As she exited the building, she boarded a bus, sinking into the last seat. Exhaustion washed over her as she leaned her head against the window, staring blankly outside.
Her mind raced with worry. Where would she sleep that night? Gabriel had made it clear she was no longer welcome in the dorm where she and other employees lived. Not for free of course. He gradually deducted the rent from their salary every month. She appreciated the fact he didn't take much; everyone did. It's hard get a job and at such, one that provided accomodation.
She had planned to send money to her family the next day, but those plans had evaporated in an instant. The thought of returning to Mexico crossed her mind, but even that seemed impossible without funds for a plane ticket.
Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw the bold word "Padre."
She picked up, forcing a smile into her voice. "Hola, papa."
"¿Cómo estás, mi feisty uno?" (How are you, my feisty one?) he asked, his tone warm and familiar.
Esmeralda could hear the gentle warmth in her father's voice, a soothing balm to her troubled heart. How she missed him! Ever since she was a little girl, he had affectionately called her his "feisty one," a nickname that always reminded her of her resilience. But as she stared down at herself, she felt anything but feisty at that moment.
"I am fine, papi. How are you, and how's mamá and Estelle?" she asked, hoping to keep the conversation light.
"We are fine. We all miss you," he replied, his tone filled with warmth.
Her dad might miss her, but she doubted her mother and sister felt the same way. The thought nagged at her; she could envision them going a decade without her and managing just fine.
"You sound tired. Have you been working too hard?" he questioned, concern lacing his voice.
With a heavy heart, she replied, "Papi, I got fired." The tears that had been threatening to spill finally broke free, cascading down her cheeks.
There was a long silence on the other end, and she imagined him processing the news. "I will be coming back home soon," she continued, her voice cracking. "There is nothing left for me here anyway."
"Shush! Es suficiente, mi feisty uno, (it's enough, my feisty one)" he soothed. "Don't cry. Everything will be alright. We will figure things out when you come back."
She sniffed, desperately trying to regain her composure. "I was supposed to send you money today, but I couldn't. I am so sorry, papi."
"Don't worry about the money. Just come back home. We will be expecting you. Stop crying and be strong like always."
Esmeralda wiped her tears away, grateful for her father's unwavering support. "Okay, papi." As she felt the bus slow down, she realized she had reached her destination. "Papá, I have to go now. I love you."
"I love you too, my feisty one. Remember to take care of yourself, mija," he urged. "Your health is more important than anything."
"I will, papi. I promise," she assured him.
With that, the call ended, leaving her feeling a mix of relief and sorrow. She stepped off the bus, the familiar sight of the Twilight Bar greeting her. Taking a deep breath, she walked inside, seeking solace in the dimly lit atmosphere.
At the counter, she settled onto a bar stool and faced the bartender. "Can I have one of your strongest shots, please?" she requested, her voice steadier than she felt.
The bartender nodded, pouring a shot of whiskey and sliding it across the bar to her. She lifted the glass, the amber liquid catching the light, and for a moment, she hesitated.
But then she tossed it back, letting the warmth wash over her, numbing the pain of the day.
YOU ARE READING
MEANT TO BE SOLELY MINE
RomanceLorenzo Salvador is a twenty-seven-year-old Mexican billionaire, known for his ruthless and merciless ways in both business and the underground drug trade. He believes life is a game to be played to win, and he plays it masterfully. During a busines...
