Page 3 of For the Love of Animals

Shame he didn’t. “He seems to be calm now, but he asked me to take on an extra project. Do you happen to know where I can find that hostage negotiation guy? Apparently, he’s got the files I need.”

“The course is finished, but he mentioned sticking around for some sightseeing. Hold on, I’ll see if I can find his details…”

Sightseeing. Right. Because every tourist wanted to take a selfie with a dead drug dealer.

“Ah, here it is. Nathaniel Wood.” She jotted the address of a nearby apartment onto a scrap of paper. “Shall I call and let him know you’re coming?”

“No, I’ll surprise him.” And also change the subject. “How did your trip to Cancún go?”

“Oh, it was amazing! We stayed—”

My phone rang, and I’d never been so glad to get interrupted by my mother. No, honestly. Usually, I avoided her calls at all costs.

“Excuse me. Family problems.”

The secretary nodded, and I hurried into the hallway, relieved and worried at the same time.

“Mamá, what is it?”

“Good news, chiquita. I know you’ve been so busy over the past few weeks, so I’ve found you a date for your grandma’s party.”

“You’ve what? Who?”

“Gerardo Pineda. You’re perfect for each other. You love to cook, and he loves to eat.”

Yes, and it showed. I’d gone to school with Gerardo and he’d been shovelling down everything in sight since first grade. When he chewed, his jaw made this funny clicking noise like a deathwatch beetle. It might have been fascinating if it weren’t so freaky.

“I can’t go with Gerardo Pineda.”

“Why? He’s got a good job, Carmen. There’s always a call for accountants.”

Yes, even drug dealers had them. Lozano’s man was a smarmy asshole who walked with a limp after getting shot in the knee three years ago. I’d done well that day.

“He’s just not my type.”

“You’re not getting any younger, chiquita.”

“I’m only twenty-three, Mamá.”

“Gloria next door got married at twenty-one, and now she’s got two babies. If you don’t get a move on, all the good men will be gone. Gerardo’s offered to take you out next Saturday too, and his mother says he always picks somewhere good for the first date.”

Like an all-you-can-eat buffet? “Mamá, I have a boyfriend.”

Why did I say that? I clapped one hand over my mouth so no more stupid, stupid words fell out. Desperation made my brain malfunction.

“You do?” Why did she sound so surprised? “That’s wonderful! Is it serious?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

Just like I wasn’t sure whether to jump off the nearest bridge or hurl myself in front of a passing truck.

“Never mind. We all look forward to meeting him on Tuesday. Can you make your chicken tamale pie? You know how much your grandma likes it.”

“No problem.”

“I’ll get your room ready too. You are staying the night, aren’t you?”

“Sure.”

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