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“So, were you ever planning on telling me about this date you went on? Why am I the last to know?” she huffs.
I grin. “We have been on more than one date, actually.”
“How dare you,” she laughs.
“I think I might like him.” I fall a little silent as my thoughts turn inward, and a pang of guilt spikes through my heart. I have been spending more time with Antonio; the more time I can spend with him, the more I can find out about this and his family - but in that time, I kind of have to admit that I have grown fond of him.
“Earth to Sera,” Maddy shouts.
“Sorry, what?”
“Jeez, where were you drifting off to now? Dreaming of this new boy?”
“More of a man, actually.”
“You said you like him? But I have never heard you say that about anyone before. Why has he suddenly got your attention?”
“He is mature. I guess. I don’t know. He has this way about him that makes me feel really special.”
“Girl, you don’t need a man to make you feel special, but - I'mkind of happy to hear you talking like this. It is about time you focused on normal things, like guys, dating, maybe falling in love?” she laughs.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“What happens when you go to New York? Won’t you miss him?”
“Mm. He is coming with me for a bit.”
“You are going to New York with some guy I haven’t even met? Who are you, and where is my best friend?” she shouts, and the horses spook a bit. She leans down and pats the mare on her neck. “Sorry, baby, I didn’t mean to be so loud. It just seems that someone has been keeping a lot of secrets from me.” She turns her eyes on me, throwing me a look that could kill.
“I’m sorry.” I laugh. “It all happened quickly.”
“What else happened? Didthathappen?” she looks shocked.
I shake my head. “No. Not that. No.”
“Mm. Ok. I would definitely expect you to tell me ifthathappened.”
I grin, thinking how I'd probably be too shy to share if something like that ever happened. Honestly, I'm not even sure how I'd react if he made a move. Sure, he's shown interest, but he's been nothing but respectful, never pressuring me. Yet, the thought of spending so much time with him in New York makes me nervous. But I'll handle it—got enough on my plate as it is.
The ride continues quietly, the morning peaceful, and I mull over how Antonio treats me. I confessed to Maddy that I like him, and it's true. The more time I spend with him, the more my feelings grow. It's easy with him; smiles and conversation flow naturally, no need to pretend. Sometimes, I catch myself getting lost in his gaze, curious about his kisses. But I can't let that distract me. I'm on a mission—a mission to avenge my parents. No guy, no matter how appealing, can divert me from that path.
“You are crazy, though. You are making this big move, and you don’t even know what New York is like. What if you hate it?”
“That is not the point.”
“It is, though. You don’t even have a friend there. What about me?”
“You can come and visit me. I can visit you. You are overthinking this whole thing. It’s not like we won’t be friends anymore just because I'min New York. “
Maddy rolls her eyes. “Do you have any idea how impossible you are? I can’t even get you to go out with me here. It’s like drawing water from a stone. How will I get you to stay in touch when you are on the other side of the world?”
“I promise I will.”
“Fine.” I could see the sadness in her eyes. I know it is not only about going to New York; she is sad about why I'mgoing to New York. It makes me sad, but I have to do this.
After our morning horse ride, we have a packed picnic on the front lawn of the ranch, overlooking the stables. It is such a beautiful place, and I'mexcited about Maddy. She is going to be fine. When she works here next month, she won’t even be thinking about me. I push aside my guilt about being a rotten friend. Maybe one day when this is all over.
I have never thought about what happens afterward.
