Page 52 of Big Dix

She turns around and smiles. “Atti! You’re home. I made dinner for us. Go on, have a seat. It’s almost ready.”

The kitchen is a wreck because this woman doesn’t cook. I wasn’t even aware she knew how to turn on the stove. Pots and pans litter every surface, something red that I can only hope is sauce is splattered in globs on my cabinets and floors. She motions toward the dining room like she has the right to be here.

What the actual hell is going on right now?

“Why are you here, and where is Evelyn?”

She scoffs. “Oh, she came by. I got rid of her for you. Since we’ll be back together soon, I didn’t see any reason for you to haveherhanging around.”

“Excuse me? You got rid of her? You broke into my house and got rid of my girlfriend? Are you fucking serious right now?”

“Atti…”

The timer on the oven sounds, and she turns around and pulls the pan out, placing it on the counter as if this is the most normal thing in the world when it is anything but normal.

“We both know I’m perfect for you. You just needed time to get over your little hang-up.” She waves her hand in the air to emphasize her ridiculous point. “I think I’ve been more than patient.”

“Jesus, you are crazy, aren’t you? You fucking cheated on me. There is no coming back from that. We are done. We have been done for a long time. You cannot just come into my home and run off the woman I am in love with.”

Annie’s eyes practically bulge out of her head at my admission. “You love her? Youloveher?” Her tone rises with each word. “I can’t believe this! You aren’t serious! You’re picking her over me? Her?”

I shake my head in disbelief. I don’t know who this woman is anymore—if I ever really did. “This isn’t a competition. If it were, Evelyn is in a league of her own. I think it’s time for you to go. Good night, Annie.”

“You’ll regret this decision. I’m the best thing that has ever happened to you, asshole.” She storms out, and I don’t bother to tell her that I am about to go try to fix the mess she must have created with Evelyn, the actual best thing that has ever happened to me.

From my garage, I watch Annie walk across the street and climb into a car that I don’t recognize. No wonder I didn’t realize she was here. I just hope it’s not too late to repair any damage with Evelyn that may have been done.

Please, God, don’t let it be too late.

I hop into my truck and head toward her house. My knuckles whiten from the death grip I have on the steering wheel.

God, what Evelyn must think.

I can’t believe Annie. I was stupid to try to remain friends with her out of some misguided childhood loyalty, but after what she has done to Evelyn, she can fuck off.

No one hurts my girl!

Turning onto Evelyn’s street, relief floods my chest when I spot her car parked in the driveway.Please be home.I park and shut the door, but when I turn, I about jump out of my skin because Evelyn’s grandmother stands right in front of me.

Where in the hell did she come from?

“Hello, Mrs. Salinas.”

“You hurt mynieta. She doesn’t want to see you.”

Shit.

“Ma’am, it’s truly not what it seems. If I could just have a moment of her time, I can clear this right up.”

“Si, I’m sure you couldlengua del diablo.”

I crook my head. I think I just got insulted. “Please, I need to see her. There’s been a huge misunderstanding.”

She shakes her head for a moment before speaking. “No.Lastimaste mi bebe.You need to go now. If Evelyn wishes to see you, she will let you know. I will tell her you came by.”

My heart cracks just a bit. Fuck. What if this is it? Are we over? I don’t want that. Tonight, she was supposed to become mine.

“Please, Mrs. Salinas. I’m begging you here. I just need five minutes.”

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