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But then, Lina spoke again. “So we should really get going. I’ll drop Lucas off before heading into Manhattan. It’s on my way.”
“Of course,” I said, because what else could I say?
I didn’t even know if Lucas wanted to stay, and he wasn’t saying anything.
Grabbing my phone from the coffee table, I checked the time. “Okay, sure. Then, you should really go if—”
“I’m hungry,” Lucas offered casually. “And those pizzas sound like a good idea.”
My head swiveled in his direction so quickly I almost got dizzy.
He met my gaze with determination.
Lina spoke. “You can call Alessandro’s on our way back.” She picked up her coat and purse. “He’ll have your order ready by the time I drop you off.”
Lucas’s eyes didn’t leave mine when he said, “Maybe I’m hungry now.”
My heart rate sped up, the poor, hopeful organ climbing up my throat.
I heard Lina’s exhale.
“You are not going to eat in Aaron’s car. He’ll murder your ass, and as grumpy as you are today, you really are my favorite cousin.”
I watched Lucas breathe very slowly through his nose, almost as if he was gathering strength. And for the first time ever, I was shocked to see him snap.
“Are you always this oblivious, Lina?”
I had to stifle a gasp.“Lucas.”
“See what I mean?” My best friend narrowed her eyes at her cousin again. “You’re in such a mood, today.”
Lucas’s eyes fluttered closed, and he said, “Sorry. I’m sorry. I—Soy un gilipollas.”
“Yep, you are. But apology accepted.” Lina came to a stand before him. “And just so you know, I’m not blind. I’ve seen you limping your way around this apartment, and I’ve seen Rosie checking on you every five minutes, too.” That made my eyes widen. “I also feel this crazy sexual energy thing around you two. So, unless youwant to have a conversation right now about all of those things, I’m driving you home. And if you stop being a jerk, I might not grill you with questions about why Aaron gets all quiet when I bring you up. And trust me, I really want to, because this is the first time my husband is somehow keeping a secret from me, and while it’s adorable that he’s covering for you in some bro-way, it still makes me sad that I’m being left out.”
Lucas stood up and pulled Lina into a hug.“Soy un idiota,”he told her. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I might need that nap.”
My chest tightened at Lina’s words. I’d been such an awful friend keeping this from her.
“You guys should go,” I said softly, trying to keep my thoughts from clogging my voice. “I might pass on the pizzas and hit the bed anyway. I’m dead on my feet.”
The two Martíns broke the embrace, and next thing I knew I was in my best friend’s arms. “I’m not mad,” she said just for me. “You’ll tell me everything, I know that. And I’ll be there when you’re ready, okay?”
A strangled sound left my throat. “Okay.”
God, she really was the best.
When she released me, Lucas was there, as if he’d been waiting in line to get his hug. And I… Ugh. I couldn’t wait to throw myself in his arms. In his warmth, his scent, his strength. He wrapped his arms around me and I felt him drop a silent kiss on the side of my head, close to my ear. Then, he whispered,“Buenas noches, preciosa.”
Taco nuzzled at my feet, a whimper leaving him.
But I didn’t say a word to any of them. And it was probably for the best. Because I would have probably said something stupid. Something like “Stay.”
Stay for good.
So I limited myself to watching Lucas, Lina, and Taco leave, and a few minutes later, I was alone. Again. Just how I’d been before Lucas had slipped into my life and somehow made himself… irreplaceable.
“All right,” I said to my empty apartment. “I’m on my own. And that’s good. It’s okay.”
