Twisted Tides (Forged Hearts #2)

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

EVIE

“All Around Me” by Flyleaf

“ H urry up, Evie. I don’t want to be late to meet Ramón!” Mateo shouts from the kitchen.

Where did I put my bag? I lift the pile of clothing from my bed and see the offending object. “Okay, just a sec.”

I hear him pacing around out there. Bro needs to calm down before he goes bald from tugging at his hair. Sure enough, as I proceed to sling my cross-body bag across my shoulders, letting it rest over my right front hip, I see his hair standing erect on one side. I walk over to him, lick my hand, and smooth the hair down on that side.

He steps back, I’d say disgusted if going off his facial expression. “What- the-ever-loving-fuck?”

I shrug. “Your hair was sticking straight out on the side.”

He lifts his hand up in protest. “So, you thought you should just…” He motions with his hands flying back and forth between my hand and face. “Lick your hand and rub at my hair?”

I chuckle. “Um. Yep, that’s exactly what I did, bro.” I grab my water cup and swallow the ice-cold brew that resides there instead of the H2O that should occupy the space, but I’m not one to do things I should do.

He shakes his head in defeat. “Whatever. I just can’t with you today.” He walks out, and I follow him, locking the door behind me. I hurry to catch up with his long strides.

“Mattie, are you okay? You seem all…” I move my hand upright, making a circle around his person. “Tense,” I finish.

He continues walking, sparing me a side glance so I can see just enough of his exaggerated eye roll as he continues ignoring my question.

“Are you suffering from FSB or something?”

At this, he stops mid-trek to the car. He pivots and turns around to me. “I’m afraid to ask…” He rubs a hand down his face. “But I will against my better judgment anyway. What the fuck is FSB?”

I smile slyly. “Why, fatal sperm build-up, of course.”

He rolls his eyes upward as if they will pop right out of his head at any moment. He pivots and turns around without further comment. I can see the remark hit its desired mark because, if I am not mistaken, I see his shoulders rising as he tries to stifle a laugh.

Walking up to his usual coffee spot where he meets Ramón for chess, as I follow behind like a scolded child. I guess he is still sore about the saliva thing.

I walk in and see Dylan at the front counter. He sees me and smiles brightly. I don’t return the enthusiasm, but I am not a total bitch, even though every bone in my body wants to scream ‘ cheater.’

I notice Mateo is already seated with Ramón, and I once again feel like an outsider hanging out with them, as if I am intruding, except now that we had spent some time with him over the holidays. I see how much he enjoys his time with Mateo and how lonely he is. Two men finding a sense of purpose with one another—filling a missing familial void.

I get a text message and glance quickly to notice that it is from Jameson. My smile widens, but the text message has me a little confused.

Jameson

Where are you?

I look at my phone, wondering why he is asking this when I already told him we were coming to see my brother's friend.

Evie

I am with Mateo.

I snort as I type this. What is he getting at? Does he think I am lying?

Jameson

Where are you both?

Okay, I didn’t tell him where, but we are still near Houston.

Evie

We are in Galveston?

I type it out because I don’t want him to worry. This line of questioning is kind of worrisome. He has never been like this, and it is starting to make me nervous. I can see that he is typing, as the three little dots show under his message.

Jameson

Who are you with, and where? I need all the information Evie.

I am now starting to panic. I look around the coffee shop and don’t see anything conflicting or unusual that would make me suspicious. I am pretty good at sensing danger at this point. Nothing is screaming ‘dangerous situation’ at me.

I feel Mateo looking at me. I meet his gaze, and his expression remains neutral, but his eyes are questioning. I ignore it and look back at my phone, typing out a response.

Evie

I am at the usual coffee shop with Mateo and his friend Ramón.

His response comes quickly.

Jameson

Perfect.

I make a jerky body movement, and annoyance starts to creep in. I type a nonthreatening questioning response.

Evie

WTF?

I see his following message and throw my phone down on the table.

Jameson

I’ll explain later…

I don’t bother responding this time. I’m just annoyed, but I am sure there has to be a good reason for that line of intense and very specific questioning. I cross my arms over my chest and kick my feet out in front of me in a pissed-off stance.

I look over to my brother and see him and Ramón staring at me and wondering why I have been reacting to my messages in that manner.

“Jameson is being vague. And super annoying,” I say to them with an eye roll.

Mateo laughs, and Ramón smiles. “Ah, young love,” he comments with a faraway look in his eyes, as if he is remembering a moment that is now just a distant memory—a blip in time. Maybe he is thinking about his wife. Whatever it is, he doesn’t elaborate or comment further.

They return to their game, and I sit there wondering what is going on right now.

Bored with my situation, I stand up and leave them to their game—Ramon is clearly winning this round—and walk over to the water station and fill up a cup of iced water, adding a lemon to it.

I stand looking over at the sun reflecting off the water outside. I feel someone looking at me, and I turn to see Dylan. I lift a challenging brow. He looks as if he is going to walk my way, and I almost want him to do so, so I can let him know what I think of him. I am saved by the bell when a young woman comes through with a stroller, her eyes bright and cheerful. Dylan turns to her in surprise and then spares a quick glance my way, schooling his features.

I sip my drink, watching the interaction from a few feet away. She removes the clasp on the carrier and lifts a little girl from the stroller. She is wearing a little pink dress with a pink hairband holding back her little blonde curls surrounding her cherub-like face. She is beautiful, moving her chubby little hands back and forth and sticking her tongue out.

“We just came to see Daddy before lunch with Grandma and Grandpa.” She coos at the little girl, adoration and love spilling forth for her little bundle of joy.

Dylan is rigid, knowing that he is officially busted. I take a long swig, watching the exchange and wishing I could help his unsuspecting wife in a way that lets her know she deserves better.

I turn to look at Mateo, and he is watching me. His eyes are pleading, asking me not to cause a scene. I nod once, and he visibly relaxes and returns his attention to his lost cause of a chess game.

Dylan takes his baby girl and kisses her on the top of her head. I see that he loves her because of the way he carries on about her. I mean, who wouldn’t? She is so perfect.

It’s at this moment my resolve softens, and as much as I think Dylan is the scum of the earth for attempting to give me his number, I don’t know his situation. Looking at them, I don’t see wedding rings on either of their fingers. Interesting .

I walk over to them, drawn to the sight of the baby and all its cuteness. I decide to just pass by and walk to our table when the baby drops the little doll that she had just had in her mouth. A long line of saliva falls, chasing after the little toy.

I pick it up for the young mother and hand it to her. She smiles at me, and Dylan just watches me to see what I am going to say. The little girl looks at me and shows a complete, gummy smile that radiates sunshine and happiness.

“She’s beautiful,” I whisper, not intending for that to slip out. I straighten my posture rigidly. I speak up. “You are both so lucky.” I smile at them, and the mom beams at the compliment.

Dylan speaks. “Thank you. She is the best thing that happened to us.”

I walk away and hear the woman ask Dylan if he has any plans tonight or if he is free to watch their daughter. It is then that I realize maybe they aren’t together and I might have misjudged the situation. I frown as I walk back to the table.

When I hear the woman leave, I look at Dylan. My eyes soften, understanding the complexity of his situation. Dylan’s cheeks blush as he looks down and walks off. I watch him retreat, wishing him positive vibes so that he can find happiness and find a person who will love him and that sweet girl unconditionally.

It’s then that my jaded heart cracks just a little more with sympathy and compassion for another person instead of jumping to conclusions and seeing only the worst in everyone.

I sit there and reflect on the events in the coffee shop, waiting for my brother and Ramón to finish their game of chess. Mateo, in fact, loses the game. Shocker. They pack up their chess game, carefully putting away the pieces into the velvety cloth drawstring pouch. He helps Ramón put it into his messenger bag as we stand to walk out.

Dylan is at the counter, trying not to make eye contact with me. I walk over to him, and he looks up in surprise.

“Hi,” he says shyly.

“Hey,” I counter. “I just wanted to let you know that I have a boyfriend, but if I didn’t, it would be such a turn-on to see such a man taking responsibility and caring for his daughter. I’m Evie, by the way.” I extend my hand out to him, and he takes it, smiling.

“Thank you, Evie. I appreciate that.”

I turn around, and before I leave, I wave. “See you around, Dylan.”

The door chimes as I step out into the blazing heat. My hair is frizzing by the second. I pluck the sunglasses from my head and place them over my eyes to combat the blinding sun rays. I see Mateo and Ramón standing by the pier waiting for me.

Mateo shakes his head at me. “You just couldn’t help yourself, could you?” He looks almost disappointed in me.

“I didn’t say anything wrong. He isn’t married, and he seems like a doting father. I just wanted to let him know I have a boyfriend, and his little girl was cute.” I shrug.

Mateo looks at me. “Hm.” That is all he says, and I see him look at Ramón, who smiles without comment. “Okay then. Let’s go. We will drop off Ramón at his house after his doctor appointment, then head home, okay?”

I place my hand in my pocket. “Sure, no problem.”

With that, we walk over to where we parked and get into our very hot car. Mateo opens the windows to allow some of the heat to escape. As we drive, I look over at the boats on the bay, the calmness, and the sound of seagulls flying carefree. It brings me a sense of peace when everything around me is spiraling out of control. I like things I can control.

Jameson

Are you dropping off Ramón now?

I look up at the door, frowning at the question. I turn around and look out at the empty street, but I don’t understand this line of questioning. Can he see me?

Evie

Yes, we are headed there now. It took a while after his appointment. He had to see a doctor today.

I need to know what is happening, but I sense that we will not like the answers. He starts typing then stops. I stare at my phone and frown, but don’t comment. No further messages come through.

Mateo pulls into Ramón’s driveway, and he assists the older gentleman, helping to get him to his door. Mateo disappears inside the condo, and I wait for him. My phone dings moments later, and I notice another text message from Jameson.

Jameson

You and Mateo meet me at The Viceroy after. Eduardo and I will be waiting for you.

I’m reading the last message as the door opens, and Mateo slides into the driver’s seat. He looks over at me, then backs out of the driveway, pulling onto the feeder road to get on the highway. He looks over at me, sensing something is wrong.

“What? What’s going on, Evie?”

I shake my head, confused as to what they need to discuss with us and why all the evasive questions.

“Not sure, but Jameson said we should go over to Eduardo’s club. They want to talk to us there.” I look over at my brother to see what he thinks about this.

“Did they hear back from Mr. Martinez yet?”

I bite my nail, shrugging my shoulders. “He didn’t say, but I have a bad feeling about this, Mattie.”

“We can speculate all we want, but it’s best just to go now and see what they have to say.”

I nod in agreement. We ride the entire way into the city, absorbed in our thoughts, wondering when the other shoe will drop.