Page 55 of Red Queen
Enzo called a couple of days ago to tell me that they hired the private investigator, so I’ll have to give him some information, and he’ll even ask some questions. I was happy to comply, of course.
And all this because a woman decided to sabotage my career. Then Rosalia just casually hangs out at the Atlas garage, not caring to tell me that she’s the team principal’s niece, and that people could think I’m dating her to leak confidential information to her.
Some people still have these conspiracy theories, but we could’ve prevented that if she had been honest with me from the start. I felt more hurt and betrayed when I found out, but her indifference is what made me angry. And that she still thinks it wasn’t a big deal is what makes me even angrier. I wonder how she’d feel if the same had happened to her.
Rosa starts frowning and tossing, and I’m pulled back from my thoughts. Her face hardens, moving around in her seat. Maybe she’s having a nightmare.
“Rosa, wake up.” I gently shake her arms, trying to wake her up, but it’s no use. “Rosa, hey, wake up.”
I shake her with a little more force, but she continues to squirm around, her expression still troubled.
“Rosalia, wake up for god’s sake!” I grab both of her arms, shaking her, trying to stop her from squirming around, then finally, her eyes pop open. Her breathing is labored, and her eyes scan the area, trying to comprehend where she really is. “Shh. It was just a nightmare.”
I sit on her chair’s armrest, pulling her close to my side, rubbing her arm in a soothing way. She lets out a big sigh afterher breathing returns to normal, letting her head fall on my thighs.
“Thank you,” she mutters, turning her head so she can look up at me. She smiles weakly, the sight making my heart skip a beat. I’m weak for women’s smiles, and Rosa’s is the prettiest one I’ve ever seen. Don’t tell her that, though.
“You want to talk about it?” I ask, playing with her hair, trying to distract myself from how beautiful she is.
“Well, it’s just… I had the exact one a couple of weeks ago. It’s weird.”
“Maybe it’s just stress. You’ve been through a lot lately.” God, I’m really bad at soothing people. I never know what to do or say when someone’s crying. I just continue to exist, pretending it’s no big deal.
“Could be… You remember when I sent you a text asking if you’re alive?” I nod, vaguely remembering what she’s referring to. “I sent it because I had a nightmare where you were having a seizure and blood was flowing out of your mouth. It was damn scary.”
My eyes widen, a little shocked at her words. “Did you watch a horror movie before you went to bed, or what?”
“You think it’s that? I did watch Terrifier before I went to sleep that day, but I also rewatched some Friends episodes, so I wouldn’t have a nightmare. But I haven’t watched horror since then.” I snort at her reply. It’s cute that she has to watch something funny and lighthearted after a horror movie to prevent nightmares. Although it seems like it didn’t work this time.
“Then it’s just haunting you now. Infected your brain.” She laughs and playfully smacks my arm.
“Thanks. But if I survived The Nun in theaters, then I ain’t afraid of anything.” I let out a chuckle, whipping my head up when I hear the stewardess clear her throat.
“We’re preparing for landing. Please return to your seat, sir, and put your seat belt on. Thank you.”
I do as she says, and just when I hear the click of the belt, the plane starts to dive lower. Well, let’s see how this weekend will go.
36
MATEO
“Are you ready?” I ask Rosa as we arrive at her family’s house. I hope she is, because I’m not.
I freaked out when my mom called me and demanded that she wanted to meet Rosa and see what a beautiful lady she had grown into. I was even more freaked out when Rosa told me her parents want to meet me. We’ve only been dating for like two months, and we’re meeting each other’s parents. I’m terrified.
“No. Not at all. You?” She looks at me with wide eyes and a grin, her look signaling she’s also terrified. Good to know.
“No. I’m about to shit my pants.” I look at her with the same expression, squeezing her hand as we stroll closer to the door.
“Great. Just…stay calm. It’s no big deal. Everything’s going to be okay,” she mutters, and I’m not sure she wants to reassure herself, me, or both of us. I hope it’s the last one, even if it’s not helping.
I let out a big sigh, and then ring the doorbell, which is followed by a loud sound. After a couple of seconds, a lady opens the door, I’m guessing Rosa’s mother.
“Oh my god!” Rosa’s mom shrieks, and I’m not exactly convinced I didn’t just lose my hearing in my left ear. “Tom! They’re here!”
I chuckle nervously, then she grabs my hand and pulls me in for a hug. She’s squeezing me so hard, I fear my insides have moved a little. She hugs Rosa as well, and then ushers us inside, when Rosa’s father pops up and helps bring our bags and suitcases inside.
I turn my head slowly to the side when I hear loud chatter from afar. I spot my long-lost sister—who we haven’t seen in years—and my abuelos at the table. Even my cousin is here. There are like 20 people here. Mierda. The whole fucking family is here. Kill me now.
