“I’m pretty sure I have no more tears left,” I joke. “But sure, go ahead.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you.” She gazes at our hands, now clasped together. “I don’t think it’s a secret that I’ve been insecure about myself and my abilities for as long as I can remember.” She releases a deep sigh, her shoulders relaxing a little. “But you were right. I’m not a teen mom anymore. I’m a grown-ass woman. Ican more than take care of myself, and my son is an adult now. It’s time for me to start really thinking about what I want and need, about what’s next for me, and to find the courage to go after it.”
“Damn straight,” I assure her.
We smile at each other, and it feels so good to have Holly back in my life.
“I missed you,” she whispers, pulling me in for a side hug.
“I missed you, too,” I whisper back, my heart full of gratitude for my friend and for this moment.
My face is a mess, so Holly passes me a few more tissues, along with one of those toiletry boxes they keep in the women’s powder room. I hold up a small mirror to my face, then freshen myself the best I can.
“What about Eli?” Holly asks, passing me the makeup remover. “Have you talked to him?”
I shake my head in response, then cover my eyes with both hands, probably smudging wet mascara all over my face. “We had a big fight outside the jail.” I fall sideways on the couch, hiding behind Holly. “I doubt he ever wants to see me again.”
Holly jumps to her feet. “Luisa Martín Moreno,” she exclaims. “Get your ass off that couch.”
“What?” I whine. “Can I sulk for like a minute?”
“You’re not a sulker, Luisa,” she goads. “Clean your face. I’m driving you to Westlake.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be working or something?” I survey the papers on her desk. “Maybe you can get them to change out these musty carpets.”
“It’s not like I have to clock in and out,” she says, already reaching for her phone and purse. “Remember, I’m the boss now.” She holds up a bulky metal ring with dozens of keys, including a few ancient skeleton ones. “I’ve even got the keys to the kingdom,” she calls out in a town crier voice, jiggling the ring in midair and grinning.
“Please don’t do that anymore,” I say derisively.
“So glad you’re back.” She links her arm with mine, leading me out of the office.
“I hope you know,” I tease, my tone a warning, “I’m not leaving this club without the recipe for those buttery saltines.”
My stomach does a gravity-defying triple somersault the second Holly pulls off the Westlake Highway into the parking lot of the Happy Hooker, Inc.
“I can’t do it,” I groan from the passenger seat. “I was awful to that man.”
Holly shifts the car to park, then turns to face me. “Just tell him how you feel.”
I gaze at the red shack and the multicolor strands of Christmas lights twinkling over the porch, even in the summer.
“From the heart, Luisa,” she adds gently. “Don’t get stuck in that head of yours.”
I sigh, leaning the side of my head into the windowpane. “When did I become such a coward?”
“You’re not a coward.” She clasps my arm encouragingly. “You’re just in love.”
I gaze back at the building, knowing Eli is inside. My chest expands, then just as quickly contracts with ache and yearning.
“What do you have to lose?” she asks.
“My dignity,” I offer reluctantly.
“Oh, honey,” Holly scoffs. “We left our dignity back in that pawnshop on Cheshire Bridge Road.” This makes her laugh. “We’re just a pair of lowlife criminals.”
“Remind me not to drive off a cliff with you,” I deadpan, opening the passenger door, then stepping out into the sweltering afternoon.
Holly lowers the passenger window. “Don’t take no for an answer,” she calls out. “And if he offers to take your jewels to the back room, just let him.” She bursts into a fit of adolescent laughter, but I’m too nervous to join her.
