I stared at her in disbelief, caught between wanting to throttle her for meddlingagainand pumping her for more information about Nesto.
“Why are you talking to Nesto’s mother about me?”
The flummoxed look on her face was priceless. “I stopped at the truck for a burrito last week.”
I almost laughed at her regretful grimace. “Traitor.”
“I’m sorry! I walked by and they had the Lavoe that day. You know I can’t resist guandules and pernil. Anyway, Nurys was there and asked about you and we’ve been in touch since. We’re worried about you both. Nesto isn’t doing well at all, and you’ve been working eighteen-hour days for the last week.”
She slumped, giving me a pleading look. “Hon, please consider trying to work things out with him. He was good for you. You were happier than I’ve ever seen you.”
“Iwashappy, Carmen. I’m just tired of asking for so little and still being let down.” I scrubbed my hands over my eyes. “It hurts too much.”
Carmen put her hand under my chin and lifted my head. “Can I give you a hug?”
I huffed out a laugh and stood up with my arms wide open, she immediately wrapped me up in one of her amazing hugs, and for the first time in days I let myself let go.
“You’ll work this out. Nesto is a great guy and he loves you.” I didn’t argue with her and just let the comfort of her presence soothe my frazzled nerves.
“Well isn’t this nice? Such camaraderie amongst our staff. Very touching.”
Carmen stiffened at the sound of Misty’s voice and spoke in the coldest tone I’d ever heard from her.
“We’re busy right now, Misty.”
“You don’t look busy. I’m surprised you’re still here, Jude. I thought you’d be over at Harold Sheridan’s place setting up for the party your man friend is catering for him. I heard they’re making a big announcement. A real American success story. Very heartwarming.”
Her tone was foul and she was practically spitting the words out.
I gave her the iciest look I could manage. “I’m not planning to be there, and Nesto isn’t just catering. They’re hosting a party to announce they’re opening a restaurant together. Mr. Sheridan is very excited about the project. Not surprising, since Nesto can barely keep up with the demand.”
She walked up to my desk with a shark smile on her face. “Oh, I heard. He’s even had to hire more help. I’ve seen them there when I pass by; lots of foreigners.” She twisted her mouth to the side like she was thinking of something distasteful. “Some of them barely speak English. I hope they’ve all got their papers in order. I’ve been hearing the police are going around checking for illegals. Scary times.” With that, she pushed off my desk and made her way toward the door.
I walked over to the door before she could get to it and stood in front of her. “I don’t know what you’re scheming, Misty, but if you try anything to mess with Nesto, I’ll talk to Martha.”
She just lifted a shoulder totally unnerved, “What’s Martha going to do? You think because you managed to convince Tom White to give you the money for your little project, you’re home free? I still have control over your funds for the launch. I can make it so you won’t even be able to afford a few dozen water bottles. “
That was a low blow, because she knew if there was something that would make me hesitate, it was losing the launch. Then I thought of how hard Nesto had worked for this moment and knew what I needed to do. Not being able to have the launch I’d planned would hurt, but I’d still have my project. Misty could do a lot of damage to Nesto’s business if she pulled one of her stunts tonight.
“I don’t care about your threats, Misty. I’m not going to let you ruin this for Nesto. You want to take the money, take it. I’ll just have to go without.”
Her laugh was pure vitriol. “You’re not important enough to threaten, Jude. Hope your selfless act comes with a cash allowance, and if you paid any deposits for next week, I suggest you figure out how to cancel them.” She tapped a finger on her cheek and widened her eyes. “I just realized I have an urgent need and will have to put that slush fund you were counting on toward something else.”
She held her arm up to me and shoved her watch in my face. “Look at the time. I’ve got to get moving, or I’ll be late to Harold’s. Don’t want to miss the biggest party of the summer.” The look on her face as she walked off was way too smug for my comfort.
When I turned around Carmen’s face settled it. “She’s going to call in a tip saying Nesto has undocumented staff working in the truck.”
Carmen looked worried but tried to keep things in perspective. “They’re not allowed to just show up at a private residence like that, Jude. Unless she lies or uses her contact at the state troopers. But she wasn’t kidding about the launch money, Jude. She’ll figure out a way to fuck with you over this.”
I knew Carmen was right, but I’d deal with that later. “I have to do something. I wouldn’t put it past her to try and abuse a relationship to mess with Nesto. I should’ve known she hadn’t given up on making trouble for him. She was just biding her time to do something that could really embarrass him, and if she wants to take the money, so be it. We’ll figure it out.”
Carmen was as serious as I’d ever seen her. “You know I got your back, babe.”
“I know, thank you.” I thought for a moment about what to do and then had an idea. “I’m calling Easton. I’m sure he’ll be there tonight, and hopefully he can keep an eye out.”
Carmen shook her head in disbelief. “So you’re not willing to talk to Nesto, but you’re putting a call into the DA’s office for him.”
“I’m certainly not going to let Misty ruin his night if I can help it.”
