meet an associate.”
An associate? Usually I hear of scheduled trips, but not this time. “Sure.”
“Javier and Angel will be here before I get back as well. I believe your sister went back to Las Vegas to deal with some business.” My father tells me.
Great. My brothers and I are known for being a bit hot-headed. Lord only knows how this will go.
Chapter Eleven
Never kick me when I’m down, because when I get back up you’re fucked
~ Gentleman Speak
Dante
It’s been two days since my father and cousin have been gone. While the estate has been mainly empty besides the hired help, it feels odd having an outsider here. Yet Amara barely makes her presence known. The only way I really know she’s here is because of the long strands hanging from my comb in the bathroom. Or the way the pillows on the couch are karate chopped in the middle when I walk in every morning.
I just got off a call with my cousin, Yolanda, not too long ago. The other night I called her up and explained I knew a woman who wanted a good home for her unborn daughter and she’d be due any day. She was overwhelmed with the offer and wanted a couple days to think it over with her husband. Thankfully, they’re open and want to provide this little girl with a safe haven. She asked me questions about the legalities of the adoption, asking specific questions . . . but I won’t betray Amara’s privacy. I merely told Yolanda everything would be taken care of and as far as the government is concerned, this child will be Yolanda and Manuel’s. In all reality, I paid one of the doctors who works for the Cartel to forge a birth certificate stating the baby was born today at ten in the morning. It’s now passed eight in the evening, but at least the paperwork is official. No one will ever doubt this child is my cousin’s now.
I haven’t told Amara the news yet, so I walk around the suite and find she isn’t inside. I knock on her door but she doesn’t answer, so I go through the rest of the house. I can’t find her anywhere. For a moment I wonder if she ran, if she decided she wanted to be back with her familia and to keep the child. If she did, I wouldn’t blame her in the least bit.
There’s only one other place she could potentially be, so I head out to the garden area. We have a stone patio with lounge chairs, a small water fountain, and the trees hang over providing a bit of shade for those nasty humid days.
“Amara?” I call out venturing forward. We have small orb like lights hanging from the poles and I continue going further into the garden. Until I’ve searched every inch of the estate I won’t freak out. I pass one of the loungers and look to the left, finding her fast asleep, curled up on her side. She isn’t a tall woman, so she was just under my nose from being seen. Thank goodness I came over here. Otherwise I would’ve assumed she ran off.
I don’t want to wake her but, I need to tell her. “Amara?” I repeat her name, keeping my tone soft, yet firm.
She stirs slightly, shaking her head and her eyelids flutter until I see her dark almond eyes focus in on me. “Is everything alright?” She asks, drawing her brows together.
“Yes, everything is fine.” I reply, taking a seat beside her on the lounge chair. “I just came to let you know the family I told you about is more than willing to take the baby. They wanted me to express their gratitude for the gift you’re giving them, and for me to personally assure you she’ll be well taken care of.”
“Oh,” Her tone drops, almost like her voice is cracking. Before I realize what’s happening her eyes film over with a glassiness. Small tears rush from the corners of her eyes and I’m not sure how to react. I know she’s set in her decision, but I can’t imagine the turmoil running through her mind. She’s literally giving a piece of herself to complete strangers.
Amara wipes her hand under her eyes. “Fuck, I’m so sorry. I’m never like this. Pregnancy has made me a soft bitch.” She laugh-cries, trying to come up with some sort of excuse for feeling this way.
I grab her hand and hold it in