The Rivals - Dylan Allen Page 0,201

right. She’s here.”

Lupe’s text flashes on my screen. I’ve been dressed for hours waiting for it.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and slip my feet into my shoes.

“Remi—it’s six in the morning. Where are you going?” Joni calls from the bed.

“I have an errand to run before the wedding. Go back to sleep. I’ll be back for breakfast.” I grab my phone and keys and head to the door.

“Okay—bring me a Starbucks when you come back, the coffee here is awful,” she calls after me.

As soon as I’m in the hallway, I break into a run. The thought that Kal could be gone by the time I get to CASA is like a whip at my back.

I sprint through the lobby not caring that I’m giving the early morning staff fodder for gossip. I self-parked last night so that I wouldn’t have to wait for a valet driver to get my car, and less than seven minutes after I got Lupe’s text, I’m driving down Woodway and turning left onto the 610 Freeway.

I knew she wouldn’t come here without going there. I knew it would be the only time I’d find a way to talk with her without anyone around. I haven’t lived in Houston for six years, but I’ve supported CASA financially since I started volunteering. And every time I’m home, I go visit. Lupe loved Kal. Every time I see her she asks if we’re back together. So, when I asked her to help, she was happy to do me the favor.

I just need to talk to her. Need to say all of the things I didn’t when I had the chance.

See if there’s any hope for us. I touch the small locket dangling next to the small gold cross that hangs from a gold chain around my neck. I’ve worn it ever since I realized I wouldn’t get to give it to her.

I pull up and see the Nissan Maxima rental in the driveway and let out a sigh of relief.

She’s still here.

I race up the walkway. Lupe opens the door as I approach like she’s been waiting for me.

“Hello, my love.” She props up on her tiptoes and presses a kiss to my cheek. I hug her back. I’ve come to love Lupe. She’s the perfect combination of grit, persistence, and kindness. She’s kept this place running by sheer strength of her love for these children.

“She’s with Carlos, in the back. I told her you were coming,” she says and there’s a gentle reproach in her eyes. I had asked her not to say anything.

“I didn’t want her to feel trapped. And I wanted her to have a choice. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I remember the way you were when you were here. So, I guessed she’d be glad you were coming. And I was right.” She pats my cheek with affection and smiles softly up at me.

“You were?” I glance over her shoulder, eager to get to her.

“Let me know when you’re leaving so I can lock up after you.”

She pads away down the hall, and I stand there gathering my nerve. I can see the crack of light under the door to Carlos’ room. We always knew he’d never be adopted. And every year, I’ve highlighted part of my contribution to supplement the reimbursement the state gives Lupe and CASA for his care.

I gird my loins and walk down the hall to talk to the girl I’ve been waiting almost a decade to talk to.

KAL

* * *

“He’s here.”

Lupe’s text makes my heart jump. I press a kiss to Carlos’ cheek and stand up. I take one last look around the room and marvel how it has all the space and light he needs.

It’s all thanks to Remi’s donations. Lupe took me for a tour around the house, showing me all the improvements that have been made. Over the years, she’s kept me updated on Carlos, the only kid who is still here from the time I volunteered. He’s aged out of the system, doesn’t have to worry about being displaced. This is his home.

All because Remi loves him.

Not that I’m surprised, he’s an excellent human being. Larger than life, brighter than the sun. It’s why I fell so hard for him. Distance from that evening has cooled my anger about it. When I’m feeling extremely rational, I even understand why he lied. But, I hate that he felt like he had to.

It was fucked-up, but