My eyelids droop while the microwave hums. I’m going to sleep so well tonight. My bed is calling my name, and it’s a tempting seductress.
Food first, then you can sleep, Mateo.
The microwave beeps at the same time my phone rings in my back pocket.
I pull out my phone and glance at the screen, curious as to who’s calling me this late. It’s ten p.m., and I know Mami is already in bed.
It’s Holly.
I hit the answer button so hard it's a wonder the screen didn't shatter.
“Holly, long time no chat,” I say as I put her on speaker and set the device on the counter. I grab my plate of food out of the microwave and open my silverware drawer, grabbing one of the seven forks I own.
All I hear is heavy breathing from the phone.
I put my plate down and grab the phone, taking it off speaker phone as I lean back against the counter. “Holly? What’s up?”
She inhales and holds her breath, and I hear a door close in her house. “Mateo?”
“Yes, Holly. I’m here. What’s going on?”
Her breathing is ragged, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Mateo, there’s someone sneaking around in my backyard. I think it’s a man. I saw a figure through my office window.”
I straighten and grip the countertop. “Where are you now?”
“I ran around the house and locked all the doors and windows. Now I’m hiding in my bathroom.”
“Did you get a good look at him?”
She pauses. “I think it’s Jorge.”
“WHAT?!” My free hand moves to my hair, tugging it as I start walking around the house, my chest heaving as I struggle to calm my breathing.
“I mean, the man has his type of build, and Jorge has been texting me nonstop since I told him we’re engaged. I don’t know for sure if it’s him,but at this point, I wouldn’t put it past him to be stalking my house. The man is insane!”
I take a deep breath to keep my voice as calm as possible. “Holly, you need to call the police.”
“Do I have to?”
I nod even though she can’t see me. “Yes. Yes, you have to. There is a stranger trespassing on your property, whether it's Jorge or another guy, he needs to get arrested and you need to file a restraining order.”
“But what if it gets out in the media? Alex is doing so well. I don’t want my life drama to reflect on him.”
I rub my eyes. How does she not understand how serious this is? “Holly. There is a creeper in your yard. If he decides to break in, how are you going to protect yourself? Alex would rather you be safe than worry about his social presence and reputation. Your safety is a thousand times more important.”
“You say that, except his whole reputation and social media presence is my job. I could literally be messing up my job right now.”
I stop pacing next to the counter, and my words reverberate through the kitchen. “I. Don’t. Care. Holly. You are more important.”
It’s quiet for a moment before I hear Holly’s sad whisper. “Sometimes it sucks living in this house all by myself.”
My heart breaks and I know what I have to do.
“I’m moving to California.”
“What?”
