“Because you’re avoiding me. I want to know why.”
Something about his tone tells me he already knowswhy. I’m closer to Hudson than I am to Alfie. We’ve always been the ones to get into mischief together, while Alfie was the one trying to be Dad, attempting to set us on the straight and narrow. But I don’t want to talk about Emilio with Hudson. I like how things are. Everyone else has left us alone. Even our mothers, which surprises me the most.
“I’m not avoiding you. I’ve been busy,” I tell him. “And right now, I’m meeting someone for drinks.” I step around him and continue walking through the gardens to get to the parking lot.
“Who you meeting?” Hudson asks, following me.
“No one you know.”
“I know everyone. It wouldn’t be Emilio Lopez, by any chance?”
My steps stop and I spin around with my hands on my hips. “Hudson, whatever it is you’re here to say, you can save both of us the time. I don’t care what you think about Emilio. I like him. He likes me. End of story. Everyone else can deal with it.”
A realization hits me. I don’t care anymore. I’ve never been ashamed of Emilio. I should be able to show him off. He’s damn good arm candy. And I want everyone to know that when we walk into a room together, wearetogether.
Hudson’s lips tip up. “He’s a fucking idiot and he’s not good enough for you, Frankie. You’re stepping way below your worth.”
“He’s been our family friend forever, Hudson. What exactly makes himnot good enoughfor me?”
“He’s in the fucking cartel, for one.”
I blink and shake my head. “Remind me where is it you guys get your coke from? That’s right! The cartel Emilio is a part of. Don’t be a hypocrite.”
“What if he wants you to move to Mexico with him?”
“Then I will have that discussion with him, and Emilio and I will make that decision forus.”
“No.”
“You can’t say no.”
“I can. I just did. I’m not letting you leave this city. You can’t leave me here alone, Frankie.”
“You’re not alone. You have Alfie,” I point out.
“Pfft, he’s a bore and you know it. Come on, I need a drink.”
I let my brother lead me over to his waiting car. Jumping in the back seat, I pull out my phone and message Emilio.
Me:
I’m not coming home yet. Hudson showed up at school. Going for a drink with him.
Emilio:
Let me know if you need the calvary.
Me:
I’ll be fine. He’s just sulking because he thinks I’m going to leave him alone in this city with Alfie.
Emilio:
Where are you going?
Me:
According to Hudson, I’m going to run off to Mexico with you.
