Page 29 of Love Arranged

“Thank you.”

“But what about Lorenzo being involved in the mafia?”

“That’s a dumb rumor the Ludlow family made up because they want to scare people into voting for Trevor instead of him.”

My sister’s mouth falls open.

“What?” I ask.

“For someone who claims they aren’t interested, you are quick to defend Lorenzo.”

“I dislike the Ludlows for lying. That’s all.”

“Fair enough.”

“Are you done interrogating me now?”

She clears her throat. “Perhaps I came off a bit…strong before?—”

I cut her off with a sharp look.

She laughs. “Okay, I gave you the third degree. But I was taken aback. Lorenzo isn’t known for being sweet, so I was worried he had some ulterior motive or something.”

“Oh, I’m sure he did.” Lorenzo wouldn’t help me unless it benefited him somehow.

“I only ask that you be careful. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt by someone like him.”

“It’s sweet of you to care, but your worries are unwarranted. I’ve got it all covered.”

Lorenzo might’ve hurt me once, but I’ll never give him an opportunity to do it twice.

I’m sure of it.

Julian drops me off at home before taking Dahlia out for dinner, so I switch into my PJs and heat up some leftovers. While the food is in the microwave, I finally work up the courage to text Lorenzo.

Me

Why did you take my car to the shop?

He doesn’t answer me, so I distract myself with eating dinner. My mom isn’t back from her Bible study group yet, so I keep myself occupied with my phone while I wait for his reply.

When he still doesn’t reply after twenty minutes, I follow up with another message.

Me

I was in the middle of filing a stolen car report when they found it.

I hit Send and instantly regret not adding more, so I type up another text.

Me

The sheriff, his deputies, and Julian and Dahlia know what you did, so if people start assuming you like me or something, it’s all your fault.

Despite him not showing any signs of answering me, I end up falling asleep to thoughts of him.

When I wake up the next morning, my phone is bombarded with new photos Rafa shared of him, Nico, and Ellie enjoying a sunset in Hawaii. My mom and Josefina, who raised Rafa like her own son, Julian, are losing their minds in the Lopez-Muñoz group chat over how cute Nico and Rafa look in their matching swim trunks, so I add a comment of my own.

Me