AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re welcome.” Second nature is about to overwhelm and have her wrapped up in my arms, against my chest, while I devour her plump pink lips. “The week’s dragging. We should tell them now. Today. I don’t know how much longer I can stay quiet.”
“No.” Her eyes touch the floor before returning to mine. “This is the first time Alex’s been home in a while, and my parents are really tense. I overheard my dad saying something about being laid off from his job. He’s freaking out.”
“Really? My dad hasn’t mentioned anything. What do you mean by freaking out?”
“Nothing big. Ma and he are fighting and Papi has been drinking after work. He’s had a beer or two here and there, but nothing like this. I’m worried about them, Jace.”
Her posture is rigid, and at that moment, it doesn’t matter that someone might see us. I lean in and wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her into my side, and press my lips to the side of her head. “If you need me, I’m here.”
Her body gravitates closer. “I love you,” she whispers.
“I love you, too.” Her lips spread wide, removing the worry lines on her gorgeous face.
The longest we stretch the dishes out is an hour when Jasmine and Alex return to the kitchen. Jasmine’s tired and ready to head home, but first, we chat in the kitchen for a while. The girls talk about the dance and meeting up with Andrew after practice tomorrow, while Alex and I catch up. The fact that I’ve been studying lately, and he’s been kicking it with Carlos more with each passing day, means we don’t spend as much time together anymore. I want to ask about the things they do, figuring it’s nothing good. But I don’t want to ask him in front of the girls. He wouldn’t tell me anything and he’d be pissed because I said something in front of them.
After heading home, Jasmine beelines to her bedroom, tossing a goodnight over her shoulder. As soon as the door is closed, the lock clicks into place. Smart girl. My eyelids are drooping from exhaustion, but sleep is elusive when Marisol is running through my mind. Plus, the heavy weight of our lie. Whatever’s going on at the house next door, Marisol isn’t going to be ready to spill our secret by this weekend, but I will not continue to hide. The opinion of my sister matters more than anyone’s and the longer we wait, the more she’ll feel betrayed. The last thing I want is for her to believe she has no one. No active parents to worry about her. A brother who lies and steals. And a best friend who deceived her trust. She’ll be devastated by betrayal if I wait any longer.
Delaying is no longer a viable option.
