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When Teddy left last night, my mind wouldn’t stop racing. I’m almost sure I know what he has planned, and I know it isn’t a good idea. I try to halt my thoughts and focus on getting ready. Desi should be here soon.
I look at myself in the mirror and smooth down my tank top. I’m sure Desi is harmless, at least right now, but I want to be prepared for anything. I push my feet into my tennis shoes and leave my room, gliding into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Charlotte.” Carl beams from one side of the counter.
“Morning. Can I get some of that?” I point to the french press next to him.
He nods and pours me a glass, adding two scoops of sugar. When he hands me the cup, I wrap my hands around it and blow on the steam coming from the top and let my mind wander even more to what Teddy is planning.
“What’s the matter?” Carl asks.
I drag my eyes to him. I can’t be positive Teddy is going to do what I think, so I don’t tell him. I sigh internally when I realize I’m doing it again. Protecting the man I love when he probably doesn’t even deserve it. Protecting is probably a strong word to use in this instance considering he doesn’t need protecting from Carl, but it still fits in a sense. I’m keeping his unspoken secrets.
“I don’t know. I guess I’m just still fucked-up by the fact Teddy is alive, and I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel.” The confession almost feels good. Finally stating a true-to-me fact lifts a weight off my shoulders I didn’t even know I was carrying. But at the same time, I don’t think Carl would understand. He isn’t my friend, he’s Teddy’s. He’s loyal to Teddy.
He nods, circling the counter to sit next to me. “Be mad as hell. That’s how you should feel. Your feelings are valid and just when it comes to him. Teddy may have a point to prove, but you can’t let him see you weak while he does it.”
I sip my coffee, then look at him. “What do you mean by a point to prove?”
He grins at me like I’m stupid and grips my shoulder. “Now Charlotte, don’t act stupid. Everyone can see what’s going on between you and Lucas clear as day. You remember what I said about pride? Teddy almost has too much of it. He feels he has to prove a point right now, show everyone you’re his.”
My heart sinks with his words, and suddenly, I feel completely humiliated. How is it so easy for everyone to see whatever the fuck is going on between me and Lucas, Teddy included, other than me?
He pats my knee. “Don’t worry. All of that shit will get worked out eventually. Men like Teddy don’t love easily, and when they do, it drives them crazy. Everything he’s doing is out of love even though it may not seem like it.”
Maybe Carl has a point, but I don’t get long to ponder on it. Julius comes into the kitchen freshly showered with his hair still wet and slicked back. He has on dark-washed jeans and a plain black tee.
“Are you coming with me today?” He nods as a knock comes from the front door. “Okay then. Let’s get this done.”
I stand from the barstool and exit the kitchen. When I make it to the door, I take one last deep breath and tell myself I can handle whatever comes my way.
I pull open the door and see Desi standing on the other side. Just like the few times I’ve seen him before, he’s wearing a button-down shirt and slacks and has silver jewelry covering his fingers and neck.
“Charlotte. Buenos días, hermosa.” He reaches for my hand and kisses the top.
“Good morning, Desi. I have everything ready to move.” I motion to the crates beside the door that Carl and Julius moved down here last night.
He nods as two men dressed in all black appear from behind him and start grabbing crates with Julius. One after the other, they load them into a plain white van with blacked-out windows.
Once the last crate is loaded, I walk down the steps and slip into Desi’s waiting car with Julius and Desi behind me.
We drive to the south side of town, Emil’s territory, winding down narrow and unmarked roads. After what feels like forever, we pull up to an abandoned-looking shack. The blue paint is peeling off the distressed wood, the porch hangs lower on the right side, and the grass covering the lawn is overgrown.
The tires crunch over the gravel drive a few feet, then stop with the van directly behind us. Everyone exits the car. Desi goes straight up the sketchy steps while the two goons follow him as Julius and I linger by the car.
“I really don’t like this,” I mumble to myself.
“I don’t either.” Julius’s voice comes out low and raspy.
I turn to my side with wide eyes. “Are you actually talking to me?”
A smile forms on his lips. “I am.”
I prop my hand on my hip. “Huh. I knew you had a voice, but I never thought you would use it in everyday life.”
He scoffs. “You and I have never really gotten a chance to be alone. Normally, I only stay quiet to listen. Pick up all the things other people miss. Right now, it’s only you and I, so there is no need to be quiet unless you want to tell me plans on world domination or some shit.”
“Damn. And here I was thinking you took a vow of silence for a reason. You know, like a protest of your own for a cause you believe in.” I shrug.
