Page 89 of Devious Lies

I know she has this thing with Angel.

I mean, I don’t know what it is exactly, but it is something. And I wonder if she is okay.

“You finally working tonight?” she asks as the elevator doors open.

I shake my head. I haven’t discussed this with the girls yet. I’m not really sure if it’s their business, to be honest.

“Nah. Actually, I am going to have a lot more free time now that the guys are away.”

“Oh, why’s that?” she asks as the armed guard looks at our IDs, as if he doesn’t know who we are, and lets us in.

“Well, apparently, I am not allowed to work anymore. Especially not while Luc is out of town,” I tell her.

“What? Maria, that is ridiculous!”

She is outraged. But all I want to do is smile.

“Really, it’s not like that. He’s just being protective and supportive. Truth is, I want to go back to school,” I tell her, then motion for her to zip our lips.

We already agreed Anna didn’t need any stress during her last month of pregnancy.

So, no talking about my problems.

And yeah, I do have problems, despite being deliriously happy, living with the man of my dreams.

Mami was released from the hospital the day before he left for Boston with Nico and Angel.

Luc was in an emergency meeting with Nico when she called me with the news, and I needed to go.

I didn’t want to interrupt. But I can’t go without telling him.

I think about that day for the last few seconds of the elevator ride.

Afew days ago

Mami just called, and I am so happy. She is getting out!

I text Luc.

Me

I am so sorry to interrupt, Luc, Mami is being released. I’m going to grab a ride share and pick her up.

Luc

No. I’m assigning half a dozen armed bodyguards to accompany you. They will take you to pick your mother up.

Me

6? Don’t you think that’s overkill?

I wait, but he doesn’t reply. And a second later, a driver knocks on the door and there are two SUVs with armed guards.

Turned out, it wasn’t overkill.

Mami thought it was hilarious, having all those big muscle men escorting us around.

But when we get her home, there is an unexpected visitor on the porch, and I’m glad those guys are with us.

---