Page 53 of Be With Me
“Fine,” I spat. “She had a stroke a few years ago. Lots of complications followed. She doesn’t like to leave the house because she’s self-conscious about her appearance, suffers from depression, and has a slew of other health-related anxieties. She's at higher risk for another stroke, and we try to keep a close eye on her.”
He pressed on the gas, speeding up. “Where’s her nurse? Surely Morales has enough money to hire one.”
“She’s out of town. Same with my dad. My stepmom won’t call 911 unless she’s literally on the verge of death.” I scrolled through my phone, debating my options. She wouldn’t like it if I called anyone outside her approved circle, which was me, my dad, the nurse, and Jenny. But if it came down to it, I’d make a call to one of our neighbors. Better she be furious with me than jeopardize her health.
Romolo’s hands flexed around the wheel. The roads were empty, most drivers probably deterred by the impending storm. Plus, it was late—past twelve a.m.
“Your father’s farther away than us?”
“Yes. He has a meeting up by the Finger Lakes. He won’t be back until tomorrow.”
His jaw ticked. “Meeting with who?”
My phone buzzed. Jenny was calling. I picked up.
“Mia?” She sounded groggy. “I just woke up to use the bathroom and saw the missed calls from your mom. I don’t know how my phone ended up on silent. I’m on my way now.”
I shut my eyes. “Oh, thank God. How far are you?”
“Ten minutes, tops.”
“I’m on my way back from the Hamptons.”
“I’ve got it covered. You shouldn’t drive back tonight. I heard they're forecasting a big storm. Come back tomorrow. I’ll stay with her as long as I need to.”
“It’s not raining yet?—”
Right on cue, the sky opened up.
Fat raindrops slammed against the windshield, blurring the road.
“Never mind,” I muttered.
“I can hear the thunder. Stay safe, okay? I’ll text you as soon as I get to your place.”
“Thank you.” For all the ways Jenny could be a pain, she was someone my dad and I could rely on.
“You got it.”
I hung up and let my head fall back against the seat. “Crisis averted.”
“That was the assistant?” Romolo’s voice was low. Tense.
“Yeah. I don’t need to go back anymore, which means I don’t need to put up with your interrogation.”
“You will if you want that photo to disappear.” He slowed the car and made a sharp U-turn.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Back to where you’re staying. I assume it’s with Fabi. If you don’t give me what I need before we get there, that photo will be plastered all over the Internet tomorrow. Who is your father’s meeting with?”
Anger surged through me like a flame racing along a trail of gasoline. “I’m not?—“
Buzzzz.I glanced down at my phone. A text this time—from my stepmom.
Jenny is on her way. I’ll see you tomorrow.
“Mia.”
