Page 32 of Forbidden

I show her the money and the bill with a helpless look. She takes a twenty-dollar bill and smiles at me.

“I guess the rest is yours.”

“I can’t –”

“Yes, you can. Aren’t you the one saving up for an apartment? Trust me, honey. He can afford it.”

I sigh, stuff it in my pocket, and brace myself to face Chris. He’s out of his seat, pacing the diner, and muttering to himself. The moment he sees me, he stomps over and grabs my hand.

“We need to talk.”

He pulls me along behind him all the way to the bus stop. Despite his need to talk, he remains quiet. I can only think that he’s waiting until we get home. I leave him to his thoughts and anger, while I just stare out the bus window.How did my life get so complicated?I pull out my phone and text Toni. I need to talk to someone and I definitely can’t talk to Chrissy. It would be too weird.

R: Need to talk to you. Need some advice.

T: Sure, babe. You know I got you.

R: Call you later. Can’t talk right now.

T: Are you ok?

R: Yeah, just too many ears around…on the bus.

T: K. Later

“Who are you texting?”

“Toni.”

“Toni, huh?”

I give him my don’t-be-a-dick look but he doesn’t back down. Men. And they think women are jealous creatures. As soon as the bus stops, I push my way past him and start walking home.

“Raven, wait.”

“Leave me alone. Don’t bother following me home, either.”

By the time I get to the house, my anger has diminished because I know he’s been walking at a distance behind me the entire time. I stand on the porch and watch him as he approaches.

“Is this our first fight?”

“You’re the one who wants to fight, Chris. I don’t even know why.”

“What’s going on with you and the Dealer?”

“Nothing. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve spoken to him.”

“He’s very protective of you for someone you’ve only spoken to a handful of times.”

I step forward and place my hands at his sides. He gazes down at me, his eyes searching my face.

“Don’t worry about him. I’m with you. Only you.”

He cradles my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb.

“No te quiero perder.”

“You won’t lose me, Chris.”