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But relaxing is impossible. After years of searching, of hoping against hope, we might finally be on the verge of finding Lazaro. My twin, my other half, the person I've been missing for so long. I hope he’ll be happy I came in his car.
I fidget in my seat, adjusting my position for what feels like the hundredth time. "I can't believe we're actually doing this.”
Henry glances at me, his eyes soft. "We're going to find him, Lana. I promise. If not this time?—”
“This is it. I can feel it.” I lean over and kiss his cheek, overwhelmed with gratitude for this man who's risked everything to help me.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Whatever happens, I know I'm not alone anymore. With Henry by my side, I feel like I can face anything.
As we continue our journey, Henry shares more details he's uncovered about Lazaro.
“The man in question goes by the name Danny Paine. He works as a mechanic.”
I smile. "Of course he does. He was always a natural with cars. He loved being in the garage. No matter how crazy things got, he always found peace there."
I close my eyes, picturing Lazaro bent over the engine of one of our father's prized cars, his hands covered in grease, a look of intense concentration on his face. "I remember this one time, for my sixteenth birthday, he surprised me with this gorgeous cherry red Mustang. He'd been working on it in secret for months, pouring his heart and soul into every detail. When he unveiled it, I swear I've never seen him look so proud."
“Wait, you have a cherry red Mustang?” Henry looks at me in shock, like I've been holding out on him.
“It’s in the garage. Why?”
Henry laughs. “I think Lazaro and I will get along well.”
I smirk. “Better than you and Elio?”
He shudders. I think he still worries that one day, Elio is going to shoot him in the head. “Let’s just say, I like cars too. I can’t fix them up, but I can drive them.”
I turn to Henry, my heart swelling. "I can't believe we might actually see Lazaro today. After all this time…"
Henry's eyes flick to me briefly before returning to the road. "Lana, I know you're excited, and you have every right to be. But we need to be prepared for any outcome. There's still a chance this might not be Lazaro, or if it is, he might not remember who he is."
I nod, understanding his caution. "I know. I'm trying to keep that in mind." But it’s hard. How could Lazaro not know me? Even without his memory, we have a bond. A twin bond.
"I just don't want you to get your hopes too high," he continues, his voice gentle. "If this doesn't turn out the way we hope, I don't want you to be disappointed."
His worry for me is touching, and I feel a rush of affection for him. I reach out and squeeze his hand. "I appreciate your concern, Henry. Really, I do. But I have to believe this is it. I've always known Lazaro was out there somewhere. I could feel it."
Henry glances at me, a small smile on his lips. "I know. Your faith in him has been unwavering. It's one of the things I admire most about you."
"Thank you for believing in me, even when everyone else thought I was crazy."
As we pull up outside the auto shop, my heart starts racing. This is it. The moment I've been waiting for, dreaming of, for years. I stare at the faded sign that readsCliff's Auto Repair, my breath catching in my throat.
Lazaro could be just behind those doors.
I reach for the door handle, but Henry's hand on my arm stops me. He turns off the engine and faces me, his eyes filled with understanding and concern.
"Before we go in there, I want you to know something." Before I can respond, Henry pulls me into his arms, his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. I melt into him, drawing strength from his embrace.
When we finally part, he rests his forehead against mine. "I want you to know that no matter what happens in there, I'm by your side. Whether this is Lazaro or not, whether he remembers you or not, I'm here for you. We're in this together."
I blink back tears, cupping Henry's face in my hands. "Thank you. You've given me hope when everyone else told me to giveup. You believed in me, in Lazaro, when no one else would. I… I love you."
Henry's eyes soften, and he brushes a strand of hair from my face. "I love you too. More than I ever thought possible. Now, are you ready to go find your brother?"
I nod, squeezing his hand. "I'm ready. Let's go."
Henry and I step into the auto shop, our hands clasped tightly together. The familiar scents of oil and grease hit me, bringing back a flood of memories. My eyes dart around the dimly lit space, scanning past tool chests and half-dismantled engines.
