Page 15 of Ridin' True

He was high, but those two words were always a reminder that it had been him and me from the very beginning of our existence.

“Hey,” I spoke in response. “We need to talk.”

“‘Bout what?” he asked innocently.

“I got a visit today from two guys who had no business being in my office. Didn’t catch their names, but they told meRoccohad summoned me.”

Alejo sat up, suddenly asmidgemore alert. “Oh, shit. Right. That.”

“That? Thatwhat? Who is Rocco, and what does he want?”

“I’m just going tonotbe here for this.”

I glanced over my shoulder and watched as Felix disappeared down the hallway before shutting himself into his bedroom.

Refocusing my attention on my brother, I raised my eyebrows and repeated, “Who is Rocco and what does he want?”

“Okay, hear me out,” he began, nervously running his fingers through his hair. “It’s only a little set-back. I’m gonna fix it. I just need a little time—I needed to buy some time.”

“Alejandro—who isRoccoandwhat does he want?” I asked through gritted teeth.

He hesitated a moment longer then said, “He’s—he’s my supplier.” Before I could utter a word, Alejo held up his hands and stammered, “It’s—it’s—it’s not what you think. I work for him. I mean, sort of. He’s not my supplier like you think. I’ve, uhm, I’ve been selling for him.”

It felt like he punched me in the gut, forcing out all the air in my lungs.

“Excuse me?” I managed on a whisper.

“I needed the money. It’sgoodmoney, Lexi.”

I knew it was pointless and idiotic, but I couldn’t help but argue, “Good money? Alejo, by definition, drug money isdirtymoney. I thought you had a job. Like a real job, with a paycheck and a W2!”

“Alexia, look at me. Look at this place. I can’t stay here forever. I was making chump change.”

I buried my fingers in my hair, pressing my palms against my temples. “How is it possible that I have to remind you, you went to jail for drug possession? And now you’re, what? Out on the street selling drugs? Do you understand what will happen if you get caught a second time? Oh, my god, Alejo!”

“It’s not like that. You don’t understand. Rocco runs a tight ship. His guys don’t get caught.”

“Um,okay,” I retorted mockingly. I dropped my hands to my sides, balling my fingers into fists. “Let’s talk about Rocco. Why did he send those guys to my office? Why is hesummoningme? Why does he even know that I exist?”

“I know you’re upset but hear me out. I’m in a little bit of a jam. I had a deadline, and I missed it. Now, I can still get the money, but I need some more time. Until I get the cash, I’m in his debt and, um, no one is in his debt. I gotta pay up. I—Lexi I need you to float me some cash.”

I laughed so I wouldn’t cry. “You’re joking.”

“Come on, Lexi. It’s me. I know you’re good for it.”

“Good for what?”

“Ten grand.”

I gaped at him, and I could feel my eyes start to fill with tears.

“Ten—ten grand,” I breathed.

“I’ll pay you back,melliza, I swear.”

We stared at each other for a long moment.

There was desperation in his hazy eyes, but I’d fallen for that look before. Too many times.