Page 33 of Punished

“Well, he just gave me a promotion and a long speech about being ‘a hardworking woman who is representing the next generation of latina women,’” she mocks his voice, and I laugh with her.

“You got a promotion, amiga? Why didn’t you tell me? I am so proud of you!” I reach over to grab her hand.

“It just happened the other day. You know Mr. Fri—”

“Ya. Ya. I know Mr. Friborg told you this would happen.” She laughs before she grows serious.

“Why do you think he gave you that bracelet?”

“I don’t know. Adrian is drawn to her.”

“To La Santa Muerte?” she whispers, like she is afraid Death herself would appear like Beetlejuice if she said it too loud.

“Ya, he has a big tattoo of her on his back, and an altar in the penthouse.”

“Who knew Adrian was so spiritual?”

“Maybe he gave it to me because I killed our relationship. I told Adrian I loved him after sex.” My face falls into my hand. Alma’s laughing so hard I think she might pass out.

“You did not. Please tell me this is a joke.”

“I did.”

“And did he say it back?”

“He literally just kissed my forehead.”

“Oh, shit.” She moves to comfort me.

“If you meant it, then don’t feel bad. When we love someone, we shouldn’t only express that when we are guaranteed they love us back. That’s too safe. And boring. Love requires risks, and sometimes it’s a risk not knowing how the other person feels.”

She was right. I just need to figure out if the risk of loving him outweighs the pain I’d face if he isn’t able to love me back.

When I get back to the penthouse, I decide to deep clean everything. Something about cleaning is relaxing to me. I place the candle I bought Adrian on his altar, next to another that is close to burning out. I move his laundry around, and then decide to relax and watch reruns of Vampire Diaries because my soul could use some Damien Salvatore. I can’t be the only woman in love with an emotionally distant man. I fall asleep three episodes in, but wake when I hear my cell phone ringing.

It’s my mother, and this is her third attempt. I still haven’t had a chance to process what I saw the other day, and Adrian’s confessions make me weary about what to say to her. I want to ignore it, like I usually do, but I needto get to the bottom of whatever she is plotting right now.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Mireya. I haven’t seen you in over two weeks! Have you forgotten about me?”

“No, I actually did go to see you the other day, but I decided not to go in, seeing as Diana was visiting you and all.” I never speak to my mother this bluntly, and I can tell it throws her off when the line goes silent.

“What the hell was Diana doing there, Mom?”

“Excuse me? I don’t have to explain who visits me, atmy house.If you really must know, so you can sleep better at night, she came by to drop off an invitation for the engagement party.”

“How do you even know her? And why would she want to invite her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend’s mother?”

“Oh, Mireya, don’t be so dramatic.” It’s only a matter of time before she tries to gaslight me into making this about my own insecurities. Not today.

“You can stop with the bullshit. I know you’re up to something, and whatever it is, just stop now before you get in over your head.”

She huffs, and I can already hear the storm she’s about to release.

“You know why Diana came over here? To warn me about your little thing going on with Adrian. He is stillcalling her nonstop. He is using you until he can get back to her, just like Bryan did.” A verbal slap to my face. I feel the need to go back to my apartment as a panic attack rises in my chest. I grab my bag and head to the elevator. The phone still connected to the call, I try to block her out as I ride the elevator down. She’s just lying. Just sticking her knife in.

“You are that pathetic that you actually believe he wants you?” The words start to echo around me. The elevator walls feel like they’re caving in. She’s pushing that knife in deeper.

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