Three months later…
BLUE
There’s a bonfire, there’s music, but the Bellvue house feels completely different when there’s no party. Tonight, it’s just us—the solid fivesome Pandora’s dubbed “The Golden Crew”. Graduation’s been over for hours, but we only changed out of our caps and gowns twenty minutes ago. Guess we kept them on for so long because we’re all kind of proud we made it.
And maybe a little surprised, considering.
I’m perched on West’s knee, staring out across the water while we sit poolside. This just feels right. Like all the drama, all the chaos was to get us to this very moment.
As soon as I walked across that stage this morning, I felt the change. It was like a switch had flipped and we all took one giant leap forward. No, not every important person was present, but I’m okay with that. This chapter of my life is closing, and I’m beyond excited to see what’s next.
My mother was one of those key people missing from the audience, but she’s exactly where she needs to be—in rehab, finally getting help. It’s not the same as having her home, clean and sober, but if that’s ever going to happen, this is the first step. I, at least, have peace of mind. Every night, when I lay down to sleep, I know she’s someplace safe, too, being looked after.
Which brings me to Mike, who’s made a complete turnaround. For five months now, he’s been an actual father to Scar, which is all I ever wanted. To me, it’s priceless to see him fully invested in her life, in her future. He’s even taken steps to get her waitlisted at Cypress Prep. I’m not usually one to give second chances, but he’s proven that it was totally worth it this time.
I certainly had family members missing today, but I wasn’t the only one.
We can’t turn on the TV or scroll social media without seeing Vin’s mugshot. He’s been slapped with all kinds of charges, and although he’s still awaiting trial, it’s common knowledge that he’ll likely spend the rest of his life in prison. Not only for the crimes he’s committed, but the lives lost on account of him. However, one thing has remained abundantly clear—he’s planning to go down alone.
Aside from the few key people brought in on charges tied to the trafficking organization, the Ruiz family has yet to be named. Mike seems to think Vin’s keeping his mouth shut because life behind bars will be a million times worse if he’s labeled a snitch. Especially with the Ruizes having connections inside, and outside, those walls.
Long story short, Vin can either rot in jail for the rest of his life or die a very painful death when news reaches the Ruizes that he’s talked.
Whatever the case, I’m just glad to have him off the streets.
Roby’s still on a mission to bring down everyone involved, and I’m learning to trust that whatever the outcome, this case couldn’t be in more capable hands. Once they’ve found irrefutable evidence leading them straight to Paul and crew, they’ll all be brought to their knees.
I can only pray that won’t include Ricky.
With my thoughts now on him, I picture him seated in the audience today, supporting me like he’s always done. No matter what. He didn’t stick around long, though. As soon as I exited the stage and looked up, his seat was empty. Not many others know this, but he’s heading to Puerto Rico as we speak. Yes, he misses Shane and Carla, but he also needs to lay low. With Roby and his task force up all the Ruiz’s asses, they’re looking for any excuse to lock up members of the family.
Somehow, Ricky caught wind of this before shit started going down, which some might see as a coincidence, but I know better. Roby definitely tipped him off, and I’ll never believe he didn’t.
Add that to the list of reasons I’m glad I took a chance on trusting him.
Another reason being that he personally interviewed the rescued victims of the trafficking ring, digging for evidence that eventually proved Hunter hadn’t fired the shot that killed Robyn Helms. Since then, he’s been moved to a facility closer to home and his sentence has been lightened to only reflect his true involvement in the scheme. Because, according to the witness, Robyn’s death isn’t on him. It’s on the one who actually pulled the trigger.
Vin.
But all that’s behind us now. Well, as much as it can be. I suppose we’ll always bear the scars of the past to some degree.
As if having heard my thoughts, West’s hand settles on my knee and I face him.
“Feels good to be moving on.”
“Damn good,” I counter, leaning in to press my lips to his.
His gaze is locked with mine when I pull away. “The only imperfection is that we’ll be miles apart for school.”
I nod, agreeing with him. It sucks that we’ll have a short drive to see one another, but it could be much, much worse.
“Guess it’s a good thing I have this.”
I glance down when he pulls something from his pocket, confused when he reveals a velvet box. My brow quirks, thinking something crazy. Only, the size of it throws me off.
“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
He flashes a smile and brings the box closer. “Just open it.”
While the others laugh and chat around us, it’s just him and me in our own little world.
Gripping the edge of the velvet, I flip open the lid, and I’m only more confused.
“A key? I don’t get it,” I say, right before lifting my eyes to meet his again.
“Well, Sterling’s gonna be living on campus in a few months, and since Dane’s decided to rent that loft he found, I thought it’d make sense for you and me to have a spot of our own. That is, if you think Scar’s okay with Mike now.”
My face lights up. “She’s fine with him. Now tell me where!”
He makes me wait far too long, then glances up at the house.
“…Here.”
I feel my face go slack this time as I try to grasp the idea of the two of us having this huge house all to ourselves.
“Mom’s been thinking about selling it because she doesn’t want to deal with the upkeep, but I talked her into letting us have it. That is, if you’re okay with—”
I plant a kiss on him that shuts him up. My excitement has nothing to do with the fact that this place is huge and lavish. It has everything to do with a wish coming true.
Since the first day I realized I loved him, I’ve wanted to be with him every day, every minute. Now, if I’m not dreaming, it seems that’s about to happen.
“Yes,” I say against his lips, kissing him again.
He’s smiling when I finally let up. I didn’t know this day could possibly get any better.
“Do me a favor,” he says, “keep that answer on your lips for a bit. I’d like to get that same response out of you in a few years. Only, next time, I’ll be asking a much bigger question.”
My heart melts and I can’t believe that after all the hell I’ve been through, this southside girl finally has it all—family, friends, love.
“For you, my answer will always be yes, King Midas. Every damn time.”
