“Her name is Isolde, she’s a client, and she’s shy,” I tell Rae. Other than Luis, she’s my closest cousin. I know she’ll have my back and take care of Isolde if I’m not around.
“We call her Blue,” Luis adds and then flinches when I raise my hand.
Rae interrupts. “Client?”
“Client,” I repeat.
“Uh huh.” She glances over my shoulder. All three aunties surround Isolde.
And then my dad appears.
Juan Paul Trevino’s shoulders are perpetually slumped over. He is not frail or disheartened. He simply spent years and years working to provide for his family, and his posture hassuffered for it.
A silent confidence has always run through my father like a cord, though. He walks forward, stooping, with his hands clasped behind his back. There is no telling how long people have been in his home. Even with me gone and the place empty, someone is always in or out. His sisters often prodding and poking him along.
He naturally gravitates to his sisters, peering over his glasses when he realizes there is a stranger in the middle.
“Who is this?” he asks, holding his hand out. “I’m Juan Paul.”
“Isolde.” She takes his hand. “I know your son.”
A tense beat goes by, simply because nobody bothers to pretend like they’re not watching this interaction. Isolde remains calm, despite her cheeks flushing slightly.
“I work with him,” she explains.
“Bodyguard, huh?”
I step forward. “Client. Happy birthday, Dad.” I give him a hug.
“Client?” Aunt Marie asks. “We’re bringing clients to the house now?”
“Do we know if someone is trying to kill her?” Aunt Susanah whispers.
“She is more than welcome in my home,” Dad replies. “Especially if she brings my son with her.”
The aunties cluck, agreeing, while Dad shoots me a glance. He’s sincere about inviting Isolde, but his words are also a reprimand.
The door swings open, Antonio’s tall frame entering. “Look who I brought!” Elias follows him in, the kid a part of the family.
“Hey, Blue.” Antonio claps her shoulder like she’s a friend and not a client.
“That’s why I came,” Isolde explains. Everyone on my payroll is currently here.
Dad chuckles. “I apologize. They’re making a big deal out of this.”
“Happy birthday,” she offers.
“Blue!” Luis calls out. “I’m going to make you a drink.”
“No!” every single person responds.
“He makes terrible drinks.” Rae rolls her eyes, motioning for Isolde to join her.
She glances at me as she passes, a tiny smile on her face.
“Don’t worry,” Rae mouths behind Isolde’s back. “I’ve got her.”
Like that means anything. I might trust Rae to keep Isolde away from the savages, but that doesn’t mean my cousin won’t be nosy herself.
