Chapter 21

* * *

“Gabriela,” I say. It’s late August, and I can’t put this off any longer. It’s past closing time, and everyone has gone home—everyone except for those of us who live upstairs, and share the shower and double bed in the small apartment over the restaurant. I’m hoping it will be a quick and painless conversation. Well, quick at least.

“I know,” she says.

I turn to her, but I don’t meet her gaze. I can’t. “How.”

“Angel.” Gabriela takes my hand in hers. “I’ve always known this day would come.”

She called me Angel. She’s holding my hand.

My breath hitches in my throat. There is a long pause before I can summon any words. “If you knew, then why did you—?”

“Because some things are worth it.” Gabriela throws her arms around me and pulls me into a warm embrace. “You’re worth it.”

And what do I do? I lay my head on her breast and let my tears stain her shirt. “I’m sorry,” I say.

“Don’t be. I knew what I was getting into.”