santi.” She loosens her hold. I squeeze her one last time and pull back. I’m making a scene, and that’s the last thing I want, especially if she’s having a Sunday-type shindig.
“Isla, at least let her get out of the car before you tackle her more.” Johnny’s mom lets go of me, and while I could have held on to her forever and a day, I really do need to get everything squared away before my time comes to an end. The clock is ticking, and while I have a few hours, I still need to be back in Georgia the sooner the better.
“Fine, fine. Sorry, no, no, no. I’m not sorry our girl is home, and more than a hug is due.” Isla wipes the wet away from my cheeks and looks over my shoulder. “Where is Sebastian?”
I fold out of the car, my body protesting between the drive and the emotional upheaval. Well, I’m tired, sleep hasn’t come easily to me for four years, and when I do get some rest, I constantly wake up with from the slightest of noises, on high alert and in a panic in case of the inevitable happening and having no control of the situation. Santiago moves around after shutting the passenger door and does the same to mine once I’m cleared from the area before he’s on my other side. Isla’s arm is looped through mine, and we’re taking small, slow steps up the driveway.
“That’s why I’m here. I have less than a week to get everything in order, or I’m going to lose him.” God, I could really kick my sister in the ass right about now. She left me to deal with so much red tape, and as much as I tried to help her get on the straight and narrow, Melanie is, well, Melanie.