Page 75 of Resilient Love

“You’ll actually visit?”

“Yep.”

“Alright, then,” he breathes. “Text me the details and I’ll let Mamí know,” he says, fully aware of why I wouldn’t want to tell her myself. If it ends up not happening for some reason, I’ll never hear the end of it.

“Thanks, Carlos. Now, tell me about how physical therapy is going.”

Thankfully, he takes the bait, telling me all about the new PT he’s seeing and the innovative treatments they’ve started implementing.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Sunny D

Are you going to make me be the first to admit it…

My heart startsto take off at a sprint as I read his words, unsure of where this is going and if I’m ready for whateverthisis yet.

Thankfully, he saves me from my anxious spiral before I have the chance to start shutting down.

Sunny D

Fine. I’ll go first, then.

I miss you, mi vida.

I miss you too.

Thank god.

Sunny D

And what are we going to do about that?

It’s too late for me to get a ride to see you (

Sunny D

Head downstairs and open the door.

Lol I’m not going to hitchhike if that’s what you’re suggesting. I think we can both make it one night.

Sunny D

Speak for yourself.

And just do as you’re told for once.

Like the smart man that he is, another text comes through immediately.

Sunny D

Please, mi vida.

I climb out of bed, careful not to step on any of the creaking floorboards as I pad across the hardwood. I turn my light off so the girls won’t wake up but leave my door open in case I’m about to sneak a boy—no, agrown man—into my bedroom. This is just like senior year of high school all over again.

I make it down the stairs and to the front door without anyone waking up, my heart in my throat as I recall their most recent intervention. The door unlocks with a snick before I tugit open and find Rafael standing on my porch wearing a cocky smirk that leaves me lightheaded.

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