AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Is that why he started his," I look around to make sure no one is close enough to hear my words, "illegal ventures?"
Letty bursts with laughter, wiping her eyes and holding her stomach while my cheeks burn with embarrassment.
"Aw, don't be embarrassed, you're freakin' cute. Yes, that's when Leo decided to take things into his own hands. It's like this; why follow the rules of the land and still suffer when you can make your own rules and thrive? At first my mother fought him on it. She didn't want him to go down a path that could potentially lead him to a grave or prison. But we're Alonso's. Once we've made up our minds, there's no changing it."
I bite my lip, thinking about that. She's right, what Leo Alonso wants, he gets. I remember thinking I was just a petty charity case for him, something he could fix, but now I know the truth.
As if reading my thoughts, Letty bumps my shoulder, "He made up his mind about you, Dice."
I smirk at her, "Yeah, I think he has too."
We drop the conversation and continue to shop for the tree and decorations. There's only a few more weeks before Christmas, but still enough time to jolly up Leo's place.
I wonder why he's never taken the time to make his home feel like a home. I mean, at mine and my mom's apartment, we always decorated for holidays. Even small ones like Valentine's Day. We would cut paper hearts and hang them everywhere and bake a heart-shaped cake.
Your home is your sanctuary. A place where love builds and invites others in like a warm hug. But then I realize Leo lives alone. He doesn't have a reason to make his home cozy because he has no one there to surround him with love.
Sure, his mom visits and his sister lives below him, but no one actually lives with him. I can't imagine living a life so alone.
“Why does Leo’s apartment feel like no one lives there? Growing up in my mom’s home, it was hard to avoid all the kick knacks and decorations. Is it because no one lives with him?”
Letty laughs, “No, we grew up the same way. You know how Latinos live, we love our shelves and tabletops cluttered with little statues and frames. Leo always hated it though. He’s a neat freak and likes to have everything clutter-free and shiny.”
“Germaphobe?” I question with a cocked brow. I hadn’t noticed that about Leo. In fact, I saw the blood-stained shirt he left on the bathroom floor the night of the attack. If Leo were a germaphobe, he’s very bad at it. What kind of person, disgusted by germs, allows another man’s blood to dry on their skin? I mean, I know he was beating the shit out of my attacker but wouldn’t a germaphobe wear a hazmat suit?
“No, more like a Compulsive Declutterer.”
I laugh at that, “Is that a thing?”
“Believe it or not, it is.”
We laugh and continue shopping for a few more minutes. Keeping Leo’s compulsiveness in mind, I try to find the best present for him.
I turn to Letty, "Do you guys have family photos?"
Letty cocks a brow and tilts her head, "Of course! I put every photo we have on the cloud. I can download them to show you." Letty gives me a conspiratorial look, "Why? Are you looking for some embarrassing pictures of Leo?"
I laugh out loud, "As fun as that would be, no. I have an idea for a Christmas gift. I didn't know what to get him because he already has everything money can buy, but I think I know what I can do for him."
I turn and make a beeline for the back of the store where the home decor is while Letty places all the ornaments at the register.
I look at the wall of pretty frames in various colors and sizes but decide to keep it simple and clean. I grab ten black picture frames along with some tensel packs and carry them to the register. This is going to be a fun Christmas. I just hope Leo likes my gift. It may not scream wealth, but it will show my love.
I mean, not that I love the man... yet.
"We should make a stop to get some of Leo's favorite pictures printed." I tell Letty as I watch the clerk ring up the frames.
Letty shakes her head, "I'll have Hector print the photos. He has a whole setup at his place, the nerd.”
After pointing out which tree we want and giving the address for delivery, we leave the store. Brian is waiting for us by the store’s exit. I know there are more men all over the mall, staying hidden but keeping their eyes on us.
"I hope you guys are done; I've never shopped so much in my life." Brian gripes as he stuffs a piece of a soft pretzel in his mouth. The man can eat, I think that's his third one.
Letty scoffs, "What do you mean? You didn't shop at all unless you count the cupcakes and pretzels you buy like they're your last meal."
Brian mumbles something and flips the bird at Letty. It's funny watching these two. I thought something romantically was going on between them, but when I asked her, she practically screamed at me, "Ew! No, he and Hector are brothers to me."
I never brought it up again. I believe her. The four of them grew up together and they each saw their horrific acne stages combined with their awkward stages.
