I shake my head, declining. The only thing I want is to go to the safety of my home.
“If you do decide to file a report, just come find me,” he says, handing me a card. “I’ll be there the day after tomorrow, or if you want to go tomorrow, I’ll let a colleague of mine know.”
“Thank you very much. Could you wait for me while I change clothes? This uniform is from the restaurant, and I don’t want to be accused of stealing anything else.”
“Of course, dear. I’ll be waiting.”
Five minutes later, I emerge in my worn-out jeans and a t-shirt.
I stop in front of the counter, expecting payment.
“I’m not going to pay for today.”
Before I can respond, the officer intervenes. “Yes, you will, or else I’ll have to take you to sleep at ourhotel,” he says sarcastically.
Thomas still tries to show arrogance, but I can see he’s afraid. “Here you go, but this isn’t over. I’m sure these bills are wrong, and I’ll prove it.”
I don’t reply.
I’m overwhelmed by such a mix of emotions that all I want to do is leave.
The officer offered to walk me home, but I just wanted to be alone. When I finally step into my little room and close the door, I let the tears I held back for almost half an hour escape.
How can a day that started so well turn into this nightmare?
And now? What am I going to do?
I still have many debts to pay, besides needing to eat and have a roof over my head.
My savings are pathetic. What wasn’t destined for rent, food, or bank debts, I saved for my dream trip—which now amounts to exactly thirty-five dollars in savings.
No one will stop me from dreaming, even though deep down I know these plans are light years away from reality. I’ve done a lot of research. The cheapest ticket to Brazil costs around a thousand dollars, and there would still be all the expenses for food and accommodation.
So the term“dream trip”is a perfect name because if before the only money I saved for it came from the night’s tips, now the poor little piggy bank will quickly be emptied so that I can survive.
Wiping my eyes, I get up and head for the shower.
“I’m sorry, Mama. It wasn’t the right time yet. We’ll have to postpone our plans.”
Chapter 6
The Next Day
“Are you sure about this, son?”
I’m sitting in my parents’ room, more precisely on their bed, when my mother, holding Nina in her arms, asks the question. I know she’s not trying to meddle, just doing what she’s always done: taking care of her children—and I’m part of the package.
“No, but I need to try for Valentina, Mom.”
“What if the girl turns out to be like Layla?”
“She’s not. I don’t know anything about her, except what the preliminary report pointed out and the quick visit to the café, but she and Layla couldn’t be more different in temperament.”
I think again of the smiling, clumsy girl.
From what the detective found out, her life is far from easy, but still, she radiates joy in every cell of that small, sexy body.
“Mom, this matter should stay between us. I don’t want to discuss it with the guys before making a decision.”
