A chill crawled up my spine.
“But you?” he said softly, emphasizing my position, “You did everything right, so your visit will be different. You earned his respect, and that’s not something you walk away from lightly.”
I felt a mix of pride and foreboding swell inside.
I did all this to save my brother’s life, not to join some inner-circle ceremony I never asked for. But something told me the moment I stepped into Mexico, my life wouldn’t belong entirely to me anymore.
***
The next morning, the sunlight leaked in through the blinds, laying soft, warm stripes across my bed. I rolled over, groggy, and reached for my phone. A bright blue notification pulsed on the screen, demanding my attention.
Marcos:Morning. Mexico is confirmed. Next weekend, five days, private jet there and back, luxury villa on the beach. Chef, driver, shopping credit… all the works. Bring as many guests as you want. Consider it a thank-you vacation for the job you just pulled. All expenses on us… well, BOSS. Lol.
A grin slowly spread across my lips; the kind of grin that hinted at adventure.
“Private jet?” I murmured to myself, a sense of excitement building as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.
I fired off a text to Lainey.
Me:Get over here for breakfast! I got news! BIG news!
Moments later, my phone lit up with her reply.
Lainey:Unless that big news involves Idris Elba shirtless in your front room, it better be worth my gas. Be there in 20.
I snorted, shaking my head. Then I scrolled to Dr. Hill’s number and tapped it.
He picked up on the second ring, his voice steady and professional. “Dr. Hill.”
“Hey… it’s me, Ajori,” I began hesitantly. “I’m sorry to bother you on a Sunday. I know it’s your day off, but you gave me your number for emergencies, and well… this news couldn’t wait. I have the money… the two hundred thousand dollars, that is.”
A heavy silence lingered before he responded, “You do?” His tone carried a quiet note of disbelief, like he wasn’t fully sure he’d heard me right.
“Yes! Look, you said you could help… no questions asked. I’m holding you to that.” The urgency in my voice reflected the gravity of our previous discussions.
Dr. Hill exhaled long. “You’re right. Come see me tomorrow morning. Nine o’clock sharp. I’ll prep the paperwork and contact the surgical team.”
My heart raced with a thrill I couldn’t contain. “I’ll be there. Thank you, Dr. Hill.”
I ended the call, tightening my robe around me as I made my way to the kitchen.
Breakfast that morning wasn’t going to be just any breakfast; it was going to be a spread fit for a celebration.
As I stood in the kitchen with my hands on my hips, Kyrin’s favorites started lining up in my head.
Scrambled eggs with spinach folded in just right, turkey bacon crisp but not too hard, fresh fruit on the side, whole grain toast, and strawberries with a light drizzle of honey… just enough, because he liked them sweet.
Vanessa was nowhere to be found, and for once, that alone felt like a quiet blessing.
By the time I started assembling the plates, Lainey came prancing through the door.
“Whew!” she fanned herself dramatically. “Smells like IHOP and Cracker Barrel had a baby in here! And what’s this ‘good news’ you couldn’ttextme about?”
“You’re right on time… to fix your own plate,” I teased, smirking at her eagerness. “Thenwe’ll talk.”
Lainey didn’t even respond; she just grabbed a plate and went to work like she was on a timed mission.
I shook my head, grabbing my own plate.