“Something like that,” she replies.
Ariella moves quietly into the bathtub, and I take a seat beside her. There seems to be no fear or surprise from her end, but my heart is beating outside my chest. How could he cheat on her? Her—Ariella Reyes—the fucking bombshell.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, and she shrugs.
“Could you not tell anyone about this?” she asks. I stare at her, my eyes saying everything I can’t.
It’s the second time in one day I’ve promised to keep someone’s secret. Maybe that’s how they all survived in this world— off secrets.
I try not to look back at the mirror, but the sounds outside make it impossible. When I do, I catch a glimpse of Preston—bare ass out, thrusting into the face of some blonde woman. Ari’s eyes meet mine in the reflection, and for a split second, we both fight like hell not to laugh. Eventually, Preston groans, finishes, and zips up his pants as if nothing happened. Ari and I duck down as he passes the bathroom, the woman trailing behind him. A moment later, Ari stepsout first. She reaches back and offers me her hand, pulling me up with a grin that feels conspiratorial and oddly familiar.
“You go first,” she whispers. “I’ll follow a few minutes after.”
I don’t argue. I’m out of that room as fast as my legs will carry me. My feet move quick, I rush to get back to the kitchen, but not before I slam straight into Nero.
“Where is she?” he growls, but then his head snaps toward the top of the staircase.
We both turn just in time to see Ariella and Preston descending the steps, and smiling for an audience.
Hand in hand.
Chapter 37
Efren
Kitten
Tell me the truth, do I look like I have resting Natanael Cano face?
Efren
jajajaja
No manches
Ibust up laughing when I see the picture Alma sends with her hair straightened. She sends another message with a picture of the long haired Mexican rapper and her side by side.
Kitten
Seriously. Don’t lie to me.
Efren
You look fine, kitten. I’ll see you tonight.
Kitten
Okay. Meet me in El Purgatorio after. I have a surprise for you later.
Later.Tonight is the bachelorette party, where Alma will give her last performance at La Cuevita. Time has moved quickly over the last several months. Summer has slowly faded into fall, and somehow Alma and I have found ourselves content with where life is taking us. Bud started Chemo and is waiting for us to join him in Corpus Christi. Soon I’ll make forever with Alma a reality.
A grunting sound interrupts my thoughts, and I look back to find Lurch nodding at the window.
“Here he comes,” Ricky whispers.
Jumping out, I move to greet Vidal, but a swarm of paparazzi surrounds him outside the prison doors. He loves the attention—most narcissists would, I suppose. I light a cigarette and wait outside the limo he demanded we pick him up in. Lurch sits in the front seat with Don Cheetos in his lap. Alma opted to rehouse the cat prior to moving, and Lurch is apparently where her tarot cards said he would be happiest.
“Efren,” Vidal says as he approaches and extends his hand.
