Page 42 of The Right Garza

“In the future, just tell me what you want, okay?” he says. “Whatever it is, even if it’s not wanting to be somewhere alone, justtell me. Okay?”

I’m taken aback by the earnestness in his voice. There’s something more in there than just a friend looking out for a friend. What am I missing? “Okay. I will.”

He jerks his head to the condo. “Flicker the lights when you get in.”

“Okay. See ya.”

I shut the door then take the side entrance to the condo. Once I’m inside, I flicker the lights like he asked, then move to the windows and discreetly shift the curtains to watch him drive away.

And just like that, the flutters are back.

Chapter FOURTEEN

“Hey, boo thang.”

Lexi

Things get fast andhectic over the next two weeks. With the plumbing fixes completed, we were able to focus on aesthetics and functionality with no hold-up.

Once Maggie and I settled on final design and modeling ideas, things moved faster than I anticipated. The hiring, the ordering, the scheduling, the managing and monitoring…

The work feels endless, but at the same time, cathartic. Maggie and I run on copious amounts of caffeine and little to no sleep. But things are coming along and I feel great about it. Bringing Maggie on board is proving to be the best decision I made. She’s worth her salt, has taught me so much, and her enthusiasm for the project makesmeenthusiastic.

I’m in the foyer directing the delivery of new room furniture when Mama calls. “Hola, Mama.”

“There is talk,” she says after asking me a slew of welfare questions, “that you have money problems. Why did you not tell me this? Do you want money,mija? I can give you money.Salome Noais doing much better now, si? Lots of customers. I have savings. I can give you—”

“Mama, no,” I curtail. “Who told you this? I’mfine. I bought that restaurant foryou. You have a lot of people to provide for. Save your profits. Don’t worry about me.”

“¿Me estás mintiendo,Alexa Flores?”

Oh dear. She whipped out my full name. I fight back a smile. No one ever calls me Alexa, it’s been Lexi for as long as I can remember. But growing up, whenever Mama bellowed my real first name, it meant I was in serious trouble.

“No, Mama. I’m—Hey, hey, no, that goes upstairs. Second floor,” I break off to direct two of the delivery men. “Yeah, Mama. I’m not lying. I promise.”

“Okay then.Malditos chismosos,”she grumbles.“But yourmadreis here if you need anything,si?”

“Of course, Mama. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Hanging up, I jump out of the way just in time to dodge a toppling tower of boxes being carried by two paint-splattered arms.

“You break it, I’m docking it!” I yell to no one in particular as I turn and walk out the front door.

Maggie is by the fountain flirting with one of the workers. He’s ripped, tanned, and good-looking, so I can’t blame her. Walking over to her, I loop my arm through hers and pull her away. “So, remember when you said you were going to make us sandwiches?”

“Ah, shit. I got sidetracked.”

“I can see that.”

She rolls her eyes. “Not by him.” Then she frowns. “But for the life of me I can’t remember what.”

“Whatever. I’m just gonna drive out to get something. I’m starving. Oversee the delivery until I get back.”

“Wait, how come Trent didn’t send you lunch today?”

Trent has been sending me lunch every day for the past two weeks. Like clockwork, his men in black would show up at 1:00 PM on the dot with a hot tasty meal and I would share it with Maggie.