Free Lonely Heart by MJ Kane Page B

bank account like everyone else?”
    The door unlocked, I pushed it open, then stepped out of the way so she could pass. “Two reasons. First, it’s for the baby shower. Guests can stick money in before they leave. Second, I can put loose change in it at any time.” I glared at her over my shoulder. “This means you, too.”
    Tiffany laughed. “Where should I put it?”
    “Set it on the coffee table for now.” I put the lightweight bags I carried in my hands on the sofa and went back to remove my key from the front door in time to see my neighbor emerge from her apartment. “Hi, Mrs. Alvarez.”
    She peered over her shoulder while locking the door. “Oh…hola.”
    Something about her demeanor made me pause. She faced me again with bloodshot eyes.
    I walked over and laid my hand on her shoulder. “Is everythin’ alright?”
    “Lo siento.” She sniffed while running a knuckle under her wet eyes. “No.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “My son, Alejandro…he had a heart attack last night. He didn’t make it.” Fresh tears emerged.
    I never met Alejandro, but remembered she referred me to him when my car needed work. While Antonio handled the transaction, the shop belonged to his uncle.
    “Oh no, I’m so sorry…” I pulled her into my arms. She leaned into me, obviously needing a moment to gather herself. “Is there anythin’ I can do?”
    “No, no gracias. I’ll be okay. I’m going to my son’s house now to help plan the funeral.”
    My thoughts went to Antonio. How was he dealing with the loss? He made it pretty clear how close his ties were to his family.
    “I’m here if you need me.” She nodded her thanks, then walked down the sidewalk towards her car.
    “Is everythin’ okay?” Tiffany peered out of the kitchen where she’d been emptying the shopping bags.
    “I was talkin’ to Antonio’s grandmother. She said her son, Antonio’s uncle, died last night.”
    Tiffany stopped unloading the bag. “That’s awful. Did you know him?”
    “No, never had a chance to meet him.” My hands went to my belly. I felt my sister’s stare. “What?”
    “I’m not tryin’ to be funny, but you look tired. Why don’t you go lie down? I’ve got this.”
    I smiled. In the month since Tiffany moved in, things were working out. She gave me no trouble and appeared to thrive under my roof. She enjoyed the job Ebony helped her get. Since working with the animals, she admitted her interest in veterinary medicine. Though she graduated high school, she had not determined what career path she wanted to take. When Ebony explained the amount of work it took for her to get a degree in veterinary medicine, her interest fizzled out. She had not mentioned another career since then.
    My goal was to make sure she didn’t consider latching on to another guy with money. After all, a young woman with her looks in L.A. would have no problem finding a man who wanted to use her as arm candy.
    Since she had money in her pocket, she didn’t stay at home on her days off. She seemed to be making friends at her job and hung out with them. While she was a grown woman, I’d do my best to keep her from getting mixed up in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.
    One bad decision could alter the course of your life forever.
    My life was proof.
    “Good idea, thanks, Tiffy.”
    My ankles were swollen and my back ached. In my room, I stripped off my clothes before climbing into bed, thankful she’d finally purchased her own mattress and moved into the guest room. I had missed stripping down to my undies and not putting anything else on.
    In bed, eyes closed, the image of Mrs. Alvarez’s tear stained face appeared on the back of my eyelids. What would I do if one of my children died? The thought sent a chill down my spine.
    My thoughts went back to Antonio.
    I leaned over the edge of my bed for my purse and retrieved the business card he had given me. The front bore the shop number, while the back had his cell. I dialed; it went to