by Shaw, LK
“You're doing great Estelle. Hang in there, babe.”
I unclenched my fingers, wiggled them to try and get the blood flowing, and put them right back on the steering wheel. Victor sighed in relief as I made another turn.
“A patrol car just pulled them over. I think we’re in the clear.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, go ahead and start heading toward the house.”
“All right.”
“I’m going to hang up now. I’ll see you at the house.”
The rest of the drive was nerve wracking. I couldn't wait to get out of the car and into the safety of the Rodriguez house. It took forever, or maybe it just seemed like it, but finally I pulled into the driveway. I slammed the gearshift into park and grabbed my bag, practically jumping out of the vehicle.
“Estelle, stop.”
Victor’s command penetrated my brain. I was almost running toward the house. My pace slowed, barely, and he caught up to me. The second his hand touched my arm I lost it. I covered my face and sobbed. He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his chest.
“You’re okay. Everything’s fine now. Please stop crying. You know I don’t handle women’s tears well. I break out into hives.”
Despite the fact that wetness poured down my face, I barked out laughter at the ridiculousness of Victor's words. I pulled back and craned my neck to peer up at him. He gently rubbed his thumb across my cheek, taking a few stray tears with him. My breath hitched. His eyes remained fixed on mine, and I lost track of time.
“Better?” he whispered.
Slowly I nodded. “I think so.”
“Good. Let's go inside then. I’ll make you a stiff drink.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I could use one.”
“Just don't get drunk and try to take advantage of me, will ya?” He smiled down at me.
Another bubble of laughter escaped. He was trying to put me at ease, and I was grateful.
His expression shifted and suddenly became serious. “I like seeing you laugh.”
He still held me in his arms. I cleared my throat and quickly stepped back. A flash of emotion flickered in his eyes.
“Thank you for making me feel better. Sorry I freaked out on you.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s perfectly understandable.”
This time, my retreat into the house was much slower. Inside, I turned to Victor.
“I'm going to run upstairs for a minute. I’ll be right back.”
“That’s fine. I’m going to call my dad, and after I get an update, I’ll get that drink for you and start dinner.”
With a quick glance over my shoulder to see him still watching me, I headed up the stairs. I closed the bathroom door behind me and stood in front of the mirror staring at my reflection. I wasn't cut out for this. It had only been twenty-four hours, and I already wanted my life back. How did Ines do this kind of thing day in and day out?
I grabbed a washcloth, wet it, and pressed it against my face. I hated that I'd broken down in front of Victor. The thought of being vulnerable in front of anyone, but especially him, and twice in one day, reminded me too much of my childhood. The only person who ever saw the true me was Ines, and she was thousands of miles away.
I took a moment longer to feel sorry for myself, and then I dried off my face, straightened my shoulders, and went back downstairs. I walked into the kitchen to see Victor set his phone down.
“That was my dad. He pulled the car over, but it was only some guy on his way home to Harwood Heights.”
The knot in my stomach tightened further instead of relaxing at the news. I’d hoped maybe this would all be over already.
“I guess that means I’m stuck here for now.” I wasn’t happy, but I was going to have to try and make the best of things.
“Hey, we’re not so bad. At least I’m not. I can’t say the same for the rest of the family.”
What was going on with him and his brothers? “Well, I happen to like your family, so I guess there are worse places I could be stuck.”
“This is true. Even now, you could be hiding away in one of those run-down safe houses with a boring, old cop who isn’t nearly as handsome as me.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re certainly full of yourself.”
“What can I say? It’s part of my charm.” The boyish smile he sent me made my heartbeat speed up.
“Wow, you are definitely an ego-maniac.”
“Yet another charming character trait.”
I’d never win an argument against him, so I don’t even know why I tried.
“Are you done being obnoxious?”
He actually paused like he was thinking about it. “Probably not.”
“Well why doesn't your obnoxious self make me that drink you promised.”
He bowed. “As my lady wishes.”
He grabbed items out of the liquor cabinet. Before long, I was sitting at the table with a seven and seven.
“Where’s Pablo? I haven’t seen him since I got here.”
Victor moved around the kitchen pulling out pots and pans and then items from the fridge. “I know he worked a double today, but he's also been gone a lot. Who knows? We don’t talk much.”
“Well, I hope I get a chance to catch up with him.”
“I’m sure he’ll show up eventually.”
I changed the topic. “I don’t know why you all insist on cooking for me. While I appreciate it, I’m more than capable of cooking for myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”
He sent me a quick glance before returning back to his task. “I have no doubt you’re more than able, but when someone else is willing, it’s best to just let them take care of you.”
My skin prickled. It was a foreign concept, and one I didn’t trust. Time had taught me that the only person I could count on to take care of me was me.
“Well, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
We fell into a comfortable silence while I sipped my drink and Victor cooked. It was obvious he knew his way around a kitchen. Silently, I watched him. Usually we were sniping at each other. I’d never seen this side of him, even though I’d known him for almost my entire life. It stirred up feelings. Feelings I didn’t trust. Ones I had no desire to explore further. I’d stay here until this all blew over, and then I could get back to my own place with my own things and forget this all ever happened.
Chapter 6
I’d always enjoyed cooking. Mostly because it was the one thing I did better than all my brothers. None of them could even boil water, so I cooked as often as possible. For some reason I also wanted to impress Estelle. The house phone rang as I was about to put the chicken in the cast iron skillet for fajitas.
“Hello?”
“Where's my daughter?” The woman's speech was slurred and angry. “You can’t keep her from me.”
“Excuse me?”
“Where is she?” The possibly drunk woman demanded.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“Estelle, you idiot. I know she’s there. She always ran to you people.”
Understanding finally dawned. This was Estelle’s mom?
“She’s right here, Mrs. Jenkins. Would you like to speak with her?” I glanced up to meet Estelle's eyes. She paused mid-drink, and, in an instant, a change come over her. Her expression tightened, and her fingers clenched around the glass she held.
“Of course I want to speak to her. I’ve been trying to reach her all day.”
Estelle walked over and stood stiffly next to me. Up close I noticed other differences about her. Normally twinkling blue eyes were now dull and lifeless. She was completely void of the internal light she always emitted even during our arguments.
“Yes ma’am. Hold on just a second.” A wave of protective instinct rushed through me. Who the fuck did this woman think she was dulling the life of this beautiful person beside me?
Almost reluctantly, Estelle took the phone
from my hand.
“Hello, Pauline.” Even her voice had changed.
I went back to making dinner, but still listened intently to the one-sided conversation.
“My phone was stolen.”
“No, I didn’t change my number and not give it to you.”
There was a short pause between each answer.
“No, I didn’t give any new number to George, either.”
Pauline? George? She didn’t call her parents Mom and Dad?
“You never call me anyway.” Each response was more clipped than the last. I could see Estelle retreating further and further inside herself the longer she remained on the phone.
“Now’s not a good time.”
Another long pause.
“I’m an adult. I don’t need to tell you why I’m at the Rodriguez house. No, Ines isn’t here. Look, Pauline, I have to go.”
She didn’t say goodbye before hanging up the phone. Giving up the pretense that I hadn’t heard every word she said, I turned and wiped my hands on a dishtowel.
“Everything okay?”
Without responding, she returned to the table, picked up what remained of her drink, and tossed it back. Then she walked to the liquor cabinet and made another, only this one was straight whiskey. From across the room, tension and anger radiated off her. Her jaw was tight, her movements jerky and angry as she almost slammed the bottle down. Estelle put the glass to her lips, threw her head back, and swallowed it in one go. Well then.
She wiped the wetness from her lips and finally met my eyes. “Everything’s just fine.”
I’d never seen this side of her before, and my blood boiled. How dare her mother make her feel this way. Was this the kind of relationship they had? Was this why she’d practically lived here as a kid?
“Are you sure? Because that conversation didn't sound ‘fine’.”
“I’ll be more blunt then. I don’t really want to talk about it.”
I inclined my head. “That’s fair.”
Estelle rinsed her glass out in the sink. “If you'll excuse me, I’m not feeling well. I'm going up to my room to lie down for a bit.”
She disappeared out the door leaving me standing there alone. What the fuck just happened?
* * *
Estelle still hadn’t come down by the time supper was finished, so I went upstairs and knocked lightly on her door. The bed squeaked, and I heard footsteps on the floor. The door cracked open. Her eyes still hadn’t recovered their sparkle.
“Dinner’s ready.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“You need to eat.” There was no way I was going to let her sit up here by herself any longer and wallow.
“I’m just going to hang out in here and work on grading papers.”
“You mean stay up here and feel sorry for yourself?”
She bristled, which was the exact reaction I was looking for. I wanted that glow back in Estelle’s eyes, and if it meant pushing her buttons and pissing her off, then that’s what I’d do.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re indulging in a pity party. I don’t know what’s going on between you and your mom, but is sitting up here and sulking really making things better?”
With each word I spoke I could see the tinder catch fire, and a tiny flame began to grow.
She opened the door fully. “Pity party? Sulking? Is that what you think I’m doing?”
“That’s what it looks like to me.” I shrugged nonchalantly.
There was now a full-on bonfire roaring in Estelle’s eyes.
“You’re such a dick, you know that? I don't understand how Ines puts up with you. You have no idea about my life or what’s going on.”
“You’re right, I don't. I only know you had an obviously shitty conversation with your mom.”
She scoffed. “I had a shitty life with my mom, which is why I don't talk to her. Honestly, I'm surprised her drunk ass even thought to call here.”
“Then don't let her win by getting to you. Come downstairs, eat, and forget all about her. If you clean your plate, I might even have a special dessert for you after.” I waggled my eyebrows suggestively.
“God, you're such a guy.”
“What?” I asked innocently. “I was talking about chocolate cake. What did you think I was talking about?”
Estelle shook her head. “Fine. Give me a minute, and I’ll be down.”
“Hurry up before it gets any colder. My culinary masterpieces deserve to be treated with respect.”
I went downstairs and let her do whatever she needed. I was just glad I’d gotten a reaction out of her. It had killed me seeing her look so defeated. A few minutes later I heard her coming. With just a glance, I knew she wasn’t back to her normal self, but she was better than when she’d left the room earlier.
“Have a seat. Everything’s on the table, so help yourself. I’m just going to grab a bottle of wine.”
“Thanks.”
We had a quiet but enjoyable meal. An idea came to me, and I laid my fork down. “I have an extra burner phone upstairs. Why don’t you give Ines a call? I think it will put her mind at ease hearing your voice. She’s worried about you.”
“Are you sure? I know it’s not safe to talk to her often.”
“It’ll be fine. I mean you guys can’t chat until two a.m. like you used to when you were teenagers, but a ten- or fifteen-minute conversation isn’t going to hurt anything.”
Estelle’s face softened. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“You’re welcome. Let me grab it and get her on the line for you. Feel free to use the den, so you can have some privacy.”
I went to grab the phone from my dresser drawer. I dialed the number and headed to meet Estelle.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Is Estelle all right?” There was fear in her tone.
“She’s fine. She just had a bad day today, and I really think she needs to talk to you.”
“What happened?”
“She’ll tell you.”
I walked into the den. Estelle had her arms wrapped around herself and was staring out the window. She turned at my approach.
“Here she is. I’ll let you guys talk for a bit.”
I gave her the phone. “I’m going to clean up the kitchen. Try to keep it no longer than fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you for doing this for me.” Her eyes met mine and their gorgeous blue depths sparkled with happiness again.
“You’re welcome.”
I left her alone, pleased that I’d been able to bring a smile back to her face.
Chapter 7
“Hey, Bubbles.”
“Hey, Bunny.”
“I’ve missed you.” I plopped onto the recliner and curled my feet underneath me.
“I missed you too.”
“You know, I think this is the longest we've ever gone without talking to each other. It really sucks, by the way,” I added forlornly.
“Totally sucks. What happened today? Victor told me it was rough.”
I harrumphed. “You mean besides the fact that I was almost kidnapped yesterday? Or that I had a breakdown after work when I thought we were being followed? Then, to top off the current shit show that is my life, a drunk Pauline calls your house tonight, and I had to deal with her. In front of your brother, no less. You mean besides that?”
It wasn’t fair to be so short and shitty with Ines, but everything was starting to smother me. The minute Victor said my mother was on the phone, my head had started throbbing. It still ached a little.
“Jesus, Estelle, I'm so sorry. I wish I could be there to help you deal with all this. I’m sure the added stress of your mom calling isn’t helping the situation. What did she want?”
“The usual. Reminding me that I haven’t come to see her for a while. Whoever tried to grab me took my phone, and apparently she’s been trying to call my cell all day, even though she knows I work and can’t answer. Then she accused m
e of changing my number and not telling her. Of course, she thinks I told George what it was. Her typical drunken ramblings.”
“I’m sorry. I really wish I was there. I’m glad my brother’s looking after you, though. Trust him to do that. He’s not going to let anything happen to you.”
“I’ll admit he did talk me down from the ledge earlier tonight in your driveway.”
“My driveway? Like, at our house? What are you doing there?”
“Your brother didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“I’m staying here for a bit. At least until they find the person who tried to grab me. I’m sleeping in your room, in fact. It was either this or a safe house while they try and figure out who’s behind yesterday.”
Ines was quiet.
“You still there?” I asked.
“Sorry, yeah, I'm here. I was just thinking about the fact that you and Victor are staying in the same house together, sleeping practically next door to each other.”
My blood heated. I’d been trying to avoid thinking about that exact thing from the moment Victor suggested I stay here. Ines suddenly burst into laughter.
“Oh my god. You and Victor are actually living in the same house. You two are either going to kill each other or kiss each other. I vote for the latter.”
Damn Ines for putting that image in my head. Not that it wasn’t already there.
“Never gonna happen. Well the killing might.”
She snorted in disbelief. “Really? This is me you’re talking to, Estelle. We’ve been friends almost my entire life. I’ve caught you staring at Victor over the years when you didn’t think anyone was looking. I don’t mean staring daggers either. I’m talking looks of longing.”
I shifted. “It doesn’t mean anything.”
“It could. I know there’s something between you two. Or at least the potential is there. You both have feelings you’re afraid to admit.”