“I promise my job’s not a burden.”
“If you say so. But if you cut back, you’d have time to travel with Jordan, and you could be an ambassador for H&H along the way.”
“She sounds like she doesn’t want me to do it.”
“I don’t.” A selfish part of her was picturing them on the road together. But it wouldn’t be fair to him or the rehabilitation program.
“I love what I do, Mila.”
“Unless I’m mistaken, you also love Jordan.”
Cole leaned back, a smile on his face. “I like how this woman thinks.” He surveyed the table. “Anybody have more to add?”
Nobody spoke.
“Then I guess we all have some cogitating to do.”
Luis took a deep breath. “I do, for sure. Who’s ready to head for home?”
“I am.” Jordan stood, picked up her backpack and dug out her wallet. “What’s the?—”
“It’s on me,” Cole said. “Clem has my credit card and instructions to put everything on it.”
“But you just quit your job.”
“I quit my job, but I didn’t say I was broke. I’ve been saving up. Must’ve known the day would come when I was ready to kick over the traces.” He glanced at Luis, who had rounded the table. “Nice feeling. You should try it.”
“Thanks, not for me. Anybody else need a ride back?”
“I think we’re all set if Cole is willing to take us back,” Mila said.
“Absolutely.”
“Great. Thanks.” Mila left her chair. “I’ll just walk these guys out and be right back.”
Once the three of them reached the sidewalk, she turned to Luis. “You are mi corazon, my heart, hermano. I didn’t want to say this inside, but I think you’re working like a maniac out of grief.”
“No.” His voice was soft. “No, I’m not.”
“Okay, so you don’t believe me, but it’s true. And this woman is here to fill that hollow place in your heart.” She glanced at Jordan. “And he can heal the hollow place in yours. You belong together, hermanita.”
Her breath hitched. Hermanita meant little sister.
“That’s all I have to say.” Giving Luis a quick kiss on the cheek, she hugged Jordan and went back inside.
He gazed at her. “What do you think?”
“I can’t think anymore.”
“Me, either. I just need you.”
“Same here.”
“Let’s go.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Silence filled the cab on the way home. The discussion Luis had hoped would bring clarity had only made everything more complicated. Mila thought he should throw his lot in with Jordan. But she didn’t want him to.
