Frowning, I hurry over to the sliding door. Sure enough, when I reach the entrance, I recognize the silver BMW in the first parking space.
Carol’s eyes grow huge. “Is that your boyfriend?”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I clarify through clenched teeth.
She squees, enjoying this way too much. All I need is for her to turn around and high-five me. “Uh-huh. But it is him, right? The guy from this afternoon.” She grins as I set the alarm and exhale in annoyance.
We walk out the door while the alarm beeps. I pull the gate across the front windows while Dad’s image mocks me from the thick glass.
“He has a nice car.” Carol’s swoony tone hits my nerves like scraping metal on metal.
But I can’t deny she’s right. He does have a nice car, and a damn roomy back seat in his truck. But I’m not going to bring up either one. I stick the key in the keyhole and the lock clicks into place. Glancing at the drawing again, I clench my jaw. It’s long past time I change the sign. Maybe I’ll try using a cute puppy, or something else with no stake in what happens in my life.
“I guess you don’t need a ride after all, huh,” she says in a singsong voice.
Part of me wants to say the hell with it and head to her car. It’s not like Dante doesn’t know better. I made it clear if he showed up, I wouldn’t go home with him. But dealing with Carol will be another matter. I’m saved from saying anything by the car door opening.
My steps slow and so do Carol’s. It isn’t Dante coming around from the driver’s side. The guy’s tall, with dark hair and a similar build, but definitely not Dante. He moves around to stand beside the passenger door, his black shirt and jeans standing out against the silver car.
“Miss Iris,” he says, directing his full attention at me. “My name is Tino. Dante asked me to see you safely home since he couldn’t be here tonight.”
That sneaky rat.
“I can still take you home,” Carol whispers, grabbing my forearm in concern.
Tino remains impassive. His stance widens, and he crosses his hands right below his belt, the same way security people on TV shows do. Is that who he is? Dante’s bodyguard? “If you prefer, I can follow you, if you planned to drive Iris home tonight.”
“What the hell?” Carol exclaims, coming out of her shell in a cloak of defiance. “Why would you want to follow us?”
“Your South Side is showing,” I say, under my breath.
“I. Don’t. Care.” She glares down at me. “You don’t even know who this is.”
“It really doesn’t matter how Iris gets home, miss,” he explains with a calm you don’t normally see in people. “I just need to ensure she gets there safe.”
Okay, so this is something I never thought I’d ever experience. “And if I’d been walking and refused to go with you?” I ask, more out of curiosity than anything else.
“I would drive alongside you.” He tilts his head slightly. “Any other time I’d walk with you then come back, but I’m not sure about leaving the car here unattended at night.”
Okay, so he has a sharp eye. I heave a sigh, knowing I can’t involve Carol in anything that might become a problem. “I’ll go with him, Carol.”
She looks over at me, exasperated, then gives him one last glance before she juts out a hip. “Are you sure?” She studies my face, worry lines forming around her eyes.
“I’ll be okay.” My voice holds more assurance than I feel.
I pull my book bag over my shoulder as I walk to the car. It shouldn’t surprise me Dante would find a loophole to exploit in order to get his way.
“I’m going to follow you,” Carol announces, clutching her keys and waving them for all she’s worth. “And I’m not afraid to call the police if I need to.”
“Fine by me. In fact,” he says eying her car, “why don’t you lead so we don’t get lost?” Clearly, he’s playing to her spirit. Because if Carol has anything in spades, it’s tenacity.
“I will.” Carol sends him a hard glare before she approaches her little Ford. The alarm chirps, and she tosses her backpack onto the seat, following it in.
Tino opens the back door and steps aside in one fluid motion, just as I arrive.
I search the interior, making sure Dante isn’t sitting there, a smug grin on his handsome face. But true to his word, he didn’t show up, so I settle into the leather seat.
The door closes, and I sit here alone, at least for the few seconds it takes Tino to get around the car and into the driver’s seat. How can this feel so familiar? I was only in here a few minutes, days ago. The whole situation is weird, but I’m not sure how, exactly. Is it having a driver— more likely a bodyguard—picking me up? Is having gone from nobody caring if I’m alive to having three people concerned over my safety at the same time? I don’t know, but, as I inhale the familiar scent in the car, I feel special for the first time in way too long, and I like it.
*****
IRIS
In the next few minutes, I need to make sure of two things. We stay behind Carol, or she’ll whip her little Ford around in a heartbeat. And we stop a block or so before the house. I don’t need anyone seeing me get out of this car again and getting the wrong idea.
Tino backs out of the parking space. As I remember, the drive is so smooth you’d think we’re riding on air. It’s unlike any vehicle I’ve ever ridden in. I adjust, studying Tino’s profile through the gap between the leather seats. “So how did you end up roped into this?” I ask, folding the strap on my book bag over my hand.
“No roping,” he says, pulling into traffic behind Carol’s Ford Focus. “Dante asked me to make sure you made it home safe.”
“You don’t find this odd?” I ask, though I’m not sure what I’m hoping for in an answer. If he’s a bodyguard, like I think he is, then this is just another day.
“What in particular?” He glances back through the rearview mirror. “Escorting someone home to make sure she’s safe or having Dante request it?”
His manner of putting it all together leaves me wondering if I really want to know the answer. “Both?” Lightning cut through me as soon as the word left my mouth. I’m not ready to hear Dante has a habit of doing this for every woman he’s run around with.
“I’ve been known to escort a lady home before.”
Silence stretches out for another block then another. We’re getting closer to home, and part of me wants to know more. Have they done this before? When did my life turn into such a soap opera? “And the other?” I ask with a churning stomach.
“Dante being involved, and especially asking me to escort anyone, is definitely odd.” The whirlpool in my stomach slows down. “In fact, I would have come just to satisfy my curiosity about you.”
My eyes widen in surprise. I sit forward, stretching as far as the seat belt will go. “About me?” I clutch my bag, just to do something with my hands. “Why? What exactly did he say?”
It’s another heart-pounding few seconds before Tino chooses to answer. “Only that I was to see you home safely, and you’d be attending the party on Saturday.”
I’m torn about the whole thing, about his high-handedness and the assumption I’ll give in to whatever he wants.
“Is there a problem?” He tilts his head in question.
I couldn’t help but fidget, pulling the strap around my fingers and twisting until it’s as tight as my insides. “Actually, I told him I can’t go, and I said not to come tonight.”
A smile plays along his lips. “Dante does have a way of getting what he wants.” That’s not the affirmation I hoped to hear. “Yet, in a way, he still conceded.” And that’s no better.
“By not showing up himself?” I scoff.
“It may not seem much to you, but knowing Dante like I do, I can tell you the situation is unusual. Again, the reason for my curiosity.”
Carol’s brake lights flood the interior, and I have to peer outside before I realize we’re home. Not a block away but alongside the darkened house
, where I go in the gate. Damn. So much for not having the neighbors peeking between their curtains.
Tino hits the release button on his seat belt. He’s about to come around to let me out. Wow. Sweet, but totally uncalled for. “I’m good.” I reach for the handle. “No need to get out of the car.” It’s bad enough I zoned out and didn’t notice we pulled up to the house. I didn’t need someone helping me out of the car. “Thank you for the ride.” I stretch out a leg, sliding across the seat.
“I’ll be by at the same time tomorrow.”
Is there anything I can say to change his mind? Doubtful. “Carol brings me home Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“Tomorrow is Wednesday,” he points out.
Are all men this difficult? I close the door, careful not to slam it as I hurry over to Carol’s car.
“You okay?” Carol twists around in her seat, trying to make sure I’m in one piece.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I glance back and wave, but Tino isn’t moving.
She puts a hand under her chin and grins. “He’s waiting for you to go inside.”
Is he? I glance over my shoulder at the high-end car. If it was Dante, would things have ended at curbside? “I guess I’d better go.” I pull away and duck back. “Thanks for playing chaperone.”
She laughs, sitting forward to buckle her seat belt. “You know, it’s kinda sweet. Him looking after you and all.”
“Yeah.” I can’t completely disagree. “But it’s still weird, at least for me.”
Carol stares at the steering wheel for a bit. “I don’t know what to say about that.”
Glad I’m not the only one.
Flipping the numbers on the combination lock, I remove the lock then push the gate open on the chain-link fence. I turn to secure it again. Neither car has moved, so I wave again, hoping this tells them I’m fine, and they can go now. Carol pulls a U-turn, ready to take off. Tino moves forward, only he stops. He’s one of those people who’ll wait until I’m inside to make sure I’m safe.
With an inward sigh, I unlock the door and make my way into the house. I’ve lived here my entire life, learned to walk along these walls, holding on to steady myself, so I don’t lose a step as I move through the darkness. In my room, I hit the switch on the base of the battery-powered lantern Dad got for the boat. It’s become second nature since I started using it two months ago, after the power was shut off. I still have water, but that may only last another month or two. I’ll have to check the mail for the disconnect notice so I can fill the tub and anything else I can find. I want to put off dragging home heavy gallons as long as possible.
The brake lights on Tino’s car dim as he moves past, while Carol takes off in the opposite direction.
Alone, finally. Now I’ll have to figure out what I’m going to do about this invitation.
CHAPTER TEN
IRIS
With Carol off yesterday, one of our slower days, I’ve been alone with my thoughts. In fact, I’ve been so distracted I haven’t pulled out my marketing book. Most of my day’s been taken up with thoughts of Dante and his kisses. Him stretching over me in the back of the truck. Even now, two days later, I half expect him to show up again, despite having told him not to. Every time the door slides open, I can’t help but look over, my heart beating in my throat. But none of the arrivals are him, and I’m starting to feel the sting of disappointment.
“Hey, you awake over there?” Carol snaps her fingers, pulling me from my daydream.
“Yeah, of course.” I manage not to blush. At least not where she can see. Luckily, my back’s to her. I’m at a display at the end of the aisle, stocking lime chips, one of our more popular items.
“I’m gonna grab a quick break to eat before I take off,” she says, locking her till. “Looks like this might be one of those days where we get going late.”
Thursdays are usually busy. You just never know if customers will start rolling in at lunch or after school lets out. But by the end of the day, both registers will have a line. Conny’s due any minute, though I’m not holding my breath. Sometimes his day off lingers and he doesn’t show up until Thursday night, if at all. Either way, he isn’t exactly missed, so I don’t say anything.
“All right, girl,” I say. “Have a good one.”
She pulls off her smock, folding it before tucking it in the drawer under the register. “Want me to bring you back something?” She puts up the Register Closed sign.
Even though I haven’t said yes since I had the money to pay for my meal, she still asks. I’m grateful, but still, I give my usual reply, “No thanks, Carol.” I’ll be dining on the last hot dog in the package and week-old bread.
The door opens and I glance over, out of habit, then go back to the box I’ve nearly emptied. “Can you tell me where to find Iris Gloria?” the guy asks.
Carol stops, mid-step, and I’m halfway to putting some chips on the rack. “That’s me,” I say, eying the cap and light-blue T-shirt. Who could be looking for me?
“Delivery from Bomberos.” He pulls up a thermal bag, setting it at the end of the packing area of Carol’s register.
“Oh.” I move over as the sound of thick Velcro being pulled apart echoes in my ears. He brings out a plastic bag with Bunny’s café logo and places it in front of me. A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. I can only think of one person who would do this.
“And a note.” He holds out a Post-it. “He sent the message for me to deliver, but all I have to write on is a Post-it pad. I hope you can understand my writing.”
I brush my hands against my smock before I reach out for the yellow square, my pulse skipping a beat. Thinking of you. Would have sent flowers but figured you’d prefer this. Enjoy. D. The smile stretches my lips as warmth spreads across my chest. “Thank you.” I hear the cheesiness in my own voice. I can only imagine how I sound to them.
“Thank you,” the delivery guy replies with a grin. “Your guy’s a hell of a tipper.” He picks up his bag and leaves while I bring the note to my chest.
“What does it say?” Carol asks, bouncing on her tiptoes. She might be more excited than I am.
Even though it wasn’t Dante who put the words on the little note, I want to hide it away. It should be private. Knowing Carol, she’ll never let this go, so I hand over the Post-it, reluctantly.
“Thinking. Of. You.” She separates out each word, squeeing as I work the tie on the delivery bag. The scent of meaty goodness, along with something else, escapes as I pull open the bag. I take out the first plate, carefully pulling the tab loose. It’s my favorite, ham and egg tacos a la Mexicana. He remembered. Again, I’m hit with a bout of cheesiness. “Would have sent flowers,” Carol continues. “Wow, girl, he’s soooo sweet.” She grabs my shoulder as she goes back to the note. “But figured you’d prefer this.” The second plate is enchiladas, like those I picked up for Carol last time.
“I think this is for you.” I hand her the plate, stopping her before she goes on.
“Whaaat?” Carol’s eyes widen. “He sent something for me, too?” She takes the plate, her expression turning dreamy. “Awww. You gotta hang onto this guy, Iris.”
I laugh to myself. How can I hold onto him when I don’t even know where to find him?
It’s a full second before I notice Olga walking around us, heading toward the back. She shows up every now and then, with no clear reason and for no particular amount of time. Of course she would choose today, at this precise moment, to make an appearance. How did we not hear the front door slide open? Maybe because we’re both acting like teenage girls passing notes in the classroom.
There’s no way she missed the whole episode. While she didn’t acknowledge us, other than checking out the plates, she glares at me before turning her nose up as she keeps going.
“Ugh,” Carol whispers. “I didn’t see the wicked witch.”
“Neither did I.” And this will likely make hell that much hotter for me.
*****
IRIS
It to
ok a few hours, more than she’s ever spent in the store, but she finally corners me when I go to clean up.
“Conrado said you were gone when he got here on Tuesday. Where were you?” she demands, her knuckles landing on her hip.
It’s been months since I left for lunch—or had a real lunch. Usually I grab a bag of chips, or I’ve taken to where I’ll open a pack of hot dogs and a loaf of regular bread I can keep in the back, so I have something to eat the entire week without raising suspicion. “I went out to lunch.”
Narrowing her eyes, she moves into my personal space. “With who?” she shoots out. Now that’s a question I hoped to avoid.
“A friend.” I don’t offer more because I don’t really want Conny knowing he came by, much less what happened after.
She snorts. “Is that friend a man? The same one who sent you food today?”
“I don’t know how that’s any of your business,” I snap, plopping the mop into the sink.
She pushes at my shoulder, turning me around to face her. In this light, the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth are more pronounced. When Dad went missing she fell apart, which made me doubt what I always believed about her. Though now that time’s passed, things have changed. Gone is the woman who was crying and scared, gone is the woman is who sat staring at the ransom money we’d gathered, angry at the world. She’s given up on him, and she’s dropped the pretense of caring about me. “Don’t think you can suddenly start acting like some little ho,” she snaps. “You’ve been rolling around with a man. Don’t deny it.”
My nostrils flare, and my body goes rigid. How dare she say such a thing? Clearly it hasn’t been important when her son is pinning me down on the desk. Conny’s threat looms over me, so I bite my tongue to keep from mouthing off. I swish the mop in and out of the sink while inside I’m shaking with suppressed anger. “Even if I am, it’s none of your concern, Olga.”
“Don’t lie to me, pendeja.”
“Hey!” Conny shouts, as he comes through the door. “What’s with all the noise?” His chest thrusts out, in that tough-guy stance he’s gotten to using lately. Though there isn’t enough of him to even stretch out the wife beater.
Stealing Iris: A Dark Mafia Romance (Blood Ties Book 1) Page 8
