Page 15 of Forget Me

5

MATEO

Back in thedays when I used to work at my papá’s shop, I could always tell when someone was about to try to steal a carton or a cigar from the box by the cash register. Even if my back was turned, my hairline would prickle.

I felt that now.

Slowly, I turned from where I’d been admiring the camellias. I plucked the cigarette from my lips and blew out a long stream of blue smoke.

Mimi stood at the door to the conservatory, shivering. Her sleeveless gown was the color of midnight on a moonless night back home on the island.

I lunged for the cigarette receptacle, almost knocking it over in my haste. “H-hello.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Are you stalking me?”

“Um.” I steadied the urn and flicked the butt into the slot. “Ah, no. I’m driving Ben and Miguelito.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, which was a shame. The sweetheart neckline made her breasts look amazing. Though I had a better chance of saying something intelligent if I wasn’t gazing at her gorgeous tits.

“I thought you were security, not a chauffeur.”

I shrugged. “I do what my cousin asks.”

She looked away, and I noticed her fingers trembled. They did that the other morning when she refused to eat the buñuelos I’d brought.

“Are you all right?” I asked. “Have you had anything to eat? Or—or are you cold?” Shit, why had I left my jacket in the car? I took a few steps toward her. I yearned to wrap her in my arms the way she’d let me that night at the bar.

“I’m fine.” She held up her hands in front of herself as if to ward off an evil spirit.

I must have reeked like an ashtray. I took a step back.

Her shoulders lowered. “Thanks for the spice cookies you sent with Ben. They were delicious.”

“Of course. My tía is the best cook I know.”

When she shivered again, I said, “You should go inside where it’s warm. Unless you’d like to borrow my jacket? It’s in the car.”

She shook her head.

“Are you hungry? I’ll fetch you a plate.” I tipped my chin at the doors behind her.

She snorted. “You’d never make it out alive. Not looking like that.” She circled her hand at the black T-shirt I wore whenever I worked for my cousin.

I smoothed my hand over it like I could magically transform it into a suit and tie. Maybe then she’d respect me. She’d look at me the way she had last Saturday night.

No, I’d fucked that up. I’d been what I always was. A fun way to pass the time. Forgettable. Not worth keeping.

“Sorry I’m underdressed. I didn’t expect—”

“No, I meant…” She pressed her lips together. “I meant the way your muscles look in that shirt.”

I couldn’t help it. I flexed. It was as automatic as breathing.

But Mimi didn’t react the way people usually did. She never had.

“I need a few minutes alone,” she said, looking vulnerable in a way I’d never seen her. “You know?”

“Not really. I hate being alone.” I turned up my lips in a wry smile. But I’d give her the one thing she asked for. “I understand. I’ll go sit in the car.”

Her dark eyebrows tightened, but I did what I’d said. I turned and walked back to the SUV. I closed myself inside and tried not to watch her as she stood, shivering, enjoying being alone more than she enjoyed my company.

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