Chapter 2 #2
The savings remained pretty untouched during my incarceration, since I only was able to access a little to transfer into my prison account for the commissary.
I had sold a lot of my belongings, including my car from before, since I had originally been sentenced to three years.
Slowly but surely I’ll get my life back.
A couple of bags of essential clothes, toiletries, a phone, and the car are all I’ve bought to supplement the things I managed to keep.
As I head to Carlo and Tania’s apartment, I pass El Abrevadero on my right and smile.
It takes everything to not pull in, have Gage make me a delicious margarita, and vent a little about the guy who groped me.
I don’t know why I keep hiding out there, but it’s become a habit.
I’ve been there at least once a week since I got out.
I love the intimate and fun atmosphere, and talking to Gage soothes anything that might be jagged in me on any given day.
The way he intently listens, his calm presence, and the way he’s adorably flirty without being a creep draws me in completely.
He’s so unlike the myriad of horrible men I’ve encountered in my life.
The way he perfectly fills out his uniform of black tee with jeans makes me melt.
His disarming smile, well muscled and inked arms, broad shoulders, and thick thighs are clear as anything when he moves around the bar working and charming the patrons.
Not that I would ever pursue anything beyond our fun conversations.
I’m not in any kind of position to have a fling, and definitely not anything more serious.
Pulling into the lot at Tania and Carlo’s complex, I see Tania’s car but not Carlo’s.
That means they’re not home from work yet since they went in together this morning.
I worked breakfast and lunch today, clocking out during the switch to the dinner and late night shift.
The sun is not as strong now, casting the apartment buildings in a soft glow, and giving a little relief from the July heat.
Hopefully they’ll be home pretty soon before the food gets too cold.
As if summoned, my phone pings with the sound I have especially for a text from my sister.
Nia Bia
We’re heading home now! What are you in the mood to have for dinner?
I’ve got you both covered. Brought home sandwiches, burgers, fries, and mozz sticks from the diner, along with a chocolate shake for you both
I’m drooling, you’re the best. Thank you
I send a heart in response, then get out of the car and head into the apartment. When I shut the door behind me, there is a mini stampede as their two tuxedo cats run up to greet me.
“Hello you cute little gremlins,” I coo as I stroke their backs, making them purr like little motors.
Morticia circles my legs, while Gomez tries to climb my dress.
They are such attention whores and I love them.
Unconditional love is not something I’ve experienced much, but these two give it freely the way only animals can.
My chest constricts as their vivid green eyes worm their way into my very soul.
I dislodge Gomez from my dress and go to the kitchen with them practically tripping me underfoot to give them each a treat, setting the bag of food on the counter.
Once they’re munching happily on their crunchy tuna snacks, I go to the simple room I’m staying in to change into leggings and a t-shirt.
It has everything I could need, with a simple full sized bed, nightstand, dresser, and decent sized closet.
Tania stayed in this room at first when she moved in with Carlo after disaster struck her apartment, the disaster being her crazy cats accidentally flooding it.
It wasn’t too long before all of their workplace pining developed into love, and she moved into his room.
So the cats have their undying devotion for bringing them together, as they should.
Speaking of those devils, when I hear the unmistakable sound of the paper bag ripping from the kitchen, I know there is going to be trouble.
I run out to find Tish on the counter with a french fry in her mouth, and Gomez already polishing one off on the floor.
“Shit, get down, Tish! Tania is going to kill me for leaving this food out, I forgot. You two really are chaos monsters, you know that? I love you anyway.” Tish looks me dead in the eyes as she eats the fry in her mouth, yowls at me, then goes scampering off with Gomez at her heels. She is the biggest diva, I swear.
“Neither of you better get diarrhea!” I holler after them. The front door opens and I hear Tania sigh.
“What did they do that they might get diarrhea?” she asks in the most resigned voice I’ve ever heard.
“I accidentally left the food bag on the counter, they stole some of our fries when I went to go change,” I mumble sheepishly, suddenly feeling like a child in trouble.
When did Tania become the adult here with a whole ass life, delinquent kitty children, and a man who adores her?
My sister’s long, dark ponytail swings as she shakes her head, her feline brown eyes meeting mine with amusement.
“They’ve stolen and eaten worse than that. They should be ok, don’t worry about it,” she tells me. Carlo laughs as he comes up next to her and wraps his arm around her waist.
“Remember when they stole a whole pupusa from the counter?” he asks her as he kisses her temple.
“Ugh, that was a tragic loss. RIP delicious pupusa. They’re very lucky they’re cute,” she replies as she smiles up at him.
“We should eat before they steal any more or it gets cold,” I tell them before they get too lost in each other.
Carlo immediately grabs drinks for us and Tania brings the bag to the table.
The table is only meant for two, so I bring my brisket sandwich, soda, and a few mozzarella sticks over to the coffee table in the living room to let them have the kitchen table.
“Ok, I’m done with watching you sit at the coffee table alone. I know you keep telling me it’s stupid to get a new table for four, but I’m ordering one right now.” Carlo tells me ruefully.
“No worries, you don’t need to do that for me!” I chirp. “I don’t mind sitting here. You guys have done enough as it is, and you need to save your money. There’s no point in buying a new table you won’t need when I’m going to find my own place soon.”
“You’re so fucking stubborn, Cece,” Tania huffs. “It would be nice to get a bigger table anyway in case we have people over. We’re ordering one. Or maybe we can go shopping for one this weekend in person.”
“This isn’t my bachelor pad anymore, I need to make some upgrades for Tania,” Carlo adds.
I take in the space and know he has a point.
Tania has already started putting her stamp on things.
Her photos, including ones of her and me, are mixed in with Carlo’s family photos.
There’s abstract art on the walls, and a few turquoise batik throw pillows on the couch to soften the bachelor pad leather upholstery.
A matching blanket is slung over the arm of the couch, and new white and turquoise print curtains hang around the windows.
I know she picked everything out, because it’s all exactly her taste.
“Ok, yes, I see your point. Let’s get a bigger table,” I concede. Tania rolls her eyes.
“Thank you so much for your permission,” she replies dryly.
I chuckle and shake my head as I take a bite of my sandwich.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around how much my little sister has come into herself.
Sometimes I still just see the sad, quiet little 8 year old who came to the same foster home I did when I was 12.
I’ve always been her protector, even as we got older and forged our own paths.
For over 17 years, it was us against the world.
While I was in prison, she built this beautiful life surrounded by all of the love and stability that she’s craved for so long.
Along with trying to figure out my life after being incarcerated, I’m stuck with a couple of huge questions that have my nose stinging.
Who am I now that my little sister doesn’t need me anymore, and is she better off without my angry, stubborn ass in her life?