Fine.
Lo mustered up her friendliest voice.“So how did you sleep, Dom?”
“Eh.As good as I could, given everything.”He shivered.“I’m just glad we all made it through the night.”
“Me too,” Mayté said, and it sounded like she meant it.
The elevator doors soon opened, and they stepped inside.“Do either of you remember which floor the dining room is on?”Dominic scratched the back of his head.
“Twelfth.”Mayté pressed the button.“Just under the gambling den.”
Directly under the bloodbath.
Someone slipped through the doors just as they began to close.The man was rather muscular and imposing.He wouldn’t have made it through if the opening had been any smaller.
“Good morning,” Dominic said.
The man gruffed something unintelligible.
Mayté stiffened before looking down, as if her blue satin shoes were the most important thing on this elevator.As if her life depended on them.From her peripheral vision, Lo studied the stranger.His eyes squinted into narrowed slits as if any bit of light pained him.The deep bags under his eyes were from many restless nights.Unkempt hair curled around his ears, and his chin scruff was in the awkward phase between shadow and beard.What looked like a knife scar marred the side of his beige face.His navy dress shirt and black waistcoat should have made him look like a noble, but the way his shirt was half tucked in and not even properly buttoned gave him away.Who was he?
“I wonder what’s for breakfast,” Dominic babbled, oblivious, as the elevator made its ascent.“I wasn’t feeling well during dinner, so I didn’t get to eat that much.Even though I’m nervous, I’m actually starving, so I hope it’s something good.It seems like they have competent cooks here.Maybe even better than the ones back home.I think—”
“Enough!”The man slammed the side of his fist against the wall.
Mayté jumped and let out the tiniest of yelps.
Who is this man?Lo clenched her fists.
Dominic stared up at the man, who was twice his size both in height and broadness.“I’m sorry?”he asked rather boldly instead of cowering away.
“Ay,” the man growled.“I don’t wanna hear you running your mouth again, you hear?”
“Well, yes, my ears work.”
Whoa.Lo glanced at Dominic from the corner of her eye.Bold.Impressive.As much as she didn’t want to admit it.
This further agitated the man.“Next time I’ll shut you up myself.”He stormed off as soon as the doors opened.
Mayté let out a soft sigh.Her shoulders lowered from their perch just below her ears, but her eyebrows still furrowed with apprehension.
More than anything, Lo wanted to ask what was going on.Mayté clearly knew the man, but not well enough for him to instantly recognize her.If Dominic hadn’t been around, she would have asked, but that would have to wait.For now, all she could do was follow them into the dining room.
The sweet smell of pancakes and pastries danced through the air, along with the spicy tang of fresh salsas and pico de gallo.Servers bustled about offering different options.Fresh fruits like mangoes, plantains, huayas, and zapotes, along with a variety of egg dishes.Chorizo con huevos, huevos veracruzanos, and entomatadas rellenas de huevo.Lo’s stomach buzzed with hunger.
No one was sobbing or vomiting at this meal, thankfully, though the place didn’t have the atmosphere of a joyous feast either.All that could be heard were forks and knives scraping against plates as the players ate.Some were more ravenous than others, clearly starved after not eating much at dinner.Everyone kept their heads down.
Except Carlos.
He rose from his seat, eyes locked on Mayté.Lo’s heart skipped a beat.He wore a brown suit and a matching cravat.It once again made her nostalgic for the old days.In another life, she would have chosen to wed him.
“Mierda,” Mayté whispered as Carlos strode toward them.
“Maybe it’ll be good to talk to him,” Lo said, voice soft.“It could help you feel better.You want tofeelyour best for the next round, remember?”
Mayté shook her head.“I can’t deal with him.Not yet.”
“Come on.”Dominic took both girls by the arm and led them to the other side of the table.“There’s three seats over here.”Three seats with no extra spot for Carlos.The group quickly sat down.Carlos slowed to a stop and frowned before walking away.
