Chapter One
Maritza's cloth glided over the counter's surface, a rhythmic dance that mirrored her thoughts. The familiar jingle of the bell sent a thrill through the air, announcing a new arrival. As she turned, her gaze landed on Flaca, who stood in the doorway, a sunbeam illuminating her presence. "Good afternoon, girls," Maritza chimed, her smile bright and inviting, but her eyes lingered on Flaca a moment longer, tracing the way the light caught her hair. Daya, perched on a stool, raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "What can I get you?" Maritza asked, quickly redirecting her attention.
"I'm getting my usual cappuccino," Daya replied, her voice steady, though her glance darted between them.
"And you, Flaca?" Maritza urged, her tone playful yet charged.
"I'll have an espresso," Flaca said.
"Coming right up," Maritza responded, already moving toward the espresso machine, her mind racing with thoughts that had nothing to do with coffee.
As the steam hissed, Daya leaned in closer. "Any word from Ian?"
"Nada," Flaca sighed, her shoulders dropping slightly as if the weight of her thoughts was pushing her down.
Maritza returned, balancing their drinks with practiced ease. "Enjoy," she said, but her heart was still with Flaca, who walked away with Daya, their laughter trailing behind them like ribbons in the air.
"What are you going to do?" Daya asked when they settled into a table.
"What is there to do?" Flaca replied, looking down at her espresso as though it held all the answers.
"I don't know," Daya shrugged. "Dump him?"
Flaca took a deliberate sip, her expression unreadable. "Ian and I have been together forever."
"Yeah, but you deserve better," Daya pressed, concern etching her features. The espresso cup clinked against the saucer as Flaca set it down.
"You're staring again," Maria remarked, a teasing lilt in her tone.
"I can't help it," Maritza confessed, her gaze slipping back to Flaca, who was now deep in conversation.
Maria leaned against the counter, her arms crossed as she fixed her friend with a teasing glance. "You could literally get any girl you want," she remarked, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Why go after the one your sister has as off limits?" Maritza's fingers nervously toyed with the edge of the counter, her gaze flickering to the bustling café around them, avoiding Maria's curious stare. She bit her lip, the faint blush creeping up her cheeks betraying her inner turmoil, as her thoughts swirled like the steam rising from the espresso machine behind them.
Maritza spotted Flaca alone at a table, the sketchpad spread out like a canvas of dreams. Crumpled papers littered the floor like fallen leaves, each one a discarded idea. Without a word, Maritza placed an espresso before her, the warmth of the cup matching the flicker of hope in her heart. "I didn't order nothing," Flaca said, looking up with a furrowed brow.
"I know," Maritza replied, her voice soft. "I thought you could use the caffeine."
"Thanks," Flaca murmured, her fingers brushing the cup. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's on the house," Maritza said with a playful wink, her pulse quickening. "What are you doing?"
Flaca twirled her pencil between her fingers, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "Working on my designs," she said, eyes brightening momentarily.
Maritza leaned in, teasing lightness returning. "Is it hot in here or is it your designs?" Flaca rolled her eyes, a laugh bubbling up. "You need to work on your pickup lines."
"Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see. Better?" Maritza's heart raced, eager for Flaca's reaction.
"No," Flaca replied, her smile slipping as she returned to her sketches. "I should get back to work."
"Okay," Maritza responded, bewildered, watching as Flaca returned to her world of creativity.
Maria, observing from behind the counter, crossed her arms. "What's with you?" she asked, a knowing look plastered on her face.
"My pickup lines on Flaca didn't work," Maritza admitted, frustration inked in her voice.
"Flaca's got a boyfriend she's never going to leave," Maria replied, her tone heavy with reality. "Even if he is a piece of shit." Maritza frowned, the weight of her friend's words settling over her like a shadow. "She's just another girl that you'll forget about in a week," Maria added, but Maritza couldn't shake the feeling that Flaca was different.
