Melted & Shattered (27 page)
“Why don’t we have a seat?” J said, all the while laughing as I ate
carne asada
off my shirt. “Classy, baby, real classy.”
“You expected anything else?”
J threw his head back and laughed—and then broke into song. “I’m so happy that you’re mine, cuz you are always on my mind! You are always on myyy miiiind.” He drew the last lines out, jumping up and grabbing me, taco remnants falling to the ground as he twirled me around the park.
I laughed at his off key and slightly off kilter rendition of an Elvis classic. The King may have been appalled at J’s butchering of his song, but for me, it was a slice of heaven. I found myself laughing and singing the rest of the song right along with him
as we danced among the statues. I’m sure we looked like the tallest, craziest people in Monterrey. It didn’t matter. I hadn’t been this happy since... I touched my scar. Since then.
We were both laughing and enjoying ourselves so much, we temporarily forgot why we were in Mexico. Or rather, why J was in Mexico. We were l
iving in that singular moment, a pure moment. One that was untainted with anything less than absolute joy. If I could bottle and sell the happiness I felt in that exact moment, I could’ve been a millionaire a hundred times over. This is what people lived for. This is what life was all about. This love we shared was what most people searched a lifetime for. This moment was ours, and it was fleeting, because no sooner had I let my guard down, and J the same, the moment was snatched away. Like a thief, snatching a purse and running, our happiness was torn from us as a black SUV pulled up, grabbed me, and a bag was shoved over my head.
“J!” I screamed, but it was
too late. The van was moving, J wasn’t in it, and I had no idea where I was going or who had me.
#####
Thank
you for taking the time to read this book. As a new indie author, every person who reads my writing gives me a gift for which I am eternally grateful.
As a romance-aholic, I know there are hundreds of amazing books out there, and am honored you chose to read mine.
You can review this book on Goodreads, your blog, or your favorite retailer if you so desire. (Please desire.)
Find me on
Facebook
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Twitter
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Goodreads
. Don't hesitate to shoot me a message. I'll always reply.
You can also find updates on other books in the series on FB or GR.
Many thanks-Emily
CNP
Thank you for making me want
to be a better person. When I was with you, I wanted to be at my best for you all, which meant being sober. Who knows where I would be right now if you guys hadn't fallen into my lap and given my life meaning.
To David and Juan for making up Mexican Scrabble and Uno.
To Alan, for actually trying to play TINSOX.
To Victor, for being unforgettable, for opening my eyes, for driving me crazy, and for being one of the most charismatic people I've ever met.
To Edgar and Cynthia, for being dealt one shitty hand of cards in life, yet being two strong and caring individuals and siblings.
To Oscar, for asking, "Why are you here?"
To Cielo, for your beautiful name.
To Luz aka Lucha – your choices don't have to define you. You define yourself.
To José
, Jesus, and Erik, for being there from day one.
To Irene and the whole Villanueva family, for treating me like one of their own.
To Lina. Oh Lina. Things happen for a reason, even when we aren't sure what that reason is.
And always, to Hector. You and Victor helped create Fernie.
To the real Fernie, for the use of your name.
To Pepe, for your name too. You were always José to me.
And last, but far from least, to my girl, Maria Isabel, for sharing your life with me, even a decade later. For all of your help with the Spanish, I am grateful from the bottom of my heart, but more so, I am grateful to call you my friend. TQM para siempre.
All you other folks
To my friends, Mariana, Elena, Lisagh, and Amy, and my mom and sister for reading
my ramblings, listening when I was having a meltdown, and keeping me sane!
To my Sensei, Valerie, for letting me be your grasshopper.
To Alexis, dude, I'm so glad you emailed me. I was having a "woe is me" day and your comment was exactly what I needed. You also made 2.5 rock. So all you J loving fans-give it up for Alexis.
To Melinda. Good lord, woman. I’m not sure what I would do if I hadn’t found you. You are the editing queen. I
'd recommend that you hustle your services to other indies, but I’m selfish and want you all to myself.
To Carol, I'm not one to put my spiritual beliefs out there. I know what I believe and no one needs to worry about it, but I am going to put myself out there a bit
to tell you what you mean to me. I think we were meant to cross paths. I can't imagine what the last few months of my life would have been like if I didn't have you there, in my corner, cheering me on, talking me down off of ledges, being level headed when I clearly was incapable. I hope we have many years ahead of us, and I find you in my next life.
