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“Yeah, that’s okay.”
“So, really, what brings you to Newport Beach on a school day?” Gia realized the surprise was an opportunity. Maybe Roxi would drive her to Pasadena in her fancy car.
“Janelle and Jen talked me into it—they said there was this girl on their team I needed to meet. It didn’t take long to realizeyou’rethe girl on the team, but I called in sick and came over, anyway. It was fun to see you in action. You’re fast,chica.”
“I got lucky.” Gia shrugged. Why were complements from Roxi followed with a shooter of doubt?
“Don’t be so modest. It’s okay to be good at something. Are you done for today?”
“I think so. Just need to check with Courtney.”
“Wanna go to the beach?” Roxi was already walking away, motioning a “come here” signal with a bending finger. Her ponytail swayed as she walked, and Gia wondered if it was natural or on purpose.
???
“Hey! Wait up.” Gia yelled after Roxi, who was taking quick steps through a parking lot lined with luxury SUVs.
The sun was high in an indigo sky obscured by a layer of haze right smack dab in the middle—Gia wanted to think it was haze, not smog. Cars zoomed past, one after another. The distinctive aroma of fried chicken wafted from the restaurant next door.
“I wondered if you were coming.” Roxi waited, hands on hips, a playful tone in her voice.
“You knew I was. But I can’t go to the beach. I need to take care of something.” Gia searched for the right words. “Can we go to Pasadena?”
“Lo siento.” Roxi cupped a hand near her ear. “You want to go where?”
“Pasadena.”
“That’s like an hour away—on a good day. What’s in Pasadena?”
“I’ll explain in the car.” Gia motioned with her head towards the red Mini parked at the end of the row. She’d snuck out without saying goodbye to Courtney or the snoopy sisters—there was only so much time before she’d be missed. And by the time they figured out she was gone, she’d be—well, gone.
“Okay, but you’re buying gas. And snacks. And pumping the gas. I don’t like the smell.” Roxi scrunched her lips under her nose, which was also scrunched.
“Deal.” That was easier than she thought it would be. “Did you really come all this way just to see me climb?”
“Sí.And I wanted to get away to clear my head. I’ve been so nervous about the show. I may or may not have scoped the television studio before I got here. Janelle and Jen’s invitation was a good reason to do a little reconnaissance.”
“Well, that means a lot, thank you. Even if I was the second reason. I’m glad you’re here.” Gia slid into the passenger seat—black leather. Not a crumb or coffee drip or grass clipping to be found. The dashboard was shined with an Armor-All finish, and stainless accent strips in the doors sparkled. Though heated seats weren’t needed in Southern California—ever—she took joy in clicking the little button that powered the warmth. Such luxury.
“De nada. Now, why the hell are we going to Pasadena instead of a beach?”
By the time they hit the freeway, Gia’d given most of the download. Her neighbor had a long-lost love from an era when it wasn’t okay to be gay. She’d married a man; he died young. Cancer. For her entire life, the neighbor pined for someone she was with in her twenties—and they hadn’t spoken since they spilt, more than sixty years before. Jennifer didn’t know what happened to Emily, and it broke Gia’s heart. So, she and Derrick were on a mission to find the lost lover, and they had a lead in Pasadena.
“That’s so sad.” Roxi looked over her shoulder and changed lanes. “And you think this is the right one? There must be a million Emily Mitchells.”
“Nope. There are a million and twelve. But this one’s the right age, so I hope so. The granddaughter was cagey, but maybe she’s just being protective. I can understand.”
“What do you mean, cagey?”
“Not forthcoming. Kinda skeptical. Called me a scam.” Gia watched as the world went by and wondered—how would she feel if she were in the granddaughter’s shoes?
“But she agreed to see you?”
“Hm?” Gia heard her fine.
“These Mitchells in Pasadena. Do they know we’re coming?”
“Not exactly, but—”
