I sit up in bed and stretch my sore muscles. I’m glad Luca’s bed is so lush because it really helped me relax more than I normally would have. But I still don’t know what his motivationfor helping me is. Like… why would he just put himself in harm’s way for a complete stranger? Although Luca has been a complete gentleman and has helped me more than anyone, things just aren’t adding up.
If there’s anything that I’ve learned, it’s that nobody wants something for nothing. Luca is being nice now, but I can’t help but wait for the other shoe to drop. I appreciate his help more than I could ever say, but I can’t rely on him.
My belly is flipping as I wait for someone to pick up. I’m glad that I know my parents’ number by heart. It helps that they’ve had it since I was young. If it’s one thing my parents have, it’s consistency.
“Hello?” My Mama answers in her southern accent.
“Hey, Mama. It’s Mindy.” I’m glad my voice doesn’t betray my pain.
“Hey, baby! I didn’t recognize the number,” she cheerfully greets.
“Yeah, I lost my phone and had to use a friend’s.”
“Oh. Well, why didn’t you use Ross’s phone?”
Leave it to my mother to get straight to the point. I want to be like her and not sugarcoat anything, but dropping the façade is going to be hard for me. I don’t want my parents to think they did anything wrong.
“Ross is out,” I answer, hoping that she doesn’t have any more questions.
“Out? This early in the morning? Hmmph.”
I squeeze my eyes shut because I didn’t even think about the time. Last night felt never-ending. I didn’t even think to check the time.
“Well, you know how—”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you I won a little something at the casino. Me and ya daddy are gonna go out to California to visit your Auntie.”
I instantly feel relief. Now, I don’t have to worry about my parents’ safety because they’ll be gone. For Ross, it’s out of sight, out of mind. When my Mama or daddy doesn’t answer their phone, he won’t bother with trying to find them. And I thank God that I never gave him my daddy’s cell phone number. Hell, I don’t think my daddy knows how to answer it anyway. My Mama isn’t any better, she refuses to get one because daddy has one. She says they’re together all the time, so it’d be a waste of money.
“Ohkay big money! Y’all ain’t movin’ to a mansion, are you?” I joke, trying to keep the subject light.
“Now, you know we ain’t leavin’ our baby daughter here. We’ll be back in about three weeks. Ya daddy don’t wanna be gone for too long.”
Another wave of relief washes over me. I’ll have at least three weeks to get my shit together without having to worry about my parents being used or hurt by Ross. Now, I just need to find a place to stay for the time being, so I can really cut ties with my husband for good.
“Okay, Mama. I didn’t want nothin’. Just checkin’ in. I love you and I’ll talk to ya later.”
“Alright, baby. Love you too.”
Once I hang up the phone, I feel a little better. Not having to worry about my parents is a plus. When I tell them what’s going on, I’ll be far away from Ross and his shit. It will make it easier for them to know everything when I’ve already escaped the abuse.
It takes a massive amount of energy to leave Luca’s bed. It’s not just the comfort of the bed, but it smells like him. The fragrance is spicy with a hint of sweetness. I will always associate his smell with safety.
I make my way into the bathroom, and a big part of me is afraid to look in the mirror. But it’s a reality I have to face. The reflection looking back at me makes me sad.
“Who is that woman? Lord have mercy, Mindy.”
“Good morning.”
“Fuck!”I shout, turning toward the door where Luca is standing with a bewildered expression. “You scared the shit outta me.” I place my hand over my rapidly beating heart.
“Sorry. I heard your voice in here when I came to check on you, so I came in here… to check on you,” Luca says, smiling.
I can’t help but giggle a little. I guess I should’ve expected the owner of the house I’m invading to be in his bedroom. But I’ve never experienced a person who moves so quietly. I noticed last night how Luca has this quiet calm about him. His watchfulness, as much as his actions, makes me curious about him.
Who is Luca Dalonzo?
“Thanks for checking on me. I’m okay, I guess.” I shrug, trying to hide my grimace at the movement.
