She crosses her arms, tilts her head back, and sighs.
“Seb! I told you not to let her sleep. Now she’s gonna wake up with more energy than the Energizer Bunny himself.”
“I know, I know. But come on, have you seen her? How can I say no to anything she wants? She’s basically my boss.” I say, trying to keep a straight face.
Analyse snorts. “That kid knows exactly who to go to when she wants something and, of course, she’s cute—she’s her mama’s twin.”
She takes a sip of her iced coffee, eyes flickering around the station before landing back on me. Then, too casually, she asks, “Where’s Mateo?”
I narrow my eyes. “Why?”
Analyse shrugs, adjusting the lid on her coffee. “Just wondering.”
I cross my arms, giving her a long, skeptical look. “If I had to guess? Probably off being an idiot somewhere.”
She snorts, then quickly hides it behind her cup—but not fast enough. That catches my attention. I squint at her. “Why do you care where Mateo is?”
She rolls her eyes. “I don’t. Just making conversation.”
I don’t buy it. Analyse hates Mateo, always has. Says he’s reckless, immature, a walking red flag. Which is why it’s weird that she’s asking about him all of a sudden.
Before I can push, she sighs dramatically. “Seb, please. Mateo is your headache, not mine. I was just wondering if he was off ruining some poor girl’s life again.”
I make a mental note to keep an eye on that.
“Alright, Alright. Let’s get your kid.”
I head to the back of the station, stepping into the dorm-style room. Rows of identical metal-frame beds stretch across the space, each one neatly made—except for Maya’s.
Her blanket is pulled up to her chin, her wild curls splayed across the pillow. I place a hand on her shoulder and gentlyshake her awake. Not gonna lie, I’m a little scared. If she’s anything like her mom, I need to prepare myself for a major attitude.
She stirs, blinking sleepily before letting out a long yawn.
“Tio? Is it morning? She mumbles, scrunching up her nose and covering her eyes.
“No, but your mama’s here to get you.”
Maya groans and rolls over, pulling the blanket over her head. “Okay, tell Mama she can come back in the morning. Nighttime is for sleeping.”
I bite back a laugh. Yep. Just like her mom. I tug the blanket back. “Princesa, Mama’s waiting, and she’s gonna be really mad at me if I don’t get you to her.”
Maya sighs dramatically. “Fineee. But only so she won’t be mad at you, Tio.”
“I appreciate that, kid.”
She rubs her eyes, then looks up at me. “Tío Seb?”
“What’s up, princess?”
“Can we go get more books tomorrow?”
Seeing her tiny face light up at the thought of more books? Yeah, I’d take her every single day if I could.
“Let me ask your mom. If she says yes, I’ll take you to Ink & Paper.”
Maya launches into my arms. “Thank you, Tio!!”
Analyse was right—she does know exactly who to go to. And she always will.
