I spot Carlos sitting at the table on the phone, he has that look on his face, where he isn't playing around. I approach the table and sit down. He nods in acknowledgement
"Take some time to figure out what you want" Lo ended the call and placed the phone face down on the table.
"Business" I say inquiring about the call.
"Nah, personal" he lets out a sigh. I don't ask anything else, when and if he wants to tell me he will.
"So how are you doing today?" I know the answer but I ask out of
He shakes his head in response. Every year is different. This is an anniversary that we don't look forward to celebrating but the city won't let us forget.
With a faraway look Lo speaks softly "It's been 18 years man and It still feels fucked up" I see the pain in his eyes.
Taking a deep breath and blowing it out, he averts his gaze "Last night I dreamed about her, she only comes back around this time of year" Lo says
I'm quiet, I know his pain, I have watched him live through it for the last 18 years, I witnessed hurt create the man Lo is today.
The Carlos aka "Lo" that everyone knows is a facade. Known for being one of Miami's' most eligible bachelors and ruthless Second . People wouldn't believe it's all just to cover up the torment and anger he lives with.
"What did she tell you this time?" every year the message is different
"Same, it's time to let her go. It's time to move on '' If I didn't watch it form or fall from his eyes I wouldn't have seen the tear he quickly wiped away. So this year isn't the same, he hasn't cried openly since the day it happened.
That summer shaped all of our futures. That was the summer Lo and I knew we would have our own crew.
"I went to see her mother this morning and brought flowers." his eyes are not focused on me but I nod.
"She wants to know why I refuse to go visit her?" he leans his head back. I look around and motion for the staff to clear the area, I watch Lo shed another tear that rolls to his temple.
"I will never visit her there. Never." Raising his head he collects himself.
"I thought you were going to take some time off." I ask because every year around this time he leaves Miami, doesn't come back until the memorials are over.
"I was on my way out, when I received a phone call from the Zadors Office. In recognition of the 18th anniversary they are inviting back some of the OG's for a private event". Lo leaned his forearms on the edge of the table indicating this was serious
" A what" I asked trying to understand
"A special event from what I understand both sides will be there, it's going to set the city on fire if they do this" Los' jaw ticks as he grits his teeth.
"If you need to go, still go I can handle it," I assure him knowing he will not leave.
"Are you fucking kidding me, aint no way I'm leaving with all the crews that will be in the city. No way" Lo hit the table, his sadness turning back into anger.
"Do we know when the event will take place?"
"August, on the anniversary of the original truce" Lo looked at me and I understood the danger we faced.
"You may want to think about moving Remi-Blu and the baby while this is going on." I could see this was more than a suggestion by the look on his face.
Over lunch we discussed strategy, security and the progress of our Gun and Ammunition business. At the last Parlay we closed a deal with most of the Crews on the East Coast to let us be their dedicated arms provider. They agreed because we offered them significant discounts and promised them concierge level service.
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Esteban, Ready to Risk It All
RomanceFresh out of prison, Esteban vowed to live the life he'd planned while waiting to regain his freedom. He had a solid plan that didn't include falling back into bad habits. He didn't want the big welcome home party, he didn't want the attention, but...
