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Second Chance was a pretty small restaurant, but it was popular. It was always crowded with regulars, tourists, and celebrities. You could pretty much call the owner a genius for putting a family-owned, family-welcoming restaurant in downtown LA. It opened back in the 80's, so it was well known, which only boosted the popularity.

Caroline had been working there for about two years. She was hired mainly because she was sweet and bubbly, always making friends with everyone at her tables. She worked in the afternoons, after she did her work for school online in the mornings. She had a routine she liked to keep, but she still had her spontaneous moments.

Right now, it was a Tuesday, around three, which was usually the slowest time, except in summer, when it was busy all day and night. But, it was October, and while tourists were still frequent, it was nothing like the summer months.

Carlos plopped down into a dark brown, leather booth with a huff, in a horrible mood. He had to go to work this morning at six, and he was just in a bad mood because of that. Of course, at work, he filmed a show, so he had to pretend like he was fine. But now, he was on a break for about an hour and a half, and his bad mood was clearly showing.

He wasn't like that a lot, but he had just been so busy, which made him stressed out.

Right now, all he wanted was a turkey sandwich, some French fries and a chocolate milkshake.

Caroline checked on her few tables, then walked over to a booth in front of the window, where a long guy sat. He was slouched back in the booth, his hands out in front of him. She just stared at him for a moment, somewhat struck by him.

She didn't know why, but she didn't want to talk to him. That was something which never happened.

He had short, black hair and tan skin that poked out from underneath his t-shirt.

"Hi," Caroline said warily. Carlos' head shot up, not even hearing someone coming. "I'm Caroline."

She felt so dumb right now, even though she said that to tons of people a day.

Carlos looked up at the blonde girl standing next to his table, and he felt his mouth go dry. She was absolutely gorgeous! She had these dark but beautiful hazel eyes, and straight blonde hair that went down to her chest. She was wearing denim shorts with a short black apron tied around her waist, and she was wearing a fitted white, thick strapped tank top.

And, she made Carlos feel something.

Something like a pang inside of him.

"Are you ready to order or do you need another minute?" Caroline asked suddenly after an awkward silence.

"Uh-duh," Carlos stuttered out, and he winced at his "words." The girl gave him a confused, but not accusing, look. "A turkey sandwich, French fries and a chocolate milkshake," he said now.

Caroline scribbled it down, then looked back at this guy, waiting to see if he was going to speak any more words.

"Anything else?" she asked. Carlos shook his head and the girl nodded, then turned on her heel and walked back to the kitchen.

Carlos watched her, Caroline, walk away, then let out a sigh once she disappeared. He had never felt like that toward any girl. He was afraid of her return, but also anticipating it.

"Okay Caroline, pull yourself together," she mumbled to herself as she leaned against the counter. She took a deep breath.

She wanted to know his name, or just something about him, and she would do whatever she had to to find it out.

After another moment, she stepped away from the counter to go check on her other tables.

And Caroline became Caroline again- cool, collected, and confident.

Why this guy made her turn to goo, she didn't know. And she knew well enough not to try and impress him. She knew from past experience what happened if she did- she'd embarrass herself.

It happened in high school multiple times. They lead to dropping something, or personal injury.

Thankfully, she had to pick up food, and even though it was for this mystery guy, she knew there wouldn't be an awkward silence.

Drop the food off, ask if they need anything else, and smile.

The blonde girl picked up the tray, then carried it through the restaurant.

Carlos saw Caroline coming, and he could feel his palms sweating. He wiped them on his jeans, and kept his hands on his thighs so he didn't do anything stupid with them.

He cringed at the thought of last year when that happened.

Poor girl.

Caroline set the three things down on the light-colored table, then said "Anything else?"

Carlos shook his head, not looking straight at her. She smiled, then turned to walk away, but he kept her there a moment longer.

"I'm sorry if I'm in a bad mood, Caroline," he spoke.

The girl felt her heart skip a beat as her name rolled off his tongue. She licked her lips, then turned to him.

"Um." She tried to put that simple two worded sentence together. "It's fine."

Well, she crossed that bridge without slipping on the ice.

"I'm Carlos, by the way," the guy said.

So he actually has a name, Caroline thought, biting back her smile.

"It's nice to meet you," she said. "Let me know if you need anything."

She gave him another small smile, and he melted, his cheeks burning.

For the rest of the time Carlos was there, he literally stared at Caroline when she passed by, his throat closing up when she spoke to him. He was relieved that he was leaving, but at the same time, he wanted to see that perfect girl again.

Carlos, Caroline thought as she watched as the Latino left. I sure hope I see him again.

Caroline, Carlos thought, with a smile on his face as he got into his car. Man, did he want to see her again.

She just put him in the best mood.

Hopefully he'd get a second chance.