Page 38 of Liar

“A ten?” She looks at him, incredulous.

I can relate, considering I’m trying very hard not to give him the same look. What ten-point lift? We barely have a nine-point perfected. I defended him to her, and now he’s lying to impress her?

He’s weak. Not of body, but absolutely of mind.

La señora claps her hands together once more. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Me,aswell. Because he’s just set us up for failure. Ten-point lifts can take a year to perfect. And we don’t have that kind of time.

A sharp, piercing squeal interrupts my panic.

Everyone’s attention shifts to the bar.

I immediately wish mine hadn’t, as I witness Marifer throwing her arms around Diego’s shoulders then climbing up his body. My brother just became her next man-meal.

This day has absolutely taken a turn for the worse. Judging by Diego’s fake smile, he’s in agreement.

“She’s too much,” Señora Rivera comments. “Fortunately, for everyone around, she reads like an open book.”

“An erotica, I’m guessing.”

La señora laughs. “Your mind is as quick as your feet. But she’s the least dangerous of the three evils.”

Her comment draws my complete attention.

“You mean the bosses.”

“Yes.”

“Rumors have a way of exaggerating the truth.” I think of the ice pack,himputting antiseptic on my arm.

“Not rumors, dear. I met the handsome one less than ten minutes ago.”

My eyes widen. “He’s here?”

“Yes. The three of them decided to join the general public onboard as a show of unity.”

Diosmío, Ignacioisonboard aswell?

Eduardo cuts me off before I can even form my next question. “I need to go.”

“We’re scheduled for a few more dances.”

“Not without the music.” He turns to Señora Rivera. “I look forward to performing for you.” Then, without another word, he’s pushing through the crowd and toward the exit ramp.

This is awkward.

“Is your partner on bad terms with the bosses?”

Her question throws me off. “Not that I’m aware of.” He’s new to town, with little time to make enemies.

The shadowy figure at the end of the alleyway enters my mind.

“What makes you say that?” I prompt.

“The second I mentioned the bosses, he became skittish.” She pauses. “Yes. I think I know why.”

No mistaking how la señora doesn’t like Eduardo. Maybe she notices the weakness in him that I’m just picking up on? “Why?”