Page 79 of No Merciful Corruption

“Yes, hi—I—” I trip over myself as I get to my feet. “What…when⁠—”

“They called me when everything happened. Thought I’d lend a helping hand.” She wraps her arms around herself. “How’s Kay?”

“She’s fine. Sleeping.”

She chews on the inside of her cheek and looks in my direction but never quite at me. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m…I’m all right. I guess.”

“We heard you were in the hospital. Glad you’re not dead or whatever.”

I frown. “That was months ago, Lettie.”

“Jesus Christ Dahlia I’m trying to say I’m sorry!” the words practically burst out of her. “I’m not really good at it. Sorry my brother sucks. Sorry you almost died and I didn’t come see you. Forgive me please.”

I cross the distance between us until we’re standing face-to-face.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let what was going on between your brother and me affect our friendship.”

Lettie drops her arms and her gaze drops to her hands. Several rings run up and down her long fingers and she fiddles with each of them. “Truth is, I was afraid of losing you. I wanted so badly for you to come back that I defended Alejandro when I knew he was wrong. I expected you to want a relationship with your ex’s little sister when your priority should’ve been healing and moving on.”

Her voice tightens. “I don’t know how else to describe it but when you left, it felt like our family died a second time. When you were with us, everything was so warm. It was like the color had finally returned to our lives. And when you left, all I could think of was how life felt the summer after our dad died.”

“Lettie…” my throat burns but I manage to keep the tears at bay.

“We keep a tight knit circle. You know how hard it is—it’s really, really hard for me to let people in. I resented Alejandro for bringing you into our lives and I resented you for leaving.” She blinks away at the wetness gathering along her lashes and shrugs. “It’s why I didn’t visit you in the hospital. I was angry you had left and embarrassed by all the things I’d done in an attempt to get you to come back. I didn’t know what to say and⁠—”

I reach out and take her hand in mine.

“You know I love you right?”

Lettie sighs and tilts her head back in time for a tear to trickle down her temple instead of her cheek. “Emotions make me uncomfortable.”

The back door opens again and we turn to see who it is. Diego stands awkwardly with his hands in his pockets.

“Alex sent me.” He rocks back and forth on his heels. “I’m supposed to make sure you don’t kill each other.”

“No one’s killing anyone.” I say and drape an arm over her shoulders. “We were talking about feelings.”

Lettie rolls her eyes.

“But it’s all okay now. We’re good.”

Diego’s brows shoot up to his forehead. “Good?” his eyes dart between the two of us. “Like good, good?”

“Mhm. We were just saying how much we love each other. Right, you little grump?” I take her face in my hand and kiss her cheek. Lettie squirms in my grip. “I love you, Lettie.”

“Yes, well…this has been a very illuminating evening.”

I laugh. “Say it back, asshole.”

She makes a disgusted face. “Say what?”

“Tell me you love me too.”

“What? No!”

“Lettie,” I punch her arm. “Go. Say it.”