Chapter 31

I thought he was going to slap me, but in fact, he hugged me, leaving me soaking wet.

“I’ve missed you, Oscarcito,” he says. I don’t even remember the last time he called me that.

We spent the afternoon in the pool, relaxing. I was almost sure she would throw the gifts away, but she didn’t; she thanked me and seemed happy. To be honest with myself, I have to say that I’ve missed her too. I should be more aware of her, protect her, take care of her... But it scares me to think that I feel something more than loyalty and business for her. Am I in love? I hope not, it’s not a good idea. I have to guard against that so I can continue to be okay.

Everything was going well, swimming in the pool, sunbathing, eating something, and laughing when my phone started ringing in a very insistent way. When I saw the neighbor’s name on the screen, my skin crawled.

“Sofia has run away from home without security,” I tell Mireya when I put the call on hold. “I have to go; I have