Chapter 47
forty-seven
Natalia
The sun feels like a hug.
We sit at the shabby picnic table, quietly eating dinner at the busy pier. A pack of seagulls attack a clueless kid at the end of the pier, making quick work of his fried dough and cawing victoriously when he runs away.
Sylvia snorts around her food at the sight, nudging my foot under the table.
“Do you remember when your mom brought us here that one time?”
I laugh at the memory. “The seagulls tried stealing Mami’s fried dough—she snatched it back and then beat them with it.
” Sylvia throws her head back on a laugh, wispy tendrils of her hair dancing in the afternoon breeze.
Beside me, Matias tenses with a rare chuckle, half-eaten taco in hand.
The bruises are almost gone, and the stitches on his abdomen come off in just a few days.
A few scary days in the hospital, recounting the demise of agent Timothy Bryce.
The lies and manipulation. Evidence tampering, and downright murder attempts. Matias’ lawyer had a field day getting his case thrown out, but with a promise that the FBI was watching. In the shadows, shoring up another case should he decide to turn to his old ways.
The warning is meaningless to him. He’s got no intention of going back. Now that Santos is slowly getting back on his feet, Matias is happy to leave things to his friend. To retire, so we can build a life.
Together.
The thought puts a giddy smile on my face as I lean between us to grab another taco.
“Sylvia, are you all packed?” We’re having one last dinner before dropping her off at the airport, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not going to be a blubbering mess at the terminal. It’s why I forced Matias to drive. Because I know I won’t be able to see through the tears on the way home.
She shrugs. “I left a couple of things in your room. I’m sure I’ll be back.” She gives me a wry look. “What with your newfound rebellious streak.”
I pretend not to hear that, glaring at Matias when he clears his throat and says:
“Don’t worry. I put a tracking chip in her.” He eats the rest of his taco in one easy bite, like he doesn’t at all mind that I made him buy one of each and am just letting him eat all the ones I don’t want.
“He’s joking.” I say immediately, desperate to douse the crafty look in Sylvia’s eyes.
“Right here.” Matias says, pinching the skin on the back of my neck. The table is silent as I turn and stare at him. He’s got a great poker face, his eyes giving nothing away. But that’s okay. I know he’s kidding.
Still, I reach up and feel the spot on the back of my neck just to make sure.
I would have remembered something like that in the chaos after the bust, right?
He looks at me from the corner of his eye and chuckles under his breath, groaning when I elbow him.
“Careful. You’re going to reopen my stitches.”
I gasp, an apology on my lips when Sylvia pipes up.
“She’s a vicious little thing these days, isn’t she? Kind of scary.”
Matias smirks. “She’s got more street cred than I do, these days.
That’s scary.” And although the words would have made a different version of me ashamed, today they make me sit a little straighter.
It feels…good. To not be underestimated, to have the strength to rock the boat and let the chips fall where they may.
And I’d never be able to do it without Matias.
I reach under the table and take his free hand in mine, breathing a little easier when he gives me a gentle squeeze. Sylvia catches us staring at each other and wrinkles her nose.
“Could you two wait until tonight when you’re alone to make eyes at each other?”
Matias sighs. “I won’t have her tonight. She’s helping that hacker girl move.”
“Yep.” I confirm happily. “Alma and I are helping Bee settle into her new apartment. Her handler was able to approve a place closer to me. So we’ll be able to hang out more now that she’s moving.” And maybe help us with a secret hard drive still in our possession…
“I can think of someone else that has an upcoming move.” Matias says darkly under his breath, making it very clear for the hundredth time how he feels about my little apartment.
“Not yet.” I say quickly, shaking my head when Sylvia arches a brow. She’s way too interested in my life to drop a bomb like that. “I like my apartment.”
“You’re barely there.” Matias snorts. “Might as well just tell the old lady to put it up for rent.”
Sylvia takes a deep drag of her soda and nods. “Maybe she can save it for us. I think…I think we’re going to move out here. Aaron and I.”
The statement hits me like a bolt of lightning. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, when you two were in the hospital, I ran into one of the drug abuse counselors that treated me…before.” She says, referring to the days where she was a completely different person.
“She’s looking to start her own non-profit for teens struggling with addiction.
She wants me to work for her. As a counselor. ”
I’m pretty sure I look like I’m about to burst into tears, because Sylvia gets a constipated look on her face, and says:
“It’ll take me forever to get my certification, so, you know, it’s just an idea. But Aaron thinks it’s a great opportunity for me. And things with his kids are finally settling down, so…you know. It’s time for us to build a life together.”
She’s going to move closer. And she wants to have a baby.
I can’t wait to be a Tia.
A passing family stares at me when I jump out of my seat with a whoop, darting around the picnic table and giving my big sister a huge hug.
“Okay, that’s enough.” Sylvia is stiff as a board in my arms. “I love you too, but this is embarrassing. People are staring.”
Matias fishes his phone from his pocket, making a big show of taking a picture as I hold Sylvia hostage.
“Oh yeah…that’s good. Sylvia, smile a little bigger, will you?”
“I’m going to neuter you.” She promises, but smiles hugely, anyway.
“You can’t touch me.” He replies, unworried. “I got the baddest girl in LA on my side.” Matias tugs me back to his side and presses a tender kiss on the nape of my neck. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
My sister and boyfriend bicker, like this is something they do every Sunday.
For the first time in years, I’m thrilled with my new normal. Thrilled at the prospect of being surrounded by my family, my new friends, and a lifetime of love with the man beside me.
Crazy what happens, when you take control of your life.