I would like to think if she could, she’d wake herself up. Charlotte is the last person who would want her loved ones worried about her.
My butt is numb when I finally stand again. “I’m going to get coffee,” I tell Louie.
We’ve both been sitting here for hours. Watching Charlotte. I don’t know what to say to him, and honestly, the quiet has been welcoming. My head is a mess. Everything with Emmanuel and then Charlotte… I don’t know what I’m doing.
The minute I step out of Charlotte’s room, Paz stands from the plastic chair. “Jefe wanted me to give you this.” He hands me my phone.
“Thanks.” I smile or at least try to.
“How is she?” Paz asks.
“Still asleep,” I tell him. “I’m going to get coffee.”
“I’m coming.” He walks beside me. A comfortable silence falls over us as we make our way to the Starbucks located at the front of the hospital.
While I’m waiting for my order, I scroll through my missed messages and calls. There’s one from a name I don’t know.Mi Amor.I tap on the message and instantly know who it is.
Mi Amor:
I had to step out. Call me if you need anything. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Me:
You left? I didn’t even notice. Is what you’re doing dangerous?
His response comes immediately.
Mi Amor:
You worried about me, mi alma?
Me:
No, but I’ve heard it’s fun to play chicken with bullets. You should try it.
Mi Amor:
I’ll keep that in mind.
I look across to Paz. “What doesmi amormean?”
“Ah, it meansmy love.” He looks uncomfortable.
“Pfft,my love,my ass. What’s the Spanish word for asshole?” I ask him.
“Female or male?”
“Male,” I tell him.
“Cabrón,” he says. “Want help spelling it?” Paz looks over at my screen as I change the contact name Emmanuel put in for himself.
“I’ve got it.” I smirk. I’ve heard this word once or twice. It’s fitting.
“You probably shouldn’t be too hard on him. He doesn’t know what he’s doing when it comes to you, so he’s going to fuck up a lot,” Paz says.
“Really? And here I thought kidnapping women from planes and keeping them hostage was a completely normal dating ritual.” I roll my eyes.
“In some worlds, it is.” Paz shrugs.
