“Are you gonna marry her?” Brandy asked. “I can barely believe you have a girlfriend, but a wife? No way.”
“I’m not saying anything. You both need to keep your mouths shut.” Muerto watched Raven as she talked and walked the floor. Her back was to him, but he could see her arm flying around.I hope everything’s okay with her dad.
When she came back in, her eyes were twinkling and her face was beaming. She rushed over to Muerto and squealed while clapping her hands. “They sold one of my paintings, and he wants a few more.” She jiggled in place.
He hugged her. “I’m so proud of you. Fuckin’ good job. Which one sold?”
“Devoradora.” He threw his head back laughing, and she joined him. Soon they were in hysterics while Crow and Brandy looked on.
“Seems like craziness is catchy around here,” Crow said, and the two lovers laughed harder.
“I think you’re right,” Brandy agreed.
“It’s a private joke,” Raven sputtered. “I’m just so stoked that I sold a painting at the gallery. This opens all sorts of doors for me.”
“Congratulations. I never knew a real artist. That’s so cool.” Brandy walked over to the bar and poured herself a cup of coffee.
“We’re going out to celebrate,” Muerto whispered in her ear. “You pick the place.”
“Alfonso’s. That’s where I first met the man behind the attitude, and I liked him a lot.”
He wanted to make love to her at that moment, but instead, he held her tight. “Seven work for you?”
“It’s perfect. Love you.”
“Me too.”
***
When they camehome that night, Raven went over to Walter’s and knocked on the door. He flung it open and stared at her. Muerto came up behind her.
“Hi, Muerto,” he said, his gaze darting from Muerto’s to Raven’s.
“Hey.” Muerto jerked his chin up.
Raven cleared her throat. “I want to thank you for helping me out a few days ago. If you hadn’t come in when you did, I wouldn’t be talking to you.” Her voice hitched and Muerto put his arm around her. “I just really appreciate what you did for me. You’re a good guy.”
Walter fidgeted in place and kept looking behind him at his TV. “My program is on.”
Muerto held his hand up. “Don’t want to keep you from it. Just thanks.” He held Raven close to him as they walked away.
“Uh… you’re welcome.”
They turned around and saw Walter looking at them, his hands shoved into his pockets. Raven smiled at him, and he licked his lips then stepped away from the door. Muerto tugged her along and they went to the front of the duplex.
When they got inside, Teddy barked and jumped in excitement and Sooty slinked over to Raven, her eyes fixed on Muerto. “I think she’s getting used to you,” Raven said as she took off her jacket.
“That’s good because she’s going to see a ton of me.”
After Raven changed the water bowls for Sooty and Teddy, gave them treats, and played with them for a bit, she sat down next to Muerto. “I’m so tired.”
“The doc said you gotta take it easy. You had a concussion and lost a lot of blood. It was just a few days ago.”
“It seems like a lifetime ago. Strange. Let’s go in the bedroom. I’m beat.”
As she took off her clothes, Muerto sat on the bed. “We need to move. This place is too small and has bad memories for you.”
“Are you asking me to live with you?” She tied the sash around her short robe.
