I can see he’s thinking about it, and I say, “If it’s not safe when we get there, you can just bundle me up and drive me somewhere else.”
He sighs. “Fine, what’s the address?”
I give him the address, and he nods. “I know that area. I’ll get us there.”
It’s dark out, so I hope we’re not going to wake her. Knowing Carmila, though, she’s at a party or hosting one. She’s a wild child, and I love her to pieces. I know we’ll be safe with her.
As predicted, a party is in full swing when we arrive. “I don’t think this is a good idea,” Dominic says.
“It’s a perfect idea. No one would think to look for us at a party,” I say and climb out of the truck before he can change his mind. He grumbles and follows me, carrying his stupid duffel bag of weapons.
“Sofia!” Carmila shouts when she sees me. She runs over and hugs me. “Oh, it’s so good to see you. I didn’t know you were coming. And who is this handsome guy?”
Dominic looks down at her with a cocked eyebrow, and I place a hand on his arm. “This is Dominic. We need your help, honey. Can we stay here for a day or two?”
“Are you in some kind of trouble?” Carmila asks, wide-eyed.
“A little, please. We won’t be a bother.”
“Well, if you’re staying, let’s get you changed and ready for the party! This way, guys!”
My tanned friend leads us into the house, and I deposit Dominic in one room to shower and change while I go with Carmila.
“Is everything okay?” she asks as I shimmy into some of her clothes.
“Yeah, it’s just family stuff,” I say, smiling. “Thanks for doing this. You’re literally the best.”
“It’s no big deal,” she grins. “Come on, head out. I need the bathroom, and then I’ll come to do shots with you.”
I smile and walk out. I recognize some of the people from previous parties and greet them enthusiastically. I glance around and see Dominic sitting in a corner with a soda. I walk over to him.
“Why don’t you have a drink with me? And come dance?” I hold out my hand.
Dominic snorts and sips his soda. “No thanks, I’m not the dancing kind.”
I sigh. “You know what, Dominic? We’re not on holiday, but you don’t have to be a killjoy.”
I look behind me when I hear Carmila’s voice and say, “I’m going to have a drink and enjoy myself for the first time in days.”
Dominic shrugs. “I’ll be here watching out for you and the guys who want you.”
I shake my head and walk to Carmila, who hands me a red solo cup filled with something that looks like beer. I lean toward her and whisper, “What is it?”
“Cider,” she says. “Don’t worry, it’s good.”
I take a sip and nod my head. “It is good.”
A song comes on that I recognize, and Carmila raises her hands in the air. “Woohoo! Let’s go dance.”
I follow her, and we spend the next hour dancing. I actually get hot and feel like I’ve gone for a jog. It’s nice to relax for once, and I laugh at all the jokes Carmila tells me.
We go to where the drinks are. Carmila and I smile at each other. “Let’s do shots,” she says.
I shrug. “I’ve already had quite a bit to drink.”
“So, where have you been the last couple of days? And where are you going to next?”
It’s an innocuous question, but I remember how Dominic wouldn’t tell me where we were going because it was dangerous, so I say, “Oh, we’ll decide once we’re on the road. We’ve been all over the island, really.”