“Did he do the same shit as the last time, just staring?”
She nodded and placed the tamale platter she’d ordered for Diablo from Alfonso’s in the microwave. “The same. This time I stared back. He seemed surprised I did that.”
He laughed. “That’s my woman.” He kicked off his boots, placed his cut on the back of the chair, and sat on the couch. “Food smells good. I didn’t even ask you to bring me anything. You know me, sweet pea.”
His words made her all warm and fuzzy inside.We’re a real couple.Even though she’d fought hard to be on her own when she first moved to Alina, she had to admit she loved living with Diablo. Her stalker had sped up their courtship, and she’d thought it was too soon to live together, but it was perfect. They had grown even closer, and she loved his presence.
She brought his dinner to the coffee table along with a beer and sat down next to him. He’d turned on a zombie movie, and she laughed. Her honey was obsessed with zombie movies, and since they’d started going out, she’d gotten into them as well. The movies were a good distraction, and now more than ever, she needed the distraction. She still hadn’t heard from Detective Contreras about the DNA results. Unfortunately, the dentist had destroyed all dental records older than seven years upon his retirement, so there was nothing on the teeth that had been found. Thus, the DNA results were essential, even though everyone knew the remains were of her mother and Richard. She’d seen the locket with her picture tucked inside it, and it’d broken her heart. At that moment, reality had come to stay.
She’d told Diablo that once the investigators released the remains, she wanted to give her mom a proper burial. He’d agreed and told her he’d stand by her in whatever decision she made.
Fallon wiped away the tear that had leaked out of her eye.Concentrate on the movie. I know you’re looking down on me, Mom. I hope they find the bastard who killed you. Oh Mommy.She gasped and Diablo paused the movie.
“Talk to me.”
“I was just thinking about my mom.”
“I know this is hard and it fuckin’ sucks.” He cupped her chin and tilted her head back, then kissed her.
“I spent the last twelve years angry at her for leaving me behind. I kept hoping she’d come back into my life. I never knew she was dead. It’s like she just died. Like I just lost her.”
He eased her head onto his chest. “You did just lose her, and you need to grieve for her. Cry, yell, smash shit—whatever you need to get you through the grief. I’m here for you, but it’s something you gotta go through. Don’t play it brave. Grab it with both hands and deal with it. It’ll be painful, but you’ll get through it. You’re tough. I saw it in you the first time our eyes met.”
“I’m so lucky to have you in my life. If my mom were here, she would love you. I know it.”
“She’s looking down on you, sweet pea. She’s happy you found your way.”
As she cried, he held her until she didn’t have any more tears left. Even though she knew she’d always feel like a piece of her died inside, she’d get through it because her mother would want her to, and Diablo was her pillar to hold her up when she faltered.
***
Fallon checked hermessages, hoping the detective had left her one, but he hadn’t. Sighing, she pulled herself off the bed and tried to smooth down her bed hair. Diablo had left early that morning, citing club business as his reason.
She went into the bathroom and looked at the reflection in the mirror: dark circles, pale skin, and a couple of zits. “Happy birthday,” she said under her breath. She’d figured Diablo had forgotten it was her birthday since he hadn’t said anything to her after he kissed her goodbye. It didn’t really matter. Once her mother had left—died—her dad had stopped any celebration of it.
She splashed cold water on her face. She hadn’t heard from her dad since that strange conversation they’d had three weeks before, and that suited her just fine.
Fallon slipped on a light robe and went into the living room. As she sank down on the couch, her phone pinged.
Diablo:B ready @ 7. Dinner @ Antlers.
She reread the text. Antlers Steakhouse was one of the most expensive restaurants in a sixty-mile radius. She’d heard the food was excellent, and she’d been wanting to take Diablo there as a way of telling him she appreciated everything he did for her, but they’d never made it.
Fallon:I’ve been wanting to take you there for a while.
Diablo:I’m taking u.
She could almost hear him growl.
Fallon:K. You just feel like a steak?
Diablo:Ya & it’s ur bday.
Fallon grinned.He remembered.Her skin tingled.
Fallon:Didn’t think you remembered.
Diablo:Of course.
