Carlos is gone.

I hadn’t expected his call. The possessiveness in his voice caught me off guard.

“I’m in Texas?”

“Why the hell are you in Texas when you should be at home.”

“I’m here with Louis.” Silence filled the air after I said that.

After a full minute, I heard him again.

“Is this it? You chose him?”

I wasn’t choosing anyone. I chose me. So I said the only thing I thought he would understand.

“Yes, Yes, I chose Louis.”

The sound of the line cutting was my reply. I’ll stay here in Texas and attempt to live a simple life, maybe then, I’ll be truly happy.

When I opened my eyes again it was fully morning. The window was opened and the sun had invaded the room. Maria was nowhere to be found but the smell of freshly baked bacon told me she would be in the kitchen.

I brushed my teeth and made my way to the kitchen.

Maria's eyes were twinkling and she looked so happy as she went about the kitchen doing her thing. Did that kind of joy come from doing something one liked?

“Come here, Rayna.”

I went to her