Page 16 of Sins & Paradise

Is she trying to insinuate that I'm not going to be able to stay away from Angela? Does she not know me? I've cut people out of my life that I've known for far longer than this woman. I can leave her alone if I want to.

Just not today. I'm not going to leave her alone today because I gave her my word.

I'll just go see her one more time, make sure she's got somewhere to stay. Some food maybe. I’ll just take care of her a little bit.

I won't get attached.

I won't.

Six

Angela

The small bakeryis filled with the scents of the sweet breads that Magda has been baking all day. It's a busy day, and I don't have much time to sit and think about what happened last night. I'm a little ashamed that I ran through the factory, even though I knew it was dangerous. Lobo must think I'm a complete nutjob.

"Angela, dame el café."

I nod my head. I know this phrase, and a small part of me gets giddy. Even if it's something as small as "give me the coffee," I'm learning. I wish I had someone who would be able to teach me a little Spanish, especially if I'm going to be here for any extended period of time.

Of course, in order for me to do that, I'll have to get some friends. The only person I'd really consider even close to a friendright now is Lobo. Maybe he'd be willing to give me a few lessons.

I rush off to the back to get another pot of coffee to bring to the front.

The sun is setting quickly, and I know it's almost time for us to close.

My heart flutters in my chest at the thought of seeing Lobo again. I know I shouldn't be having these feelings for him, but it's nice to know there's someone looking out for me.

It's just friendship. Someone to talk to. I didn't realize how lonely I'd feel being out here on my own. Still, I'd take my loneliness over being stuck with Miguel any day.

A few minutes before we are set to close for the night, I hear the bell on the front door open, and this time, instead of rushing off to the back, I make my way to the front.

It's the wrong move.

My breath is caught in my throat as I watch three men I've never seen before crowded around the front counter of the bakery, the one in the middle holding a long machete.

"Doña, no lo compliques. Dame el chavo." He gestures with the machete to the cash register, and I watch as Magda's body goes tense.

"Mira ahí!"

My head turns in the direction of the sound, and I realize one of the men standing with the group is looking straight at me.

Everything in my body is telling me to turn around and run away, but with one look in Magda's direction and the clear fear painted on her face, I know I can't do that. How many times had I wished that someone would come in and help me when Miguel would beat on me? How many times did I pray for someone to care? If I turn my back on Magda now, I'd be no better than everyone who ignored me.

I can't do that.

Steeling my spine, I take a step forward. “Leave her alone,” I order, my voice strong and without a tremor.

The three men laugh, looking at each other before they turn back to me.

"Go away, we don't want any trouble," I say again. This time, I take a step back. I'm trying to put some space between them and me, but in the small bakery, there aren't many places for me to go.

"¿Qué dices?" One of the men turns to the other and asks.

"No sé, y no me importa. Ella habla inglés." The man speaking tilts his head while he continues to move closer to me. "Ella no es de aquí."

"Ah, qué rico." The other smiles brighter, and their movements in my direction come faster.

Magda stares at me, her back pressed against the wall. If I was looking for her to help me, she wasn't showing any inclination that she would. So much for thinking we would have each other's backs.

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