Chapter Ten

Maritza lay in bed, her gaze softening as it lingered on Flaca's face, illuminated by the morning light filtering through the curtains. Flaca caught her eye, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "What?" she asked, her voice light and teasing.

"Move in with me, baby," Maritza blurted, her heart racing as the words spilled out.

"For serious?" Flaca's eyebrows shot up, disbelief mingling with delight.

"For serious," Maritza confirmed, bouncing slightly on the mattress. "We practically live together already."

Flaca chuckled, the warmth of their shared mornings washing over them. "That's true," she admitted, her smile widening.

"You know what the best part is?" Maritza's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"All the sex?" Flaca shot back, her laughter ringing like music in the air.

Maritza rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, the corners of her mouth twitching. "Waking up next to you," Maritza breathed, her voice softening into a whisper that hung between them like a promise. Flaca felt a rush of warmth spread through her chest, a gentle flutter that filled her with joy, as though the world around them had melted away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in a cocoon of love. "So what do you say, Flaca?"

"Yes," Flaca replied, her eyes shining with sincerity. "The answer is yes." A radiant smile blossomed on Maritza's face, lighting up the room.

Maritza shifted her weight, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as Flaca's eyes, warm and unwavering, locked onto hers. "What?" Maritza asked, her fingers playing nervously with the sheets.

"I love your dimples," Flaca said, her tone tender as she reached out, tracing the gentle curves on Maritza's cheeks. Maritza's heart fluttered, warmth blooming under Flaca's touch as she felt her cheeks flush, the world outside fading away in the intimacy of the moment.

Maritza's phone vibrated insistently on the nightstand, the sound slicing through the cozy silence of the room. Her heart sank as she grabbed it, the screen illuminating with a reminder of her plans. "Shit," she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice.

Flaca, nestled in the sheets, shifted and propped herself up on one elbow, concern etched across her features. "What's wrong?"

A sigh escaped Maritza's lips, her gaze drifting away. "I forgot I had plans with Daya." The disappointment hung in the air, thick and palpable.

Flaca's expression shifted to one of understanding, the corners of her mouth drooping slightly. "Oh," she said softly, already feeling the absence of their morning together.

Maritza glanced at Flaca, her eyes brightening with a spark of hope. "Do you wanna come with me?"

Flaca hesitated, her gaze flicking to the crumpled sheets as if they held the answer. "I wouldn't want to intrude," she replied quietly.

With a gentle touch, Maritza lifted Flaca's chin, their eyes locking in a moment that felt like eternity. "I want you with me," she declared, her voice steady. The warmth of their connection ignited as their lips met in a soft kiss, a promise wrapped in tenderness.

Hand in hand, they strolled toward the bustling café where Daya awaited. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, but the warmth between them was what truly enveloped Maritza. As they approached, Daya's voice broke through the chatter, playful yet impatient. "Bitch, what took you so long?"

Flaca chuckled, glancing sideways at Maritza. "It was my fault. I distracted Mari."

Maritza grinned, her heart racing. "It was the very best type of distraction," she replied, her lips brushing against Flaca's again, the kiss lingering as if time had momentarily paused.

Daya's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and laughter escaping her lips. "You two are a thing?"

"Yep," Flaca confirmed, a smile spreading across her face as Maritza held out a chair for her. Flaca perched on the edge, her excitement barely contained.

"I'll go order our breakfast," Maritza announced, her voice filled with purpose.

"Let me pay," Flaca countered, eager to contribute.

Maritza scoffed playfully, waving her hand as she turned toward the counter. "No way," she shot back, her laughter dancing in the air as she walked away, leaving Flaca to bask in the moment.

Daya leaned in, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "I have questions."

"Okay," Flaca replied, settling into her seat.

"When did this happen?" Daya pressed, eager for details.

"Last night," Flaca said, a shy smile creeping onto her lips. "What else?"

"Who kissed who?" Daya asked with a teasing tone.

Flaca rolled her eyes, a playful smirk creeping onto her face. "You mean who kissed whom," she corrected, her voice laced with mock seriousness.

Daya waved her hand dismissively, the corners of her mouth still lifted. "Whatever," she shot back, her playful tone clear.

Flaca's gaze drifted into the distance, her expression softening as memories danced behind her eyes. "Maritza kissed me," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia, as if she were savoring the warmth of that fleeting moment all over again.

Just then, Maritza returned, balancing a plate of food, the sunlight catching her hair and illuminating her like a goddess. "Here you go, mi reina," she said, placing the meal in front of Flaca. "What did I miss?"

Flaca shot Daya a look, her grin widening. "I was asking questions about you and Flaca," Daya replied, delighting in the unfolding scene as Maritza settled into her chair across from Flaca, their world intertwining effortlessly.

"Whatchu doing?" Flaca asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned closer.

Maritza's fingers danced over her phone screen, a grin spreading across her face. "Just updating my Facebook status," she said, her heart racing with excitement. She pushed the button, and the words appeared: *Maritza Ramos is in a relationship with Flaca Gonzales.*

Flaca raised an eyebrow, glancing at the screen as notifications pinged, showering their moment with virtual affirmations. "A lot of people are liking this post," she remarked, her smile wide and contagious.

Maritza felt warmth spread through her at the thought of sharing her joy with the world. "It's been a long time coming," she said softly, her cheeks tinged pink. Flaca reached out, gently cupping Maritza's cheek, their eyes locking in a silent agreement before their lips met in a tender kiss.

Maritza melted into the embrace, the sweetness of the moment igniting a thrill within her. "I have to get used to this," she murmured against Flaca's lips, her heart fluttering at the newness of it all.

Flaca chuckled, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Is that an excuse for us to kiss more?"

Maritza's laughter bubbled up, playful and light. "Yes. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," Flaca replied, her voice low and teasing. In one fluid motion, Maritza crawled into Flaca's lap, the world around them fading as she leaned in, capturing Flaca's lips again, an electric spark igniting between them as they savored the newfound closeness.