Chapter 33
Carola shot a look full of resentment at the figure walking away. She knew exactly what he meant by “your person p>
“Albert Her voice was soft, almost pleading, hoping to reel Albert’s attention back. Albert’s face was dark. “Yeah. Let’s get on with it p>
In the car, Carmen was still rattled. She couldn’t believe she’d just gotten into the car of Albert’s nemesis, with Dorothea in tow.
She tried to play it cool. “Mr. Stephens, you can just drop us off downtown. We can catch a ride from there p>
Latham glanced at them in the rearview mirror. “No need. Carmen, I’ll take you home first, then drop off your friend p>
Carmen thought he didn’t know Dorothea and jumped in to introduce them. “This is Dorothea, my best friend. She actually lives closer than I do, so dropping her off first makes more sense p>
Latham’s eyes flicked to Dorothea, who looked completely caught off guard. He held back a smile. “Dorothea, what do you think p>
Dorothea finally snapped out of her daze and caught the subtle message in his tone. “Carmen, let’s drop you off first p>
Carmen pouted. “Fine, if you insist. Thanks, Mr. Stephens p>
She was totally oblivious to the silent tension in the car, the looks passing between Dorothea and Latham.
With Latham around, Carmen kept her thoughts to herself and started texting Dorothea under the table.
[Carmen: Dorothea, I’m so sorry. I messed up! I thought I was helping but I made things worse. I promise, I won’t make decisions for you again p>
[Carmen: I had no idea Albert would act like that. He’ll do anything for Carola, it’s honestly scary p>
[Carmen: Will you forgive me p>
Dorothea smiled a little at the messages.
[Dorothea I’m not mad. But
seriously, don’t decide things for me anymore. I really don’t want to see, Albert agar, Carmen. 1. Cap yo
promise me that?] fo
[Carmen: Of course! I’m just glad you’re not upset. Thank goodness Latham showed up when he did, or we’d be in real trouble p>
Latham heard their phones buzzing back and forth and suddenly spoke up. “You two aren’t messaging each other about me, are you p>
Carmen laughed awkwardly. “No way, Mr. Stephens. I’m just texting a friend, not Dorothea p>
Dorothea pressed her lips together, glancing up. Her eyes met Latham’s in the mirror. For a second, she held his gaze, then quickly looked away. “Same here. Just texting a friend You’re thinking too much, MO Stephens p>
They finally reached Carmen’s place.
Carmen got out, lingering for a moment. “Dorothea, let me know when you get home, okay p>
“Yeah, I will p>
“Or do you want to stay over tonight? My parents aren’t home, it’s no big deal,” Carmen offered, full of enthusiasm.
Dorothea could sense Latham’s
reluctance, so she smiled and shook
her head, Thanks, but I’m pretty
tired I just want to go home and
sleep. Maybe next time p>
“Okay, your call p>
Carmen headed inside. Latham drove a little further before pulling over at the side of the road.
Dorothea, half closing her eyes, noticed the car had stopped and sat up straighter. “What’s wrong? Did the car break down p>
Latham looked at her, his eyes intense. “Dorothea, I’m not your chauffeur. Come sit up front p>
Dorothea was at a loss for words.