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“What Sansone and I do together is none of your business,” I respond before his words sink in. “Hold up, are you saying… No wonder you lead Sansone to my house. You followed me that night.”
“Yeah, and I’ll follow you again. Every time you sneak out. So do yourself a favor and don’t.”
“Sure. I’ll listen to you when I start taking advice from people who hate me.” I sneer as I turn to the driver and tell him what Aurelio failed to do.
“You’re a selfish bitch, and Sansone deserves better.”
“I can’t fault your argument there. So how about you shut up and do your job without opening your mouth, and I’ll do me.” I fold my arms, angrier than I should be.
Nothing he said is an exaggeration. I am selfish, and Sansone deserves someone better than me. I’ll give him the chance soon. Once I’m convinced Jinx is settled and will prosper. She’s accepted Sansone and he’s claimed her as his even without a DNA test. She makes friends despite not speaking, she’s learning sign language so not voicing her thoughts won’t be an issue, and Jinx starts her therapy sessions after school today. With everything going on, all I need is for Dr. Fletcher to say she’s happy with her progress, then I can walk away with a clear conscience.
How clear can it be when Sansone has no say?
Instead of answering my question, I ask another, “Why did you antagonize Max? Do you know her?”
“What I do is none of your business.” He spits my response back to me.
“Alright, then. Make sure you stay out of sight when we’re in public. Don’t want people mistaking us for friends.”
He scoffs, but a smile plays at the corner of his mouth. I don’t get him, but I remind myself I don’t need to. He will be a memory soon, like everyone else.
“What do you need downtown?” Aurelio breaks the silence we lapsed into.
“A gift for a friend.”
“You have those? Cause it seemed to me the people at your house want to be your friends, but you don’t give the same energy they do. So I wonder.”
“You’re a grade-A asshole.”
“We back to name calling? Cause I have a few I can call you.” He trains his gaze toward the road, ignoring the glare I send his way.
But something about him purposely antagonizing me seems off. I can chalk some of his attitude up to me exposing his fallibility. However, the direct insult seems strategic. As if by pissing me off, he’ll get me to respond a certain way. Almost like… No, he couldn’t think I’m that simple. As if I would allow my anger to dictate my actions. Other emotions, I have to work on, but anger is not the way to go to manipulate me.
I stop engaging Aurelio until we arrive at my destination, the Rodeo Drive of Douglas, Celia Lane. While looking for something to put Max in better spirits, a dress catches my eye. It’s more stunning than the one I modeled for Sansone and it would be perfect for the event he wants me to attend.
I step away from the golden dream gown. The temptation is too great, and I’ve shown a recent lack of willpower too often to allow myself to indulge again this soon.
While perusing a jewelry shop, my phone buzzes. The untraceable one I use to contact Omari. I escape to the bathroom where Aurelio can’t observe my communication. Telling Sansone about Omari isn’t the same as allowing Aurelio to discover his existence. I trust Sansone. Aurelio, not so much.
Tech Bro: I have a lead. Someone’s searching for that trafficker who took Jinx. I traced them to Puerto Rico.
Me: Anything specific to identify them?
Tech Bro: Not yet. Not sure if Puerto Rico is a misdirect or the location. Still digging.
Me: Thanks O. I have another request for you. From Sansone.
Three dots appear on my screen, but Omari doesn’t hit send. I sit in my stall as a constant stream of women file in to wash their hands and use the toilets. At last, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Tech Bro: Are you safe?
Me: Very.
Tech Bro: Does he know everything?
Me: No. He never will.
Tech Bro: What’s the deal?
