AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’d think the fact that he and several others are locked up after messing with you would send a message to the rest of them.”
“That would be giving them far too much credit.”
“Miguel said he’d make sure patrol cars are in the area. We’re doing everything we can, so try not to worry.” A chime sounds, indicating a door opening in another part of the house. “That’ll be Gladys.”
She’s a former neighbor from when Sofia was a kid. She said Gladys was always kind to her. They kept in touch over the years, and when Sofia decided to leave Joaquín, Gladys helped her get an apartment in her building. Sofia says Gladys has been a godsend to her by helping with Mateo while she’s at work. Gladys treats him like a grandchild, which is the sweetest thing.
“Thanks again for having all this at your house.”
“Mi casa es su casa.” I’ll keep saying that until she believes me.
“Muchas gracias.”
She goes to meet Gladys while I stand rooted in place, fearing the trouble she’s worried about and wondering how I’ll concentrate on anything else while we’re apart.
In the kitchen, I’m surprised to see Milo dressed in his Big G Car Service shirt. “What’re you doing home already?”
“I was done at work, so I thought I’d cover your rides tonight. I figured you’d want to keep an eye on things at the restaurant.
His kindness and thoughtfulness overwhelm me. “I… I can’t afford to pay you very much.”
“I don’t care about the money. I care about Sofia being safe. Make sure she is, okay?”
I hug him tighter than I have in years. “I don’t know what I ever did to deserve a little brother and best friend as great as you, but whatever it is, I’m goddamned thankful for it and you.”
“You’d do the same for me.”
I pull back from him but keep my hands on his shoulders. “I’m not sure I would. I probably wouldn’t think of it.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’d do anything for me, the same way I’d do anything for you.”
“I wish I was more like you.”
“You’re just fine the way you are.”
Sofia comes into the kitchen with an older woman. “Nico and Milo, I wanted to introduce you to Gladys.”
She greets us in Spanish, so we reply in kind. I thank her for coming to care for Mateo. She compliments my home and says she’s thrilled to see her little friend. He’s clearly just as happy as he hovers next to Gladys, waiting for her to play with him.
“I made pasta and chicken for your dinner,” Sofia tells her. “It’s in the fridge, and there’s ice cream for dessert.”
I told her to use anything she needed in the house, but she insisted on having groceries delivered earlier.
While she talks to Gladys, I hang on her every word, enjoying seeing her in mom mode. She has a moment with Mateo before he scampers off to play, and then I lead her to the garage. “Guess what?”
“What?”
“Milo is taking my rides so I can hang with you at the restaurant tonight.”
I help her up into the cab of my truck. “Did you ask him to do that?”
“Nope, he volunteered.”
“Wow. That's so sweet of him.”
“He’s the best person I know.”
“You’re pretty great yourself.” She hooks a hand around my neck. “Interrupting your own life to keep me safe.”
