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“Why?”

“Because your man is extra. Which means this whole groveling thing is going to be that much harder.”

“He’s worth it.” The words are everything I needed to remember. I smile. For the first time in six days, my mind is a lot clearer.

Chapter Seventeen

Step 1: Send mixtape

Playlist:

Swallow My Pride?Ramones

Purple Rain?Prince & The Revolution

Dig?Incubus

Let’s Stay Together?Al Green

Please Don’t Leave me?P!nk

Try?P!nk

I Only Have Eyes for You?The Flamingos

Little Lion Man?Mumford & Son

Don’t Let Me Down?The Beatles

I purchased a two-piece wooden puzzle with our names on it that snaps together. It’s cheesy, but I know Cristobal will appreciate it. As stern as he is, the man craves love and affection. I wonder if it’s linked to being virtually ignored as a child. The youngest son, he wasn’t viewed as essential. They had an heir and a spare, so he was just more of the same. Often looked out for by the staff, he felt closer to the cook than his own mother.

I smooth out the blank piece of paper, grab a pen, and begin to write.

Cristobal,

I’ve spent the past week thinking. I needed time to do that. To process everything, take stock of my emotions and equalize. But I never meant to do it at your expense. I reached my breaking point, and I took it out on you. It was never my intention, and I sincerely apologize. I wasn’t able to craft my words and express myself adequately at the time.

I wasn’t prepared for the changes the bond has brought. They caught me off guard, and I exploded rather than decompressing and coming back later. Communication is something we need to work on. We’re such different people, it can be hard to see eye to eye, but I’ll keep working for balance because you are the love of my life.

I don’t say it enough. I can’t imagine life without you. I feel safe when I’m with you. I trust you above all others, and I admire your old-fashioned values and manners. Even when you make me want to pull my hair out. I want to make you feel as loved, special, and cherished as you make me feel on the daily. Please extend me the courtesy of romancing you.

Yours,

Dove.

I place the cassette tape in the box and add his favorite candy, la Violeta. The lavender scented candy is native to Spain. I sprinkle the water lilies inside, then seal the box. Cristobal has a particular and expensive taste. I’m a nervous wreck by the time I see the courier off and trying not to open the link too far. I need a distraction. After the intensity of the previous case, we decided to take a week off. My mind and my body rejoiced. I text Fel.

Are you up for lunch at Tia’s? ~L

Oh, I haven’t been there in forever. I’m down. What time? ~F

Now? I’m starving. ~L

Lol, all right, I’ll meet you there. ~F

Tia’s has been a fixture in Cypress since the 1920s. The menu is old-school but cooked to perfection. They’re the epitome of comfort food done right. A trip here is a treat I occasionally indulge in. Too much of Tia’s family reci

pes, and I’d no longer fit my clothing. The sugar, lard, and salad make the good food taste like heaven, but the calories remain pure evil.


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