A sharp laugh punctuated the silence at the end of my hallway. I’d been lost in thought, but it brought me back quickly.
It was coming from my apartment and it was female.
There was a distinct, unmistakable ring to it. So much for sneaking under the radar. My wolf gave a yip of irritation.
I walked up to my door and pushed it open, resigned to my fate.
“Hola, Chica!” Juanita wooted as I walked in, waving at me from inside my open kitchen. “Look what I brought for you! I bring you deenar! Jour brother, Tyler—” She pointed at my brother, who was on the other side of the kitchen, sidled comfortably up to my breakfast bar on what looked like a borrowed stool. “He lets me in and says you are both leaving soon. Es jour grandmother sick again?” That was the excuse we’d used last time I’d gone away unexpectedly.
I met my twin brother’s amused expression as he shoveled in a big spoonful of something that looked and smelled delicious. I tried to keep the impatience out of my voice. “Yes. Unfortunately she’s come down with something else. We got a call this morning and we’re going to have to make another trip to see… our beloved Gram.” I shut my door and walked across my empty apartment toward the pair. My entire living room was still free of furniture since my wolf had trashed it when we’d made our first change. “Juanita, you didn’t have to cook for us again. That was extremely nice of you, but we don’t want to keep putting you out.” She’d happily fed Danny while we were away. If this was going to become a thing, I was in trouble. Having her drop in on a regular basis would not be ideal for her health.
She clicked out of the kitchen and over to me in her high heels, reaching up to embrace me. I hugged her back, because what else was I going to do? My eyes watered as her floral perfume snuck up my nose. But under all that manufactured smell, I took in her real scent and smiled in spite of myself. Eucalyptus and lime fit her perfectly. Fierce and sassy bundled together in one compact five-foot package.
Before I could draw away, she planted a huge kiss on my cheek. I caught Tyler out of the corner of my eye, delight written all over his face. I smirked and mouthed just you wait. He shoveled another mouthful of food into his maw to cover up his laughter.
“Oh, es no problem to do the cooking,” she purred next to my ear. “I am happy to help you get back on jour feet. Jour life es complicated, no?” She gestured around my bare apartment. “It looks like bad luck has come to stay, but I weel help you. Es what I do best. Come; eat.”
“Um, okay,” I said as my stomach betrayed me like the traitor it was. “Thank you, Juanita. It does smell delicious.” The aroma was amazing, even though I had no time for company. If I was going to be completely honest, I never had time for company. I glanced out the window. It was still light out. My stomach protested again. I could spare a few minutes to eat—as if I actually had a choice in the matter.
“Come on, Chica. Don’ be shy. The saliva, I see it drips down jour chin. The chicken es my specialty. No other compares. You must taste for jourself.” She was remarkably strong as she half ushered, half dragged me to the counter and the giant pan full of chicken legs, sausage, and shrimp all spread on a bed of aromatic rice. A blast of saffron sent my salivary glands into overdrive. Jesus. My stomach gave another long, low growl. “Sit and eat. You work too hard, never taking enough breaks. You are losing too much weight lately. See, the men, dey like meat on the bone. It gives them someteen to grab on to.” She tossed her head back and laughed as she pulled out another stool. Both chairs were painted in bright colors and were obviously from her place. She’d brought furniture and food. This woman had successfully barreled her way into my life and it looked like she was here to stay. I found I wasn’t super against the idea, which was a little startling.
Tyler was coughing so hard at her last comment he had to rap on his own chest.
“Better be careful, bro.” I grinned as I sat down. “Chicken bones can be mighty dangerous if they go down the wrong tube.”
I picked up a plate without further prodding and dove in. After the first bite my eyes rolled back in their sockets. Dammit, why did Marcy always have to be right? Stinky witch. “Juanita, this is delicious,” I said between mouthfuls. “I mean, it’s really, really good.”
“Es no problem, Chica. When you get back, I cook for you again.”
I got lost in a few more heavenly bites, then glanced at the clock in my kitchen. My fork clanked down onto the plate. “Oh, goodness!” I said in what I hoped sounded like mock surprise. I felt bad kicking her out so quickly, but there was no other choice. I had to get moving. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Tyler.” I nodded my head toward Juanita. “If we don’t leave soon, we’ll miss the plane and Gram will be alone tonight.” How did you go about getting rid of someone who just cooked you a wonderful meal without looking like a chump? You didn’t really.
My brother put his fork down and stood. “Yep, we better get a move on.” He walked over to Juanita and playfully hooked his arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her cheek, all while ushering her toward the door. “Juanita, that was a truly fantastic meal. I haven’t had anything home cooked in a long time. When we get back, we’ll be sure to return the favor. It’ll be our turn to bring something by your place.”
“Oh, you are too much!” she twittered, looking up at my brother in adoration. “But I weel still do the cooking. Next time, I weel bring a feast!”
“That sounds perfect, Juanita,” my brother told her with a genuine dimpled grin. “We’ll be sure to let you know when we get home. And can you do me a favor? If you see anything out of the ordinary coming from this apartment, I want you to call this number.” He handed her a card from his wallet. “But—and I can’t stress this enough—please don’t try to act on your own. In fact, don’t even open your door. Okay, Juanita? If you hear anything, stay in your apartment and call me.”
She glanced down at the card and then back at Tyler with a wide smile. He had a fan for life. “Sí, I weel do this for you, Tyler.” It came out like Teeler. “But, for me, you must promise to take good care of jour sister. Do you hear what I am saying to you? Lots of bad theengs, they happen lately, and they weel happen again. Familia looks out for familia. Don’ let her out of jour site. Swear this to me.”