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“Uh, Cruz is there, and we’re supposed to get breakfast together.”
“Right. Breakfast.” Her frown deepens. “Okay, Mari, listen, I love you dearly. I know we weren’t always like, the closest in the world, but you can tell me the truth. Why don’t you want to go back home to your husband?”
I sip the drink. “It’s not like that—”
“This is a safe space. I swear, if you need me to help call the police—”
Oh, shit.
“No! No, no, no, it’s not like that. I was not running away.” Although I kind of was? Except not in the way she’s thinking.
“Mari—”
“I swear on my life, Bass isn’t abusive. I’m not trying to escape him. I fully plan on going back home later today.”
“Right.” She sighs, chewing her lip. “It’s just that, this is weird, you know?”
“I know,” I admit and think about telling her more, but I can’t, not without putting her in danger. “Listen, on my life, this isn’t about Bass. It’s about seeing Cruz.”
“Okay, I believe you. I’m just saying, if you need anything, a place to stay, money, a phone, help, anything at all, I’m here.”
I consider trying to make her believe me, but in the end, it doesn’t matter. I smile and shake my drink, rattling the ice. “That means a lot. Seriously, I appreciate it.”
“Sure thing.”
We don’t talk much more on the drive. She puts on music and hums along. I remember her doing that back at the hotel and I feel a sudden surge of nostalgia and warmth toward her. This girl, who isn’t a close friend, was willing to drive her ass out to the edge of town early in the morning for me, purely because she thought I might be in trouble. She dropped everything to be here with me. I had no idea she cared.
If I survive this stupidity, I swear I’m going to be friends with this girl forever.
We arrive at Ruben’s family house and Sara kills the engine. She gives me a searching look like she’s hoping I’m going to open up and ask for help. Instead, I lean across the car and hug her.
“Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime. And you’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, honestly.”
“Want me to wait? I’m not super busy—”
“No,” I say quickly. I push open the door. “No, no, it’s fine, please don’t wait. I’ll be fine!”
“Are you—”
I close the door. I know it’s rude but I can’t leave any room for her hanging around. I can’t be sure how this is going down and I don’t want her here in case things get ugly before I’m even inside.
She frowns and I wave happily. Slowly, the car pulls away, until I’m alone out front of the large family house in the strange sprawling neighborhood.
Well, shit.
I turn and take a deep breath—
And realize I have absolutely no plan.
This was about as far as I’d thought. I was so focused on getting out and getting here that I hadn’t considered what I’d actually do once I showed up.
All I know is, Ruben has Cruz, but he really wants me.
There’s a simple trade I can make. One which will protect my brother and help set him free.
