Sunshine's shadow

14

14th February 2020

My head was on Nestor's shoulder as we danced slowly under the fairy lights. The terrace had a cover band set up playing a set of the greatest love songs, because what else could be expected on Valentine's Day. As the song ended, the other couples who had filled the dance floor all clapped. Nestor took my hand and led me back to our table as the band announced a short break.

I watched Nestor drink his bourbon with envy and he smirked when he noticed too. I was erring on the side of precaution and not drinking any alcohol. Taking my sparkling grape juice I raised it to his glass and clinked them gently together.

"To a whole night, just the two of us, uninterrupted."  I toasted and winked.

Nestor tipped his drink back, emptying the liquid before tossing cash down on the table. I giggled at his eagerness to leave and placed my hand in his. His hands roamed my body over the tight fabric I wore while we waited for the valet to bring our car around. The dress clung to every curve and had kept Nestor's eyes entrapped all evening.

We pulled apart as the purr of the engine pulled up along side us. I took the key and the drivers seat while Nestor gave the young man a generous tip. I couldn't be sure just yet but it seemed Nestor was being kinder to strangers than he used to be. Or I was imaging it. I put the car in drive and pulled out of the restaurant, ignoring the speed limit so we could get naked faster.

I had to admit, I did take the time to enjoy little things I didn't bother about before I found out I had a short lifespan. I stopped taking clients for my medium business so I had more free time to spend with Nestor. I hadn't told my dad or Happy yet, I was hoping to visit them soon and tell them together. Dad would probably get more upset if I spoke to Happy first, even though he was in town for the weekend.

I heard Nestor's phone ring and saw Miguel's name on the stereo display. I sighed at the fact that tonight wouldn't be uninterrupted. Nestor pulled his phone out and declined the call before looking at me and shaking the phone, proving he could ignore the call if his boss. As he held it another call came through, from Marcus this time.

"Just answer it or they will keep calling." I sighed and climbed out of the car.

I was almost at the front door when a spike of worry stabbed me. I turned to see Nestor still in the car with the phone to his ear, shock written on his face. I ran back to the car and hopped in before tearing out of the drive towards Miguel's.

"Who?" I asked knowing something terrible had happened.

"Dita's gone. Stole Paco's car and left a note behind." He said. "Head to their old house, it's where she said she was going."

The drive was silent as we made our way to the place Dita had almost died when the wild fires ravaged the area. I couldn't call her spirit but I could feel in my gut she was already dead. I parked behind the two cars already here and Nestor was out of the door instantly.

Emily was sobbing, holding onto Miguel which is the closest I had seen the two in a long time. Hopefully they would sort their shit out in the light of this tragedy. I followed Nestor slowly as I took in the scene and the burnt body that was clearly Dita. I noticed Nestor and Marcus looking at something behind the cars seriously.

I let myself see through Nestor's eyes and my stomach dropped as I saw motorcycle tyre tracks. I didn't need Dita to tell me who was here, I should have known who it was. I walked over to Miguel and pulled him into a hug, feeling him relax a bit from my aura's calming effects.

"She was troubled since the fire Miguel but she's finally at peace. Don't let the last few months define your memories of her. Remember her as she was before, a loving mother and doting grandmother." I said before giving him a kiss on the cheek and leaving him to Emily's care.