Page 22 of Liar

Peace has held steadfast in the weeks that followed the announcement.

Diego is rarely home. My brother accomplished what he said he’d do and is now an influential member of the Lobos. Hayden promoted him to be a high-ranking officer days after the swearing in. I’m still upset by how our lives are being upended, though the truth is, not much has changed aside from peace settling over Loreto.

I hope it lasts, that the Lobos, Sureños, and Z22 will work together instead of fighting for territory. That Loreto will have a fresh start.

I lift the sleeve of the expensive material to my nose and inhale the lavender and vanilla scent. It’s Lavandería Luciana’s trademark blend, reminiscent of springtime flowers and fresh-baked cupcakes. It makes me think of a world clean and pure. Where there’s a sense of normalcy like the kind I find in my daily routine of washing, drying, ironing, and folding clothes. When I’m working, whatever happens outside can’t touch me. I’m in a place of my own creation, my own tranquil getaway.

And business is at an all-time high. Between school, the dance competition I’ve entered, and my lavandería, little time remains for anything else. I don’t mind. It keeps me busy and my thoughts occupied and untroubled.

Or that was the case until he started having his men drop off his laundry for me to wash.

I rub the crisp cotton shirt sleeve between my fingers. Expensive material with a care tag that reads: “Made in Italy.”

Hisshirt.

Days after the swearing in ceremony, two Lobos arrived with pillowcases full of clothing. “His orders,” was what I was told when they dropped them off. They paid half the bill up front, in cash and not credit. It’s been this way for weeks.

Hisform of an apology?

I’m debating whether to hand-deliver a freshly-laundered bundle to the Hole and get the answer I’m seeking or leave the iron too long on his designer shirt, then wait to see what he’ll do.

Givehimreasontothinkofme.

Why is he generously supporting my small business? For someone who demanded I leave him alone, why even consider doing this small act of kindness?

Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe Diego is behind this steady influx of business.

It shouldn’t matter, I remind myself.

I shouldn’t care.

The front door creaks and a customer enters. It’s Eduardo, my dance partner for the competition. He blew into town three months ago like a breath of fresh air. Relocating from a small town outside of Tijuana to live across town with an elderly aunt. He dances better than any of my former partners. He actually catches me when I jump, can synchronize his footwork to my own fast-paced steps, and doesn’t tire out as quickly as the others.

I’m in heaven when we dance.

We partnered up at the perfect time. Every year, the Loreto Dance Academy hosts a competition calledNacionales. The prize is fully-paid tuition for four years. Admission is expensive, contributing to the academy’s elite status. Diego is furious that I’m not applying to universities and that I’m putting all my eggs in one basket. But winning Nacionales will allow me to dance, grow my business, and stay close to my brother. Besides, dancing will always be in my future. Paying college tuition when I’m undecided about the direction I want my life to take would be a waste of money.

“Hola,” I greet Eduardo. “How are you?”

“Better now,” he says, coming up to the counter.

I glance toward his empty hands. “No laundry for me today?”

“I ... um ...” His face reddens. The new window air conditioner I purchased from the influx of steady income doesn’t stop the flush from spreading over his neck and up to his ears.

“What’s the matter?”

“I noticed you haven’t been hanging around with your friends in thezócalo.”

I gesture to the racks of neatly pressed clothing behind me. “Business is great right now.”

He glances around.

“How about you?” I ask. “Keeping out of trouble?”

His head swings my way, his eyes wide.

I almost laugh. His definition of trouble is either sleeping in late or forgetting to zip his pants.