Open Hearts

Josie arrived at her mother's house for their weekly dinner which included all three of her sisters now that Camila was back.

"You missed last week's dinner Josephina." Her mother scolded her with a pointed look.

"I was busy mamá. Sorry."

"Too busy to see your family?"

"There was a crisis at the bar that I had to sort out." Josie glanced over at her stepfather for a little help.

He nodded and rested his palm on his wife's back. "Easy dear. Our kids always make time for us."

Her sisters sat around the dinner table looking very amused at Josie getting cornered by their mother.

"Daniela says you're seeing someone.."

Josie threw a glare in her youngest sister's direction. "And where does Daniela get that information from?"

Again Carlos had to jump in. "Darling, we spoke about this. If the girls have something to share with us then they will do so in their own time."

"I'm just wondering Carlos."

"Besides, I know what I saw Papá." Said the youngest Carrillo.

Josie groaned, bot liking all the attention on her about this particular topic. "What did you see, please enlighten us since you know so much about my life."

"I saw another car in your driveway the other night. You know my friend lives on the same road."

"You've got to be kidding me. It literally could've been anyone's car Daniela."

"Are you sure?" Her other sister, Lucía chimed in.

"Yes."

"You do know that we would all be happy for you, right? Especially after the last disaster."

"Wow. ."

"What? She didn't deserve you and she broke your heart. So excuse me if I don't have anything nice to say about that woman."

"Okay but why do you have to throw it in my face every time we talk about relationships?"

"Sorry. That was insensitive. I'm sorry."

After dinner only when their mother and stepfather excused themselves from the table, Josie spoke up again, "Okay look.. So there is a girl but it's not- We're just talking." She told her sisters.

They all had the same reaction knowing exactly what 'talking' meant.

"Not that it's any of your business but now you know. So please leave me alone."

"Is she hot?" Camila wanted to know.

Josie smirked. "Very. And taller than me which is..fun."

Daniela stood up. "Okay! Let's wrap it up then. You were right. Absolutely none of our business."

"Dani stop acting like you're so young and innocent. Anyway you're the one monitoring cars in her driveway. Now go ahead Jos, give us the deets."

Daniela sat back down. "Camila! I do not want to know any details about our sisters sex life. Matter of fact, I don't want to know that shit about any of you. Ew."

"We're sisters, we talk about these things. You're 21, it's not a big deal."

"No. You three are used to having those talks, not me. And my age has nothing to do with the fact that I'm so not interested in what any of you get up to in the bedroom."

"Not just the bedroom." Lucía replied, making the other two cackle.

"You're disgusting."

Josie decided to help Daniela out, "No hey, come on guys. Let's respect Dani."

"She does the same deeds that we do."

"And I don't tell you every detail about it do I?"

"No you don't. But you can, you know."

"No thanks."

Their bantering and laughter came to an abrupt end when their parents returned with desert. The girls knew better than to let their mother hear any details about their escapades.

"That dessert looks so yummy mom."

"Too bad only one of you showed any interest when I tried to teach you how to bake."

"Oh here we go again."

"What? We were six kids and my mother taught all of my siblings how to cook and bake..even the boys. And yet only one of my daughters wanted to continue that tradition. Thank you Josie."

"You're welcome mamá."

Josie was beyond smug. So much so that Camila kicked her underneath the table and mouthed 'asshole'.

_________

"Hi. You alone tonight?"

Cruz smiled. "I am. This is my second beer, I thought I'd have to leave without even seeing you."

"You could've asked one of my barmen to get me."

"You would've been okay with that?"

"Of course. You're wearing your badge tonight. Still on the clock?"

Cruz looked down at the piece of metal dangling around her neck. "No, I actually forgot to take take it off. What's keeping you so busy back there?"

"Just paperwork." Josie watched Cruz as she finished the last few sips of her beer. "Come here." She nudged her head towards the back.

"Is that allowed?" Cruz asked with a teasing grin.

"Pfft, I'm the boss aren't I? Now come on."

"Okay." She looked around before making a move. Then followed Josie.

"Welcome." Josie closed the door behind her after letting Cruz step in first.

"It's nice."

"Not too bad huh."

Cruz walked around the small space. She stopped at the shelf that held various pictures. "This is sweet." She commented on a picture of Josie and her siblings as kids.

"The baby on that picture is now taller than all of us."

"You're still the same height." Cruz joked.

Josie playfully slapped Cruz' arm. "Hey!"

"Is this one a more recent photo?" She pointed towards it.

"That was last year at my mother's birthday. That's my stepdad in the photo."

"You all look a lot like your mom."

"Yeah, we do."

"No grandkids yet?"

Josie chuckled, "No. Not yet. But my mom is starting to get restless about that."

"Well yeah I mean she has four daughters. I bet she thought she'd have at least one grandkid by now."

"Camila.." She pointed her out on the photo, "..is married. They are planning to have a baby so that's good because the youngest, Daniela, is only 21 and still studying and not interested in becoming a mother any time soon. And Lucía said she's also not in a hurry."

Cruz nodded and scanned through the rest of the photos. "You want kids some day?"

"Oh. Um.."

"Sorry. That's personal, I shouldn't have been so forward."

"No no, it's okay."

Cruz admired the photos. "I've always wanted to have a sibling. I think that my mother broke my dad so badly that he was never interested in a relationship again. It would've been nice to have a mother figure and a brother or sister around. Don't get me wrong, I loved spending time with my dad, it was so great but as a kid sometimes I just wanted to know what a family felt like."

"Well, think of it this way; you had your dad around. He was your hero. Other kids would've done anything to have a dad like yours."

"That is true. But my younger self didn't understand."

"Did you and your dad capture your memories?"

"Oh he constantly had his camera ready."

"He sounds like a great man."

"He was. But enough about that, wanna tell me what I'm doing here, in your office?"

"I wanted a closer look at that badge of yours."

"Oh yeah? Well come closer then."

Josie did just that. Standing mere inches from the detective, she ran a finger over the badge. "Impressive."

"Don't let this badge fool you. I could be dangerous you know."

"If you were so dangerous then why did I have you whimpering a few nights ago?"

Cruz fought the smile trying to take over. "You caught me off guard."

"Or.. I'm just that good. You didn't think I had it in me, did you?" Josie smirked. She leaned in to whisper in Cruz' ear, "Next time I'm gonna make you beg."

Cruz lost all control she thought she had. She grabbed Josie by the waist and kissed her feverishly. She walked them backwards until Josie's legs hit the desk. Cruz then hoisted Josie up on the desk and stood between her legs.

Josie loved the feeling of Cruz' tongue dancing around in her mouth. She slipped one hand under the taller woman's shirt and cupped her breast while the other hand had a firm grip on Cruz' ass.

They were getting completely lost in each other until Cruz' phone rang. She ignored it the first time but then it rang again.

Josie reluctantly pulled away. "You should get that."

Cruz stepped back as she answered the call. "Detective Manuelos. Who? Are you sure? No, not a good time right now. I can't. Shit. Okay, fine."

"Duty calling you?"

"I-- yeah. Sorry."

"I understand. Go."

She nodded and left. Once outside Josie's office, Cruz leaned back against the closed door. She felt bad. She has just lied to Josie and she really didn't like it.

She made it to the station and walked with conviction towards the person who had stood waiting for her outside. "What the hell are you doing here!? How the fuck did you know I moved here and why are you pestering my colleagues to call me?"

"I asked around..they told me you got transferred. And I asked the officer nicely if he could call you since he refused to give me your number."

"What do you want Aaliyah?" She sounded strict.

"I need your help."

Cruz laughed bitterly. "You got on a plane, all the way here.. because you need my help? What the fuck."

"I had no other choice okay! I was scared and I need help."

"What? Is the lifestyle of the rich and luxury too scary now?"

"He is getting involved in something big. Something very dangerous and I don't want to get dragged into it or go down with him."

"Where does your husband think you are right now?"

Aaliyah took a second to respond. "I told him me and the girls wanted a two day getaway to spoil ourselves. Which isn't a lie. They did come with me. My mother too. But I managed to sneak out to come here. I told my mother the plan. She will cover for me if anyone is looking for me."

"I thought you had bodyguards. You know, the one's that warned me to stay away from you or else. Fucking hell, why are you here? I don't want anything to do with your shit."

"Ehsan is a dangerous man Cruz. He's not just a wealthy businessman."

"Okay, and? What does that have to do with me?"

"I'm here because I want out of that life. I've seen things..heard things. I know stuff. A lot of stuff that could put Ehsan and so many more bad people away for good. I can give you that but all I ask is for protection for me and my family. Please."

"Well you're at the right place but I'm not the one to talk to."

"He has connections everywhere. People on his payroll. People that owes him favours. People that are weak and scared of him and his influence. I don't trust anyone with this. Just you."

"No."

"Please."

"I don't owe you shit! And now you want me to put myself in danger by helping you?"

"You used to care about me."

"I did when I didn't fucking know any better. Now I do. You lie. You manipulate. I'll say you're probably just like him."

"I'm not! I just need a way out."

"You were with him for all these years. What changed?"

"My father wouldn't help them anymore and-- He's dead Cruz. They killed him. He thinks I'm dumb enough to believe it was some random accident. My father told me that Ehsan has threatened him before."

"How did your father help?"

"He has a courier company. They used his business to move whatever they needed to move."

"You are at a police station full of officers. You do not need me specifically."

"Yes I do! Cruz, please. I HAVE A SON." She exclaimed desperately. "Me and him..we have a son. And I have to protect him against that man. Ehsan wouldn't even let me bring him with me. He's so possessive over him."

Cruz pinched the bridge of her nose. "You shouldn't have come here."

"Can you help me? Please."

"I'm just a normal detective. You need bigger help." Cruz groaned because she really didn't want to get involved but as much as Aaliyah has lied to her she could see the woman was trembling with fear. "Fucking fine. I know someone within the FBI. I'll make a few calls. Go back to your people."

"How do we stay in contact?"

"Well you know where I work."

"I can't be seen at a police station in broad daylight. That's why I waited until dark to come here. So how do I get the evidence that I have to you?"

"When do you fly back?"

"Tomorrow evening."

"Look, I'll see how it goes with my contact."

"This FBI person, can you trust them?"

"Yes."

"I'm using my mother's phone. Ehsan probably has mine bugged. I wouldn't put it past him. I'll give you the number." She handed Cruz a piecenof paper that had the number written on it.

"Okay. Well I'm gonna go home."

"Okay. Thank you, Cruz."

"I'm not doing this for you. I feel bad for the kid." She said and walked away.

Cruz got home and immediately stepped into the shower. She was tense and needed to relax.
The hot shower made a difference that was for sure.

She sent a text to her FBI friend and another to her boss, Joe. It was late so she'd rather not call and disturb their sleep.
Unsurprisingly she received a call back.

"Damn Rogers, you still don't sleep much huh?"

"Hello to you too Cruz. I actually just got back from an op. Haven't heard from you in a while, how are things?"

"Good. Really good actually. How about you, how's the wife?"

"Ava's great. Life is great. The job is still stressful but I'm always up for a challenge. So your message..talk to me. What's going on?"

Just as Cruz was about to elaborate, her boss Joe texted her to meet her tomorrow morning first thing. "Sorry, my boss just texted me but let me give you a rundown on things."

She went on to explain everything she knew about the situation.

Turns out, Ehsan has been on the FBI's watch list for a while and they could certainly use Aaliyah's help to nail him and more people involved with him.

Cruz woke up early the next morning to meet up with Joe. Together they were summoned to the FBI branch to work assist them with Aaliyah's case.

"I'm sorry but I can't do that."
Cruz was just asked to accommodate Aaliyah at her place for the next few days while the FBI set their plan in motion.

"We're not asking Detective Manuelos. It's an order."

"So the friends go home and say she got locked up for whatever bullshit charge you're gonna cook up and that the mom won't leave this place without her, fine. But that man will look for her and he will find her. I am very sorry but I'm not putting myself in the middle of this. Just put her in a safe house somewhere."

"It is a known fact that Ehsan has eyes and ears everywhere. At least if she's with you we won't have anything to worry about. You're good and she trusts you."

"And you're going to make the other extraction look like a kidnapping. That man will be on the warpath. That kid is his pride and joy. Surely there has to be another way."

"Given the time we have before he sells that data and weapons to the highest bidder..no, there is no other way. You will assist us. Your mission is to protect the asset. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

"We vetted two more agents that will be posted nearby just in case. We have eyes on the mother as well."

"Got it."

The following day, late in the morning, Cruz heard a knock on her door. Luckily she had cameras set up to check.
"Shit."

"Cruz! Are you home?"

The door opened halfway. "Josie, hey. What are you doing here?"

"I was in the area, at the gym and I just wanted to see how you were doing. Bobby told me you have a lot of paperwork to do and that you're working from home."

"Oh. Yeah..um, I do." Cruz was really hoping that Aaliyah didn't show her face. She was beyond nervous. Why didn't Bobby give her a heads up.

"I brought bagels."

"That's so kind of you. It's just that now isn't really a good time. I um--"

"Do you have an extra towel for me?"

Cruz had to watch how Josie's face fell. The always confident woman suddenly looked stunned.

"Oh. Okay. I get it. Sorry for the interruption."

Cruz was on her heels but damn Josie moved fast when she's mad.
"Josie! Hey! Stop. Please, I can explain."

"Go to hell."

Cruz caught her wrist. "That is a thousand percent not what it looks like. I swear."

"That's what they all say."

"No, Josie. Just let me explain. Well, fuck I can't go into detail because I can't talk about it but it's work, okay. I promise, it's not what you think."

"Work? Is that what work looks like now?" She pulled her arm from Cruz and continued to march towards the elevator.

"Josie." Her face the epitome of pleading but the elevator doors closed and Josie was gone.

Back in the apartment Cruz was fuming.

"I'm sorry I didn't know--"

She held a finger up to silence Aaliyah. "Don't. Do not say another word. Let me just fucking sit here and be angry or else I'm leaving you here to fucking take care of yourself."

"Hey you don't have to be so mean to me all the time you know."

"Sure yeah. Let me start treating you like a fucking princess. It's not like you manipulated me into a fake relationship only to use me as an escape from your horrible husband. Let me just forget all the lies and the fake name that you gave me, Zara Adid. It was all just a tiny mishap. I should obviously be able to forgive someone for blatantly using me." Cruz scoffed. "I can't believe that I fell for your shit."

"Okay. I really am sorry for what I did. It wasn't right and I still feel awful about it. But I did like you Cruz. You did mean something to me. I loved you."

Cruz rolled her eyes. "Fantastic. Really, that's great." She took her phone and went to sit by the small kitchen table. "I need to make a phone call and I'd like some privacy so if you don't mind?"

"Sure." Halfway Aaliyah stopped and looked back. "She must mean a lot to you. I hope I didn't ruin another thing for you."

Cruz tried calling Josie several times but she never answered any of the calls. She would have to wait until the bar opens to call there.

_________

"You okay?"

"Fine."

Josie was at her parents house. After fleeing from Cruz' apartment she went to the only place where she knew she'd find comfort. Her stepdad was busy trying to fix their lawnmower while her mother was at the salon.

"You don't look okay kiddo. What happened?"

"I don't really feel like talking about it."

"That's okay. But don't keep it bottled up for too long."

"I'll try."

"By the way, your mom has been hinting at a few things that she wants for her upcoming birthday. Now that you're here, maybe you can help your old man out?"

"I think Dani would offer much better help than me."

"Daniela doesn't do anything for free."

Josie laughed. Even with the mood that she was in, thinking about her youngest sister's hunger for money always made her laugh. "She loves money too much that one. Are we doing a family dinner again?"

"I thought this year maybe we could take a trip somewhere. She'd enjoy that, right? All of us together for a weekend celebrating her."

"That does sound nice. I'll talk to the girls. We can organize it but of course we would want your input since it is your idea."

"Yeah we should do it. Can you hand me that wrench, please."

"Sure. Here. What happened to it?" She asked, referring to the lawnmower.

"The young man across the road borrowed it and when I got it back it worked for all but two minutes then it stopped."

"Can you fix it?"

"I think so."

"They're new, right? The couple across the road."

"Yep. Moved in a month ago. Still young and the poor kid doesn't look like the type that is used to getting his hands dirty. He must have been too rough with the poor old machine. But it's fine. Maybe I can teach him a few things."

"You're too good of a man papá."

Josie spent the next 10 minutes watching him work. They didn't talk at all. He was too focused; mumbling to himself every now and then.

"I was seeing someone." She broke the silence. "Casually, but deep down I wanted it to develop into something more. I was hoping it would."

Carlos nodded, allowing her to talk.

"She was so.." Josie sighed, trying to get her words together. "I really liked her. And every time we hung out, I liked her a little more. Getting to know her was exciting. She just had this charm about her."

"So where did it go wrong kiddo?"

"I don't know where I stand with her. I don't know what her true intentions were. I was sure that she felt how I felt but now I'm not so sure. Now I'm thinking I've misread the whole situation."

"Why don't you just ask her?"

"It'll be hard to believe anything that she says now."

"Give it a try."

"Technically she doesn't have to explain herself to me. We were never actually together. She doesn't owe me anything."

"You were seeing each other. It doesn't matter in what capacity that was, the fact of the matter is that you two spent time together. You put time aside to spend it with her and that means that she should be considerate towards you and your time. You have every right to want an explanation."

"Okay but here's the thing, she actually wants to explain herself but I just.. I don't know papá. I'm so scared to get hurt again. She called me about ten times already."

"Kiddo..come on. This lady clearly likes you as much as you like her."

"There was another woman in her apartment!" Josie sounded exasperated.

"Oh."

"I don't have time for games."

"How long have you been..casual?"

"Almost two months."

"That is a decent amount of time. Enough time to develop feelings."

"Can you not tell mamà about this? Or the girls. I don't want them to start fussing again."

"She always worries about the well-being of her first born. But you have my word, I won't tell anyone a thing. I do hope you give this..friend, of yours a chance to explain though. I can see that you're hurt. You wouldn't have been if she didn't mean something to you. So talk to her kiddo."

Josie watched the older man finally attempting to start up the lawnmower that he was working on and it was successful. "You fixed it!"

"Sure did."

"I should get going. I've got cleaners doing a deep clean of the bar so I should go and check how that's going."

"Okay. Well thanks for the visit. I appreciate it."

"Thanks for letting me vent."

"That's what I'm here for. I listen and don't judge."

"Unlike your wife." Josie laughed, putting her sunglasses on as she got ready to head out.

"Your mother is special."

"Oh definitely. I'll see you again, bye papá."

"Wait, let me walk you out."

"No no, it's fine." She hugged him. "Finish your gardening."

"Love you kiddo."

"Love you too."