Breath Of Life

“Do you need anything else? Essentials only.”

“My work equipment.”

“Then, let’s get that and head to my place.” Her shoulders slump.

“Hey.” I cup her chin and wait for her to meet my gaze. Her glassy eyes are a sucker punch to the gut. “It’s going to be okay.”

“I thought that, too. Then my social media blew up. It’s terrifying realizing they know who I am. My address isn’t on my page, and as a business owner, yes, my information is easily accessible, but still. It shook me.”

“That was their intention. They eat, sleep, and breathe this. I’m sure most people would run for the hills, and their scum of the earth leader would be sitting pretty with no one to speak up against him. He took more than money from us. This is how we get that back.”

Her eyes blaze, and I know I’ve stoked that fire inside of her I love so much.

“You’re right.” She straightens and I release her face. “Let me get my things.”

I admire her organization as she zips through the house gathering things and setting them by the front door.

“I’m ready.”

Grabbing the suitcases, I meet her by the front door. “This is it?”

“All the others things I can buy once I’m settled at your place.”

“Our place,” I correct her. “At least for a while. I don’t want you to think you have no say on what’s going on here or that you can’t get comfortable and treat it like you would your own space.”

“Thank you, Ollie.” She gives me a small smile, and it’s like the sun peeking from behind storm clouds. We leave the apartment in silence. She’s mourning her independence, and I’m here to support her. After tossing her things in the cab, I look around the area as we pull out. No cars move to follow us. I take the long way around, getting on and off highways.

By the time we pull up in front of my house, I’m exhausted from the heightened tension. I glance over at her and find myself wishing this was under different circumstances. The thought is overwhelming. I’m the type of guy who covets his space. This woman has turned me inside out without trying and what’s even more shocking is how little I mind.

I hand her the keys. “You go unlock the door, and take a load off. I’ll bring everything in.”

“What? No.”

“Yes. You need it, sassy. You don’t look like yourself.”

I stare her down, standing firm. She liked to play at being Super Woman.

“Fine.” Taking the keys, she exits the cab. She’s irritated with me now, but I can see the way her eyes are drooping and her skin is paler. She’s dead on her feet.

By the time I have the last of the items in and lock the door I find her snoozing on the couch. After covering her body with a blanket, I move to start dinner. I’m going to show her with more than words how much she means to me.

QUINN

I want to be shocked that there’s nothing the police can do, but I’m not. The accounts have blocked me, and the detective assures me they’re probably dummy ones. I’ve recorded what I can, but the only relief I received was changing my privacy settings which I’m sure will slow down business in the long run. I have to check every message sent, and I put it off because I dread it. I hate to admit it, but Ollie was right. I feel so much safer at his place, and in the end, we truly are in the same boat together. Me being on my own won’t keep Rolly any safer because his father is in this up to his neck. I check my makeup in the mirror, and rush out the door, grabbing my makeup kit in one hand, and a coffee in the other.

Today I’ve been hired to do something out of the norm, a Quinceanera. The Hispanic rite of passage that occurs at fifteen is comparable to a sweet sixteen but much grander. With traditional ballroom dances, stunning dresses, tuxedos, and plenty of tradition it’s something everyone should experience at least once. Growing up here in Dallas, I’ve been lucky enough to attend a few. I’ll be doing makeup for her, her court of honor, and her female relatives. It’s times like these I wish I was better at taking photographs, so I could capture everything from start to finish.

Locking the door behind me, I head to the car with a spring in my step. Being cooped up in the house peering out the blinds like a refugee had me in a funk. I’m dressed to impress in black dress pants that celebrate my curves, and a cream-colored T-shirt that ties in a bow on the front. The shirt is simple but complex with a tapered waist and pearl buttons. My black kitten heels give me an air of sophistication while remaining functional for work. My mane is pulled back into a bun on the top of my head, and I feel good. The sunlight warms me as I load my things, slip behind the wheel, and crank up the Rise Against.

Living with Ollie has been ridiculously easy. I worried that living together would dull the shine that comes with new relationships. With our insane schedules, we’re still seeing one another for the same amount of time, and I get to fall asleep in his arms. Everyone wins. A small smile tugs at my lips. It’s been a long time since anyone called me on my stubbornness and came out unscathed. We really are meant to be.

I pull up in front of the hall where they’ll hold the party. Family members are spilling out of the space, rushing to and fro with decorations and food. They’ve already held the church ceremony. The makeup is supposed to be part of moving her from being a young girl to a young lady. I grab my things and approach the front door.

“Excuse me. I’m looking for Mrs. Martinez. I’m the makeup artist,” I say, placing my hand on the shoulder of the kind looking older gentleman nearest me.

“Ahhh. They’re in the gathering space, down the hall, and to the left.”

“Thank you.” I nod my head and move inside weaving through the bodies. This little girl is loved, that’s for sure. Men ranging from their sixties and below are all hustling. The sight of tattooed forearms unsettles me. I shove the reaction away, ashamed that I’m prejudging, and make it to the gathering space. A tiny woman with raven-colored hair broken by streaks of gray stands up. Her flowing white dress complements her curves and pops against her bronze skin. Her full cheeks, heart-shaped face, and Cupid’s bow lips work together to create one beautifully aged older woman.