Chapter 28 Send Her to Port Bayton

*Mira*

I sat down on the grass next to Carlos, who was leaning against a tree in a quiet corner of the garden. Handing him a beer, I asked, “Want one?”

He didn’t say a word, just downed it in a few gulps. “Got any more?” he asked.

I nodded toward the small case next to me. He grabbed two more and finished them just as quickly.

The moon was bright tonight, and the entire garden bathed in a silver glow.

“Slow down,” I said, half-joking. “My entire paycheck for the month is in that box. Once it’s gone, that’s it.”

Carlos paused, then mumbled, “Sorry…”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. If anything, I should be the one saying sorry. Natalie was coming after me, and if you hadn’t stood up for me, you wouldn’t have gone through all this today. Actually, forget what I said. Drink as much as you want—I’ll just borrow next month’s pay from Mrs. Feldman.”

He let out a small chuckle. “Mira, I’m done drinking. Just... talk with me for a bit.”