Page 57 of Trapped

Mireya: I told you, I can’t go. I’m breastfeeding.

Thalia: Just tell Adrian to suck the booze out.

Mireya: Ew

Thalia: Hopefully I can find Alma someone to breastfeed tonight.

Alma: You’re such a pervert.

Thalia: You missed me.

Mireya: We all did. Love you, hoes. Be safe.

Tonight, I am going to resurrect Top Shelf Thursdays. It had been a weekly tradition prior to Mireya getting knocked up, and me getting kidnapped by my soon-to-be ex-husband. Even without Mireya, I had invited anyone and everyone. I need to get back to some sense of normalcy.

I had gotten through the whole week, catching up at work and running the kids around. I am back to my routine. It isn’t uncommon for me to care for Lucia. Thankfully, our situation isn’t one where I am a complete stranger to her. I had always cared for her and Luca, so that didn’t change. A few times, I caught her wanting to call me Mom and pulling back. My heart beat would skip, and then she would nervously call me by name. The way she always had. I know it will take time, and I’m not going to force her. I am okay with that, even if I am desperate for her to see me as such.

I am coming to terms with the part of me that feels overwhelmed by motherhood. Doctora Gonzalez told me that feeling unfit to be a mother is normal at any age, but I can’t be mad at the teenage version of me who was scared back then. I made a decision that felt right at the time, but it’s okay to change my mind. I can’t let those old fears roam in my subconscious. No one shows up to parenthood understanding how it works.

I feel guilty about going out tonight, but Josefina reassured me it is healthy, as a mother, to have my own life as well. My heart aches for her. I am working toward finding Claudia so I can get Rosalinda and Maikel back. After the events that took place with Kiko Maestas, most of our enemies are lying low for the time being. That only causes my anxiety to peak because I know a quiet enemy is a plotting enemy.

I push away the stress. I will deal with it all another day. Tonight, I want to have fun with my friends. I even took time to get ready, applying my matte black lipstick and curling my long black hair. I went with a cut-out black dress tonight that pairs perfectly with a new pair of Louboutins. I walk to the corner booth I reserved. The club at Calavera Hotel is packed.

I slide in next to Ariella and Genesis. How the hell Genesis got out of the house is beyond me, but homegirl needs to have some fun. She glares at Osiel, who sits in front of us with Ricky and Alma. We order drinks and talk over the loud music. Somewhere along the way, Ricky decides to start a game of Truth or Dare. If one isn’t willing to comply with the truth or the dare, then they have to take a shot.

“Alma, is it true you like readingcochinadas?” Ricky asks. Alma’s cheeks redden, but she nods. She does like to read the filthy stuff. She doesn’t look like it, but deep down, that girl is a fairy porn freak.

“Damn, that’s hot. Do you touch yourself in the linen room?” Osiel asks, and I burst out laughing.

Ricky and Alma are the only people here who hadn’t grown up with me. Osiel has always been a little shit. We both have the unique skill of making everyone uncomfortable with our dirty mouths and sexual innuendos.

“It’s not your turn. It’s Alma’s turn, pendejo,” I say and stare at my friend.

“Okay. Ariella, truth or dare?” Alma asks.

“Um. Truth,” she says nervously.

I look at my cousin. She’s in a bright pink tube top, jeans, and pink heels. Her curly blonde hair is up in a ponytail, and her green eyes are hesitant when she speaks. Ariella is out of her element here, but I am on a mission to break her out of her shell.

“Boooo!!!” I yell, and Osiel backs me up.

“You guys can’t just do truths the whole time!” I shout.

“No, wait. I’ve got a question.” Osiel turns and whispers into Alma’s ear. Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open. When he pulls away, she nods, then looks at Ariella.

“Ariella, if you had to choose, would you rather get your ass—” Alma clears her throat and tries again with more confidence. “Would you rather get your ass eaten or a pearl necklace?”

Alma sighs, and Osiel lets out a laugh. Ariella looks between Genesis and me, then back to Alma.

“Um, uh, a pearl necklace?” she says. Her response makes everyone laugh, and she sinks into the booth. I shoot a glare at Osiel.

“What? I’m trying to spice this game up,” he responds, like the menace he is.

“Okay, Ari, choose me so I can get this party started,” I say. Her face is still red, and she takes a sip of her margarita before facing me.

“Okay. Thalia, Truth or Dare?” she asks.

“Dare.” I wait for her to think. Her brows furrow, and her lips purse to the side.

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