-- everyone's skin, not just Dante's. "These new guys need a rude awakening. You don't always just get to do the fun shit."

-- angry. Don't forget you don't need to work a full day either. If it gets too stressful, please don't stay. I love you, papicito. 😘" I quickly sent the text and sighed. This new generation of Mayan's was something else, not at all what any of us are used to and I know it is getting under --

-- and quickly typed out a text. "Those lazy shits. DELIGATE papi, do NOT do all the work yourself. You're in charge today per Esai, so they need to listen to you, and if they don't I will happily deal with them for you beacuse I promise you video call or in person, they do not wanna see me --

-- off immediately after. This time it was my husband. "I don't know what the hell is wrong with half of your crew Nes, pero they're lazy as fuck. Dante just said they're all just sitting around bullshitting and there's a huge stack of repos and a bunch of scrap that needs sorted." I shook my head--

-- and getting poked and prodded while I watch shitty reality TV. Bring the girlie with you. And INTRODUCE HER THIS TIME! Love ya!" Laughing as I sent the text, my brother looked at me like I was crazy. "I was yelling at Manny in shouty caps." I flashed a grin and set my phone down only for it to --

I had to admit, even though I didn't know this girl, I loved that she seemed to make Manny happy. He deserved that, even if he was an ass sometimes. Everyone deserves to find their person and be happy. I quickly responded to his text. "Swing by any time, I'll be here getting bored out of my mind --

— make it happen.” I made a few notes on my laptop before setting it beside me, so my brother and mother in-law didn’t report to my husband that I was working when he got back.

— make it happen. I’ve been forbidden to work except assigning my clients to my staff. However, for you guys I’ll do some extra work.” I sent the text and then also sent the code for the door in the available unit. “Use this code. Go look any time you want. If yall like it then let me know and I’ll—

— which she was not happy about. I wasn’t wrong, the day dragged. Even watching Stranger Things didn’t pass the time as quickly as I wanted. Once I got the text from Manny, I was relieved to have something to do. I’d asked my brother to hand me my laptop. Before I texted Manny back. “For you, I can—

— down at Lexi’s has everyone on edge. I wouldn’t have wanted you here alone either.” He smiled and sat down in the chair beside my bed. For a while we were quiet just watching TV. Dante’s mom showed up about an hour after my brother. She’d gotten stuck behind a bunch of school buses on her way —

“I love you too.” I called after him as he left the room. Immediately I missed him and my raging emotions got the better of me. Frustrated, I wiped my tears, and waved my brother over to hug me. “Thank you for coming.” Nestor hugged me tight. “Of course I came, you’re my sister. I know what went —

— on with the club, keeping myself busy helped keep my mind occupied, but now I was so limited on what I could do and it was frustrating.

— kick your ass.” I smiled lifting my head to kiss the side if his neck and then his jaw. “I love you. This is literally going to be the longest day ever.” Groaning, I laid back and dramatically threw an arm over my face. I was not one to sit still constantly, especially when there was stuff going —

— something else on top of worrying about our baby, but at least my brother would be here to make sure I was safe. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to hang out with my brother anyway, but at least I finally would have time. “You better keep me updated. Pregnant and on bed rest or not I will —

Leaning into my husband, I sighed contently, reveling in the short amount of time I knew I still had with him before he had to go to work. “I know, baby. I’d prefer someone here with a gun too, especially if that creep or one of his boys is lurking around.” I hated that I had to feel scared about —

— if you really have to leave, I’d prefer someone to be around. Nestor, Angel, EZ, anybody…”

— thought Jesse was creepy, but I also knew he was dangerous because even though he wasn’t that smart he was fucking crazy. And for whatever reason he had something against all of us from when we were kids. “Do you think you can get my brother to come too? I know your mom will be here, baby, pero —

There mere mention of Jesse pissed me off and made my skin crawl at the same time. “Creepy little fuck and his stupid little cronies he manipulates into doing whatever he wants.” My nose scrunched in disgust and I shook my head. “No, baby. Just come sit with me.” I wasn’t going to lie, I mostly —

— reassuringly. “Papi… are you okay? You’re kind of scaring me….”

— laying on and not a stupid pillow. My head snapped up hearing the door open again. “Now who’s clingy. Just couldn’t leave me could you?” My smile faded when his serious expression didn’t falter and he barely took his eyes off the door. Reaching for his hand, I laced our fingers and squeezed —

Dante’s mom was going to be here in about two hours give or take. What I was going to do with that time I didn’t know, but I was definitely at least going to try to fall asleep again. After struggling to get comfortable, I nestled into my covers and my body pillow, imagining it was my husband I was—

-- Pouting, I looked over at my husband and smiled through my tears. "Have a good day, baby. Be safe, yeah? Now get out of here before I cry more and beg you to stay."

-- frustrated, but my fucking emotions were in overdrive and literally everything made me cry. "Why the fuck am I crying about food." Frustration was heavy in my tone as I angrily wiped my eyes and folded my arms across my chest, flopping back against the pillows. "I fucking hate this shit." --

-- tasteless crap they have here. It's not fair. I'm already stuck here for the duration when I just want to be in my own home. And now I can't even eat what I want to eat." As much as I tried to fight it, I couldn't. The tears started trickling which was even more frustrating because I was just --

In this moment, I felt and acted like a child. I wanted the food I wanted. I didn't want tasteless hospital food. Sighing heavily, I side-eyed my husband, frowning. "That was last night. Not today. And yesterday was kind of a shit show which explains my intolerance. I don't want this shitty, --

— this baby loves sour. Also maybe some chocolate and oohhh french fries!” Now that I’d listed off all my cravings I was starving. “They better have good breakfast or Ima cry.”

— pero I know I can’t be as selfish with you as I would like to be. Whatever you decide to do, just keep me in the loop, baby. That’s all I ask.” Tapping my chin, I sat up slightly thinking if I had any cravings I could have him bring when he came back. “Sour candy. And not they weak ass sour shit —

“Yeah, I know the last time I was there with Melody he had the door open and I could see it was still all set up.” I sighed, not sure what I would do in the same situation. But I think it definitely made things harder for him to move past it. “I mean don’t get me wrong, I love when you spoil me —

— wasn’t the nicest person, pero you gotta hold onto the good memories you do have of him, baby.

— You’ll spoil me more than I already am.” Winking over at him, I squeezed his hand lightly and leaned in for another quick kiss. “I’m glad she’s going to help with your dad’s place too. I know that wouldn’t be easy for you. Even when he was an ass he was still your dad. I know towards the end he —