Takes One to Know One by Lissette Decos

Author:Lissette Decos [DECOS, LISSETTE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2025-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

MAYBE GOING FOR A RUN AT NOON WASN’T THE BEST IDEA. There are tall trees and impenetrable wild brush on either side of this narrow street, and the sun is scorching the island and reflecting up from the asphalt. It feels like I’m trapped in a bubble of humid heat. My cell is tucked into my running shorts and I’m listening to Meri on headphones, so even my ears feel hot.

“You never have to get me another birthday present. You’re good for life.” Meri already expressed her gratitude on the phone last night. And in a biblically long text she sent this morning.

“That’s a substantial amount of savings,” I respond, catching my breath. “Of time and money. Thanks.”

“I mean it. That was so cool,” Meri squeals. “And that was sweet, him asking all those questions about you. You guys must be getting close working together, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say that. I mean he’s…” I pause because I don’t know what to say. I’ve replayed our conversation at the bar so many times, but my feelings about it are jumbled.

He made me feel he wanted to stay and keep talking. Was he flirting with me? I know I was. He was so sweet and open with Meri. Then again, that could have had nothing to do with me. That’s just who he is, a charmer. René being René.

“He can be nice sometimes.”

“Really? Tell me everything.” She doesn’t wait for me to answer. “Oh man, you have to admit he’s even sexier in person.”

“Yeah, he’s okay.” A couple of cars zoom by, so I veer onto the narrow path on the side of the road. “I just don’t trust him, his whole act.” I’m trying to jog quicker but I’m mostly hopping, jumping, and sidestepping to avoid the tree roots jutting out of the dirt. “And we’re stuck here, and everything revolves around him and he’s so”—I almost trip over a rock—“closed off.”

I see the beach through the tangle of trees and stop jogging. “First he’s all cool like he doesn’t have a care in the world, then he makes you feel like he’s actually listening and remembers things you say.” And offers to take you to the places in your father’s song. But what about Camila? Does he have any idea how she’s felt about him all this time? “If this is how he treats women, no wonder they stick around.”

“He didn’t cheat on Natalia,” Meri declares proudly, a point in his favor.

“And what’s that all about?” Gruffly, I push aside branches as I make my way toward the beach. “Why let people believe you cheated on someone you loved? Doesn’t make any sense. I think he’s hiding something.”

Meri moans in disagreement. “Though I did read he may have a secret tattoo”—she pauses for dramatic effect—“inside his lower lip.”

My brain gets distracted by the thought.

“But what was he talking about?” Meri sounds worried. “What happened to you at a waterfall? And with birds?”

“Oh, nothing. A seagull took my food on the beach.

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