Fables & Other Lies

“None of this matters,” Dee said. “You shouldn’t feel bad for kissing a man who had as little to do with this as you did.”

“We didn’t kiss.” I swallowed.

“But if you did, it wouldn’t be terrible,” Martín added.

“He’s still a Caliban.”

“And you’re still a Guzman. I’m sorry to say but in most accounts I found outside of these tours, you’re the bad guy.”

“I’m not a guy.” I raised an eyebrow. “Besides, like Dee said, I can’t be crucified for the sins of those who came before me.”

“But he can?”

“I’m not crucifying him.”

“You may not be, but the town is. Last night, after you left, a slew of riots started.”

“Is that true?” I looked at Dee.

“Let’s just say, you don’t want to go visit your grandmother right now.” She bit her lip. “It died down quickly though.”

“Oh my God.” I buried my face in my hands. “Now they’re going to think the worst of me even if I didn’t do anything at all.”

“I’d say.”

I groaned.

“Penny, I’m ready for you.” That was Dolly, smiling as she walked over.

“I have to go. I’ll see you guys later.”

“Will you be going to the party tonight then?” Dee asked.

“I mean.” I shrugged. “I guess so.”

“See you then.” She smiled. “Don’t worry, we’re on your side.”

I waved at them and followed Dolly to the back of the bar and then up a flight of stairs I’d never seen before. We walked up to the third floor and she gave me a set of keys.

“This is the only one I have, so you best not lose it.”

“I won’t.” I looked at the keys and the only door on the floor before walking over and opening it. “Is this . . . his?”

“Yes, ma’am, it is.” Dolly followed me inside, flipping the switch to the fan as we walked in. “It feels stuffy in here.”

I paused by the door. It was everything the Manor was not. New. Or rather, restored, since I knew how old this building was. Still, the gray-washed hardwood floors and all-white furniture gave the entire place an airy feel to it. The walls were bare, and the ones that weren’t had generic art on them, which I didn’t peg River to have picked out.

“Does he come here often?”

“Often enough.”

“How does he get here?” I turned to Dolly.

“However he wants, love.” She laughed. “Helicopter, yacht, I don’t know. The man has the means to travel, that’s for sure.”

“So why own this apartment on an island that doesn’t even like him?”

“That’s a question you’d have to ask him.” She smiled a small smile that told me she knew the answer to that question but either wasn’t at liberty to say or just didn’t want to. “I’ll let you know when Gustavo is here with your clothes for tonight’s party.”

“Are you going to the party?”

“Do I look crazy to you?” She shot me a pointed look from the door. “I wouldn’t be caught dead on Dolos Island after dark.”

“Why not?”

“I have my own demons to battle. I don’t need to go to war with lost souls.” She shut the door between us before I could ask any more questions.

I went over and locked it. I’d been on Dolos after dark and nothing happened. I shook my head. This was exactly why I didn’t believe in any of the stories my grandmother told. As far as I was concerned, they were campfire stories. I busied myself looking around the apartment, trying to see if I could find anything that could give me a glimpse into River’s life, but I came up short. When I got tired of searching, I went to the bedroom and got underneath the covers. I inhaled. The sheets smelled like him. It was faint, as if he hadn’t been here in a while, but it was there, and I found myself shutting my eyes to see if I could memorize it. I had every intention of watching television, but instead, fell asleep.

It was dark out. I rushed behind Esteban.

“I can go home,” I said.

“No. Just wait for me outside. I’ll be quick.”

I sighed heavily. “You said that last time and you took an hour.”

“Well, P. You can’t rush a woman’s pleasure.” He smiled over at me. I cringed.

“That’s disgusting.”

“You’ll understand it one day.” He wrapped an arm over my shoulder. “I’ll show you.”

“Show me what?” I pulled away from him.

“That it can be good.”

“That’s even more disgusting.” I pulled a face. “You’re my cousin.”

“So is half this island. You think it’s going to stop them?” He walked forward. “When your breasts start to grow more.” He brought a hand up and grazed my breast before I could jump back.

“Stop. I’ll tell on you if you keep talking like this.”

“I’m just joking.” He laughed. “Relax. You think I’d do anything to you?” I kept my distance. He noticed and glared. “Just go home. You’re acting like a baby today.”