The Long Way Home

Exiled to Texas to attend college, Beverly Hills debutant, Lola Brennan was encouraged to experience life and learn the value of a dollar, but instead, partied, played and blew through her trust fund. Having no other choice, her parents cut her off, and insist she return home for the holidays. Dante Brewer, raised by his single Puerto Rican mother has had a hard life. Away at college, halfway across the country, he’s devastated to learn that his little sister needs a kidney transplant and her life depends on him getting back home to East LA. Paths collide in a heated rush when fate throws Lola and Dante together on a cross-country trek in a classic 1953 Cadillac convertible. Racing against the clock, can they reach California before the spoiled little rich girl kills the hood rat, or is a taste of life from the other side of the tracks exactly what they both needed?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The Long Way Home Copyright © 2011 Robin Badillo ISBN: 978-1-77111-035-8 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

The Long Way Home By Robin Badillo

To Mike L., for being crazy enough to think we could run away to Mexico and live life with our toes in the sand. Ah, to be twenty-one again…

Chapter One

O

n the verge of tears, Lola Brennan sat in a café near campus sipping her non-fat mocha latte, twisting the blonde ringlets sprouting from her thrown together ponytail. In the middle of her junior year of college, she’d just gotten a call from her parents saying they’d cut her off. There would be no more money for school, no money for the lifestyle she’d grown accustomed to and no money for the little incidentals she believed she was entitled. Life pretty much sucked. Examining her chipped manicured nails, she sighed. They hadn’t been properly maintained in over a week and she hadn’t had a massage, facial or even a pedicure in nearly three. All the perks of growing up with money had suddenly disappeared and withdrawal had all but morphed into a full blown temper tantrum. What had she done this time to warrant such brash actions from her father? She hadn’t let her grades slip below a C average. True, they teetered 1

Robin Badillo right on the edge of failure, but hadn’t actually fallen over. She’d cut back on using the emergency credit card they’d given her. Trips to the mall had been limited to the absolute bare necessities like the little black Chanel dress, the perfectly matching handbag, with the lambskin lining and Jimmy Choo heels. She’d been invited to a banquet hosted by the mayor’s daughter and she certainly couldn’t wear what she’d worn to the last party. The fifteen hundred dollar shopping spree was an emergency. There had to be another reason for their decision. Lola, strummed her fingers on the table, preoccupied with what that could have been. It couldn’t have been Brent Taylor. She’d convinced her parents that she’d stopped seeing him, just as her father had demanded. Driving her new car into the lake because he’d gotten drunk at a frat party wasn’t reason enough for her to break up with him for real and what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt. They were a thousand miles away. How could they know about that? Besides, why should they continue to hold her responsible for it anyway? Brent was behind the wheel. She wasn’t to blame. She had passed out in the back seat and wasn’t even driving. In her mind, none of those things were reason 2

The Long Way Home enough for her parents to cut off total financial support. She was just enjoying her independence. Wasn’t college supposed to be fun? Apparently not or they wouldn’t have sent a plane ticket with instructions to return home over Christmas break where they planned to sit down and discuss her financial situation. Lola wanted to be in Aspen, with all of her friends, but that wouldn’t happen now. She was going home to California to face the music and beg for her trust fund back. Aspen would just have to wait until next Christmas. **** On a mission to change his family’s life forever, Dante Brewer hadn’t been home in over a year. His final year at school was half over. The full ride scholarship he’d earned had served its purpose and given him the education he knew he would have never been able to afford otherwise. All of his hard work had paid off. When he graduated in June, he’d pick right up where he’d left off, and resume taking care of his mother and fourteen-year-old sister, Jesse, back in Los Angeles. Only this time, he would have a career to sustain them instead of a part time job at the mechanic shop down the street. 3

Robin Badillo Nearly four years halfway across the country from his family had been hard, but he had no choice. He had to go where the scholarship was offered. Taking on extra shifts at work, Dante spent all of his money buying the plane ticket he now clutched tightly in his hand. This Christmas visit would be bittersweet because the gift he was bringing home to Jesse was more valuable than anything he could ever buy. He was giving her another shot at a long and happy life by donating his kidney to his little sister. Jesse had gone into renal failure in November and dialysis had done all it could to keep her going. The transplant was necessary. Her life depended on it. Trekking across campus, Dante’s stomach swirled as he recalled running all the way back to his dorm after learning that he was a match. Calling his little sister was the only thing on his mind and hearing her weakened voice when he told her he would save the day, almost made him believe that he could be the superhero she’d always thought he was. He’d taken time off from his nightshift security job at the mall and was assured his position would be held until he’d recuperated completely and returned to school and work. It helped that he was well liked and respected. 4

The Long Way Home Dante hadn’t planned to stay home as long as the doctors said he should though. He was stubborn and knew that every hour missed from work was money he couldn’t send home. He’d made sure they had whatever they needed even when it meant working overtime and going without while he was at school. He had goals. He would graduate, land a job back home in LA and take care of his mom and sister the way his father should have. Dante wouldn’t walk out on them. Jesse’s improved health was just the first of many goals he’d set for himself and was, without a doubt, the most important. **** “Can you believe my dad?” Lola asked her roommate, Stephanie. Still sitting in the campus café, she pondered her dilemma. Studying her plane ticket, the word coach bothered her immensely. “Girl, your dad sounds like a tyrant.” “More like Scrooge,” she mumbled more to herself than aloud. Deep down she knew her father wasn’t a tightwad, but right now, the last thing she wanted was to lessen her annoyance. The more unfair he sounded, the more she could justify her own point 5

Robin Badillo of view. “So, is he like going to let you have your trust fund or not?” “I don’t know. I plan to work my daddy’s little girl routine on him and hope he’ll forget all of this so everything will go back to the way it was.” She pushed her mocha latté across the table and watched the liquid slosh. A nagging twist in her gut told her that her parents weren’t going to budge. “I’m so happy my parents are in Europe half the year. I only chose a college in Texas because I figured this was the last place my mother would ever want to visit and I was right.” Stephanie folded her arms across her chest, appearing quite pleased with herself. “Well at least your mother understands the need for a woman to be pampered. Mine said I should get a job over the summer if I wanted to have money for next year. Can you believe that crap? Just because she did it when she was my age doesn’t mean I should.” “Humph,” Stephanie scoffed. “Aspen won’t be the same without you.” “Don’t remind me.” Lola sat back and thought hard about what she was going to say when she got home. She only had a week to plan her defense. The five days until her flight left would be nerve racking and the 6

The Long Way Home five-hour flight with a one-hour layover in Denver would be all the time she had for a dress rehearsal. December fifteenth couldn’t come fast enough. Glancing down at her cell phone, she noted the time. “Crap, I’m late for class. I better run.” Lola scooped up her purse, books, folders and the loose papers she’d never taken the time to organize. “See ya’.” Stephanie waved as Lola pushed in her chair. “Later, Steph.” Lola stomped toward the door with her mind spinning and filled with more thoughts of what she would say to her dad. Begging would be easier in person. He rarely resisted her when she fluttered her long eyelashes and pouted. She’d learned that trick by the time she was three. Contemplating strategies and not paying any attention to where she was going, Lola crashed right into someone. Her cheek burned from where she made impact into the shoulder of whoever had the misfortune of crossing her path. Paper, books and folders flew into the air and floated down onto the café floor. “Gees, can’t you watch where you’re going?” she blurted before looking up at the handsome bronze face before her. Her cheeks instantly flushed hot, taking in the sculpted features of the doe-eyed god before her. He was gorgeous. 7

Robin Badillo “I’m so sorry about that. I was distracted,” he replied with a deep baritone timbre that seeped into her like coconut oil on a sizzling hot beach. He picked up the scattered mess of books and papers they’d both dropped during the collision. “Uh, no, it’s totally my fault,” she replied, immediately changing her attitude. Lola fluttered her long eyelashes, tilted her head to the side and curled her lips into a calculated smile. “Um, here.” He shoved a stack of papers and books toward her. “I think these are all yours.” His tone morphed into an agitated huff, as though completely unaffected by her wiles. “Uh, thanks.” Lola swallowed hard. “No, problem.” He turned and headed for the door, not even looking back in her direction. Lola’s heart sank, shocked by his lack of attention, especially considering she’d pulled out the big guns, using her best flirting technique. She watched him disappear through the door and shrugged. “Humph.” He must be gay. She picked up her purse, along with her dented ego, from where she’d dropped them on the floor, and headed to class. **** As Dante left the café, he threw the crinkled papers and files in the trash and hurried down the 8

The Long Way Home sidewalk. A flash of the beautiful girl he’d just crashed into darted across his cluttered mind. It wasn’t that he hadn’t noticed her sweet smile, incredible blue eyes or flawless skin wrapped up in a perfect package. He just didn’t have the time or the patience for girls right now. Not even strikingly stunning ones. The only girl he had time for was Jesse. It was after seven o’clock and already dark by the time Dante made it back to his room. He tossed his jacket across the foot of his twin bed and sat down at his computer desk. Rubbing his throbbing temples, he ran down the mental list of everything he had to do over the next few days. He reached for his books and plane ticket. Making sure he made it to the airport early enough bothered him and was top priority. If he called a taxi he would get there quicker, but use more than he could spare of the money he had left. The bus was reliable, but he had to leave extra early to get there on time. He flipped through the pages of his textbook where he’d put his boarding pass and itinerary for safekeeping. “What the hell?” The ticket was gone. Dante frantically grabbed his jacket and checked the pockets. Where could it be? 9

Robin Badillo Leaning against his small, dimly lit desk, he retraced his steps from the last time he’d seen the ticket. His heart pounded in his chest and a cold sweat broke across his brow. He had it at the café and when he went to his last class and—majestic blue eyes flashed in his mind’s eye. The girl. They had both dropped their books. He’d picked everything up and handed her stuff back. Maybe he’d inadvertently given her his ticket mixed up with her things. How could he find her? Was she even a student there or was she just visiting? Questions stacked up, intensifying the acute throb in his head. Panic swooped down, nearly taking his breath away. Oh, shit! What if I threw it away with the rest of the papers at the café? Dante clenched his fists. There was only one way to find out and the café was the best place to start. If it had ended up with the girl, which he hoped it hadn’t, finding her could be nearly impossible. He didn’t have much time and the nonrefundable tickets were too important to waste another second speculating over. He had to find them. Jesse was counting on him.

10

The Long Way Home

Chapter Two

“C

oach? I still don’t see how in the world my dad could expect me to fly coach,” Lola complained to Stephanie. They briskly walked through the cold night air to the party her boyfriend, Brent, warned them not to miss. “Isn’t coach like for poor people or something? I mean is he trying to torture you or what?” Stephanie wasn’t helping Lola’s mood. “I guess I’m going to find out.” Lola reached in her bag to re-examine the information on the ticket. She dug down to the bottom. “Oh, no, where is it?” “Where is what?” Stephanie asked as she applied yet another layer of lip gloss onto her already over-glossed lips. “My ticket. It’s not here.” Lola panicked. Her stomach rippled with flutters of distress. There was no way she could call her parents and tell them she’d lost it. It would only prove 11

Robin Badillo their point about her lack of responsibility. They would never give her back her trust fund. “It has to be here somewhere.” “Where did you have it last?” Lola let her bag hang to the ground and thought about the afternoon. She’d been so preoccupied with her parents, she hadn’t thought of much else all day. “I had it when we were talking at lunch. I left you in the café before going to—” Suddenly, she remembered the collision with the gorgeous guy she resigned herself to believing was gay. “The café!” she exclaimed. “Tell Brent I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’m going to run over to the café to see if it’s there.” Without waiting for her friend’s reply, Lola turned and walked as fast as she could in heels and a mini-skirt. Hopping every few yards, she tried to keep the hem of her skirt from riding up, as she took longer strides to get there faster. A shiver zapped down her spine as a wintry breeze cut through her flesh. Had she cared more about keeping warm than the way she looked, the cold night air wouldn’t have been so unforgiving. As Lola reached the café, an unexpected movement from behind the building caught her eye. She curiously peered around the corner. What the hell? 12

The Long Way Home Paper and trash flew out of the dumpster, into the air and scattered on the ground. She eased closer, wondering if she was imagining what she saw. Lola gasped when the guy from earlier that day leapt over the side of the dumpster covered in muck and goo. The tight wrench of her gut relented and she released a sigh of relief, recognizing him right away. She quickly made her way to him. Reeking of discarded food and trash, white puffs of smoke danced around his head as he exhaled into the crisp night air. Lola pressed the back of her fingers over her nose to shield her delicate senses from the putrid mess of a man and reluctantly stepped even closer. “Um, excuse me, but did you by any chance find an airline boarding pass in that thing?” she asked, careful not to get too close. His dark brows jutted upward. “You threw my boarding pass away? Are you crazy?” he boomed. “Why would you do that?” “I didn’t throw anything away,” Lola defended herself. “And it’s my boarding pass that’s lost.” “You lost an airline ticket, too?” Deep creases dug in across his forehead as he scratched the back of his head. His black hair stuck up in front from whatever sticky goop had dripped into it while he dug 13

Robin Badillo through the dumpster. “Yes. You must have picked up my ticket when you ran into me today,” she replied aggravated. “You threw it away?” “I ran into you? You crashed into me. And, if I did throw it away, I damn sure didn’t mean to. That’s why I’m chest deep in garbage trying to find it, and in the dark, I might add.” “Whatever,” she barked. “Did you find it or not?” I so don’t have time for this. “If I had I wouldn’t be standing here wasting time with you. I’d be packing so I could get back to LA.” Lola inched toward him, surprised. “LA? Is that where you were going?” “Yeah, but it looks like that won’t be happening now.” He kicked an empty aluminum can across the alleyway. “Damn!” “Are you sure it isn’t in there?” Rising up on tiptoes, she tried to see over the side. “Be my guest, princess.” He motioned toward the pile of trash. Lola walked over to the side of the dumpster and peered inside. She lifted an empty cardboard box with her thumb and forefinger, disgusted. “I’ll take your word for it.” A choking gulp of air balled in her throat and she gagged a little as the smell engulfed her nose. Straightening her skirt, she wobbled her way 14

The Long Way Home through the garbage spread on the ground from his unsuccessful search. “This is just great.” He flailed his arms in the air, notably frustrated. “Tell me about it. If I don’t get home by the fifteenth, my parents are going to kill me. Then they’ll cut me off—for good this time.” The handsome boy eyed her up and down. “You’re breaking my heart. Maybe Daddy will fix this and you can still get home in time for all the Christmas sales.” His rueful glare stabbed right into her, leaving a stinging sear in her gut. Who in the hell does he think he is? Anger gathered and she squared her shoulders. “I don’t know what you’re so pissed off at. You’ll probably just steal a car and drive there. You’re already dressed for a crime spree,” Lola retorted looking down her nose at him. The boy glanced down at his clothes then shot the heated glare right back at her again. “You spoiled, stuck up little—” “Oh, like you’ve never hotwired a car.” Lola stepped back. Although, she regretted saying it the instant it left her mouth, a sudden rush of resentment took over where remorse should have respectfully lingered. His jaw tightened and he clenched his fist. Lola bristled. Just as quickly as his muscles flexed, his 15

Robin Badillo demeanor changed and noticeably softened. “I won’t even dignify that—” Her stomach swished with regret. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said something so stupid. I’m just upset and really needed that ticket.” He stood there for a few tense moments, studying her with the most beautiful pecan tinted eyes she’d seen in quite some time. Even Brent, dressed to the nines, didn’t look as tasty as this guy did in jeans and a muck-covered jacket. “Yeah, me too,” he softly replied. “Look, I hope you find your ticket or get another one.” Lola took a deep breath to shake off the crazy attraction she suddenly felt for this tall, dark stranger. “Not likely. It was a non-refundable ticket, no exchanges either.” Her shoulders deflated as reality set in. She was screwed. “Mine, too. But at least you can buy another one, right?” “No. My parents canceled my credit card. I only have like a hundred bucks to my name. If I’m not there when they want me, I might as well never go home.” Saying the words aloud, Lola realized for the first time just how serious her parents were about her frivolous lifestyle. Had any of it been worth it? He pulled his jacket collar up around his neck and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well, good luck to you. And, again, I’m sorry about the 16

The Long Way Home ticket.” Lola stepped back as he sauntered past her. “Yeah, good luck to you, too.” Shivering in the cold dark alleyway, she watched the first guy to ignore her flirting and dare to put her in her place, disappear around the corner. She still didn’t know his name. **** Dante couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned. What should he do? Even his roommate, Jimmy, tried to help brainstorm possible solutions. “Dude, I’m tellin’ ya’. Go see this guy. He restores classic cars from all over and hires college kids to drive them cross-country to vintage dealers. LA’s prime for people in the market for classic rides,” Jimmy explained. He handed Dante a business card. “His cards are posted all over campus. Trust me, I know people who have driven for him. You’ll get paid, plus you’ll get a free ride home. It’s a win-win situation.” Dante glared at the card and thought seriously about handing it back. If Jesse hadn’t needed him there as soon as possible, he probably would have. There wasn’t time for second guesses. It was 17

Robin Badillo already December eleventh and Jesse had to be in surgery first thing on the morning of the sixteenth. He had no choice. “Thanks, man.” “No problem. Just be careful and don’t drive crazy tryin’ to get home. That won’t help your little sister.” “I hear ya’.” Dante shook his hand, gave him a firm slap on the shoulder then grabbed his coat and headed out the door. “Dude, if I don’t see you before ya’ head out, Merry Christmas!” Jimmy called out. “Thanks, Jim and Merry Christmas to you, too.” Dante ran down the hall and outside as fast as he could without running anyone over. The address to the shop was on the other side of town and if he was lucky he could make it to the bus and only have to transfer once. If he had a car it would have been easier, then again if he had a car, his problem would have already been solved. The bus had just arrived as Dante reached the stop. Surely, that had to be a good sign that his luck was about to turn. The entire forty-five minute ride dragged, as he anxiously waited for his stop. Halfway out the door before the bus had pulled to the curb, the driver shook her head as Dante blew past her. 18

The Long Way Home He’d never noticed the small dealership before. That wasn’t surprising though, considering all he ever did was study, go to classes and work at the mall. His social life had been non-existent for quite a while. Three years to be exact, longer if he counted high school. A deserted body shop was out back. Dante entered the front office to meet the man Jimmy said may be able to help. A tall muscular, jock-type guy, who looked out of place, leaned on the counter in the small waiting room. Dante nodded. “What’s up?” He walked over and stood behind him. “The old man had a call. He’ll be right back,” the guy explained pointing toward another room behind the counter. “Cool.” Dante glanced over at a bulletin board on the wall full of overlapping photos. “I’m sorry, baby, I’m just stressed out I guess.” A familiar feminine voice spoke behind him. Dante instantly whirled around as the girl he’d already met twice in as many days, walked out of the bathroom and slipped her arms around the guy’s neck. Well that figures. Dante gritted his teeth and sighed deeply. “It’s okay, Lola, don’t worry about it. Daddy loves his little bunny anyway.” 19

Robin Badillo Dante laughed to himself, amused by the ridiculous manner in which the guy spoke to her. “Damn.” He should have kept his comment to himself. “What are you doing here?” Lola barked. She lowered her arms from around her boyfriend’s neck. “Uh, Lola, is it? I’m still trying to get home,” Dante sneered, shaking his head. His gut wrenched with resentment. Everything about this girl scraped across his nerves like fingernails screeching down a chalkboard. “Why here?” She moved away from her boyfriend and planted her hands in her hips. “Why not here?” “Because there’s one only car left to drive and I need it.” She stamped her foot like a four year old throwing a tantrum. This girl definitely needs a spanking. “I guess we’ll just have to see. Maybe he has another car.” “No, sonny, as a matter of fact I only got the one,” a voice piped up from the doorway behind the counter. “But, as it turns out, she’s gonna need to be there quick. I’m gonna need at least two drivers.” A balding, elderly man slowly walked over and laid a set of keys down on the counter. “She’s a bit persnickety though. Either of you two got mechanical experience?” He peered over his bi-focal glasses at Dante and Lola, crooking a 20

The Long Way Home wrinkled finger at both of them. Lola immediately looked at her boyfriend. “Brent, say something.” “Uh, no sir.” Brent shook his head. Lola rolled her eyes in obvious disgust. “I have lots of experience, sir,” Dante respectfully replied. “I worked summers at a garage all through high school back home in LA.” “Los Angeles, ya’ say?” the old man asked. “Yes, sir.” “What a coinkidink, that’s exactly where this car’s gotta go. Hmm…” He made a slight humming noise at the end of his sentence, amusing Dante. “You said you need two drivers?” Brent asked. “Yep,” the old man answered studying the three of them very carefully. “What are you doing, Brent?” Lola whispered and grabbed him by the arm. She dragged him near the door away from Dante. Glancing over at him, it was obvious she didn’t want him to hear what she had to say. Naturally, that only made Dante want to listen even more. He watched inconspicuously, pretending to be distracted. “I’m not going to drive a thousand miles across the desert with him,” she hissed. Dante looked over at the old man and smiled. The old timer scratched his baldhead and 21

Robin Badillo continued to eye them all curiously. “Lola, you don’t have a choice. Mommy and Daddy aren’t going to give you the money if you don’t show up.” Brent squeezed her arm tight, growling through gritted teeth. Dante bristled at the hard-handed hold Brent had on Lola. “Can’t you give me the money for the ticket? I paid for your trip to Mardi Gras,” she pleaded. “Lola, I spent all my money on the trip to Aspen next week with the guys. Besides, I’m still paying your dad back for your car, remember? I’m broke.” Dante stared at the bulletin board of photos and tried as hard as he could not to continue listening even though curiosity had gotten the better of him. “Whatever,” Lola sneered, returning to the counter. “So what’s it gonna be, missy?” the old man asked, looking back and forth between Lola and Dante. “I’m game if you are.” Dante offered a friendly grin. “I’m Dante by the way.” He stretched out his hand. Lola narrowed her gaze and turned away, nose in the air. Taking her across country was an adventure Dante would rather not have to experience, but 22

The Long Way Home seeing how mad the prospect made her, he couldn’t resist adding to her torment. Lola glared at Brent then the old man and finally back at Dante. “Okay,” she relented “But I’m not in charge of the map.” “No problem,” Dante replied. “I got some papers for you to sign and need to get copies of your driver’s licenses. Other than that, she’s ready to go when you are.” The old man tossed the keys to Dante. “There’s a gas card in the glove compartment and the dealership in LA will cut you a check for three hundred bucks when you get there.” Lola huffed, blowing stringy bangs out of her face. Brent eased up behind her and nuzzled her neck. She immediately glanced at Dante and shrugged Brent off her as though his affectionate gesture agitated her. The old man placed the contract on the counter, “I have to get my bags from my place before we go,” Lola said as the signed her name. “That’s fine, so do I,” Dante replied. Lola turned on her heel without acknowledging Dante. “Brent, are you ready?” Brent nodded and followed behind. “I’ll meet you at the café in an hour, how’s that?” Dante called out. 23

Robin Badillo She stopped at the door and cut an angry glance back at Dante. “Returning to the scene of the crime?” “Something like that.” Dante grinned, satisfied he’d gotten to her. He liked the way her cheeks turned rosy pink when she was mad and the flare of her nostrils was icing on the cake. He studied her a few seconds more as she left with Brent then he turned to sign the contract. “You’re in for one hell of a trip there, sonny.” The old man grinned and chuckled “Looks that way.” Dante tossed the keys up into the air and caught them. “It’s going to be a long drive home.”

24

The Long Way Home

Chapter Three

T

he 1953 Cadillac Lemans convertible Dante leaned against in front of the café couldn’t have been more perfect. Candy apple red and chrome trim from front to back. Dante was on cloud nine being behind the wheel of a car nearly as old as his grandfather. If it had been warmer he would have left the top down all way to California. He bent over and checked his hair in the side view mirror. He hadn’t worried about his appearance in years. Nobody at work cared what he looked like. No one was at the mall at three AM anyway. By the time Brent’s rumbling Chevy, step-side pick-up truck pulled into the café parking lot, it was nearly noon. The entire morning had been wasted and those lost hours on the road would have to be made up sooner or later. Lola sat on the passenger side of the truck with 25

Robin Badillo her arms folded firmly across her chest and didn’t budge. Was she really attempting some childish ploy for attention? Dante could see right through her from the first time he’d laid eyes on her pouty little lips. Brent shook his head, went around and opened the door for her. Lola cast a heated glare at Dante from the cab of the truck as Brent meandered to her side. Watching them together, Dante speculated about their relationship. If only Brent was in love with her, he wouldn’t have had a problem treating her with more respect. Then again, if Lola had true feelings for Brent, she would have been sitting right next to him instead of all the way across the seat acting like a spoiled brat. Interesting. Dante opened the trunk as Brent handed him two large flowery suitcases from the back of the truck while Lola walked around and waited at the passenger door of the Cadillac. Brent lowered his head in defeat then went over, opened the door for Lola, waited for her to sit and closed it behind her, then walked back over to the trunk. “Good luck, man,” Brent said, slapping his hand into Dante’s. “Ahem.” Lola cleared her throat. Brent sighed and returned to her side of the car 26

The Long Way Home where he squatted down to talk to her. “I’m sorry. Okay?” He reached in through the open window and rubbed her shoulder. “I’ll be thinking about you. The slopes will be lonely without my baby.” “Just don’t let any lost skanky little snowbunnies keep you warm,” Lola whined. “No problem.” He kissed her on the forehead and stepped away from the Cadillac. “She’s all yours, dude.” Brent smiled at Dante shaking his head with a sympathetic look as though he felt sorry for him. “Yeah, thanks.” A sudden inkling of angst came over Dante and he almost regretted agreeing to the trip. Opening the driver’s side door, he slid into the seat and avoided looking at Lola as he started the car. Brent hopped into his truck and sped off before Dante had even backed the car from the parking spot. He watched Lola from the corner of his eye as she ran her finger across the fogged glass window and scrawled Brent’s name. An uncomfortable silence immediately settled in the car. Dante cranked up the heated defroster, which almost instantly erased the name Lola had doodled. 27

Robin Badillo She glared back at him. Dante swallowed hard. “Sorry about that.” “No you’re not.” She folded her arms in front of her. “No, I guess I’m not. Maybe I just don’t get it.” “What’s not to get. Haven’t you ever been in love before and hated to be separated? Or are you so hard that love can’t penetrate that macho exterior?” The hair on the back of his neck pricked his collar. “What does my love life have to do with you pining over a guy who couldn’t wait to get rid of you?” She was already getting to him. “You don’t know anything,” she snapped. “I know enough and I damn sure know—” He stopped before he finished what he was about to say. If he said what he really thought, the next few days would find him in a deeper realm of hell than he’d already feared he was headed. Biting his tongue, he reached over and turned on the radio. “What? What do you think you know?” she huffed back at him. Dante could feel her anger rising from across the vinyl seat. “Nothing—just nothing,” he hissed. “Whatever.” “Yeah, whatever.” Lola turned up the volume on the radio, 28

The Long Way Home straightened her blouse and made herself comfortable. Staring out at the road as it flew past must have been a better alternative than talking to him, which suited him just fine as well. Dante squeezed the steering wheel tight and clenched his jaw. He’d come so close to saying something he knew he wouldn’t have been able to take back and he probably wouldn’t have wanted to either. He didn’t know Lola at all, but what he had seen of her, told him she was the most superficial, infuriating twit he’d ever encountered. She was the epitome of every girl he’d loathed in high school. She thrived on a cliché cheerleader mentality and lived for Friday night football games and dating the quarterback. She was forever stuck at a maturity level of a sixteen-yearold kid and nothing like the breathtaking woman she was on the outside. The next few days would definitely be the longest he’d ever lived. They listened to the radio, eventually leaving Texas behind them as they headed out on what was sure to be the longest road-trip in recorded history. Every so often he looked over at her. She changed positions often, tucking her long silky legs up under her and then a while later, she’d stretch them back out. Was she nervous or just 29

Robin Badillo unable to get comfortable? Whatever the reason, Dante was amused and captivated by her indecision. The more dirty looks she cast in his direction the more he was sure she wanted it over as soon as possible. She had yet to speak to him and judging by what he had seen of her stubborn nature, she probably wouldn’t talk to him for the duration of the trip, no matter how bad he found he wanted her to. **** Lola squirmed in her seat, desperately wanting to look over at Dante as he drove, but no matter how strong the need was to see his face, she fought it. He thought he had her figured out and although she wished she could deny it, he probably did. His opinion of her was most likely dead on. No matter how bad she wished she wasn’t as shallow as he most likely thought she was, the truth was that she’d always been materialistic. She wasn’t about to change just because some guy from the wrong side of the tracks, who was probably going nowhere with his life, had the nerve to judge her. Lola tapped the handle of the door as she raised her cell phone into the air trying to get a signal. The clock on her screensaver flashed 8:20 PM. “There isn’t any signal out here at all,” she 30

The Long Way Home complained, forgetting all about the silent treatment she’d elected to give her travel companion. “Maybe that’s a good thing. I mean who are you going to call anyway? Brent? He won’t answer, trust me.” Lola’s heart sank. He just couldn’t resist taking a stab at her, could he? She glared at him wishing he could see her anger in the dark. Holding the phone higher, she returned her attention to the signal. “Yes!” she exclaimed excitedly. “We’ll see about that, I just got three bars.” Lola pressed the number two button down on her keypad and activated her speed dial. Dante glanced over at her as she held the phone to her ear and waited patiently for Brent to answer. A nauseous swirl spun wildly in her stomach, but quickly dissipated as the call was forwarded to voicemail. She fidgeted and turned toward the window away from Dante’s view. “Hey, baby. I just wanted to tell you that we made it to Albuquerque and we’re about to stop for a break. Miss you. Love you. Talk to you soon.” She made a kissing sound as she ended the call, but kept her gaze toward the dark window trying to avoid the I-told-you-so look she knew Dante would have. Disheartened by Brent not answering her call, 31

Robin Badillo she tried to make up excuses for it in her head, but she already knew that what Dante had said was more accurate than she wanted to admit. How could he have known that Brent wouldn’t answer? That bothered her more than Brent not picking up. It was one thing for her to know that whatever she and Brent had wasn’t as she may have presented it to the rest of the world, but Dante knowing was humiliating. She’d never been around a guy like him. Every boy she’d dated walked the walk and talked the talk. They were purebred and usually came from money. They wore designer clothes and had more in common with her than most girls she knew. Brent was no exception. His bank account wasn’t as fat as some, but it was a guaranteed windfall when he graduated college, that the inheritance his grandmother had left him would make him wealthy enough that he would never need the degree. He was on a budget until then and all the money she’d spent on him would be worth it in the end. He’d pay her back with interest. Lola watched Dante in the dark as the glow of oncoming headlights flashed periodically across his golden face. He was beautiful and that was a big part of her being so uncomfortable. She was used to attractive men around. But, Dante’s allure was different. He possessed a natural essence that 32

The Long Way Home exuded a kind of masculinity she’d never encountered. He was rugged and real. No pretentious flare to impress the world with. He was just himself and the world could take it or leave it. Not to mention the fact that he was obviously Latino. That little detail hadn’t been wasted on her either. He was just the kind of boy her friends would consider dangerous. Lola, on the other hand, had been fake most of her life. She wore a mask every day that she had never allowed anyone to penetrate. She’d already planned her life to be just so, and that mask would get her what she wanted. She’d meet the guy she would marry and stand by his side as he pampered her the way her parents had always done. She was meant to be provided for and in return she would keep up all the appearances that many women who come from and married money were bred to keep up. She’d seen the game played by the parents of every friend she’d had since grade school. Her parents were the only couple she knew who’d never played the game. She found herself resentful at times. She’d been given everything they’d grown up without, and although they’d given it all to her, they could never understand the sense of entitlement she’d always felt. Lola’s parents met at the same university she 33

Robin Badillo attended now. In fact, they’d insisted she go there. She would have preferred ivy-league, but no. If it was good enough for them, it was good enough for her. The whole money issue derived from their lives before they made the millions. Lola’s dad had made it big only five years after law school. He made partner on the fast-track and by the time she was born the first thing they bought with their newfound wealth was the silver spoon they’d stuck in her mouth. She was grateful for it, but she’d never told them in so many words. Their meager upbringing had even been embarrassing compared to that of her friend’s parents. She was ashamed for feeling that way, but as a kid, she couldn’t help it. She was different, no matter how hard she tried not to be. Lola was fine with the façade and wanted it to continue. All she had to do now was convince her parents that she’d learned her lesson and things could go back to business as usual. It wouldn’t be for long, though. When Brent graduated, he was sure to propose and then her plans would fall into place the way she’d always wanted. “I’m ready to take a break. How about you?” Lola broke the silence. “I saw a sign for road stop up ahead. We’ll pull off so we won’t be on the side of the highway. Not 34

The Long Way Home as dangerous that way, okay?” “Fine by me.” She reached into the back seat and opened the small cooler Dante had brought and grabbed out a bottle of water. “Thirsty?” “Sure, thanks.” He smiled. His lips parted, ever so slightly, with the sweet grin he gave her. She liked the way the dark rosy tone blended perfectly with his tan complexion. She watched as he took a sip from the water bottle then licked the remaining moisture from those oh-so-kissable lips. What she wouldn’t give to do just that. Lola shook her head, trying to erase the thought. Why would she want to kiss him? That was crazy. He hated her and she hadn’t exactly been very nice to him. Besides, she was obviously not his type at all. **** Dante made a right turn and pulled off to the side. “Hey, look at that,” Lola said as she pointed toward the sky ahead of them. “A shooting star.” “I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid. Cool.” “Aren’t you supposed to make a wish or something like that?” “Wishes, Lola?” He glanced over, surprised. Was she serious? “You believe in superstitions?” 35

Robin Badillo “That’s not superstitious is it? I think wishes are more like secret prayers.” Dante stared at her. She’d said something he hadn’t expected. It was nothing insightful, but the simple statement carried a lot of weight. Secret prayers were what he’d been saying for three months. Ever since Jesse’s kidney began to fail. He leaned forward and gripped the steering wheel closing his eyes tightly. Please make my sister well. He kept his eyes closed for a few seconds longer. A flutter of excitement danced across his stomach when he opened them to find Lola staring at him. “What?” She titled her head to the side and the beautiful features of her face softened. “What did you wish for?” The gentle flutter whirled into a raging cyclone on his insides. “I don’t think you are supposed to tell. It could jinx it.” Her grin spread wide. “Now who’s superstitious?” Lola opened the car door and got out. Dante followed, buttoning his jacket as the night air stung his neck and chest the instant the wind picked up. “It’s cold for the desert, huh?” He gazed up into the sky hoping for another falling star. 36

The Long Way Home “Yeah.” He glanced at Lola who shivered with no coat, sweater or anything over her bare arms. “Don’t you own a coat?” “I do, but since I was going home I didn’t bother to bring one.” She rubbed her arms to take the chill off. Dante did the only thing he could. He slipped his jacket off and walked around the car to Lola. “Here, take mine.” Lola glanced down at the jacket. “Uh, no thanks.” She shook her head and stepped back. Stuck-up little… His anger flared. “Seriously? Am I that far beneath you that you can’t bear to wear my crappy jacket?” “What?” Deep wrinkles creased her forehead. She had some nerve. “Suit yourself, princess, freeze for all I care.” He walked out into the desert and kicked at a few scattered rocks. Why even bother to show her any kindness, anyway? She’s just going to turn on you the first chance she gets. Just when he thought she may have had redemptive qualities, the deer caught in headlights look she’d just given him cleared away those ideas. Just as he’d suspected, she would always think of herself as being above him and anyone like him. She was obviously one of those people who couldn’t stomach others who weren’t on the same 37

Robin Badillo economic level. “Little Miss Couture thinks she’s all that. Well screw her. She can freeze,” he mumbled angrily beneath his breath. He looked over at her as she shivered in the dark. Why is she so pig-headed? An aggravating pinch nipped at the back of his neck as his thoughts of resentment turned to disappointment. Why couldn’t she see that he really was a nice guy no matter how much money he did or didn’t have? He glanced back as Lola reached inside the car and fumbled around. He shook his head when she pulled her cell phone from her bag. Holding it above her head, she turned in circles. She’s still trying to get a signal? Dante watched, amused, as she wobbled on the uneven gravel road. It was then he realized she once again wore a mini-skirt and heels. He didn’t know much about fashion, other than the fact that she always looked sexy and well put together, but he couldn’t help thinking she was a bit underdressed, even for a road trip. Dante relented and put aside his annoyance. “Did you get a signal?” Lola shot him a cold look. He wasn’t about to let her get to him again. He’d fight fire with fire. “You know he isn’t going to answer. He hasn’t the last hundred times 38

The Long Way Home you’ve called. What makes you think he’s going to now?” Lola’s glare intensified. “What exactly is your problem with Brent? Are you jealous of him or something?” Dante’s stomach flip-flopped. “Jealous of Brent? Are you serious?” he scoffed at the accusation. She inched toward him, her phone clenched tight in her hand. “You are, aren’t you? What, is it? His money? His truck? What is it that makes you dislike him so much?” Dante charged toward her, quickly closing the distance between them. “Who says it’s Brent I don’t like?” She glared up at him with widened eyes as he stopped right in front of her. “What did I ever do to you?” “Nothing!” he boomed as he turned away again. The fury he’d struggled to contain slowly unraveled. He had to control it before he allowed it to consume him. “No. You’ve been an ass to me since the first minute we met. Even when you handed my papers back to me at the café, you were abrupt and cold.” “What are you talking about? I was polite. You ran into me, knocked everything out of my arms and I still picked it all up and handed it back to you. If I was an ass I would have left your stuff on 39

Robin Badillo the floor.” Why would she think I was cold? Once again, she’d managed to baffle him more. “Yeah, well you shouldn’t be so mad at me. I didn’t throw our plane tickets away—you did.” Dante balled his fists. “Who said I was mad at you for that? I’m mad at you for your stuck-up attitude…thinking you’re better than me and everyone else,” he growled. Lola narrowed her gaze and her mouth curled at one corner creating an unattractive snarl. “That’s stupid,” She stomped over to the driver’s side of the car. “I’m done here. I’m going home with or without you.” She plopped down behind the wheel and fumbled with the keys. This is ridiculous. “You can’t go alone and you don’t even know where to go anyway.” He hurried around and stood outside the door. “Give me the keys, Lola.” “No,” she refused. “Let’s go, I’m driving.” Her eyes widened. “Why do you have to drive? I know how,” she argued. “Because you haven’t paid any attention to the map and you have no idea where we are.” Lola got out of the car with the keys clenched tightly in her hand and bowed up to him exploding with confidence. “I’m not stupid. I know you think I’m some dumb blonde airhead, 40

The Long Way Home but I’m not. I can figure out a map—thingy, and I can do it all by myself.” Her excited state nearly unraveled him. Dante glared down at her, trying his best to fight an unexpected urge to kiss her. Instead, he stood his ground. “Give me the keys.” “These keys, Dante?” Her voice oozed with rebellion. “Yes, Lola those keys.” God, she’s beautiful when she’s pissed. Lola stepped away, drew back her arm and hurled the keys onto the night air. They landed with a thud quite some distance from the car. “Are you nuts?” Dante shouted. His mind instantly erased any insane thought he’d had to kiss her. He bit back the angry words clinging to the tip of his tongue and slammed his fist down on the hood of the car as hard as he could. “Shit!”

41

Robin Badillo

Chapter Four

L

ola stood there as dread came over her. Oh, no! She’d just done the most idiotic thing possible. Throwing the keys into the desert night had only stranded her in the middle of nowhere— with a guy who was mad enough to kill her. Yes, she was quite possibly nuts. She’d gone too far and she knew it. What do I do now? She flipped her cell phone open. The battery was barely hanging on. The safest place would be away from Dante. If he went totally postal, her corpse could be hidden in the desert for years before anyone found her. Then again, she could suffer a fate worse than death. He could leave her there all alone. Dehydration and heat would do her in slowly, not that she didn’t deserve it. Crawling into the front seat, she shivered as she watched Dante search the desert looking for the keys. He rummaged around prickly bushes, kicked at piles of sand and even hurled a few scattered rocks at the night sky, cursing her with 42

The Long Way Home every breath. He hadn’t spoken to her, and with the exception of an occasional angry scowl, he hadn’t acknowledged her at all. What have I done? How could I have been so stupid? She had no idea where she was going when she insisted on leaving and driving through a desert she’d never even seen before. She hadn’t looked at the map since earlier in the day when she folded it up and stuck it in the glove compartment like Dante had told her to do. That was nearly nine hours and hundreds of miles ago. Random, off the wall thoughts scattered throughout her troubled mind. The longer she was alone with Dante, the closer she would get to doing something she had never done. One of them would either murder the other in cold blood or she would fall so madly in love she’d rather be the one to die. The latter thought wasn’t new. She’d known it was possible the second he jumped out of the dumpster behind the café. The muck and goop from the garbage had done nothing to detract from his handsome face and extraordinary physique. His confident flare to stand up to her had done more than bruise her ego. It had probably woken her up as well. Lola had done everything wrong and being preoccupied with this guy was becoming more 43

Robin Badillo and more of a problem. She had a boyfriend. She planned the life she wanted. Why would she let Dante be the demise of everything she’d thought out? But no matter how much she tried to get him out of her head, there he was. **** Dante was freezing. The desert proved relentless as the frigid temperatures gnawed at his bones. Still, no matter how cold it was outside he wasn’t about to get back in the car and suffer the bitter temperatures from the ice princess who’d claimed the front seat for her throne. Besides, he would probably strangle her and leave her body in a shallow grave out in the desert if she infuriated him one more time. The girl managed to insult him at every turn and her condescending attitude only reminded him of his heritage and the way his father’s family had snubbed his mother when he was a child. People like that don’t change. Once they embrace their superiority they rarely look back. His father was proof of that. Dante was different. He’d never had anything. His mom had worked twelve hour shifts cleaning bedpans at the hospital and went to nursing school at night from the time his dad walked out 44

The Long Way Home on them until the day she finally became a nurse. She’d worked doubles at the same hospital as an RN the last eight years. Dante had watched his mother age prematurely and basically wear herself out. Jesse’s illness had taken its toll on her as well. He’d heard it in her voice when he called home every week. She would never admit it and he never pushed. She wouldn’t lie to him, but he didn’t want to disrespect her prideful ways. She would never admit the hardship. Her children were all she had. Glancing over at Lola, he watched the way the light from her cell phone caught the flicker of her dazzling blue eyes. Even in the dark, they sparkled. She was amazingly gorgeous. Even her selfishness was charming. Dante hated to admit it, but she had good reason to see herself as a princess. She was one. Through all of the make-up, clothes, heels and accessories, she was something to see. The only reason he’d disliked her was because she represented everything he’d resented most. Two days before, when she bumped into him, his gut had knotted into pretzel-like twists the instant he looked into her eyes. If his attention hadn’t been so focused on Jesse and her plight, he would have probably fallen all over himself just being in her presence. She wasn’t the type of girl to go unnoticed and he was an idiot for doing just 45

Robin Badillo that. He wanted to get in the car and just tell her that she was amazing even though she was infuriating as hell. But she hated him. She would never see him as anything more than the dumpster rat he was the night she found him behind the café. Dante shivered. The cold was more than he could stand. He was never going to find the keys in the pitch black night anyway. He may as well go back to the car and if nothing else, sleep a couple of hours until the sun came up. Lola glanced back as he opened the door. Dante pushed the bucket seat forward and climbed into the back seat. She turned and faced forward and neither spoke a word. No cars had passed in over an hour. They were truly alone. The sky twinkled with bright silvery stars dancing on the clear, midnight-blue canvass. If only Lola were in the back seat, too. Lola rubbed her arms. Inside, the car wasn’t as cold as the outside air, but the chill was definitely evident. Even in the dark he could see the subtle flare of pink on her arms as the frigid air settled across her body and she ran her hand down her skin. She was cold. “You’re freezing,” he finally spoke. She jolted, obviously startled. “I’m okay,” she replied through chattering teeth. 46

The Long Way Home “Could you stop being so damned pigheaded for five seconds and just admit the obvious?” Heat rose up inside his gut as she began to exasperate him yet again. “Okay, I’m cold.” Dante clenched his fist and scooted over in the big back seat. “Look it’s freezing in here, so why don’t you come back here and share my jacket. Body heat increases if we’re close enough.” He held his breath waiting for her reply. Lola shot a quick glance toward him. “We’ll probably freeze to death by morning if we don’t, huh?” His jeans tightened as his need to be near her grew. “Exactly. I promise to be a complete gentleman,” he added for good measure. Lola nodded and got out of the car, pushed the bucket-seat forward and crawled into the backseat beside him. Dante slid his jacket off and held it up for her to slip under. He flinched as her cool flesh grazed his warmer skin. As her temperature adjusted to his, he pulled her close and instinctively ran his hands up and down her upper arm trying to warm her. Smoke encircled his head as he huffed from the excitement of her close proximity. Her perfume wafted its way into Dante’s nose and her strawberry-scented hair smelled better 47

Robin Badillo than he had imagined. She nestled her head beneath his chin and slid her arm across his stomach. His abdomen tightened as her hand skimmed over him. Having her in his arms was a feeling he never thought he’d ever experience, but one he savored. “Look, I’m sorry for all of the terrible things I said. You’re not a bitch.” Dante finally spoke. She tilted her head away from him. “You never called me a bitch.” Dante chuckled. “Oh, uh… I guess I must have just thought it.” She curled back into him. “I am one though. So, you were right.” “No, you’re annoying as hell, but you aren’t that bad.” “Well, you aren’t really an ass.” “I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on that one. I have been an ass to you and I’m sorry about that, really.” The air lightened between them and Dante relaxed. “Since we’ve been on the road, I’ve done a lot of thinking and what I can’t figure out is…” Her comment trailed off and she wiggled under his arm as though uncomfortable. “What? Finish what you were going to say.” “How can somebody be happy with the way they are one day then wake up the next and be 48

The Long Way Home completely miserable?” Her question should have been confusing, but surprisingly, Dante understood what she meant. “Maybe they weren’t all that happy to begin with or maybe something happened that made them see things they’d never seen before.” “Or,” She glanced up at him. “Maybe they’d known all along they were miserable, but pretended not to notice.” “Good point.” Dante agreed. “So, if they know it now, what do they do about it?” Lola giggled. “I haven’t gotten that far yet.” “Humph.” Dante rubbed her arm again, feeling more and more at ease. “Maybe you’re not like I thought you were after all.” “Oh, let me guess. You thought I was just some rich girl who didn’t have a clue.” “Something like that.” “You’re not wrong. I’m all of that. Spoiled, selfcentered and well… miserable.” Dante leaned away so he could see her face. His gut wrenched when her eyes began to mist. “Miserable? You have everything. A boyfriend you love. A family with means to take care of you and a real shot at a good life.” Lola sighed, drenching the night with a truth Dante could somehow feel was coming. “That boyfriend wants my money until he can get his own. My parents are trying to teach me a lesson I 49

Robin Badillo should have never needed to learn in the first place and that shot at a real life had never seemed stupid until this very moment.” Dante’s mouth watered. The woman in his arms was nothing like the girl he’d left school with. “Sounds like you’ve done a lot of thinking. What happened to make you suddenly see all of that?” Lola smiled shyly. “Some handsome stranger threw away my shot of wiggling out of my problems the easy way, like I’ve always done.” “Handsome stranger?” His heart pounded. Lola’s cheeks flushed red. “Okay, some guy threw away a plane ticket and that kept me from taking the easy way home. It’s sort of made me see how messed up my life has become.” Dante furrowed his brow, skeptical. “I did all that?” I thought she loathed me. “Not just you. Brent, my parents and even I had a lot to do with it.” “What was my part?” Curiosity swelled within him. “The way you looked at me.” She’d puzzled him yet again. “I don’t follow. How did I look at you?” She sat up and faced him. “Like you can see right through me. It made me take a look at what I thought you saw and… it wasn’t a pretty picture.” “You’re wrong about that.” An excited tickle 50

The Long Way Home flashed across the back of his neck. “You’re amazing,” he blurted before he realized he’d said it aloud. She pressed her hands against his chest and studied his eyes. “You think I’m amazing?” Dante tried to gulp away the ball of air clinging to the back of his throat. “Look at you.” He shook his head. “You’re beautiful, smart, spunky, and sexy as hell. You charge right ahead and go after whatever it is you want.” Lola’s cheeks flushed pink. “You think I’m sexy?” Her blue eyes twinkled even in the dark. Dante laughed and leaned his head back on the seat. “You only hear what you what to hear, don’t you?” “What about you?” She turned the tables on him. “Why are you the way you are?” His insides twisted. Now she was trying to figure him out. How was that going to turn out? “I don’t know. What do you see?” She narrowed her gaze as if to study him. “I see a guy who is focused. You have a goal even though I have no clue what it is, but I see a determination in your eyes. You don’t let anything get in your way. Not even a spoiled little rich witch who pisses you off to no end.” Dante recalled what he had called her behind the café. Sharp pangs dug into his sides. “I did say that didn’t I?” 51

Robin Badillo Lola nodded. “Like I said, you were right, but what I don’t get is why you hate people just because they have money and you don’t.” Dante squirmed, uncomfortable. Why did his animosity suddenly sound bad coming from her? “I don’t feel that way,” he lied. Lola raised her eyebrows. “Honestly?” Could he trust her with the truth? “If I tell you, I’m only going to say it once and you have to swear never to bring it up again.” “Scout’s honor.” Lola replied, putting two fingers to her forehead and saluting. Dante chuckled at her adorable cuteness. “You were never a boy-scout.” “Same sentiment.” She replied with a dimpled grin. “Come on, I told you my stuff.” Her whining was too charming to refuse. Dante took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He rarely talked about his family life and some parts he’d never told another soul. “My mom’s raised me and my sister all alone since before Jesse was born. She put herself through school, made sure we had everything we needed even if it meant she went without and the thing is, she didn’t have to do any of it.” He glared out at the dark night, wishing he was out there somewhere, hiding away from the truth. “Your mom sounds strong.” “Like a rock.” He snorted an edgy laugh, 52

The Long Way Home shaking his head. “She had no choice.” He shifted in the seat, trying to ease the tension the subject always brought. “See, my dad lived in Beverly Hills and I guess he was slumming when the housekeeper’s daughter fell in love with him.” He peered over at her, chewing the inside of his cheek, just to keep from punching the hell out of the seat in front of him. “He used to come around a lot when I was little. We went everywhere together, but by the time my mom discovered she was expecting Jesse, my grandfather had found out about us.” Dante clenched his fist and rubbed the top of his thigh, his voice quivering. “He wasn’t about to let his only son be ruined by two half-bred Puerto Rican bastard children.” Dante instantly relaxed the second Lola pressed her hand to his cheek. **** Lola was taken aback by the sparkle of tears accumulating in the corners of Dante’s eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest and she fought back tears of her own. His vulnerability got to her in a way she’d never been touched. “My dad walked away and the rest is history.” “He never came back? He never tried to see you?” How crappy was that? 53

Robin Badillo “Gifts and money used to come regularly, but my mom got to where she just stopped opening the packages and envelopes. I can’t blame her really. It was hush money, you know?” “So you don’t know where he is and you’ve never seen him since?” What a horrible story. “Oh, I know where he is and I see him all the time in magazines and newspapers. He owns a construction company in Los Angeles.” Lola’s curiosity peaked. “What’s his name?” “The same as mine, Dante Brewer.” Hair at the nape of her neck stood on end and she leaned forward. “You’re joking, right? Your name is Brewer? As in Brewer Industries?” Unfreaking-believable. “That would be his company. My name is Brewer, as in South Ferris Avenue, Los Angeles.” He shot a cold look at her as he revealed the area he lived. Lola bristled. East LA was nowhere near where she grew up and nowhere near where his father lived. Dante handed her his jacket and pushed the seat up to get out of the car. “Where are you going?” “I saw your face, Lola. You haven’t changed as much as you think you have.” Lola grabbed him by his arm before he could get away. 54

The Long Way Home A nauseous swill sloshed in her stomach. He’d misinterpreted her reaction. “My reaction was about your dad, not about you. I imagined your house compared to your dad’s.” She reached out and squeezed his arm. “Please, Dante, believe me.” The threat of tears stung her eyes. Dante hesitated, then glared down at where she clung to him so desperately. “You know where he lives?” He eased back. Lola nodded. “Small world, huh? My dad’s law firm handles your dad’s legal stuff.” She swallowed hard. “We’ve actually been to his house for dinner.” “Unbelievable. That’s crazy.” With his mouth still open, his disbelieve remained evident. Lola agreed with a nod. “You have a little sister.” A golden twinkle in Dante’s eyes flared bright and he managed a smile. “Jesse’s fourteen. She’s not so little anymore.” Just when she thought the revelation couldn’t possibly get worse, Lola’s heart sank. “No, Dante, I mean a baby sister who’s around four or five years old.” The twinkle dissipated and Dante’s jaw clenched tight. “My dad has another kid?” Lola jumped as he punched the back of the seat, causing it to slam forward and bounce back against his fist. 55

Robin Badillo “I can’t believe him,” he growled, rubbing his wrist with his other hand. Lola immediately took his hand in hers, concerned he had hurt himself. “Let me see what you did.” “It’s nothing.” He rubbed his eyes as if wiping away tears. “My sister is dying and he has the nerve to have this whole other family and not give a shit about us?” His devastated tone scraped across her bones. Lola’s heart ached. Wait? What did he say? “What do you mean your sister is dying?” “That’s why I have to get home, Lola. She needs my kidney. If she doesn’t get the transplant as soon as possible, she won’t make it to Christmas.” His shoulders shook and then tears flooded his eyes. What do I do? Uneasiness settled in her gut. She’d never been around a guy crying before. As far as she knew, her dad had never cried. Brent certainly wouldn’t have cried in front of her, if he even cried at all. Lola’s first instinct was to leave him alone and give him privacy, but the second she reached for the seat, Dante grabbed her hand. He pulled her to him and burrowed his head into her bosom. His tears dampened the front of her blouse and she raked her fingers through his soft mink-like hair and rubbed his back. He trembled beneath 56

The Long Way Home her touch. She’d never felt this way. She felt needed. She felt strong. Dante looked up at her though tear soaked eyes as though searching for reassurance. Suddenly, every ounce of pain she saw in his eyes engulfed her and she felt it as if it were her own. His uncertainty was the one thing she understood about her own feelings. Dante grabbed the back of her head and pulled her down to him. Pressing his lips firmly against hers, she whimpered, feeling as though she would fall apart in his arms. Breathing into her mouth, Dante rose above her and cupped her face in his hands and kissed her with deep, passionate sweeps of his satiny tongue. Lola grabbed his shoulders and leaned back in the seat of the Cadillac, drawing Dante on top of her. He pressed against her as their kisses deepened. Hiking her skirt up, she offered herself to him, rubbing her pelvic bone against his hip, arousing her to a heated frenzy. The cold night air pooled where her panties had dampened, sending a chill across her throbbing clit. She’d never wanted anything more. **** Lola’s hand skimmed down Dante’s chest and she 57

Robin Badillo cupped his crotch, gently squeezing his hardening bulge. He pulsed against her as she rubbed harder, encouraging him to rise to the occasion. That definitely wasn’t a problem. Dante’s fingers slipped between her legs and he thought he would explode right then and there when he grazed the cool, damp fabric of her silky panties. He had never been this far before. What was he supposed to do next? What if he came before he ever had a chance to get his pants off? What if he couldn’t figure out where to put what? Would he make a complete fool of himself? Stressing thoughts accelerated his pounding heart. “Shit,” he huffed into her open mouth between plunges of his tongue. “What?” she panted, fumbling to unbutton her blouse. Dante had never wanted anything more the instant she revealed the plump mounds of flesh covered only by a thin, pink, lacy bra. Her hands explored his body, un-tucking his shirt and venturing up his chest. Gooseflesh skittered across his skin. The car windows fogged and Dante scanned their surroundings. What if somebody drove up? Did he really want his first time to be in the backseat of a car in the middle of nowhere? Fighting against his body’s need and the 58

The Long Way Home overwhelming passion climaxing within him, there was no way he could follow through. Lola wasn’t some girl to nail in the backseat of a car. She was a woman who deserved the respect he suspected she’d never been given. Dante hated himself for refusing her, but if this was ever going to happen, he couldn’t allow it to unless it was perfect and this was nowhere near how he had always pictured it. Damn his romantic ideas. “I can’t.” He pushed himself off her and scrambled to get out of the car. **** Lola sat up and wiped away the fog that had accumulated on the window. Dante paced back and forth outside the car. What had she done? Had she misunderstood? She buttoned her blouse, pulled her skirt back down and crawled out of the car into the frigid night. “What did I do?” “Oh, Lola.” He immediately came to her and held her face in his hands. “You didn’t do anything.” He appeared distressed as his eyes darted back and forth as though searching hers. “Then why did you stop?” She squeezed the back of his hands, clinging to her face. “Am I not pretty enough?” 59

Robin Badillo “Pretty enough?” You’re easily the most beautiful…” His words trailed off before he completed the statement. Her stomach swished as bile rose in the back of her throat. “What? I’m not good enough?” He shook his head. “You’re too good, Lola. Can’t you see that?” “Too good? How can I be too good to make love to?” That doesn’t even make sense. “Make love? Lola, if I were going to make love to you, it wouldn’t be in the back of some car on a deserted highway.” He pulled her back to him. Lola shivered from the cold wind cutting through her thin clothes. Dante hugged her tight. “It would be in a bed, with music, candles and every romantic cliché I could think of for that perfect moment.” He laughed. Butterflies swarmed on her insides. “Really?” She fought hard not crumble in his arms. Her eyes watered from the icy wind whirling around them and he wiped a tear away as it slid down her cheek. “Really.” Kissing the top of her head, they began to sway back and forth and were soon dancing in the moonlight under the explosion of stars. Her skin warmed as she melted into him. Lola had never been refused by a guy before and she had certainly never been held with such 60

The Long Way Home tenderness. Not even the cold could ruin this moment for her. She listened as the beat of her heart kept time with the heavy pounding of his, rhythmic, and in sync. Considering the rocky start, the evening had turned out pretty romantic. Perhaps, the long drive home wouldn’t be so bad after all.

61

Robin Badillo

Chapter Five

D

ante awoke to the sun beating down through the glass of the window. Lola slept on top of him under his jacket. He savored the feel of her body lying on his and the sound of her breathing as she slept so soundly. He hated to wake her. She was lovely, truly breathtaking. Her hair was a mess. Her mascara smudged from crying and her eyes were puffy. To Dante, though, she’d never been more attractive. Lola began to stir and nuzzled her face in the soft part of his neck under his ear, riddling his skin with goose bumps. The scratch from his five o’clock shadow filled the silence of the car as she rubbed her soft cheek against him. Lola giggled. “What are you doing?” “My cheek itches, so I’m scratching.” “So now I am a scratching post?” 62

The Long Way Home “Something like that.” He drew circles on her shoulder through her blouse. “We need to go.” “I don’t want to wake up. If this is a dream, let me sleep.” Dante tried to sit up. “It’s not a dream. And if we don’t get to LA as soon as possible it will become a nightmare.” Lola squinted as though trying to adjust to the bright sun. “What day is it?” “It’s only the thirteenth, I think.” He wrapped his jacket around her shoulders. As she sat up, her hair sprung like a bouncy ball. A fluster of excitement danced in his stomach as he took her in. “You’re beautiful, you know that?” “Very funny.” “Very serious.” He tapped the tip if her nose with his index finger. “Go find the keys.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, crap. I totally forgot why we’re still here.” Lola crawled over the seat and her skirt slid up over her thong revealing a perfect tease of the pink treasure hidden beneath. Dante bit his bottom lip, enjoying the sight, and gave her a little push. Heated blood surged to his groin at first touch of the plump tender flesh wrapped around the thong. “Damn.” Had he really turned that down? It was all he could do not 63

Robin Badillo to dip his finger inside and venture into a territory he longed to explore. He pulled his hand back, knowing if he did, he’d regret not making it right for her. “Be right back.” Lola smiled and stepped out of the car. Dante took a deep breath, composed himself and adjusted his jeans, jolting as his hand met his hardened erection that begged for release. Lola’s ass twitching in the desert morning as she searched for the keys added to his sexual frustration. If he was alone, he would have taken care of the problem, but this wasn’t the time or the place. What have you gotten yourself into? He shoved his head into the seat cushion behind him. After a few moments, he joined Lola outside and they split up, each surveying the desert and turning over rocks. Ten feet from the car, Dante caught a glimpse of the silvery keys. She hadn’t thrown them as far as he’d thought. His tracks in the sand from the night before circled all around them. Dante glanced over at Lola, realizing how glad he was he hadn’t found them then. He was tempted to overlook them for just a moment or two more so he could watch her. But, what was happening in LA couldn’t wait. “Got ‘em,” he boasted, bending over to snatch 64

The Long Way Home them up. Lola rushed toward him, jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissed him. Grabbing her thighs, he squeezed as a needful burn flooded his body. “You have to stop doing this to me,” He shook his head and lowered her to the ground. “Stop making me regret not finishing what we started last night.” Lola playfully batted her eyelashes. “I’m just trying to remind you what you missed out on.” “Trust me, I see you. I don’t need reminding.” Dante opened the car door for her. Tilting her head to the side, she smiled and got back in the car. Dante went around and slipped behind the wheel only to be joined by Lola as she slid across the seat and leaned against his shoulder. Now, this is how a man should drive across country. **** Dante and Lola talked the entire day’s drive. Flagstaff, Arizona came and went. By late afternoon, they were just over halfway to Los Angeles. Lola played with Dante’s hand, tracing the lines on his palm as he drove. He wriggled away from her when she 65

Robin Badillo relentlessly tickled him. Lola laughed, quite amused with herself. “You are such a pest.” “But a fun pest.” “Funny looking,” he quipped. She slapped his arm playfully, which was something she’d never done with Brent. Had she ever been comfortable enough to play and tease with anyone? Lola liked this new side of herself. Dante brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. Lola was very pleased with the new direction the trip had taken. Everything was perfect. She fiddled with the radio and tried to find a station without static until finally giving up. Dante put his arm around her and she cuddled up under him. Who needed a radio anyway? She could entertain them. Starting with the Country charts, Lola sang her way across the Pop, Hip-Hop and even a few charts she wasn’t so sure were real songs at all. Who would have ever dreamt they would have had so much fun on this trip? They passed a sign advertising the last stop for food, gas, restrooms, hotels and whatever else one could need for the next hundred miles, only a mile ahead. “We better fill up.” “Good. I need to…well never mind,” she cut 66

The Long Way Home her eyes at him. “I’m just glad we are stopping.” “Yeah, me, too.” He smiled. They pulled off the highway and into a small roadside store. A rundown motel was off to the left behind it. Lola gripped his arm tight, crinkling her nose. “This place is creepy.” “Come on. Where is your sense of adventure?” “Adventure is white water rafting, or riding in a helicopter across the Hoover Dam, not surviving the miserable excuse for a bathroom I’m sure this place has.” Dante sighed. “I wondered when the old Lola would come back,” he mumbled as he got out of the car. Lola looked around, worried she’d said the wrong thing. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as she made it out to be. Joining him, she stepped out and adjusted her clothes and followed him into the store. “Good evening.” The older woman behind the counter smiled as she adjusted the rabbit ears on a small television. “Hello.” Lola forced a smile. Dante nodded, acknowledging the woman as though they knew one another. “How are you this evening?” “I’m blessed,” she replied behind a near toothless grin. 67

Robin Badillo “Me, too.” He pulled Lola to his side. “Are ya’ fillin’ her up there, hon?” “Yes ma’am. Going to get a few snacks and drinks, too.” Dante led Lola toward the other side of the store. “Help yourself to the cooler. It’s in the back. All those snacks are fresh. The truck just brought ‘em this morning.” She reached over and fiddled with the switches for the gas pumps. Dante dragged Lola behind him as he gathered cookies, chips, gum and candy and shoved it all into a hand held basket he’d found at the end of the aisle. Lola cringed. “What’s all this junk?” “Junk,” he replied. “This is what you eat on a road trip. No five star restaurants, no room service. Junk food’s the best.” He bobbed his head as he tossed in one fattening item after another. “Do you have any idea how many fat grams are in that?” “Tons, I hope.” “I can’t eat that.” She folded her arms across her chest in protest. Dante nudged her back against the glass door of the cooler. He set the basket down and picked up a plastic wrapped Hostess cupcake. A wide, devilish grin played around his mouth. “What are you doing?” Her stomach tightened and she glanced over at the woman who was 68

The Long Way Home noticeably listening. Dante opened the wrapper and held the cupcake in his hand. Eyeing Lola, he plunged one finger into the cream filled center. Her gut knotted and she cut her eyes up at him. “I’m not eating that.” Dante leaned in and engulfed her mouth with his. Her heart raced as she swooned under his kiss. Pulling away he slowly inched his cream covered finger toward her mouth. Lola glared at the white, fluffy icing as the sweet smell infiltrated her nose, consuming her with its sugary fragrance. Dante’s hot breath danced across her face, his mouth mere inches from hers, and he gently glided his finger across her lips, parting them just enough to insert it deeper into her mouth. The cream filling flooded her taste buds. She closed her eyes and whimpered. Wrapping her tongue around his finger, she sucked it, prompting him to slide it even deeper inside. As Lola opened her eyes, Dante kissed her again. The sweet taste of the cupcake swirled around her tongue and he groaned as he pressed himself against her. The warmth of his body amplified her desire to feel him inside her. He tangled her hair in his other hand and breathed into her ear. “Never tell me you aren’t 69

Robin Badillo going to do something,” he hissed. “I take it as a personal challenge.” Heat surged between her legs and she pushed her crotch against his thigh, wishing he would just hurry up and take her already. What was the freaking hold up anyway? He handed her the cupcake and as if under his captivating spell, Lola took a big bite out of it without a fight, following him to the front like a honey-craving bee. Dante placed the basket on the counter. “I’ll pay cash for all this and I’m putting the gas on the card.” The lady winked at Lola who stood there with a half-eaten cupcake in her hand. “Oh, don’t forget this,” Lola added. The lady narrowed her gaze and offered a crooked grin. “I’m sure you won’t be forgetting that anytime soon, young lady. It’s on the house.” Lola’s cheeks burned red. “Honeymooners?” “Something like that,” Dante answered glancing over at Lola. Chills skittered down her spine. They gathered the bag of snacks and walked out to the car where Lola sat, waiting for Dante to fill the gas tank. According to the clock on the dash, it was already after seven p.m. The day was almost gone. 70

The Long Way Home The trip would be over tomorrow. Lola looked back at Dante and wondered what would happen after they returned to the real world. Dante hung up the gas pump and plopped down beside her in the seat. “You ready?” “No.” “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” She sighed. “I was just thinking that this time tomorrow you’ll be with your family and I will be with mine, and what if…” she looked away, unable to say the words. “Look at me.” He reached for her hand. “Lola, look at me.” She hesitated, but finally worked up the nerve to do as he’d asked. He lifted her chin with his finger. “Tomorrow doesn’t have to be any different than today. It’s up to us what we do from here on out. If you like me and want to spend time with me, then do it.” Lola dragged in a deep breath. “Okay.” “Are you sure?” Lola nodded. He grabbed the keys and cranked the car. The engine purred, then without warning, it died. Dante looked at her and smiled nervously. He tried it again. With a roar it cranked right up. He 71

Robin Badillo put it in gear and they rolled away from the pumps. Twenty yards later, it died again. “What the hell?” Dante got out of the car and raised the hood. Lola stuck her fingertip in her mouth, tempted to bite the nail and anxiously awaited an explanation. “Damn,” he grumbled, slamming the hood back down. “What is it?” “I don’t know. I think it’s the starter. I’m going to call the old man and see what he wants me to do.” Dante disappeared into the store for ten minutes or so then returned to the car. “The office is closed. I have to wait until morning.” He leaned in through the opened window on Lola’s side of the car. “Morning? We have to sleep in the car again?” Nausea sloshed around her insides. As wonderful as it was sleeping on top of Dante all night, she really preferred to be somewhere more comfortable and warm. “Well, we could always get a room.” He motioned behind them at the rundown motel. She peered over at the gloomy row of rooms. “The car sounds nice,” Lola immediately replied. “Adventure, remember?” 72

The Long Way Home “Diseases, remember?” “Come on, Lola. You’re not supposed to be acting like Paris Hilton anymore.” She groaned aloud. “Did you have to say Hilton? Now, I can only think about where we aren’t.” Dante laughed. “Well if you want, you can sleep in the car and I’ll sleep in the room and we can both stretch out and be miserable.” Lola looked up at him, losing herself in his beautiful brown eyes. “You’re really going to get a room?” The gears started to turn in her head. Suddenly the thought of the fleabag motel didn’t seem as bad. If Dante would in the same bed, the possibilities were endless. “Perfect gentleman, I swear,” he promised holding up retreating hands. “Sure,” she agreed, hoping the gentleman part was an option. Dante disappeared into the store and in a matter of moments, emerged with a key. Butterflies swarmed her stomach. Thank you, Cadillac! “The lady’s going to have her sons move the car in a little while.” He opened the door for Lola then went to the trunk. She followed him and grabbed one of her bags. Dante tossed his duffel bag over his shoulder and grabbed the larger of her two suitcases. “Are 73

Robin Badillo you sure you don’t want me to get that one, too?” Lola shook her head and smiled. “Thanks, but I’ve got it.” They made their way across the dusty parking lot. The room was just what she had expected. One queen-sized bed, covered with a dank musty old bedspread and stiff pillows. The bathroom wasn’t much better with one small sink, two plastic covered cups next to a square plastic ice bucket, stand up shower and a toilet that ran constantly. Lola sat on the edge of the bed as Dante put their things down. He immediately turned on the heat. “It’ll be warm in here in a few minutes.” He blew into his cupped hands then pressed them to her cheeks. “Are you okay?” “I’m tired, but I’m good.” Dante bent over and kissed her forehead making her feel a bit more at ease. She scanned the room again. “I’m going to take a shower.” She decided, opening the smaller of her two suitcases. “Okay.” He started for the door. “I’m going to go see what’s up with the car.” Lola stood in the bathroom doorway until he closed the door behind him. When he returned, she would see to it that he never wanted to leave her again.

74

The Long Way Home

Chapter Six

D

ante wandered out to the car as the old woman locked up the front door of the store. “Is there anything you need before I close up for the night?” “No, ma’am, I think we’re set.” He waved to her. “My sons should be here shortly. They’ll move it over in front of your room. You have the place all to yourself. If you have any problems, the number’s on the phone by the bed and we live just up the road.” “Thank you.” “Enjoy your honeymoon.” Dante smiled. He thought to correct her, but decided not to. It was too complicated to explain and she probably wouldn’t care anyway. He leaned against the car and thought about the last two days. Shaking his head, he replayed everything that had transpired between him and Lola. It was crazy. She’d aggravated the hell out of him only a day ago and now, his heart jumped at 75

Robin Badillo the sound of her voice. When had it all turned upside down? Who cares, as long as it lasts? His thoughts drifted to the reality that she was in a hotel room, naked, in a shower and he was standing outside freezing to death because the idea of being inside the room scared him to death. She was much more experienced than he was. He could tell by the way she’d hiked her skirt up so quickly, as though it was nothing and it only reminded him just how inexperienced he was. He’d never been that far before and although he wanted to more than anything, he hadn’t had the time to get to know a woman long enough to actually do it. Working and going to school had taken up all of his time and girls just hadn’t fit into his schedule. This girl though? He could see himself making time for her. That probably scared him the most. Lola naked in a motel room in the middle of nowhere Arizona was a big step from where he had been two days ago. He shuddered as the visual of her in the hot, steamy water flashed in his head. Man, you gotta stop that. Fantasies weren’t going to help matters any. Thankfully, Dante’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a sputtering old car pulling up beside him. “Evening.” An older man hopped out of an old 76

The Long Way Home worn out car. “I haven’t seen one of those in a long time.” “I’m delivering it to a dealership in Los Angeles,” Dante explained. “She’s a work of art, ain’t she?” Dante patted the hood. “She drives pretty well, too. Well, at least she did.” “That’s a shame. She’s just like a woman then, ain’t she. She looks like a million bucks, handles like a dream, then without any warning, she turns on ya’.” The guy laughed. Dante laughed, too. “Yeah. Most women are like that, huh?” He’d seen that firsthand. Fortunately, the woman on his mind had turned for the better and he secretly hoped that was a new trend. “Well, let’s get her moved for you.” “Thanks.” Dante helped them move the car across the parking lot then watched as they drove away down the dark highway. He lingered outside a little longer to give Lola plenty of time to get dressed. “Hey,” Lola chimed as he opened the door. She stood in the bathroom doorway wearing a pair of silk shorts and a matching camisole. The light from the bathroom behind her accentuated her silhouette. Dante gazed at her unable to speak. “What?” Her brow furrowed. 77

Robin Badillo Her shimmering wet hair clung around her face, highlighting her baby blue eyes. Dante couldn’t move. “You’re, uh…” he stammered as he walked toward her. “Oh stop. You look like you’re going to faint.” She sat on the corner of the bed and dried her hair with a towel. “I think I just might.” He laughed. “Really though, I have never seen a more beautiful woman in my life.” Lola lowered her hands to her lap. “No one’s ever told me that before.” His nerve endings sizzled like a fuse to a firecracker. “You’re kidding, right?” “No, I mean it.” “That’s crazy. Brent, doesn’t tell you how beautiful you are?” He swallowed hard. “Brent? Please. He doesn’t even call me by my name most of the time.” Dante went to the bed and sat on the edge beside her. “Then why are you with him?” “Because…” She exhaled hard. “I don’t know. He’s just easy, I guess.” “Easy?” “Yeah, you know, he isn’t complicated. He doesn’t hover or hang around. I get to do what I want and he does what he wants. It’s easy, you know?” Dante shrugged. “No, I guess I don’t. It means 78

The Long Way Home you don’t have a relationship, you have an arrangement.” “I suppose.” She walked back into the bathroom and hung up the towel. “It doesn’t really matter anymore, does it?” “Why is that?” Dante followed her to the bathroom and waited at the door. “Because I want more. I’m not happy like that. He was using me I guess and I was using him.” His gut knotted as an uneasy twist formed. “And me? What am I? Are you using me?” Was he actually having this conversation with her? “Using you for what?” A little taste of reality crossed his mind. “I don’t know. I mean, be honest Lola, what about tomorrow?” He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Honestly, a few days ago, tomorrow couldn’t get here fast enough. But now, it scares me to death.” She started to walk through the door back into the room, but just as she passed him he stopped her. “What are you afraid of, Lola?” She glared up at him, then turned away, lowering her gaze. Dante needed to see her eyes. He nudged her chin up with his fingertips. “I am afraid of you.” His heart pounded. “Me? Why?” 79

Robin Badillo “Because, I’ve never felt this way before. You do something to me that twists me every which way. You make me want to be—you make me want to be better.” Dante clenched her upper arms tighter. “Lola, you want to be better because you were miserable. Not because of me. I’m nothing special.” “How can you say that? You are so special.” Dante pushed away from her and walked across the room to the window. He pulled back the curtain a little and peered outside. So many thoughts whirled in his mind. “I know I’m not the type of guy you see yourself with. I’m a poor kid from East LA with a Puerto Rican mom and a sick little sister to take care of. I may be graduating in a few months, but there aren’t any Fortune Five Hundred companies out there waiting to hire me. I can never give you what you want.” He could see Lola ease up behind him from the corner of his eye. “Didn’t you tell me just a little while ago that what we do tomorrow is our decision?” “Yes, but, Lola, you need a man that can give you everything you deserve.” How could this possibly work? He’d never be able to afford her lifestyle. “Don’t I decide what I deserve?” “No, you deserve the best of everything and settling for anything less would make you more 80

The Long Way Home miserable than you already are. Go talk to your parents. Make things right with Brent, use him or whatever you have to do to get whatever you need to be happy—” “Stop it!” Lola snapped. She turned and walked away from him. “Stop telling me to do something that could never make me happy.” “Why, Lola?” He followed her. “You may be someone different here, but when you go back to all of your friends at school, you’ll forget all about me.” Dante balled his hands into tight fists. Where had this renewed anger come from? “That’s not true.” “Yeah it is. You’ll forget all about me just like my dad did when he went back to what he knew. Money always wins.” “You know what?” She rushed to him and looked him in the eye, standing toe to toe. “You are an ass!” Lola poked his chest with her index finger. “You judge me saying that I am stuck up and look down on poor people when you’re just as bad. You look down your nose at people because they have crap you don’t. The truth is that this has nothing to do with me and everything to do with your dad and well… he’s an ass, too.” Dante stood there, cringing as she unloaded on him. “Seems the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree… and… and they come already equipped 81

Robin Badillo with their own worms, too,” she added. “What?” What did that mean? Dante couldn’t help himself. He laughed. She fidgeted, standing before him, looking even more gorgeous as her anger stoked the simmering fire deep within her. “I don’t know, but it sounded good when I thought it.” He eased back and offered her a wide smile. “You’re so hot when you’re mad.” “Shut. Up. Dante,” she fumed. “No seriously.” He grabbed her by the waist and drew her to him. “You’re really hot.” Lola pushed him back. “Don’t do that,” she hissed. “Brent does that crap. When I’m mad he just stops the argument and patronizes me or turns it into a game so I’ll shut up. I hate that.” Dante immediately loosened his hold. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to patronize you. I wouldn’t intentionally disrespect you. I just thought at that moment you really were sexy.” Lola eased back and sat on the bed. “Dante, I really like you and I want a chance to see if this could be something. Your financial situation means nothing to me. Maybe I’m growing up, or maybe I’m just fall—” She snapped a glance in his direction and her cheeks flushed red again. “You’re what?” He stepped closer, his heart pounding. Lola shook her head, stood and walked across 82

The Long Way Home the room. “Nothing. Aren’t you tired? You’ve been driving for two days.” Dante eased up behind her and pulled her back to him. Pressing against her back, he whispered over her shoulder. “Say what you were going to say.” “No.” “Say it.” He pressed his mouth to her ear and closed his eyes. His arms wrapped around her and he held her in place. Lola’s breathing increased. Dante inhaled deeply and trembled as he squeezed her tighter. “Say it.” “Maybe I’m…falling in love with you.” Spinning her around, he inched closer to her. “Say it again,” he breathed into her mouth. “I think I could be falling in love with you.” Her voice trembled as much as her shoulders shook. Dante took her face in his hands and stared deep into her eyes. “Again,” he insisted. “I love—” His lips were on hers before she could finish, his tongue plunging deep into her mouth. He leaned back and searched her tear filled eyes again. Was she telling the truth? Her eyes darted back and forth between his eyes and his mouth. “Oh my God.” He inhaled deeply through his 83

Robin Badillo nose. His heart was on the brink of exploding. “I love you, too.” Dante scooped her up into his arms and laid her back on the bed, his lips locked onto hers. She pulled his mouth down harder, splaying her fingers through his hair. He fisted her wet hair around his left hand and slid his right hand under her top caressing her stomach. Her body shuddered from his touch. Dante reacted to her in ways he’d never imagined. Electricity surged all over his body. He’d never wanted any woman the way he wanted her. The heat from her body penetrated though his clothes and her heart boomed so loud he could feel it pressed against his chest. This was happening, and fast. He withdrew and glared at her while his insides twisted into tiny little knots, seizing his breath. He had to tell her. “Don’t get mad, but,” he panted. “I haven’t ever…” Lola paused and narrowed her gape, pressing her lips together. “We don’t have to, Dante. Waiting is fine with me.” Dante shook his head as his erection throbbed against her side. “I want you so bad.” “I want you, too.” 84

The Long Way Home “I just want to make sure I…” He couldn’t find the words. Lola took his hand and brought it to her cheek and nuzzled it. “It’s okay. We’ll go slow.” **** “I must be some freak of nature, right?” Lola skimmed her nose around the edge of his sharp jaw line, inhaling his masculine scent. “Why would you say that?” “I’m almost twenty-two and still a…” he pursed his lips shaking his head. “A virgin?” Lola grinned. Kissing his neck she reached up and whispered into his ear. “I wish I was so I could give myself to you.” Dante kissed her deeper, and Lola flipped him over and crawled on top of him. His muscles tightened beneath her and she strummed her fingers across his chest. Grinning from ear to ear, it suddenly occurred to her that his lack of experience was exciting. He had never been touched and that meant anything she did to him, would naturally blow his mind. “What?” he asked as he peered up at her. Worry played around the corners of his eyes. Lola smiled and slowly lifted her camisole, exposing her bare breasts to him. Dante drew in a deep breath and instantly slid 85

Robin Badillo his fingers over her erect nipples. He rose up under her to a sitting position with her in his lap and eased his mouth closer. Heat flooded her crotch as he flicked her nipple with his tongue. A quick flare surged between her legs as his erection jutted upward and rubbed harder against her panties, sending a sharp twinge of tingles straight to her clit. She slipped her fingers inside and gently grazed the swollen nub just to relieve the throbbing. Dante’s gaze trailed down and his eyes widened as he watched her pleasure herself. His breathing increased and he scooted around and laid her back onto the bed. She dug the back of her head into the pillow when his fingers joined hers. Guiding him, she silently demonstrated how to touch and where. She closed her eyes and left his fingers alone to continue the task. Lola writhed with rising pleasure as he found his way inside her, exploring places he had never ventured, her body, his own personal playground. “You’re so wet,” he whispered. Lola giggled mischievously. “That’s because you’re doing it right.” She slipped her fingers under the waistband and slid her panties off, revealing her completely nude body to him. “You’re so beautiful.” 86

The Long Way Home She pressed her lips together and tugged at the waistband of his jeans. “I bet you are, too.” Dante gave her a crooked smile and left the bed. Standing beside her, he removed his shirt. Lola rose up onto her knees and eyed him up and down. His satiny mocha skin shimmered in the dim light of the room as perspiration glistened across his bare chest. Hardened pecks, tiny rock hard nipples pointed downward from his buff muscles. His six-pack abdomen rippled with firm, tone muscles and a thin tuff of black hair trailed down and disappeared behind his jeans. Lola couldn’t help herself. She had to taste him. Scooting to the edge of the bed, she reached for the button of his jeans and cast a playful glance up at him as she popped them open and lowered his zipper. His erection bulged and she ran her hand over it, massaging him through the thick denim fabric. She glanced up at Dante who gazed back through hooded eyes. “Just breathe,” she whispered. Tugging downward, she removed his jeans and boxers, revealing the long, thick shaft, riddled with deep blue veins and twitching as though it was about to explode. Lola gently took him in her hand and began to softly stroke him. Dante groaned and placed his hands on her 87

Robin Badillo shoulders. “Shit.” Lola giggled again. “I’m about to blow your mind.” Flicking the tip with her tongue, sweet juices infiltrated her mouth and Dante bristled. His reaction only excited her more. She slid her mouth down and engulfed half the length of him before drawing her lips back and repeating the motion, taking more and more of him into her mouth with each bob of her head. Dante rubbed the back of her head, sucking air though his teeth and shuddering. Feeling him pulsate inside her mouth, Lola slowed allowing him time to regain his composure. If he exploded now, it would only delay what she wanted most, to feel him inside of her. Lola stood and met him face to face. Dante kissed her hard, sucking her tongue with each passionate plunge into her mouth. His fingers found their way to her seam once again and he probed between her fleshy folds. Lola squeezed her thighs together, savoring the feel of his fingers deep inside her, brushing against her walls. “Make love to me,” she huffed, shoving his hand deeper. Dante lowered her to the bed and positioned himself between her legs. 88

The Long Way Home She held her breath and gazed up at him, then reached down and guided him inside. Rubbing her clit with the head of his thick shaft, she jolted from the thrill. Easing inside of her slowly, Dante exhaled and began to move himself in and out at a soothing pace, inciting her hips to jab upward and take in more of his length. His large size filled her completely and she clenched her walls tighter, encouraging him to pump faster. Dante reacted naturally, plummeting deeper, harder. His bottom lip hung low as he increased his movement. Lola wrapped her legs around him, savoring the feel of his body mingling with hers. She clung to his rigid biceps and pulled herself up to kiss and nibble his neck. Dante squeezed her tight and grunted as he shoved himself inside. “Yes,” she panted. He’d found her spot. “Right there.” Their bodies crashed and collided into one another until both were rocking violently across the bed. He grazed her g-spot again and again, causing her body to quake uncontrollably. Was this really his first time? Her mouth pressed against his lips and she breathed hot air into his open mouth, unable to contain the jolts of electricity zapping the sensitive 89

Robin Badillo nerves of her enflamed clit. As her body exploded with orgasm, a suction cup effect glued her to the base of his shaft, causing her to clench around him, trapping him inside. She could feel his pulsating prick against her walls and thrust her hips up one last time to further milk the explosion she knew was inevitable. Dante collapsed on top of her. “Oh, shit,” he grunted in her ear. A swollen surge pumped rhythmically with his heartbeat as he erupted inside her. His body quivered and he hugged her with a bone-crushing embrace. His heavy body engulfed her smaller frame and Lola relished the safe feeling that came over her. In his arms nothing bad could ever happen to her again. She just knew it. Panting and struggling to catch her breath, she fanned her fingers through his wet hair. “Dante?” “Hmm?” he responded without much effort. “That was amazing.” He lifted his head and smiled down at her. “You have absolutely no idea.” “Thank you,” she whispered. “No, thank you.” He kissed her neck. “I mean thank you for letting me be your first.” Dante withdrew himself from her, rose up and rested the side of his head on his fist. His other 90

The Long Way Home hand skimmed down her body and settled on her stomach. “Lola, if I have my way, you won’t only be my first, you’ll be my only—period.” Her stomach rolled as miniature tornadoes whirled wildly inside. She loved the sound of that.

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Chapter Seven

M

orning came too fast, just as she feared it would. Lola awoke, lying against Dante’s shirtless chest. He smelled wonderful. His golden skin glowed in the morning light. She kissed just above his nipple causing him to stir. Kissing him again, he raked his fingers through her hair. “Good morning,” he whispered. “Good morning again.” “Oh yeah. Yesterday. How could I forget?” He chuckled. She propped her chin against his chest. “How did you sleep?” “Better than I did in the car, that’s for damn sure.” “Are you absolutely miserable stuck here with me?” “Immensely,” he replied with a wide grin. “Good.” 92

The Long Way Home He strummed her shoulder as he hugged her close. “You’re the root of all evil.” She lifted her head. “I thought money was.” “No, they only came up with that saying because you hadn’t been born yet. Now that you’re here, you’re just my necessary evil.” Lola giggled. “I like the sound of that.” “Being the root of all evil?” She nuzzled under his scratchy chin. “No. Just being your anything.” “Me, too.” Dante kissed her forehead. He sat up and surveyed the room. “I really need a shower.” “Want some help?” He glanced back at her. “If that happened, we’d never get to LA today.” Lola sighed. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.” “Evil. Absolute, unadulterated evil.” He slipped out of the bed sauntered into the bathroom, slightly closing the door behind him. Waiting until he was in the shower, Lola slipped in the bathroom and eyed his silhouette through the frosted shower door. Without making a sound, she slinked into the shower behind him. Dante jumped back surprised. “What are you doing?” “Saving water.” His gaze trailed down the length of her. “Damn.” Lola stepped back and eyed him as well. His 93

Robin Badillo shoulders glistened under the water, cascading down washboard abs and the perfect crescent moon indentions at his hips. If it wasn’t apparent before, it certainly was now, he worked out—a lot. “You shouldn’t be in here,” he growled. She poked him in his side. “Don’t be such a baby.” “I’m sure you’ve seen better specimens, right?” Lola cocked a brow, savoring his gorgeous physique. “Actually, it doesn’t get much better than this.” She grinned wide and handed him the soap. “Lola?” “Dante?” “Why are you doing this to me?” “I’m letting you familiarize yourself with the landscaping.” Brilliantly white teeth smiled back at her as his fingers dipped down and caressed the thin line of blonde hair above her seam. “I’ve never been to Brazil, but apparently you have?” “Every month.” She winked. Brazilian waxes were murder, but seeing the pleased expression on his face, it was most assuredly worth it. “Damn. I should look into a career of gardening and most definitely travel a bit more.” Lola covered his hand with hers and forced his middle finger inside. She moved it around, making it circle her clit. “You can start here.” 94

The Long Way Home “Wicked girl,” he teased. Dante leaned against the shower wall with his other arm and stared into her eyes as he fondled her clit. She closed her eyes, succumbing to the thrill. “Look at me,” he hissed. Water poured over them and she moved her hands up to cup her breasts. Dante grinned as he glanced down to see her pluck and tug at her nipples. He slid in another finger and glided them over her clit, sending shockwaves of excitement across her entire body. Lola trembled and quaked. “Yes,” she shrieked. Her body shuddered. “Show me everything,” he breathed into her opened mouth. She put her arms around him and dug her fingers into his back as the climax built between her legs. Her clit was on fire and pulsed as blood rushed to meet her need. Lola whimpered. “I’m gonna—” She sucked in air, trying to catch her breath. “You’re gonna what?” he hissed in her ear. Lola bit her bottom lip and squeezed her thighs together tight. “Tell me,” Dante urged. His voice echoed in her head. She couldn’t think. Her body shook beyond her control. “Come!” she cried out as her body burst open. Dante’s lips found hers as he continued to 95

Robin Badillo massage. His fingers slipped in and out of her, until she couldn’t take it anymore. She yanked his hand away and guided it toward his mouth where she joined in, tangling her tongue around his, offering him a taste of her. He sucked her finger and without coaxing, dropped to his knees. Lola gasped as his tongue found her already sensitive nub. In seconds, she came again, unable to prolong the thrill. Dante lapped and licked until she stopped shaking altogether. If he hadn’t, she probably wouldn’t have been able to remain standing. Finally, he stood and cupped her face in his hands. “Just as sweet as I imagined?” he said just before kissing her again. “Sorry, I ruined your shower.” “Are you kidding?” He grinned. “This is now my favorite way to bathe.” **** Glimpses of Lola’s incredible orgasm flashed in Dante’s mind as he stood in the bathroom shaving his scruffy stubble. The unimaginable power he felt as he caused her body to explode was a memory he’d savor for quite some time and he looked forward to having the experience over and over again. Her sweet creamy essence remained 96

The Long Way Home on his tongue. Lola lingered behind him and watched his every move. “Maybe sometime you will let me try that?” “You want to shave your beard?” He splashed water on his chin to clean off the remaining shaving cream. Lola giggled. “No silly. You should let me shave your beard.” “Oh no. I’ve heard horror stories about that and I like my chin too much.” “Me, too.” She slapped him on the ass, grabbed his towel and ran. Dante chased her down and threw her onto the bed. “Is this what you want?” he hissed as he held her down and leaned over her. His body stretched down hers and goose bumps rippled down him. “Uh huh.” She bit her bottom lip. Dante kissed her and ran his tongue down her neck and collarbone. Then he slipped his finger across the flesh under her bra as though he would undress her again. “Too bad.” Jumping up, he grabbed the towel from her and stepped back as she flipped over onto her stomach and screamed into a pillow kicking her feet like a three-year-old having an epic temper tantrum. Naked, he ignored her and returned to the 97

Robin Badillo bathroom, having proved he could fight fire with fire. “Get dressed,” he called out. A clamor of grumbling sounded behind him. “Okay, okay.” “I have to call the old man still and see what he wants us to do.” “I’ll wait here, I guess.” “Yeah if you want to, but make sure you’re dressed when I’m ready to go.” “And if I’m not?” Her teasing tone amused him. “Then you’ll catch a cold when I toss you over my shoulder and drag you out of here like that.” Lola laughed out loud. “And you say I’m wicked.” “Oh, you are that.” He smiled, pulling on his jeans. “Damn,” she said, eyeballing him. “Hey, that’s my line.” Dante finished dressing quickly and returned to the store to use the phone, leaving Lola to repack their things and wait for news. The car needed a new starter after all. The old man told him he was sure it would have made it to LA, but unfortunately, he was wrong. “The tow truck will take us to the next town and arrange for a rental. The caddy will just have to wait to get fixed. Then the dealership will send someone for it,” Dante explained when he made it 98

The Long Way Home back to the room. “Will you still get paid?” Dante nodded. “He said we will.” “You did all the driving. You keep the money.” “Lola—” “No, Dante. I didn’t even help with the map. You earned the money. Buy your mom and sister something for Christmas.” His stomach tightened. “Are you sure?” “Oh, I know just the gift for Jesse.” Her eyes brightened and she became quite excited. “I saw a jewelry box at Saks one time just like one I had when I was a girl. It’s perfect for a fourteen-yearold.” Dante searched her eyes. Who was this woman staring back at him? “You’re amazing.” Lola tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and bit her bottom lip. Her cheeks flushed pink. The sound of a horn honking outside ruined the moment between them. The tow truck had arrived. The driver loaded their things into the back and Lola sat in the middle with her legs draped across Dante’s lap. Being in much cooler weather than Texas, she wore jeans this time and not her usual mini-skirts. With the way the tow truck guy had looked at her, Dante was glad he couldn’t see what was hidden under all those clothes. A twinge of 99

Robin Badillo jealousy flared in his gut. He didn’t like other men noticing her at all. He pulled her close and rested his hands across her thighs, marking his territory for sure. An hour later they were on the road again in a rental. The Toyota Camry was nice, but lacked the ambiance of the Cadillac. He already missed not having Lola at his side, tucked up under his arm. Dante glanced over as they drove. Was she actually there? Had she really said that she loved him? And had he finally lost his virginity to the most beautiful woman on the planet? Driving along on cloud nine, he couldn’t wait for his mom to meet her. She would adore her as much as he did, of that he was sure.

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Chapter Eight

A

s the sun was about to set, they hit the Los Angeles city limits. The city hadn’t changed at all. LA waited for them like an old familiar friend. “Do you want me to take you home first?” Dante asked as the first signs of traffic cluttered the freeway. “I want to stay with you.” He gripped the steering wheel to contain how happy her words had made him. “What about your parents?” “I’ll explain tomorrow. The hospital should be your first stop anyway.” “Thank you.” He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Aye, mijo,” his mother cried, wrapping her arms around his neck as they stood in the hallway outside Jesse’s hospital room door. “How is she, Ama?” 101

Robin Badillo “Not good, baby. The doctor says she won’t make it much longer. I’m so thankful you’re here early.” She squeezed his hand and glanced over at Lola who nervously stood by his side. “Ama, this is my friend. Lola.” Dante introduced her. “Lola, this is my mother. Carmen.” “Hijo, ella es hermosa.” She reached for Lola’s hand. “Muchas gracias, Señora.” Lola replied with a pink flush to her cheeks. “Ah, she speaks Spanish, too?” Carmen asked with widened eyes. Dante shook his head, dumbfounded. “I guess she does.” He furrowed his brow silently questioning her. Lola shrugged. “You never asked.” “I see.” He squeezed her hand and returned his attention to his mother. “Ama, can I see her.” “Yes, but if she is asleep, please don’t wake her.” Dante had missed her thick Puerto Rican accent. Hearing her made him feel truly safe and that everything would be just as they had hoped. Lola released his hand as he left her to enter the room. “Lola, come, let’s have some coffee.” Carmen folded her hands inside Lola’s arm and led her 102

The Long Way Home down the hall. Dante entered the dimly lit room. Only a few streaks of light slipped through cracks in the blinds covering the huge windows. Hesitant with his approach, he was intimidated and a bit overwhelmed by the machines hooked up to his little sister’s weakened body. An IV hung ominously over her bed and she appeared gaunt and frail. Dark circles loomed under her eyes and her once olive complexion had grayed. She was sicker than Dante had expected. His heart sank and bile surged up into the back of his throat. Standing over her, he noted her shallow breathing. Her hand twitched and she began to stir. Dante held his breath, hoping her eyelids would flutter open so he could see the chocolaty gems beneath, but she became still again. As his little sister lay there helpless, Dante recalled the first time their mother had allowed him to hold her. Although he was only seven, she was so tiny compared to him. She’d looked like a baby doll with her brown curly locks twisting in different directions. Dante remembered thinking how much fun she would be. He would have a new toy, a toy that could talk back. He was too young to realize it would take a very long time for that to happen. 103

Robin Badillo When it did though, he was old enough and experienced enough to help his mother with his little toy. Changing diapers was the only part of the game he didn’t have to do if he didn’t want to. Seeing her lying in the bed, small and weak again, brought tears to his eyes. His toy wasn’t so playful anymore. He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, holding her cool, thin hand. Dante buried his head in the blankets by her side and sobbed quietly. He hadn’t heard the door open when Lola and his mother entered the room. Lola ran her fingers through his hair and caressed his neck. Dante put his other hand on top of Lola’s and held it to the back of his head, taking comfort from her touch. “They need to do your blood-work, mijo,” his mother whispered. Dante raised his head to meet her gentle gaze. “They did that in Texas.” “That was three months ago. They need to get you ready so the blood-work has to be done again.” “Okay.” He rose and looked down at Lola. “Will you come with me?” “Of course, I’m not leaving you.” “The nurse is waiting in the hall to take you down.” His mother smiled. Dante and Lola left Carmen in the dark room. 104

The Long Way Home The memory of the beeping monitors echoed in his mind long after they had left. They followed the nurse down the hall to a waiting room with chairs that looked a lot like school desks, designed for drawing blood. He sat down and Lola stood by his side. A short, heavy-set nurse entered the room with a tray. “Are you both on the registry?” “I am,” Dante replied. “You’re Carmen’s boy, Dante, right?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Damn, she never said you were so handsome.” She winked. Dante’s cheeks heated from embarrassment. Lola smiled. “What about you, sweetie? Are you on the donor registry?” “Registry?” She shook her head. “It’s a list of people who would be willing to donate organs, marrow, or just about anything possible.” “You mean like when I die?” “No honey, living donors, like what your boyfriend is doing.” The hair on the back of Dante’s neck tingled as the nurse referred to him as her boyfriend. The fact that Lola didn’t correct her, spoke volumes about her sincerity. Maybe she did really love him after all. 105

Robin Badillo “What do I have to do?” Lola’s skin tone paled. Dante put his hand on her shoulder and caressed her softly, reassuring her. “Sign some paperwork, give me some blood, and if they ever find someone who needs something you have, they contact you and you give it up.” The nurse made it sound so simple. Lola pursed her lips and shrugged. “Sure, why not?” “Have a seat and I’ll get someone to set you up.” The nurse disappeared from the room. “You don’t have to do this, you know.” Dante said as he continued to rub her back. “No problem. It’s just a little blood.” The nurse returned to the room with another woman and her own tray. It was over in a flash and they returned to the ICU waiting room to find his mom reading a magazine. They took a seat across from her and Dante held Lola’s hand in his lap. Keeping her close by calmed his nerves more than he could have ever imagined. “It’s going to be okay. She’ll be fine. In a few days this will be nothing more than a cool story to tell at family barbeques.” Lola kissed the back of his hand with her fingers still interlocked between his. He smiled at her, grateful for her attempt to 106

The Long Way Home ease his frazzled nerves. He was about to thank her when her cell phone began to vibrate. He’d forgotten she still had it since there hadn’t been any service most of the trip. Lola pulled it from her pocket and Dante bristled, seeing Brent’s name flash across the screen. She pushed the reject button, slid the phone back into her pocket and leaned her head on Dante’s shoulder. Dante’s stomach whirled with excitement. “Wow. That was a big step.” Had she really just done that? “Not so much really.” “Still it must have stung just a little.” Lola shook her head. “Not at all, actually.” Dante laughed and draped his arm around her shoulders. Lola settled into her new place under his embrace and together, they waited. **** Dante slept on Lola’s shoulder. His mother worked a crossword puzzle and the news played quietly on the television hanging on the wall above Carmen’s head. Lola wasn’t watching it. She was too preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of the hospital. 107

Robin Badillo She wondered what it would be like to do what Carmen did, caring for sick people, day in and day out. It would require a very selfless person, a strong person. Not all stories had happy endings and dealing with that type of constant loss must have been difficult. She studied Carmen as she concentrated on the puzzle. Lola admired her for doing what she had done with her life. Carmen had done everything for her children and Lola wondered if she could ever be so giving. The more she was around Dante, the surer she became that maybe, just maybe, she could. A tall, thin man with a long white coat came over and whispered in Carmen’s ear. Lola shook Dante as Carmen walked away to the nurse’s desk with the man. “Who is that?” he asked rubbing his eyes. “He looks like a doctor.” The smile on Carmen’s face dimmed. She shook her head and wrung her hands. Lola’s stomach lurched. The man put his hand on Carmen’s shoulder and she started to sway. He grabbed her just as Dante jumped to his feet. A nurse rushed over, helping to steady Carmen and sat her down in a nearby chair. “Carmen, we don’t know what happened,” the man said as he knelt in front of her with his hand 108

The Long Way Home on her knee. “Is it my sister?” Dante asked. Lola stood behind him as acid shot up into the back her throat. “Jesse is the same, son. It’s you.” The doctor stood to meet Dante. “We ran your blood-work three times and you’re not a match.” “What? I had it checked in Texas three months ago and they said I was a perfect match.” Dante’s voice rose, sounding distraught. “We don’t know how they made such a grievous error, but you are definitely not a match,” the doctor explained again. Dante stumbled toward the waiting area. Lola followed close behind and put her hand on his back, knowing the gesture would do nothing to ease the pain he had to have been feeling. He trembled beneath her touch. “She’s going to die,” he cried as he turned toward Lola and melted into her arms. “My baby sister is going to die, Lola.” Nausea sloshed in her gut. How could that be? She was just an innocent child. “No.” She shook her head, holding him tight. “They’ll find someone, Dante. They have to.” Lola peered over at Carmen who sat in the chair silently weeping. Their world was spiraling out of control and there was nothing she could do to stop it. The seconds ticked by like hours as the action in 109

Robin Badillo the waiting room blurred from the dread of looming devastation. The nurse from the lab came over to the doctor and pulled him away. Both looked back at Lola and Dante then the doctor pointed toward them. Lola nudged Dante. “Something is up.” A flutter of hope tickled her insides. The doctor shook his head and clenched his fists. Was that a good sign or bad? He motioned for them to come back to where he stood near Carmen. “I don’t know how this happened. As a doctor, I don’t usually endorse miracles, but we’ve already found a match. A match so close there’s no question it will work.” Dante’s expression brightened. “So what now? Do we notify them and wait? Do we have the time for all that? Does Jesse have that kind of time?” His impatience was understandable. “Jesse has time, son. The match is already here…in the hospital.” The doctor’s grin spread wide and he eyed Lola. “You’re the match.” Lola eased back. Had she heard him correctly? “But…” Air rushed from her lungs and she wrapped her arms around her waist as a ball knotted tight in her gut. “That’s not possible,” Dante whispered. “It is possible. We checked it several times. 110

The Long Way Home Your friend is the only match. If she hadn’t been tested earlier we would have never known,” the doctor reconfirmed. Dante stepped away. “No, it’s too dangerous. Too much could go wrong. She could die.” “If we don’t have a kidney by tonight, your sister won’t stand a chance in hell.” The doctor planted his hands on his hips swinging his white coat behind him. “I can’t force her to do this or even try to talk her into it, but if it’s going to happen, it must be now. I can’t stress the urgency.” Lola shivered, her knees growing weak. The sight of the young girl lying in the bed hooked up to machines and monitors flashed in her head. Jesse was suffering and would surely die. Her heart pounded wildly, drumming in her ears. How could this be? I’ve never done anything important in my life and now someone’s life hinges on me? She wrung her hands and paced back and forth as her brain sorted the random thoughts cluttering her mind. This isn’t about me, is it? That realization alone was staggering. This is about a dying kid. Lola looked up at Dante and the instant her eyes found his, everything was clear. “Do it!” Lola blurted. “No,” Dante barked. “I’ve decided. Do it.” She nodded to the doctor. He motioned to the nurse who immediately 111

Robin Badillo picked up the phone. Carmen rushed over. “Mija, are you sure?” Tears welled in her eyes and she squeezed Lola’s hand. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Lola’s stomach flip-flopped. “I can’t let you do this.” Lola squared her shoulders, determined. “You don’t get a say.” Dante’s brow tensed. “Lola, what if—” Lola took his hand. “I’ll be fine. This happened for a reason. Don’t you see?” He shook his head adamantly. “No, I don’t see. Don’t make me trade you for my sister. Please?” Lola drew in a deep breath. “You don’t have to trade, Dante. Ten minutes ago, you were about to do this, so if it was okay for you, it’s okay for me.” “But, I was willing to die for Jesse if anything went wrong. I can’t lose her, but I can’t lose you either.” Lola swallowed hard. “I’m not going to die. People do this every day, right?” She looked to Carmen for reassurance. Carmen placed her hand on Dante’s shoulder. “Son, it’s a major surgery, there are always risks, but believe me, these doctors and nurses are the best. Lola and Jesse are in capable hands. They will both be fine.” “Please, Ama?” 112

The Long Way Home Carmen lifted her chin. “No, Dante. You don’t get to decide this one. It’s in God’s hands now.” “But it’s too risky,” he pleaded. “Dante.” Carmen took his hands and held them close to her chest. “Do you love her?” Lola held her breath, waiting for his reply. “Yes,” he replied with tears in his eye. Lola’s heart danced. He really loves me. “Then listen to me. Lola has made her choice and it’s time for you to be the man I raised you to be and support the woman you love.” Carmen’s tone rang firm. Dante lowered his head and his mother cradled him in her arms as he cried. Lola stepped back, overwhelmed. She’d made the right decision. As crazy as it may have been, there was no other choice. The nurse returned and gently took Lola by the arm. “You’ll need to come with me. I have tons more paperwork for you.” Lola gave her an uneasy smile and followed. “Wait!” Dante called out. Lola bristled. Was he still trying to stop her? He reached for her hand. “I promised I would never leave you.”

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Chapter Nine

D

ante clung to Lola’s arm as she signed her name on dozens of forms. He followed her every move. Being Carmen’s son allowed him to go into areas that they normally wouldn’t have allowed family members to go. In no time at all, Lola was in a bed wearing a frumpy hospital gown and hooked up to IV’s, waiting to do something he knew was completely out of character for her. Dante, on the other hand, paced like an expectant father. “Would you please sit down?” “I can’t,” he mumbled. “You’re making me nervous.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe you’re doing this.” Pulling up a chair, he sat next to her bed. “How do you think I feel?” Chaotic, senseless thoughts hopped around in 114

The Long Way Home his head. “You know there’s going to be a scar, right?” “A scar?” Lola’s eyes widened. “A big one.” She wrinkled her nose. “How big?” “Like— huge.” He held his hands up, far apart, indicating an exaggerated size. Lola cocked her head to the side, offering a skeptical glare. “Will it be a sexy scar?” Dante smiled, then laid his head on her stomach. “Amazingly sexy.” He kissed her belly. He gazed up at her incredibly beautiful face and she caressed his cheek. “I’m so glad I ran into you in the café.” He smiled. “I thought I ran into you?” “I’d prefer the credit.” Lola sighed. “Did I ever tell you how turned on I was when you jumped out of that dumpster all covered in garbage?” Dante laughed. “You’re a freak.” “Give me a couple of months and I’ll show you just how much I was turned on.” Her lips curled into a teasing grin. Lifting his head, he took her hands in his and kissed her fingers. “I can’t wait.” Dante jumped when the door swung open. A nurse and a man entered the room with his mom following behind. 115

Robin Badillo Carmen put her hand on Dante’s shoulder, “It’s time.” The man unlocked the wheels to the bed and the nurse moved Lola’s IV. Every nerve in Dante’s body tingled. He held Lola’s hand as tight as he could as they pushed her through the door and down the long hallway. Gripped with terror, he struggled to take deep breaths to calm himself, more for her sake than his own. “They’ll get Jesse ready and bring her in shortly after the surgery begins,” the nurse explained to Carmen. They came to a halt outside two large doors. Carmen patted Dante’s shoulder. “This is as far as we can go, mijo.” Leaning over, she took Lola by the hand. “Lola, I cannot thank you enough. You are bringing both of my children home to me. You’re the most selfless person I have ever known. Thank you.” Kissing the back of Lola’s hand, Carmen touched her forehead with two fingers then made the figure of a cross across her chest and shoulders. She then pressed her fingers to her lips and kissed them. “Bless you, mija.” Dante leaned over and whispered, “I knew she would love you, but, not nearly as much as I do.” He met her lips with a gentle kiss. Lola smiled up at him. “Tell me that later when 116

The Long Way Home I look like crap.” “You’ll never look like crap.” He squeezed her hand. “See you in a few.” A single tear rolled away from her eye. “Don’t leave.” “Never.” The doors swung open. The nurse and the man wheeled Lola away. As they disappeared around the corner Dante pulled his mother to him and hugged her hard. “I think my future just rolled away, Ama.” “That future?” She clasped his hands in hers. “Son, that future isn’t going anywhere without you. I can see it in both your eyes.” Dante kissed her on top of her head. “So you like her, huh?” Carmen cut Dante a playful glance. “Gracias a dios. She’s a keeper.” *** Lola woke to the beeping of a heart monitor. Barely able to move, her body ached all over. Blinking her eyes open, her vision cleared and Dante instantly appeared, hovering over her. He smoothed her hair back away from her forehead. “Hey there, princess.” His wide smile warmed her. She tried to swallow, but her throat was parched. “Are you a 117

Robin Badillo dream?” “No, I’m very real.” He laughed softly. Lola cleared her throat. “Is it over?” “Sixteen hours ago.” She blinked hard to clear the fog. “I’ve been asleep that long?” “They call it beauty rest, I think.” Clarity came quickly and she immediately recalled why she was there. “Jesse?” “Better than you.” He caressed her cheek. “She’s going to be fine.” Trying to sit up, Lola winced from the thundering ache across her body. “I’m so glad. I can’t wait to meet her.” “You can push this button if you need pain medicine.” Dante showed her the button attached to the rail of her bed. “I’m good.” She sighed. He leaned in closer. “Um, don’t get mad okay?” Lola swallowed hard. “Whenever you say that, it usually means a shock is next.” His smile faded and a nervous twitched plagued his mouth. “This time won’t be any different. Don’t be mad, please?” Her muscles tightened, adding to her already excruciating discomfort as Lola instantly braced for bad news. “What?” The door to her hospital room opened wide and her parents walked in. 118

The Long Way Home Her mind whirled. “Dante Brewer, what did you do?” Lola tried to sit up again, but immediately collapsed from the pain. “I couldn’t let you do something so dangerous and not tell your parents, Lola.” Dante backed away and nodded to her parents who immediately rushed to her side. Lola eyed him as he left the room. I can’t believe he did this. “Lola, honey?” Her mother brushed the hair from her face. “How are you?” “Why didn’t you call, pumpkin?” her father grumbled. Drawing in a deep breath, she prepared to face the music. “There wasn’t time and if I’d told you the airline tickets were accidentally thrown away it would have only confirmed how irresponsible I am.” “All of that is beside the point,” her father explained. “Lola, we love you. You’re our pride and joy. We only wanted you to see the bad decisions you were making.” “We were going to talk to you about it, that’s why we wanted you home. We would never cut you out of our lives. You’re our daughter,” her mother added. Lola shook her head as the threat of tears stung her eyes. “I’ve been so stupid and childish. I was shallow and materialistic and—” 119

Robin Badillo “Lola,” her father interrupted. “Would a shallow and materialistic girl donate her kidney to a fourteen-year-old child she doesn’t even know?” Her heart fluttered. Now for the hard part. “She would if she was in love with the girl’s brother,” Lola whispered and looked away. If they weren’t disappointed before, they surely would be now. Her mom rubbed her arm. “You didn’t do this because of Dante. You did this because of Lola.” She smiled. “You’ve always been thoughtful. Even as a little girl you were always trying to do things for others.” “There wasn’t a stray cat in the neighborhood that hadn’t been fed by you at some point in its life. And not once did you ever hesitate to tell me to roll down the window to give panhandlers money. You’ve always been like that.” Her father chuckled. The already tender muscles in her back tensed, adding to the irritation that his insensitive comments provoked. “Jesse isn’t a stray cat or panhandler, Dad. She wasn’t a charity case and I don’t pity Dante, I love him.” Her defenses kicked in. Her father’s brow pinched taut and he shook his head. “I apologize for that analogy, sweetheart. What I am trying to say is that you’ve always been generous and selfless. You just changed somewhere and we hoped you would eventually 120

The Long Way Home see it. It appears you’ve done that without our help.” “I have changed, Dad. I woke up a few days ago, and without even realizing it, I saw myself through someone else’s eyes and I didn’t like what I saw.” “Dante?” Her mother squeezed her arm. “He isn’t rich. He may never be rich, but I love him.” Her mom cradled her in her arms. “Lola, we never wanted you to choose someone for money. We hated it that you always wanted to be with boys who were wealthy. Your father and I worked hard for what we have. We were wrong to give you everything without allowing you to earn it. We created a monster, I guess.” Lola leaned her head into her mother, comforted by her embrace. “Deep down, I knew that, but I was so afraid to… afraid to change. I went a little crazy for a while. Now, though, I know what’s important. I get it.” Lola’s mother nodded, leaned back and gave her a crooked smile. “We can see that. We’re just so thankful that you’re okay. And Dante?” She bent down and touched her nose to Lola’s the way she always did when Lola was a little girl. “He’s adorable.” “Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” her father grumbled. “But I will say he’s a sight better than 121

Robin Badillo that Brent character.” Lola laughed, trying her best not to shake too much. “I love you both so much.” “We love you, too, honey.” They both leaned in for a hug.

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Chapter Ten

“Y

ou ready to blow this joint?” Dante said as he wheeled a chair into the room. “It’s Christmas Eve. Can’t you come up with a sleigh or something special for me to leave in instead of that old raggedy wheelchair?” Lola teased. “I searched all over the hospital for the best wheelchair around and you want to complain?” He started to back the chair out of the room. “Spoiled little rich girl.” “Wait!” Lola called out. “I’ll take it.” She slowly made her way over to the chair and sat down, sighing with relief that the pain had eased a great deal. “Did you get it?” “Did you tell me fifty times already to remember it?” “Yes, but you’re a man and men don’t always remember.” Dante reached in a bag and pulled out a box wrapped in golden holiday paper. 123

Robin Badillo “Perfect.” Lola sighed. “Yes, you are.” Dante kissed the top of her head. “Hey, before we go to see her, I need to tell you something.” Dante walked around and sat in the chair in front of her wheelchair. Swirls of angst took over her insides. “Um, I’m not going back to Texas, Dante.” “What? Since when?” Concern gripped his expression. “Since your mom helped me enroll into nursing school.” She bit her bottom lip, bracing for his reaction. “My mother?” Dante laughed shaking his head. “What’s so funny?” “I have something to tell you, too?” He drew a deep breath and ran a shaky hand through his jetblack hair. Oh, great, Now what? “I’m not going back to Texas either. I’m starting an internship here and I’m going to attend night classes at a community college to finish my degree.” Lola sat up, shocked. “Internship? Where?” Her news was big, but Dante’s news was huge. “I’ve been offered an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m joining your father’s firm.” “My father?” Lola shook her head in disbelief 124

The Long Way Home until she suddenly realized what that meant and a wave of panic washed over her. “But my father’s firm handles your father’s—” “Your dad’s a better example of a man, Lola. I’m actually looking forward to having him by my side when the day arrives that I become my father’s attorney.” Just the idea of it stunned her. “I can’t believe this. I wouldn’t think you would ever accept help from someone like my dad.” Dante shrugged. “What’s wrong with your dad, Lola? He was born poor and just look at him now. He’s respected, smart and a really great man.” “And rich?” Lola added. “I’m surprised at you.” He glared at her with wide eyes and his mouth gaped open. “How could you hold being rich against anyone? Especially your own father?” Lola giggled. “You amaze me.” “Not nearly as much as you amaze me.” Dante leaned over and kissed her. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Dante pushed Lola down the hall as she clutched the golden gift in her hand. The door to Jesse’s room was open and she sat upright in the bed, staring at the television across the room. “Lola,” she called out excited. “Hey there, pretty girl.” 125

Robin Badillo “I was hoping you would come to see me before you leave.” Dante wheeled her closer to the bed. “I would never leave this place without saying see ya’ later.” Jesse glanced over at Dante then back at Lola. “Did you tell him yet?” “Yep,” Lola replied. “And did you tell her yet?” She repeated the glances back and forth. Dante shook his head with a toothy grin spread across his beautiful face. “Do you know everyone’s secrets?” “I know everyone’s secrets and I keep everyone’s secrets,” Jesse replied with an angelic beam. “I see,” Lola added. “Here, this is for you.” She handed the golden wrapped package to Dante who gave it to Jesse. “My Christmas present on Christmas Eve?” Her elated tone lifted to a near shrill. “This one is from me. There will be more, but I wanted to give you this one today,” Lola explained. Jesse tore open the paper and impatiently opened the cardboard box, revealing a wooden jewelry box. On top was a little angel, carved into the wood, flying above a castle. She opened the lid and a lullaby instantly chimed. Nestled in an open velvety square was a golden 126

The Long Way Home necklace. Jesse picked it up and dangled it from her fingers. Where did that come from? That wasn’t part of the gift. Lola looked over at Dante, surprised. “I didn’t get her that,” she whispered. Dante smiled and reached in his pocket and handed Lola another small box. “I know,” he replied. “I did.” Lola lifted the lid to reveal a necklace just like Jesse’s. Holding them both up, Lola examined them. Jesse’s necklace had half of a golden heart and Lola’s had the other. “The two halves of my heart, for the two girl’s that share it.” Dante smiled. Lola choked back tears. “That is the best Christmas present ever. Thank you.” She got to her feet, hugging and kissing them both before wincing from the pinch of pain at her side. Dante helped her back into her chair. “Okay. You get some rest, kid. I have to take Lola to her parent’s house. I’ll be back tomorrow for the official Christmas celebration.” “Are you coming, Lola?” “I wouldn’t miss it, Jesse.” Jesse leaned back against a pile of fluffy pillows. “This is going to be the best Christmas in history.” Dante mussed her hair. “It sure is.” He backed Lola out into the hall and headed 127

Robin Badillo down to the elevators. She eyeballed him as he pushed the button for the door. “What?” he asked with a hint of red tingeing his cheeks. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach as an unbelievable thought crossed her mind. “You’re going to make a great father someday.” Dante sighed. “Now that would leave a scar for sure.” “Who cares about scars?” Dante knelt down beside her. “If you had stretch marks from caring my children, I’d never take my eyes off you,” he whispered. Lola’s heart raced and a surge of heat rushed between her legs. Leaning into him, she kissed him hard. “I’ll hold you to that.” “Oh, I expect you to.” He chuckled as he wheeled her out of the elevator. They rolled past the front desk and continued on, passing the front doors. “Where are we going?” “To the valet, baby. Only the best for my girl,” Dante chimed. “Valet?” Lola peered up at him, confused. “They have that here?” “They do for you.” Passing through another set of door, Dante whistled and tires screech in the distance.

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The Long Way Home **** Dante stepped back to see the expression on Lola’s face as the Candy apple red, 1953 Cadillac Lemans convertible, whirled around the corner. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. “What? How did—” “It’ll take a while to pay her off, but she’s all yours.” He handed Lola the keys. “Just don’t throw them away this time.” “Dante,” she gasped. “I love you, Lola. I told you that you deserved the best and I plan to make sure you get it.” Lola shook her head. “This is just too much, Dante.” “That’s my problem. Now, don’t argue. Oh, and I’m driving.” Lola rubbed her aching side. “No arguments from me.” Dante opened the door and eased her into the front seat. Lola smoothed her hand across the dash and looked around as if familiarizing herself with an old friend while Dante loaded her bags into the trunk. He slipped in behind the wheel and Lola carefully scooted over to sit beside him. Dante put the car in drive and started to pull away. Several yards later…it died. 129

Robin Badillo He laughed aloud and looked over at Lola who sat beside him with her eyes clenched shut. Cranking it again, she purred like a kitten and they drove away down the street. “You know. If she holds up long enough, we could add another story to tell at family barbeques about this car,” Lola chimed after a few moments of silence. “Oh yeah? What stories?” His gut swirled with curiosity. Lola curled around his arm and slid her hand down between his legs. “Someday, we could brag that our kids were conceived in this car.” Dante’s jeans tightened and he grinned from ear to ear. “Maybe we should take the long way home.”

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About the Author Robin Badillo is the mother of four terrific kids, two boys, two girls, and two rescued pups, Maxie and Chino. She lives in a small East Texas town, near Houston and loves the small town life. Robin has dreams to see the world, but would be satisfied just to explore more of the US. She loves to watch old romantic movies and musicals with her daughters and then switch it up and watch nitty-gritty action movies and westerns with her sons. Any time with them, laughing and just having fun, is her idea of paradise. Robin has always loved reading, but never really had the time to sit down and do a lot of it. In fact, she’s probably reads more now than ever before. She generally writes full-length paranormal vampire romance, but has tried her hand with a new genre or two, this novella included. She’s enjoying stepping out of her comfort zone and pushing the envelope on the stories she writes and hopes that readers are just as thrilled as she is with the chances she takes. After all, without them, there is no reason to write. As a final note, Robin is a firm believer that it’s true what they say… Grey Hair is God’s Graffiti!