AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yea, well…look how Dad died. That’s the kind of blood that sheds for the money you —-“
“Enough!”
Mateo strikes his fist against a spray-painted pillar.
“Listen, let me live the life I want to live. I don’t want bloody handouts. I rather struggle than take them. And let’s not destroy my studio with your grown-man tantrums.”
I point my finger directly at Mateo. His sunglasses rest on the bridge of his nose, giving me a clear view of his eyes.
“You’re becoming an embarrassment, sis.” Ciro laughs.
I turn to him, “Me? Sure. Then let me.”
“You never want to be around family, but Mom and —-“
“Shoot me. I prefer to stay away from violence.”
“Nothing happens when—-“
“Let her be!” Mateo cuts Ciro off.
“Let her live her life like…like this.” Palm up, Mateo waves his hand across my space mockingly.
Ciro shrugs, turning toward the door.
“Yes! Please. Let me.” I turn off my studio’s lights with one switch.
I yank open the door, not sure if I’m more ecstatic about pushing them out or heading for a much-needed night out.
“Just remember.” Mateo stops and stares into my face.
“Dad wouldn’t be dead if it wasn’t for the family of that assholeyouwanted to marry.” He shakes his head. “And, you want to talk about blood money. Claro.”
Slamming my door, I give him a look of disgust. That was nearly eight years ago, and he still hasn’t let that one go.
Ciro lifts his eyebrows, scratching his head. “He’s got a point.” He says loud enough for me to hear.
I watch them trail off, noticing that neither of them place their sunglasses back over their eyes.
Of course, my words hold only value when it comes to their vanity.
I can spot Stella’s long legs from anywhere. And that’s not counting the extra height her heels give her. She slithers toward me with her caramel-colored curls swept into a high-side ponytail. I hop off my bar stool and wave as if she doesn’t see me. I need someone to vent to, and she knows how to keep a conversation going.
“Hey! Every time I see your face, I’m mad we don’t get together more.” She pulls me in for a hug.
“Thanks for coming! I’m freaking out about this summer.”
“Freaking out? A summer off sounds perfect! I’m literally jealous.” Stella places her hands on either side of my bob. She loves to frame my hair with her hands.
“And give me a bit of this hair. I feel my hair is thinning. Probably this new awful product I’ve been using.” She shrugs, hops on the stool next to me, and orders us two shots of whiskey.
“Oh, wow. Which product is that?”
“Nothing you’ll ever use. Don’t worry.”
“Well, just so you know, I’m not having more than four drinks. Total. That’s my limit. Including shots.”
“And, what number are you on?” Stella blinks her large brown eyes.
