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“So, what’s with the change of heart?” Jane asks. “I mean, not that I’m complaining. I can’t wait to talk to my sister again—”
“Alessia risked her life so all of you could be free,” Leandro embellishes.
The women all turn to me, and even Anabel loosens her tense expression.
“She also saved mine,” Leandro goes on. “So if you’re going to harbor disdain for her, at least know how the events led to this moment.”
Gabby’s eyes well up with tears, which in turn make me choke back my own. We grew up together… then got trapped together. It’s horrible and poetic, and I miss my friend. And when she steps forward to hug me again, I nearly lose it.
“Love you, Sia,” she sobs. “I’m happy we got some time together.”
Jane steps in and joins the hug. “Sorry I was a bitch to you.”
Maria scoffs and finds her way in. “I guess I’ll miss bossing you girls around.”
Everyone looks to Anabel, who’s eyes are only on Leandro. Eventually, she comes to and faces us girls.
She walks up to us, and leans her face in to kiss me on the cheek. “Remember, Alessia. You’re the lucky one.”
“I know,” I say solemnly.
“And—” Anabel pauses. “I’m—I’m sorry for trying to stab you.”
We all chuckle.
“Call it even?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
That’s enough for me. I smile and open my arms a little wider for her to join us, and she does. It’s a nice moment, one of catharsis. I didn’t understand just how good it would feel.
When we finally break, Leandro clears his throat.
“I bought you an SUV, and will leave the keys at the foot of the door sometime in the middle of the night. By the time you wake up tomorrow, we’ll be gone, and you’ll be free. What I ask of you tonight – put on gloves and shoes, wash everything downstairs to rid it of your fingerprints, and start your life on a fresh foot. Think of me as the grim reaper who made a mistake by involving you in your husbands’ treachery, and forget I ever existed.”
Maria hits Leandro lightly on the shoulder. “You’re alright in my book.”
“Look after these girls, Maria. They’ll need you.” He nods.
Gabby remains with her arm over my shoulder, and pulls something out of her sweater. “When I heard your voice, I got giddy before. I wanted to make amends.” She shows me Ripping Styles, my favorite college romance book from when we were kids. I gasp and hold onto it.
“You never told me—”
“I found it when I was cleaning the other day. Take it, and think of me when you read it for the thousandth time. I may have left a note in the back too.”
We all say our final goodbyes, before Leandro speaks up.
“Alright, everyone. Please get to work one last time, and stay safe out there. It’s been a pleasure.”
“Where will you two go?” Jane asks.
He smirks at her. “Somewhere far away.”
Chapter 33
Leandro
I can tell Alessia is shitting herself as we get to airport security. She has no idea how good my guy is, nor how connected he is. I let her sweat a little bit for my own enjoyment, and I dare not tell her that I’ve been making plans with real estate agents in Costa Rica for the better part of a month.
